Chapter 350: SS3 07: Honored Guests, May We Have This Dance?

"Da—Da-Dad—" Eve choked on her own spit. Why was this harder than it seemed?

"You don't have to listen to him," Ambryan whispered in her ear. He placed a hand in the middle on her back to assure her. "I know I wouldn't if he asked me to divorce you. There's no use to stress over something nonsensical."

Jackson glared in his son's direction, his teal eyes glinting. "Now, now. Don't say that kind of thing. People might think I'm against having Eve as my daughter-in-law. If I really had it my way, I'd want her back in the company. You were supposed to promote her too."

Avery giggled lightly. "Well, you can still give her special rights to run the company if Ambryan is overloaded. I'm sure our son would like to have her company better than you or Madison."

"He would have to wait then," her husband huffed. He offered his hand to Eve once more and this time didn't pull away. "Because I believe it's my turn to have her company for a little while."

Eve gulped. She knew their itinerary like the back of her hand and knew this time would come. Then, why hadn't she prepared better? A bead of sweat trickled down the back of her neck. She began sending silent prayers, pleading that she wouldn't step on his foot.

Unlike her, Ambryan had no trouble in sweeping his mother off her feet. Avery had waited for this occasion for a long time. It didn't take much to please her. Not only was she dancing with her son in front of everyone but also they were dancing on his wedding day!

She couldn't be more happy.

Their tardiness had completely slipped her mind.

For now, at least.

"Shall we?" Jackson asked as he placed his hand on Eve's shoulder. "I know my son is an impressive dancer but he has years to go before he can get to my level."

Eve smiled at that. The comment relieved some of the tension she felt. "What they say must be true then. Nothing compares to the original."

A boisterous laugh sounded throughout the hall. Jackson led the dance, starting it off slow by swaying side to side. "You, my dear, are born to be in the spotlight. I realize that now. Confining you to the office will only hold you back to your potential."

"I'm flattered, Uncle Jackson."

"Alright. If you're not going to address me with a paternal nickname, at least, drop the 'uncle' part." Their steps gradually extended to a wider space on the dance floor. "Avery might like you calling her 'aunt' but that's because she's an old hag."

"I heard that Jackson Bennett!"

"Just testing your hearing, dearest!"

Eve suppressed her giggles. Ambryan had whispered in her mother's ear which changed her expression. Maybe he really did know how to calm her down. She sighed and continued watching them converse. "I can only wish to be as affectionate as you two are when Ambryan and I become older."

"Now, why would you doubt that?" Jackson knitted his brows, noticing the forlorn face she wore. "I know this might sound rude but… is it because of your parents?"

Averting her gaze, Eve met his worried eyes. It was a joyful occasion. This wasn't the time to have this conversation. "It's alright, Jackson. And yes, that's the reason but I don't want to think about that today."

"My lips are sealed."

They danced in silence for a moment.

"But, if it's worth mentioning, I don't think you have anything to fear," Jackson spoke. He cleared his throat, hesitation evident in his voice. "You and my son have a very supportive relationship. You both think of each other. A selfless trait like that is enough proof that it won't be the same."

Eve gritted her teeth. She closed her eyes before looking up at him with a smile. "Thank you, Jackson. I might start coming to you if I need relationship advice."

He chuckled. "I look forward to hearing what bastard thing my son has done."

Soon, the song faded as it came to close. 

Then, the orchestra played a new one. 

Ambryan led his mother towards his father and his wife. He spun her around. Eve moved out of the way so Jackson could catch Avery. Their hands landed perfectly in place and they danced without a pause. They easily stole the spotlight.

"Dance with me, dear wife?" 

Eve turned around to find Ambryan bowed at the waist. He held out his hand for her to take. 

"It would be my pleasure, dearest hubby." She giggled and accepted the offer. Ambryan straightened his spine and used his free hand to hold her waist. He pulled her closer, leaving as little space as possible between them.

If smiles could blind someone, they would have blinded the entire room. Their dance focused on the middle of the dance floor and away from the other couple. The latter was like a planet orbiting around the sun.

