After Divorce

Chapter 86 Dance Partners in the Dark

When Cyril heard Jonathan’s voice, he averted his gaze. He sneaked another look at Sylvia, reminding himself that he had no ties to her anymore. The reason he could spot her in a crowd was simply because they’d once been husband and wife.

“It’s nothing, let’s go. Seems like a full house at the party tonight.”

า

Cyril hadn’t planned on coming, but Jonathan was keen on attending, especially since he had heard that Duncan and Miranda were the hosts. So, after receiving spal invitation, Cyril felt obliged to show up, if just for appearances‘ sake. The guests were supposed to greet the hosts, but given the wild costumes around, picking Duncan and Miranda out of the crowd was no small task.

They soon settled in, having been to similar parties before. Mixing into the throng, everyone talked freely, hidden behind masks, enjoying the anonymity.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, causing a stir till a spotlight hit center stage. Duncan and Miranda stepped up, and the chattering crowd hushed in anticipation.

“Welcome, everyone, to our masquerade ball! Tonight is about fun and games. We’re all here to let loose, but since it is a ball, we’ve got something special planned.

Soon, we’ll turn off the lights. I want you all to find yourselves a dance partner, no matter who they are. When the lights come back on, whomever you’re with is your partner for the opening dance. Ready to kick off the party!”

The crowd buzzed with excitement at the prospect. They rose, stretching and prepping to ensure they wouldn’t be lost when the lights went out.

Jonathan turned excitedly to Cyril, only to find him heading towards a corner of the room. He paused, then shrugged it off, figuring Cyril was seeking a quiet spot, what with his dislike for commotion.

As everyone began moving around, Duncan and Miranda decided it was time and switched off the lights.

“Remember to be quiet, folks! The calmer it is, the easier it’ll be to find the one you want to

dance with!”

Their advice was taken, and an eerie silence fell. It wasn’t pitch black, though; a couple of emergency lights were on, giving just enough glow to make out shapes.

Sylvia had slipped away to a corner early on, preferring to hide than seek a partner. But before she could melt into the shadows, someone grabbed her. Trying to wiggle free, she

recognized Miranda’s voice.

“Why are you running off? You’re here to have fun at the party, remember? So what if you’ve been married and divorced? It doesn’t make you any less worthy of enjoyment. We invited you so you could lighten up and live a little!”

Sylvia wasn’t born yesterday; she caught the hint. Miranda was obviously playing cupid for her and Duncan.

“Alright, I get it. Maybe I’ll just find a different spot, then,” Sylvia replied, her voice carrying a touch of surrender.

Sylvia had no other choice but to mix into the crowd. She figured her luck couldn’t be that bad; she could dodge people for a bit and then sneak to the side to hide.

But things didn’t go as smoothly as she hoped.

As she made her way through the throng, her hand accidentally brushed against someone. That person quickly grabbed hold of her hand in response. Sylvia was startled–it was that easy to find a dance partner?

“I… um…”

Before Sylvia could refuse, the lights turned on, eliminating any hope of escape. Blinded momentarily, she shut her eyes, only opening them once they adjusted to the brightness. The lively tango music started playing, and with a partner already in hand, Sylvia realized she had no choice but to dance.

As she cautiously began to move with the rhythm, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her partner’s eyes looked familiar. It took her a moment, but the shock hit when she realized who it was–Cyril.

For Cyril, of all the possible partners, he didn’t necessarily have to dance with Sylvia. But when he saw her, he felt compelled to approach. He knew her bumping into him was unintentional, but the second their hands touched, his heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he held on to her.

Both knew who the other was, but neither spoke.

“The music’s started. Let’s dance, or we’ll really stand out just standing here,” Cyril finally

broke the silence.

Sylvia, having preferred to avoid this dance with Cyril, found herself with no other option. As he said, just standing there would draw attention. It would be less conspicuous to join in© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

-moving with the crowd would keep their interaction from appearing awkward.

As they began to tango, Cyril worried Sylvia might not know the steps. But to his

Chapter 86 Dance

amazement, she was not only proficient; she danced exquisitely. Like a vivacious butterfly fluttering among the partygoers, Sylvía drew everyone’s eyes to her, making it impossible to look away. 

In that moment, even if Cyril wanted to dismiss her as just another ex, the truth was undeniable – Sylvia was mesmerizing. What he once underestimated, he now recognized: she was indeed a captivating woman.

And now, with the music guiding them, Sylvia danced with a freedom she’d always kept suppressed. As Cyril came back to his senses and matched her pace, it was then, in their first dance together, that a sense of regret started to dissolve inside her pers they were beginning to mend what had been lost between them.