Chapter 3 - THE MAN WHO DANCED WITH HIS WIFE
The Winter Children's Foundation Gala was held beneath a ceiling of crystal chandeliers.
Serena arrived in an emerald gown.
Roman stood near the bar, surrounded by associates.
He glanced at her once.
“You're late.”
She smiled politely.
“Good evening to you too.”
Then she walked away.
Roman watched her go.
Something about her had changed.
She wasn't waiting for his approval.
She wasn't searching his face for affection.
She looked happy.
And he had nothing to do with it.
Alexander Hayes approached Serena beside a display of children's artwork.
“Mrs. Duca.”
“Alexander.”
He smiled.
“You look wonderful.”
“Thank you.”
They discussed her learning center.
Alexander listened carefully.
He offered introductions to donors and education specialists.
When the orchestra began playing, he extended his hand.
“Would you honor me with a dance?”
Serena hesitated.
Then smiled.
“I'd love to.”
He placed a respectful hand at her waist.
They stepped onto the dance floor.
Thirty feet away, Roman looked up.
His expression went completely still.
He recognized Alexander.
Not from the philanthropic community.
From a security photograph taken six months earlier.
The same photograph Roman had spent half a year investigating.
The man who'd appeared in the shadows behind Serena on the balcony.
Roman set down his glass.
And crossed the ballroom.
“Take your hand off my wife.”
Alexander immediately stepped back.
Serena turned.
“Roman, you're making a scene.”
“Come with me.”
“No.”
The word stopped him.
She removed her wedding ring.
“You told me never to touch you in public.”
Roman stared.
“Serena—”
“So why should I still let you touch me?”
He reached into his jacket.
Removed a velvet box.
And opened it.
Inside lay a diamond ring and a photograph.
Serena recognized herself on the Harrington Grand balcony.
Then she saw Alexander standing behind her.
Roman whispered:
“The night I told you never to touch me in public was the night I discovered someone had put a price on your life.”
Serena's blood turned cold.
May you like
She looked toward Alexander.
He was no longer smiling.
