Chapter Two: One Dance, One Secret

The ballroom glittered beneath golden chandeliers. Couples moved gracefully across the dance floor while soft music filled the air.

Daniel offered Amara his hand.

“May I?”

She placed her hand in his, and he guided her onto the dance floor.

“Tell me something about yourself,” he said.

“What would you like to know?”

“Something nobody knows about you.”

Amara considered the question.

“Sometimes I pretend to be stronger than I really am.”

Daniel's smile faded slightly.

“Why?”

“Because I've learned that people don't always handle your heart with care.”

He looked at her for a long moment.

“Whoever made you believe that didn't deserve your heart.”

“And you?” she asked. “What are you hiding behind that charming smile?”

Daniel laughed softly, but the sound didn't quite reach his eyes.

“Regret.”

“That's mysterious.”

“Perhaps I'll tell you someday.”

Before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.

“Daniel! There you are!”

The groom, Michael, approached with his bride beside him.

Amara's eyes widened.

“You know Michael?”

Daniel chuckled.

“Know him? He's my younger brother.”

Amara stared at him.

“You're Michael's brother?”

“His older, wiser, considerably more handsome brother,” Daniel replied.

Michael rolled his eyes. “Please don't encourage him, Amara. He's been unbearable since childhood.”

They all laughed, and for a while, the evening felt wonderfully ordinary.

But when Michael turned away to greet another guest, Daniel's expression became serious.

“Amara, there's something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

He glanced toward the ballroom entrance.

“Not here. Could we meet tomorrow?”

Her heart fluttered with curiosity.

“Why can't you tell me now?”

“Because I don't want to ruin your friend's wedding.”

Before she could press him further, someone called Daniel's name from across the room.

He leaned closer.

“Tomorrow. I promise.”

Then he walked away, leaving Amara with more questions than answers.

That night, as she lay in bed, she replayed every word of their conversation.

She had met him only hours earlier.

So why did it feel as though her heart had been waiting for him?

And why had he looked so frightened when he asked whether they had met before?