One Dance The following morning, Ava woke up with a pillow pressed over her face.
“…Why did I say his name?” She let out a muffled groan.
“I could have said, ‘Good night, Mr.
Hawthorne.'” “But no…” “I just had to say Ethan.” She buried her face even deeper into the pillow.
“I’m never going back to work.” From the other side of the apartment, Mia’s voice rang out.
“Ava!
You’ll be late!” “I quit!” “You say that every Monday!” — Ten minutes later…
Mia stared at Ava suspiciously as they waited for the elevator.
“You’ve been smiling.” “I have not.” “You have.” “I haven’t.” “You even smiled at your toothbrush this morning.” Ava froze.
“…You noticed?” Mia gasped dramatically.
“So you admit it!” “I admitted nothing!” “You’ve finally fallen for him!” Ava covered Mia’s mouth before anyone walking by could hear.
“Keep your voice down!” Mia peeled Ava’s hand away and grinned.
“You called him Ethan, didn’t you?” Ava’s eyes widened.
“…How did you know?” “It was written all over your face.” Ava sighed dramatically.
“I hate you.” “I love you too.” — At Hawthorne Grand Hotel…
Lucas was already waiting inside Ethan’s office with his feet resting comfortably on the coffee table.
Ethan walked in carrying a file.
“…Why are you here?” Lucas looked up from his phone.
“Because Mother called.” Ethan immediately frowned.
“…What does she want?” Lucas smiled.
“She wants us at the Hawthorne Charity Foundation Gala tomorrow night.” Ethan sighed.
“I forgot.” “You can’t.” “It’s our family’s biggest charity event every year.” Ethan nodded.
“I know.” Lucas leaned forward with a mischievous smile.
“And…” “Every executive is required to bring a partner.” Silence.
Ethan slowly looked at him.
“…No.” “You haven’t even heard my idea.” “I already know your idea.” Lucas laughed.
“Take Ava.” “No.” “Why not?” “Because she’d be uncomfortable.” “Have you asked her?” “…No.” Lucas folded his arms triumphantly.
“Exactly.” — Later that afternoon…
Ethan finally gathered enough courage to approach Ava.
She was organizing several guest files.
“Ava.” She looked up.
“Yes?” “I have a favor to ask.” She smiled politely.
“Of course.” He hesitated.
“There is a charity gala tomorrow evening.” She nodded.
“I know.” “I was wondering…” “…if you’d accompany me.” Her smile slowly disappeared.
“…As your secretary?” Ethan scratched the back of his neck.
“…Officially.” “…And unofficially?” He looked away for a second.
“…As someone I enjoy spending time with.” Ava stared at him.
She hadn’t expected such an honest answer.
“I…” Before she could reply…
Daniel Brooks hurried into the office.
“Mr.
Hawthorne.” “We have a situation.” Ethan sighed quietly.
“What happened now?” “The ballroom.” “The decorations scheduled for tomorrow haven’t arrived.” “I’ll be there.” He turned back toward Ava.
“We’ll continue this conversation later.” She simply nodded.
“…Okay.” — The next evening…
The Hawthorne Charity Foundation Gala had transformed the hotel’s grand ballroom into something breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.
Fresh white roses decorated every table.
A live orchestra filled the room with soft music.
Guests arrived one after another.
Business leaders.
Celebrities.
Philanthropists.
The Hawthorne family welcomed each one personally.
Ethan stood near the entrance, adjusting the cuff of his suit.
Lucas walked over.
“Nervous?” “No.” “Liar.” “I’m waiting.” “For Ava?” “…Yes.” Lucas smiled knowingly.
“You really like her.” Before Ethan could answer…
The ballroom doors opened.
Ava stepped inside.
She wore a floor-length midnight-blue gown that shimmered whenever it caught the light.
Her hair was loosely pinned back, allowing a few soft strands to frame her face.
The entire ballroom seemed to pause.
Even Ethan forgot to breathe.
Lucas leaned closer and whispered, “…Close your mouth.” Only then did Ethan realize he had been staring.
Ava slowly walked toward them.
“…Am I late?” Ethan shook his head almost immediately.
“…No.” “You look…” He searched for the right word.
“…Beautiful.” A soft blush spread across Ava’s cheeks.
“Thank you.” — The evening continued beautifully.
After dinner…
The orchestra changed melodies.
Couples slowly made their way onto the dance floor.
Lucas immediately offered his hand to Mia.
“May I?” She laughed.
“You’ve been waiting all night to ask that.” “I have.” They disappeared into the crowd, laughing together.
Ava watched them dance.
“They look happy.” “They do.” She turned to leave.
“We should probably-” “Ava.” She looked back.
Ethan held out his hand.
“Would you dance with me?” Her heart skipped.
“I…” “I don’t know how.” He smiled gently.
“Neither did I.” “That’s a lie.” “…A little.” She couldn’t help laughing.
Slowly…
She placed her hand in his.
He guided her onto the dance floor.
One hand rested carefully around her waist.
The other held hers gently.
He was careful.
As though she were something precious.
“I might step on your feet.” “I’ll survive.” “I mean it.” “So do I.” They began moving slowly with the music.
At first, Ava was stiff.
Awkward.
Nervous.
Then Ethan quietly said, “Stop thinking.” “What?” “Just listen to the music.” “And trust me.” She looked into his eyes.
Then…
Without realizing it…
She relaxed.
One step.
Then another.
Soon she was smiling.
Actually smiling.
“You know…” she whispered, “This isn’t as scary as I thought.” Ethan smiled back.
“I told you.” From across the ballroom, Mia nudged Lucas.
“They look like they’re the only two people in the room.” Lucas smiled.
“They probably are.” As the music came to an end…
Neither Ethan nor Ava noticed the applause around them.
They only noticed…
That neither of them wanted to let go.