The orchestra struck its opening note, violins sweeping into a waltz that filled the gilded ballroom. Couples moved to the floor, dresses swirling like waves of color under the chandeliers.
Sara lingered near the edge, her fingers tight around her clutch. She wasn't much of a dancer — her childhood lessons had been half-forgotten, overshadowed by years of being invisible in her own home.
But tonight, there was no place to hide.
Emily glided into view, her crimson gown trailing like fire. She gave Sara a smile sharp enough to cut. "Don't tell me you're staying off the floor? Oh, that's right. Not everyone can keep up with this crowd."
Sara stiffened. Emily's words were bait, her tone dripping with superiority. Guests nearby chuckled, watching like it was part of the entertainment.
"Don't worry," Emily continued sweetly, turning to Daniel. "I'd be happy to dance with you in her place. It would save Sara the embarrassment."
The mockery hung in the air. Sara's cheeks flamed, and she fought the urge to step back into the shadows.
Then Daniel spoke, his voice calm but firm.
"I wasn't planning to dance with you, Emily," he said evenly, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on Sara. "Because I already have a partner."
He turned to her, extending his hand.
"Sara," he said, his tone carrying no hesitation, no doubt. "May I?"
For a breathless second, the world stopped.
Sara's heart pounded. Every whisper, every mocking eye pressed down on her — but Daniel's outstretched hand cut through the weight like light through darkness. Slowly, she placed her hand in his.
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
On the floor, the music swelled. Daniel's hand rested gently at her waist, his other holding hers with steady strength.
"Relax," he whispered, leaning close. "Follow me."
Sara's breath caught, but she moved with him. The first steps were shaky, her shoes brushing against his once. Panic threatened, but Daniel's grip never faltered. His eyes locked with hers, calm, unshaken, guiding her.
The waltz carried them across the floor. At first, Sara felt every gaze like fire on her skin, but then something shifted. The music swept her away, and Daniel's steady lead turned her missteps into fluid motion. For the first time, she wasn't stumbling — she was flying.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as the once-overlooked girl in silver matched Daniel Li step for step. Whispers turned into gasps, admiration seeping through disbelief.
Even Adrian whistled low from the corner. "Would you look at that? Our Ice Prince is melting."
Ryan smirked. "Not melting. Choosing."
Leo's sharp eyes, however, were fixed on Emily.
Emily stood rigid, her nails digging into her palms until they drew faint crescent marks. She had envisioned herself in this moment — the perfect dance with Daniel, admired by all. Instead, Sara had stolen it from her.
Her mother leaned in, whispering sharply, "Control yourself. There will be other ways."
But Emily's rage simmered, her smile a mask stretched too thin.
As the waltz reached its crescendo, Daniel twirled Sara, pulling her back into his arms with flawless precision. She nearly stumbled from the speed, but his grip steadied her instantly.
The hall erupted in applause.
Sara's chest heaved, her cheeks flushed from more than just the dance. She looked up at Daniel, and for the briefest second, she saw something in his eyes — something softer than his usual restraint.
"You did well," he murmured.
"You didn't let me fall," she whispered back.
The applause thundered louder. For once, Sara wasn't the subject of pity or ridicule. She was the girl who had danced with Daniel Li — and matched him.
When they stepped off the floor, guests swarmed with whispers:
"Did you see that?""They looked perfect together.""Grace's daughter may not be so insignificant after all."
Sara flushed, but Daniel shielded her from the crowd, keeping her close.
Emily, however, slipped away, her crimson dress vanishing through the side door. Her fury was a storm waiting to break.
And in the shadows near the head table, Grace watched with unreadable eyes. She sipped her wine slowly, her smile cold.
Let the crowd whisper. Let Sara shine tonight. Because soon, Grace thought, Sara's choices would no longer be hers to make.