Chapter 529: The Apricot Tree Blossoms Outside the Wall Part 1
Gavin Graves led Purple Summers onto the dance floor, a hand gently taking hers, while the other lightly rested on her waist.
He was quite the gentleman, maintaining an appropriate distance throughout, ensuring no one felt uncomfortable due to close physical contact.
“Don’t be nervous, just follow my lead,” Gavin said with a smile, guiding Purple’s steps, “Relax a little.”
Purple, somewhat bewildered, moved rather stiffly, sincerely worried she might step on Gavin’s feet.
Gavin wasn’t in a rush, patiently leading her, first trying the simplest steps.
Perhaps it was Gavin’s calm composure that influenced her, as she gradually relaxed and began to follow him… Huh? Why did it feel so smooth?
The steps flowed, each one landing perfectly on the beat, missing each other’s feet altogether.
Purple exclaimed with surprise, “I can dance?” And it seemed rather easy, too!
Gavin said with a smile, “Yes, you can dance.”
“So it really isn’t difficult.” Purple was delighted, feeling as though she’d mastered a new skill, no longer doomed to sit alone at parties.
Gavin asked her, “Do you want to try spinning around?”
Eager to try, Purple nodded, “Sure!”
The spin was slightly trickier than the steps before, but with Gavin as a great dance partner, Purple’s movements were nearly flawless, the fluid twirling flared her dress, revealing natural grace and blooming beauty under the crystal lights’ lustrous glow.
She danced more smoothly, and with each step grew happier.
As the dance neared its end, Purple accidentally bumped into another lady on the final turn, nearly toppling over.
Gavin’s quick reflexes steadied her.
“I’m so sorry, are you alright?” The lady apologized to Purple, “I’m really sorry, I slipped there.”
Purple hurriedly reassured her, “No, no… I’m fine…”
After the lady and her partner walked away, Purple, still shaken, clutched her chest and let out a small sigh, laughing to Gavin, “That scared me, I thought I made a mistake.”
Gavin, supporting her, had a gentle smile in his eyes, “You danced very well.”
Purple pursed her lips into a smile, her face radiating a youthful innocence and charm, endearingly naive.
“I think I did quite well too,” she said proudly.
The new melody had already begun, but Purple had twisted her foot in the collision, so Gavin helped her back to her seat to rest.
Sarah was not at her spot, and the bodyguard was also absent. Purple found it strange, stood up, and looked around but couldn’t spot Sarah.
“Could she have gone back to her room to rest?” Purple mumbled to herself, deciding to check the bridesmaid’s rest room.
She lifted her dress with one hand and steadied herself on the stair railing with the other as she ascended slowly.
While the noise and excitement filled the ground floor, the upper level was quiet, with only the occasional overdrunk guest being helped to their rooms by servants.
The corridor was long, carpeted with dark brown cashmere, and the bright glass lamps shone brilliantly, making the oil paintings on the walls even more magnificent and vivid.
Purple made her way down the hall when suddenly, a door to her right flew open. Before she could even turn to look, she was gripped around the waist and pulled into the room!
“Ah…” Purple screamed in fright, unable to yell out as her lips were instantly sealed.
The familiar crisp scent enveloped her in an instant, signaling who it was. Her tense body slowly relaxed into softness, letting him savor her fragrance.
Once the kiss ended, Purple caught her breath.
Alexander Summers pinned her against the door, his expression dark, eyes brimming with an intense storm, as if ready to consume her whole.
“Purple, the moment I stop watching you, you try to escape over the wall?” he accused.
I…what wall have I gone over?!!