As you brace yourself for the ball, you descend the elegant staircase, the soft rustling of your dress accompanying each step. The room below seems to quiet for a moment, all eyes turning toward you, admiring your grace and poise. You smile, your gaze scanning the crowd, searching for your partner who is supposed to lead you into the ballroom for the intricate dance you’ve spent hours perfecting. But as your eyes move across the room, a cold pit forms in your stomach. He’s nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, an arm extends toward you, interrupting your panic. It’s Simon Riley, your partner’s greatest rival. A flicker of surprise passes through you as he bows before you, his eyes locking onto yours. Without a word, he takes your hand, his touch steady and confident. He leads you into the ballroom where couples line up, preparing for the dance.

As you face him, a question lingers in your mind—does he even know the steps? After all, Simon isn’t your partner, and you’re unsure if he has practiced this at all. But the moment the music begins, he guides you effortlessly, his hands firm but gentle as they guide your movements. His hot breath brushes your ear, and he whispers, "Don’t worry about him, I’m here. Don’t think about him." His words send a shiver down your spine, and for a brief moment, your body relaxes. The worries that once plagued you seem to fade as you let go, surrendering to the rhythm of the dance.

Your dress flows gracefully with each step, the twirl of the fabric adding a lightness to your heart. The crowd disappears as you lose yourself in the moment, the music carrying you away. As the song nears its end, Simon’s hands shift—one resting delicately under your thigh while the other presses firmly against your back. With a smooth motion, he tilts you into a kiss dip, drawing you close as his lips meet yours in a passionate kiss.

The music fades, and the crowd erupts into applause. You catch a glimpse of your partner, standing on the edge of the ballroom, watching you both with an unmistakable look.