Page 17

The invitation arrived in a sleek, black envelope with gold embossing, standing out among Amara's mail like a beacon. She read the card twice, her heart fluttering with excitement and disbelief. Liam had invited her to a high-profile gala hosted by his company—a glamorous event filled with dignitaries, business moguls, and elite personalities. It was an opportunity most people would dream of, yet she hesitated, wondering if she would fit into a world so different from her own.

On the night of the gala, Amara slipped into a floor-length, midnight-blue gown that shimmered under the light, her hair styled in soft waves that framed her face.

The stylist Liam had sent over assured her that she looked stunning, but as she took one last glance in the mirror, doubt crept in.

The world she was about to enter was foreign territory, a place where she worried her identity as a skater might not hold much value.

When she arrived at the grand hotel ballroom, the sight that met her was dazzling: crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished marble floors, servers weaving through the crowd with trays of champagne, and impeccably dressed guests mingling in clusters, laughter and soft conversations filling the air.

She spotted Liam near the entrance, his gaze locking onto her the moment she stepped inside.

In a perfectly tailored tuxedo, he looked every bit the powerful businessman she'd come to know—but as he approached, his expression softened into a smile that made her feel as though they were the only two people in the room.

"You look breathtaking," he murmured, his voice low and genuine as he took her hand.

She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "Thank you. This is... overwhelming. I don't think I've ever been to an event like this."

Liam's smile grew, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back as he guided her through the crowd. "You belong here, Amara," he said softly, giving her a look that told her he truly believed it.

They made their way to a quieter corner, where they could talk more easily.

The evening unfolded in a series of conversations and introductions, Liam always by her side, subtly guiding her through the intricacies of his world.

She met investors, old friends of Liam's, and influential figures in various industries—all of whom were clearly curious about who she was.

At one point, they found themselves at a quiet table near the edge of the ballroom. Liam leaned forward, his gaze warm and focused entirely on her. "How are you really feeling?"

Amara laughed softly, glancing around before meeting his gaze. "A little out of my element, but I'm glad you're here." She paused, studying his face. "But I have to ask—why did you invite me? There must have been dozens of people you could have brought."

Liam's smile faded slightly, replaced by something more vulnerable, an openness that caught her off guard. "Because... I wanted to spend the evening with someone real. This world," he gestured around, "can be hollow sometimes. It's all about status, appearances. But you... you're different. You have this fire, this passion, and it reminds me of the kind of life I wanted for myself once."

His words wrapped around her heart, drawing her closer to him in a way she hadn't anticipated. She felt seen, truly understood, and it both thrilled and terrified her.

The soft strains of a slow song began to play, and Liam held out a hand, his eyes glinting with a quiet invitation. "May I have this dance?"

Her breath hitched as she took his hand, allowing him to lead her to the center of the dance floor.

As his arms circled around her, she rested her hand on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his hand at her waist.

They began to move, swaying gently to the music, each step bringing them closer together until she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingers.

The world around them blurred, the sounds and lights fading as she lost herself in the quiet intensity of the moment. They danced in silence, each wrapped in their own thoughts, yet wholly aware of each other.

After a while, Liam spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I used to skate too, you know."

Amara looked up at him, surprised. "You never told me that."

"It was a long time ago," he said with a small smile. "Before I was forced to grow up too fast. My parents passed away when I was young, and after that, life became about survival, about building something stable."

She felt a pang of empathy, her hand giving his a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, Liam. I didn't know."

He nodded, his gaze far away for a moment before it returned to her, filled with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "You've reminded me of that part of myself, Amara. The part that once dreamed, that once believed in things beyond business deals and boardrooms."

They fell silent again, their breaths mingling as they moved in perfect harmony.

She felt as though the space between them had vanished entirely, a feeling both exhilarating and terrifying.

She was falling for him, drawn in by the vulnerability he'd shown her, the parts of him he'd kept hidden from everyone else.

As the song came to an end, they remained standing close, neither willing to break the moment. Liam's hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin.

"Amara..." he began, his voice laced with hesitation, as though he, too, felt the weight of whatever was between them.

But before he could say more, a camera flashed nearby, startling them both. Amara blinked, pulling back slightly as she realized they were no longer alone in their private bubble. A few curious onlookers had noticed them, some whispering, others discreetly taking photos.

Liam sighed, his hand slipping from her cheek, though his gaze remained on her, still filled with the warmth that had lingered between them all night. "I didn't mean to put you in the spotlight," he said softly, looking apologetic.

"It's okay," she whispered back, though her heart was racing, still lingering in the spell of their shared dance. "Tonight... tonight was perfect."

They lingered together, neither willing to say goodbye just yet. But as the crowd thickened around them, they shared one last, lingering glance, a silent promise of something neither had dared to put into words