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“I think you’re ready,” Astrid said, smiling.
“I’m so nervous,” I said.
“It’s going to be fine,” she assured me. “He sent you the letter. He wants to see you.”
“Thank you. What if he dumps me?”
She laughed. “Why would he pour his heart out in a letter and ask you to meet him and then dump you in the middle of the ball?”
“I don’t know,” I said, sighing. “I’m freaking out.”
“He’s not going to dump you. He loves you.”
“Isn’t it strange he hasn’t reached out to try and talk before the ball?” I asked. “Shouldn’t we get all of this sorted out before the ball?”
Astrid placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Trust me. Theo knows what he’s doing. He wants to make a grand gesture. And what could be grander than confessing his love for you in front of everyone at the ball?”
“I hope so. I’m just worried that he’s going to try and get revenge.”
“Revenge for what?”
“I humiliated him in front of the world,” I said. “I made him look like something to be traded, like he was nothing more than an object to be used when I wanted. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but I did. And now, I fear that he’s going to try and hurt me back.”
Astrid shook her head. “Theo isn’t like that. He’s a good man. He wouldn’t try and hurt you.”
“I hope you’re right,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Astrid and I made our way down the grand staircase, the sound of my heels echoing throughout the foyer.
My father stepped into the foyer and smiled. It was the kind of smile that reached his eyes. Those smiles were few and far between.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
Nora came into the foyer and squealed. She gave me a careful hug. “Gorgeous! You are going to blow them all away.”
“Thank you. I really wish you were going.”
Nora smiled. “That’s not my world. But I will be here ready to hear all about it when you get back.”
I was glad Nora was able to be a part of the last session. Our mother stayed home in Norway. They weren’t taking any chances with the pregnancy. She was staying home and taking it easy. Nora and I spent the day shopping for the right dress the day before. It had been so nice to hang out with her. I missed her.
As I arrived at the ball, my heart pounded with uncertainty. There was an air of excitement in the room. Everyone was hoping to walk away with a solid engagement. There would be a lot of proposals tonight. I hoped I was one of the ladies walking away with a smiling face.
I mingled with the guests, trying to keep my nerves at bay. My conversations were polite, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the last encounter with Theo. The pain of that moment still lingered in my heart. It was difficult to imagine Theo was willing to forget all of that and welcome me back into his arms.
Time passed slowly, and my anxiety continued to mount as I smiled and tried to make small talk. I watched as couples danced gracefully, their laughter echoing through the room. But there was no sign of Theo. A part of me was relieved, thinking that perhaps he had chosen not to come. It was easier to avoid the pain of rejection if he wasn’t here.
As I made my way through the bustling ballroom, my eyes were constantly scanning the room looking for him. Navigating through the crowd was like swimming against a powerful current. People milled about, engrossed in their conversations and laughter. They all knew their fates. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me.
As I moved through the crowd, I bumped into Sophia, who responded with an exaggerated eye roll. She had never been one to hide her disdain for me, but tonight, I couldn’t be bothered by her judgment. My focus was solely on Theo.
“Excuse you,” she muttered.
“You’re excused.” I smiled and continued on my way.
Clara rushed toward me. “Emilie!”
“Clara.” I smiled, happy to see a friendly face.
