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EMILIE
As the music swelled in the grand ballroom, I found myself swept away by the enchantment of the moment. Unlike what Theo assumed, I wasn’t hoping to be miserable. I wanted to have fun. I wanted to enjoy life. Dancing would help pass the time. The sooner the night was over, the quicker I could get back to the sanctuary of my bedroom.
I took Theo’s hand, and we glided onto the dance floor. The orchestra played “A Thousand Years,” its haunting melody filling the air. It was a song that had always felt like a dream to me, and now, in this masquerade, the dream became a reality.
Theo and I moved in perfect harmony, our steps synchronized to the music’s cadence. The world around us seemed to blur, leaving only the two of us in our own private sphere. I had attended this evening’s festivities reluctantly, with a determination to remain steadfast in my commitment to duty. But in this moment, as I danced with Theo, there was undeniable tension between us.
I was drawn to him in a way I hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just the charm and charisma that radiated from him. It was something deeper, something that tugged at my heart. I loved the way he moved me, the confidence in his touch as he guided me through the dance. His hand on my back felt warm and reassuring, and the way he looked at me made me feel safe.
Theo hadn’t seen my face, and yet, his eyes seemed to convey that he saw beyond the mask, beyond the hidden identity. He looked at me as if I were the most beautiful girl he had ever encountered, a sentiment I found both flattering and disconcerting. It was a gaze that held the promise of something more, something I hadn’t anticipated.
As we danced, the world outside of our little space on the dance floor seemed to fade away. The grand ballroom transformed into a realm of magic and possibility, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to be swept up in the romance of it all. The masked identities, the hidden desires, and the unspoken yearning were all part of the masquerade’s allure.
Some of the other couples on the dance floor were clearly enjoying their matches. One couple looked like they were about to create a scandal. I could feel the heat radiating off them. I couldn’t imagine what that kind of passion would feel like. They were burning with desire for each other.
My attention returned to my own dance partner. I noticed every little detail—the way Theo’s hand felt in mine, the way his fingers grazed my back, the intensity of his gaze. It was a dance of emotions and unspoken words. He was slowly eroding the barriers I had carefully constructed around myself. I wasn’t sure I liked that.
As the song came to an end, we slowed our steps, but the connection between us remained. Theo and I stood there, bathed in the soft lighting, our masks concealing our true selves. As the final notes of the song faded away, a hush fell over the grand ballroom. The moment we had all been waiting for had arrived—the unveiling of our faces.
My heart was pounding so hard in my chest I thought it might rip the seams of my dress. I didn’t know why I was scared. From what I could see of Theo, he was handsome. I wasn’t worried that I was matched to an ugly man. I supposed it was just the idea of seeing him for the first time. The mask made it a little easier to be who I was. I could hide.
“Gentlemen, it’s time,” Lady Hamilton called out.
Theo, standing before me, slowly lifted his mask, revealing a face that took my breath away. The pictures I had seen of him had not done justice to the reality before me. He was classically handsome, with chiseled features, striking green eyes, and an air of confidence that was undeniably attractive.
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at him, momentarily lost for words. Theo was a man who exuded charm and charisma, and I couldn’t deny the impact he had on me. His lips quirked and I realized I was openly staring. Rather, ogling.
“Your turn,” he whispered.
“Ladies, please, remove your masks and meet your future husbands,” Lady Hamilton’s voice rang out.
I took a deep breath, ready to reveal my own face. But much to my surprise, as I reached for the tie of my mask, Theo leaned forward, his fingers deftly untying the knot. His fingertips brushed over the side of my face, sending heat shooting through my body.
I felt a rush of vulnerability as my mask slipped away. I met Theo’s gaze, his green eyes locking onto mine. His smile, warm and genuine, spread across his face as he looked at me for the first time without the barrier of masks.
“Emilie,” he said softly, his voice filled with admiration. “You are even more beautiful than I could have imagined.”
I felt a surge of emotion at his words. Theo’s confidence and assertiveness were a stark contrast to my own guarded demeanor.
I had made it clear from the beginning that love was off the table, that I was here for business and duty, not matters of the heart. Love came at a cost, and I was not willing to pay the price. But I couldn’t deny the chemistry that simmered between us. I was determined to give him every reason not to fall for me, to protect myself from the vulnerabilities that love brought.
“Would you like to dance again?” he asked quietly.
The orchestra started to play again.
I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to give in to the temptation that Theo presented. But as I looked into his eyes, I found myself nodding in agreement. He took my hand and led me to the center of the ballroom.
“Yes. One dance.”
As we moved to the rhythm of the music, I felt a sense of freedom. With Theo, I could let my guard down, if only for a moment. His strong arms held me close, and his hot breath brushed my neck.
This was dangerous territory. I was playing with fire. But in that moment, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to feel the heat of his body against mine, to lose myself in the passion that we both knew was there.
Theo’s hand trailed down my back, causing my breath to hitch in my throat. I could feel his desire growing as we moved across the ballroom floor. I was playing a dangerous game, but I couldn’t resist the pull that Theo had on me.
As the music came to an end, Theo dipped me low, his lips brushing against my ear. “I don’t think you’re as against this as you think.”
Fortunately, the music stopped. “I need to visit the powder room.”
