Chapter 14 - THE DANCE HE FINALLY ASKED FOR
One year later, Kalantha attended another charity gala.
The same ballroom.
The same chandeliers.
The same orchestra.
But everything else had changed.
She arrived wearing a midnight-blue gown.
Not chosen by Declan.
Not delivered in a black box.
She had bought it herself.
Declan stood beside her.
He looked at her.
“You're beautiful.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
Across the room, Akira Gordon approached.
He smiled.
“Kalantha.”
She laughed.
“Akira.”
He bowed slightly.
“May I ask whether you're enjoying yourself?”
She smiled.
“Very much.”
Akira glanced at Declan.
Then laughed softly.
“I believe I've learned when not to ask someone to dance.”
Declan smiled faintly.
“You can ask.”
Akira blinked.
“What?”
Declan looked at Kalantha.
“It's her decision.”
Kalantha laughed.
“Thank you, gentlemen.”
She looked at Akira.
“Perhaps later.”
He smiled.
“Of course.”
Then walked away.
Declan turned toward her.
“May I have this dance?”
Kalantha stared.
For a moment, she remembered the first gala.
The emerald dress.
The stranger's hand.
Declan descending the staircase.
The fear.
The jealousy.
The handkerchief.
She smiled.
“Yes.”
They stepped onto the dance floor.
Declan placed one hand gently at her waist.
Kalantha rested her hand against his shoulder.
The orchestra began a waltz.
Declan looked at her.
“Better?”
She laughed.
“Much.”
He smiled.
They danced beneath the chandeliers.
No fear.
No rules.
No debt.
Just two people who had learned that love could not survive without freedom.
Declan leaned closer.
“I love you.”
Kalantha smiled.
“I love you too.”
And this time, when Declan held her, she didn't feel trapped.
May you like
She felt chosen.
Because she had chosen him too.
