46 Dance 2

Riley Adams looked at the lady in his arms. She was wearing a black halter jersey dress with neckline beadworks and half-open back, in a mermaid silhouette. Her hair was done simply with a headband braid with the rest of the straight strands falling at the level of her scapula. She has a pretty face, with makeup just enough to highlight her features. Her black lace mask gently clings onto her face to give mystery to her dark eyes and long lashes. With heels on, she stood at the level of his eyes.

"Uhmm...hi." he said awkwardly.

Michelle Park landed hard on a stranger's chest. Luckily, she managed to keep some distance using her hands. She looked up at the baritone voice.

In order not to 'look like a pet,' Riley is in a black tuxedo and pants with matching vest, white shirt and thin black tie, all going with a new pair of oxfords. His blonde hair was styled neatly without looking stiff and his face was shaved. His features consisted of gray eyes, full lashes, tall nose and thin lips, with cleft chin.

Michelle was about to speak when the music changed. "Uhmmm...I can't dance this." She looked up with pleading eyes.

Riley was singing hallelujah in his mind. "Then let's go get drinks." He helped her stand up steadily and led her away.

On the dance floor, after catching her in his arms, Dan held onto their position for a while longer. The frozen Midori helped his case. As she regained herself and pushed away from him, the music played.

Dan placed his hand against her back, the other holding up her hand. It was a paso doble stance.

She frowned while he flashed his pearly whites. He seemed to be enjoying her reaction.

He started leading her, so she had no choice but to go along with it. He peculiarly started with a la passe, then proceeded with a coup de pique then to the easier promenade and counter promenade. They continued with a set of travelling spins. By the time they were doing fregolina and farol steps, Midori's frown had transformed to a smile. She was enjoying herself.

They ended the dance with a classic pose of opposite legs parallel in an outstretch, as Midori's slit revealed her flawless leg and thigh being held up by the partner. Their noses were touching each tip as warm breaths were wafting to their faces.

It has been long since they danced. The applause from the audience snapped them out of their trance. They reverted back to a steady posture and bowed accordingly.

To her surprise, Dan has never let go of her hand, dragging her out of the ballroom. They kept walking past the swimming pool until they reached the open-air terrace.

Midori was still exhilarated, smiling as they catch their breaths. The salty sea breeze brushing hairstrands off of her face. Her braided low bun and silver drop earrings revealed and complemented her slightly sweaty neck.

She stood looking out to the sea as she grasped the railing.

Dan was looking at her back with a pained expression. All these years, he did not understand why she had to leave. He was at his most vulnerable moment when she suddenly disappeared. With his father's accident, there was a huge pressure to take over the company as soon as possible. Midori's absence greatly affected him, to the point that his family blamed and despised her. He himself questioned her feelings for him many times.

Now, he does not even remember how he cheated on her, or if it was just a big misunderstanding. How could he explain himself if even he is uncertain of what actually happened?

When he met her again with Manta, his world spun. He wanted to be with her again...to be with them. All his uncertainties were swept away. He just wanted his woman back. But with the new information, he then doubted if he's even worthy.

Midori, still elated, turned around to face him with her bright smile. "Hey, look! There's a..."

Before she could spill out her words, a thud sounded on the deck.

Dan kneeled abruptly before her. "Dori...I'm sorry."

Midori's smile turned to a face of worry as she saw him pathetically cry in front of her.