Chapter 181 - THE DANCE
I sat still in front of the dresser fidgeting with uncertainty. Claire had told me earlier when she happened to pass by my room that the guests started arriving. An hour had passed since then and more guests arrived and they will continue to increase until the party starts. It was the thought of facing different faces tonight which fills me with dread and discomfort.
A soft sigh escaped from my lips. If only Ace was here, I wouldn't be so pressured because I have someone to lean on. I pushed the thoughts as fast as it arrived before it could ruin my mood. Dwelling over something impossible wouldn't help overcome my anxiety.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
The knob turned then it opened.. Claire entered my room, she was already dressed in a halter top gown made of fine silk. The color of the gown perfectly matched the color of her lively sapphire eyes. She was holding her Masquerade mask in her right hand.
"You're nervous." She stated, her gaze sweeping over my face.
I turned my attention in the mirror to check my reflection. The woman staring back at me looked stunning. Who would have thought that her fingers were freezing cold and her legs were trembling underneath her gown. But Claire was able to tell how I actually feel. It must be instinct or she wouldn't be able to know.
There's no way I could deny it so I turned to her and said the truth, "I am."
She laid her left hand on my shoulders. "You don't need to be nervous, I'm here. Chin up. You looked perfect tonight."
Her words were soft and calming like a mother's feminine touch.?Claire knows exactly how to make me feel better.
Slowly, the stress nagging me for an hour eased and I found myself able to relax.
"This is your moment, the night is yours. Enjoy while it lasts. Something you've been asking for a long time would be yours tonight."
But I only wanted Ace. I almost told her. Thankfully I was able to keep my thoughts to myself.
I concealed the sudden surge of sadness with a smile on my lips. If Claire sensed the sudden shift in my mood she didn't react, instead she changed the topic.
Her dainty fingers touched my curly hair and smiled admiringly at my reflection on the mirror. "Curly hair, looks good on you darling."
"I think so too." I replied shyly. Admiring the curls framing my face. The style gave me an air of mystery that suited the scarlet gown I wore tonight.
"Your father is eagerly waiting downstairs. He couldn't wait to introduce you to the guests."
I abandoned the soft cushioned seat. But before leaving, I took a last lingering glance at the full length to practice the smile I needed to show everyone. When I was quite satisfied that my smile didn't look forced, I made my way towards the door beside Claire with my masquerade mask in my hand.
When we were almost near the stairs, I put my masquerade mask on and took a deep calming breath before walking towards the stairs.
Father climbed up the stairs and I hooked my hand around his arms when he reached my side. He grinned behind his mask and leaned closer so I could hear his words amid the sound of laughter and voices in the background. "You looked like a princess, my unija hija." He said and instantly a smile curled on my lips.
"Thank you papa. You looked amazing too. Claire couldn't take her eyes off you." I teased and I was rewarded with a chuckle.
"And you Mi Amor, you looked like a queen." He said, turning to Claire.
He took Claire's gloved finger and kissed her palms?like a perfect gentleman which made her cheeks turn into a bright shade of red.
"Ladies and gentlemen,?here comes the birthday celebrant, Beatrix Crawford. "
The hustle and bustle stopped then all eyes turned to our direction as we slowly walked down the stairs. For once, I was extremely thankful for the mask covering half of my face, it helped me feel invisible against a hundred pairs of eyes.
The orchestra starts playing, soft pleasant sounds fill the whole room.
Under the bright, glittering light of the chandelier, the guests gathered dressed in their best masquerade attire, their gazes following our movement down the stairs.
At the foot of the stairs, Melissa Crawford waited, her mask lowered to her hands making the smile on her face visible.
Surrounding her were eight of my brothers, all dashing and outstanding in their respective tuxedos. Women from every corner of the room couldn't help but devour the delectable sight.
Standing beside Melissa was Elisa, who's beauty reminds me of a Greek goddess in the cremé colored gown she wore. Faith was snuggled beneath her arms.
Clutching Ethan's arm was Vien. She looked adorable in her cobalt blue dress. The color of her gown was a perfect color for her smooth, porcelain skin. Her hair was curled in exactly like mine making her look like a doll.
The whole family was there. Claire and Elisa were there. Hundreds of guests were also there. The only person missing was Ace but he wasn't coming. But I'm content to wait,?even if it takes years I'll wait for him.
Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, Claire let go of Father's hand and joined Melissa, Elisa, Vien and my brothers
The crowd parted, giving way while father led me to the dance floor where I placed my palm into his own.
For a moment, the crowd dissolved and so did my worries. I was only aware of my father swaying me on the dance floor. For the very first time since we walked downstairs a sweet smile curled on my lips. Even if my husband wasn't here at least I have my whole family with me. That's the best gift I could ever receive on my birthday.
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