Chapter Nine – A Dance in the Spotlight
The gala was in full swing. Laughter and music filled the air, champagne glasses clinked, and the city's most powerful figures mingled under the glow of chandeliers.
Seo-jin kept close to Jun-ho, still trying not to trip over her gown. Every glance, every whisper reminded her she didn't belong here.
Then it happened.
A waiter, passing too close, staggered — and a glass of red wine toppled. It splashed across Seo-jin's skirt, staining the midnight-blue fabric with a glaring blotch.
Gasps echoed. Conversations paused.
Seo-jin froze in horror. The waiter bowed frantically, apologizing, but it didn't matter — the damage was done.
"Ah," a mocking voice rang out. Seo-yun, standing nearby with a group of socialites, arched an eyebrow. "Such a shame. Not everyone is cut out for events like these."
Laughter rippled among her companions.
Seo-jin's face burned. She wanted to disappear, to shrink into the floor. Her throat tightened with shame—
But before she could move, Jun-ho's voice cut through the room like a blade.
"Enough."
The quiet command silenced the laughter instantly.
Every eye turned to him. Jun-ho's expression was calm, but his gaze was sharp as steel. He shrugged off his jacket in one swift motion and draped it over Seo-jin's shoulders, covering the stain as if it were nothing.
"Accidents happen," he said evenly, his tone brooking no argument. "What matters is how one handles them. And Han Seo-jin is handling this with more grace than most people here could manage."
A hush fell. Seo-yun's smile froze, brittle, before she turned away with a tight laugh.
Seo-jin's heart pounded. He hadn't just protected her — he'd defended her, publicly, in front of everyone.
"Jun-ho, you didn't have to—" she whispered, her voice trembling.
But he interrupted, his hand warm and steady at her back. "Come with me."
The string quartet shifted to a softer melody as Jun-ho led her onto the dance floor.
Seo-jin's eyes widened. "W-What are you doing?!"
"Neutralizing the attention," he murmured. "Trust me."
He took her hand and guided it to his shoulder, his other hand settling at her waist. Seo-jin stiffened, but the music swept around them, drawing them into a slow waltz.
She tried to focus on her steps, but it was impossible. His nearness was overwhelming — the steady strength in his touch, the faint scent of cedar and something sharper, uniquely him.
"You're shaking," he said softly, his eyes locked on hers.
"I-I don't know how to dance like this," she stammered.
"Then just follow me." His voice was low, steady, coaxing. "I won't let you fall."
Seo-jin's chest tightened. And slowly, against her will, she relaxed into his lead.
Around them, the whispers returned — but this time, they weren't mocking. They were awed. Curious.
Jun-ho Seo, the untouchable CEO, was on the dance floor with his secretary, holding her as if she were the only woman in the room.
The music swelled. Their steps fell in rhythm. And for one dangerous, unforgettable moment, Seo-jin forgot the world.
Her eyes met his, and she saw something there she couldn't name — something that made her heart stumble.
The song ended, but Jun-ho didn't let go immediately. His hand lingered at her waist, his gaze burning into hers.
Seo-jin's breath caught.
"Jun-ho…" she whispered, but she didn't know what she was going to say.
Because the truth was, she didn't understand what was happening either.