As Luka disappeared into the crowd,, I stood there frozen,, eyes lingering on the space where his silhouette had vanished... My heart pounded,, not from the rush of the dance we'd just performed,, but from the last thing he said to me—words whispered in Italian,, smooth and swift,, like silk brushing over secrets. He knew I didn't understand the language. That was the worst part. I could speak French,, Spanish,, German—even a bit of Japanese—but not Italian... He exploited that fact shamelessly,, tossing a cryptic message at me like a riddle,, then walking away without a backward glance.
What did he say??
Why now,, in the middle of everything??
My mind whirled,, eyes still scanning the crowd in a futile attempt to find him,, but he was gone. Confusion prickled my skin like a sudden breeze,, and irritation followed close behind. I hated not knowing. I hated the games. Why couldn't he just say what he meant—why wrap it in mystery??
"Rimi!!"
The sudden call of my name,, bright and joyous,, made me turn sharply... The frustration that had clouded my features gave way to surprised warmth,. Standing before me was a young woman with a glowing smile and a flicker of familiarity in her eyes.
It took me only a second. "Meira??" I said,, blinking in recognition.
She beamed,, her hands clasped in front of her like an excited child. "You remember me,, ma'am!!
My eyes widened,, and I laughed softly,, the tension in my shoulders easing. "Yes,, I remember you,, meira!! Of course I do. How could I forget? Today,, my Bella is wearing your flower jewelry—the one you made especially for her."
She tilted her head,, confused. "Bella??"
I chuckled and shook my head. "My kitten… You remember,, don't you?? The tiny white one with the curious eyes??"
Recognition lit up her face. "Oh!! Your kitten!! That little furball you rescued. You named her Bella?? That's so adorable!!"
I smiled,, warmth blooming in my chest at the memory. "Yes... Adrian actually suggested the name. It just… fit."
Meira's eyes sparkled. "Sir Adrian has good taste... Speaking of the two of you… I saw your dance earlier. It wasn't just a performance—it was art., The way you two moved together,, the emotions… it was like your souls were dancing. There's something between you two,, even if it's hidden."
Her words touched something tender inside me,, but I smiled politely,, gently reminding her of her place. "Thank you,, Meira. That means a lot. But it was… personal..."
She nodded,, a little sadly,, perhaps realizing she'd overstepped. "I'm sorry,, ma'am. I didn't mean—well, anyway,, I'd love to see Bella again. Especially since she's wearing the jewelry I made with so much love..."
I glanced around,, spotting Adrian not too far off. He stood with an older couple,, engaged in polite conversation. His posture was calm,, yet his eyes kept flickering toward me, as if he could feel my gaze on him. I hesitated,, then called softly,, "Adrian,, come here…"
He excused himself from the couple,, who looked vaguely familiar—his parents, perhaps??—and made his way over to me and Meira. As he reached us,, I stepped forward and gently scooped Bella from his arms...
But the kitten had other plans,.
The moment she was in my arms,, she wriggled free and leapt back into Adrian's,, nuzzling against his chest like she belonged there and nowhere else...
Adrian chuckled softly,, eyes twinkling. "Bella,, what is this behavior??" he said teasingly,, then looked at me with a mischievous glint. "Stop ignoring my wife..."
Heat exploded across my face. "Adrian!!" I hissed, glancing at Meira,, who was laughing freely. "I'm not your wife,, and stop saying things like that in public!!"
"Oh,, forgive me,, ma'am,," Meira said between giggles. "But you two are adorable."
I shot her a playful glare,, and she tried to stifle her laughter,, pressing her lips together and bowing slightly as if in apology. Adrian's smile deepened,, and he leaned in just a little,, his voice low,, meant only for me.
"Wait and watch,, Rimi~~" he murmured.
I turned away,, trying to hide the flush creeping up my neck. He was impossible—absolutely impossible.
Meira reached out to stroke Bella's fur, but the kitten narrowed her eyes and let out a sharp,, offended "Meow!!"
Startled,, Meira jerked her hand back. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay,, okay,, little lady!!" Meira said with mock offense. "No touching. Got it. But at least let me say—the jewelry you're wearing?? I made that just for you."
Bella turned her head with regal disinterest, refusing to acknowledge her... Adrian laughed.
"She's just like her mom,," he said.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What do you mean by that??"
He leaned closer again,, brushing his lips near my ear, and whispered,, "She's just like Rimi. And for me… she's just like my future wife..."
My breath caught in my throat. My heart stuttered.
"Adrian…" I whispered,, warning in my voice,, but it lacked conviction.
Meira,, sensing the rising intensity, cleared her throat with a dramatic "Ahem, ahem!!"
We both turned to her,, startled.
"Sorry to interrupt you,, sir,, ma'am... You two continue…" she said with a grin. "I'll go find ma'am Lily and sir Mike to wish them well."
She gave me a sly wink,, then gracefully walked away before I could respond. I watched her go,, words caught on the tip of my tongue,, then turned back to Adrian. His gaze hadn't shifted from mine...
"Come,," he said,, gently taking my hand. "Let's sit for a while."
He led me to a small table at the edge of the garden,, away from the clamor and chatter of the celebration. The lights twinkled above us like stars,, and the soft hum of music created a gentle cocoon around us. We sat across from each other,, the air between us filled with unspoken words.
I was about to speak—about the dance,, the moment,, Luka,, everything—but then,, from seemingly nowhere,, Oliver appeared.
He slid into the chair beside me with an easy grace,, his presence as smooth as ever. His smile was charming,, but there was something in his eyes I couldn't quite place.
"Rimi,," he said,, his voice velvety. "You look breathtaking tonight."
Adrian's expression darkened instantly... His jaw tensed,, his eyes narrowing like a predator spotting a rival. I could almost feel the storm gathering beside me...
"Oliver,," Adrian said,, each syllable clipped and cold.
Oliver didn't even glance at him. His gaze remained fixed on me,, as if Adrian were nothing but a shadow.
"I must say,, your dance performance tonight was captivating... It almost felt like a confession in motion."
I shifted slightly,, discomfort settling in my stomach... "Thank you,," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Adrian's fingers curled into fists on the table, and I could see the effort he was putting into holding back.
"Almost,," Oliver added with a tilt of his head, "but not quite."
Adrian stood abruptly,, the chair scraping harshly against the ground. "Rimi,, let's go..."
To be continue...