"What did you tell your mother so she wouldn't strangle your father?"

"I told her that she'd be the first to hold her grandchild."

"..." Eve felt her cheeks grow hot. "Don't say it like that! It sounds like a lot of pressure."

Ambryan blinked and raised his eyebrows. "Oh. I'm sorry. You don't have to bear a child. I'd still be happy to have only the two of us. But, if you do, you can decide on when we can try. I'll keep anyone who is impatient at bay."

She pouted. That was supposed to be a joke. "You know I want children."

"I wouldn't if it meant people coming by our house all the time."

"Speaking of houses, when will I get to see this secret house of yours?"

A boyish grin spread across Ambryan's face. "Soon enough."

"So secretive." She tsked.

"Only on certain times."

Mishta watched the two couples dance. She had witnessed many weddings and this had to be a rare occurrence. People who really immerse themselves to the occasion always filled her heart with joy. It made all the planning that more special.

She raised the microphone to her lips. "Others may now join the dance floor if they wish."

Rose leaned her shoulder against a wall, sipping her glass of champagne. Her cinnamon eyes scanned the area. Several people had taken the invitation and headed for the dance floor. One of the tables near the center was almost empty because of this…

… until only one person remained.

She drained the rest of her drink and left it where a server could easily spot it. She made her way to the table in her line of sight. A head of waxed brown hair with blonde highlights faced away from her. The suit he wore accentuated his broad shoulders.

Although uninterested in dancing, the person watched the dance floor intently. Rose sat on the chair behind and scooched it over. She hovered near his ear. "Mind dancing with me, mister?"

Mikael jumped in his seat. His head whirled around with wide eyes. "I'd rather go insane than do something like that."

Rose pursed her lips. "Well, if you just give it a chance, you might become crazy over me."

"Thank you but I refuse the offer." He turned back around, prepared to ignore her for the rest of the evening. His temple throbbed just from their conversation. He had done his best to avoid her all day. If she wasn't Eve's friend, he would have been ruder to her.

"What's there to fuss about? We already kissed."

"That was a stolen kiss!"

"Aw, how cute." Rose covered her mouth. "It's like talking to a teenage virgin."

Mikael shut his eyes. Incoherent noise rumbled in his throat. This woman really loved to test his patience. He always debated whether to give on or to stay strong. There were plenty of men in the room. She could go bother someone else…

'… Someone else,' he repeated in his head. 

Fast as lightning, he sent a message on his smartphone. 

"I see the two of you are getting closer and closer everyday," Cale joked. He had gone to the restroom and just came back. "That's a relief. Mikael needs more female friends."

"Cale!" Mikael exclaimed as he rose to his feet. "Dance with me."

"What?"

Without a second to lose, Mikael dragged Cale to the dance floor. Rose folded her arms over the backrest and propped her chin on top of them. A small smile tugged the corner of her lips. Mikael held Cale's hands while they attempted a waltz. 

"Where's Mikael?" A new voice spoke behind her.

She pointed towards the dance floor. "Did he tell you to take me away?"

Jordan snorted. "Yes, he did. I swear, he's more immature than most people think."

Silence filled the air between them. 

"Want to dance and trap him into dancing with me?" Rose suggested.

"You bet I do."

Back on the dance floor, Ambryan slowly led Eve to the edge. He let her shoulder go and squeezed her hand tighter. "Come on. I want to show you something."

Eve scowled at his back, letting him lead her away. "Does this place have the door to Narnia?"

"No, but it's close enough."

They headed for the back where Eve snuck in during the Rainbow Launch party. The staff nodded their heads while they passed but chose not to say anything. Eve looked around, hoping for a hint. What was there to see in this building? It was in the middle of downtown without any greenery.

Then, the city air hit her lungs.

Wen waited by the car. 

"What's going on...?" Eve trailed off. The bodyguard opened the door to the passenger seat and gesture for her to climb inside. "Where are we going?"

Ambryan smirked. "You'll see."