Chapter 37 The Ball Begins
Evelyn's POV
The ball venue was decorated like something straight out of a fairy tale, with an intoxicating magical atmosphere filling the air.
Long wooden tables lined the edge of the lawn, covered with snow-white velvet-like tablecloths and loaded with all kinds of food.
Elegant tower-shaped desserts stacked in layers, roasted meat glistened invitingly and sizzled away, and there were also all sorts of fruits, juices, and a wide variety of wines.
People gathered around in small groups, all dressed to the nines.
The guys wore well-tailored, crisp formal suits, while the girls looked like flowers competing for attention, their skirts swirling and jewelry sparkling brilliantly under the lights.
Kane led me toward the food area, and I was already drawn in by the delicious aromas.
"Wow, this is so good!"
I already had a piece of yuzu mousse that melted in my mouth, smacking my lips contentedly as I reached for a matcha and chocolate petit cake nearby.
Some people's gossip around us was just too loud—even though I tried to ignore it, it still drifted into my ears.
"Isn't that, you know, her? Can't believe she actually dared to show up. Isn't she afraid of being laughed at?"
"I heard she's always trailing after that freak from the Phoenix Clan—like a little lost puppy."
"Look at the way she's eating, like she's never had good food before..."
"And that Phoenix Clan freak, so serious—who's he trying to impress?"
My movements paused slightly. I looked up toward the voices and saw a few girls in pink dresses gathered together not far away, covering their mouths as they snickered, their eyes full of malice and disdain.
In the past, I might have felt helpless, but today, looking at the tempting little cake in my hand, I suddenly felt they were kind of pathetic.
At such a wonderful ball with such delicious food, they were still spending energy being jealous of others and saying mean things—what a waste of this beautiful evening.
I ignored their stares and openly picked up the lemon Basque cheesecake next to me, taking a big bite and letting it melt on my tongue.
"Delicious!" I let out a satisfied sigh, not wanting to bother with those people anymore.
My eyes caught sight of some egg tarts on the other side. Just as I was about to grab two—planning to give one to Kane—I sensed an invisible pressure beside me.
A few guys who had been gathered around the long table ready to get food suddenly froze there, their plates still empty.
Confused, I turned my head and saw Kane.
He stood beside me, holding a deep red juice, his dark golden eyes coldly sweeping over everyone around us, without a trace of warmth in his gaze.
He stood beside me, those dark golden eyes coldly scanning every person around us, without a trace of warmth, as if warning something—anyone who wanted to approach would instinctively back away under that gaze.
He really was unapproachable... I couldn't help but shookmy head.
The people around us gradually dispersed, moving farther and farther from our area.
The few people who had been gathered around the long table instantly left, leaving just Kane and me, as if we were covered by an isolation barrier.
"Eat."
Kane grabbed a glass of orange juice from nearby and handed it to me, his tone completely different from before, as if he'd become a different person.
"Kane, you're not worried someone's going to compete with me for food, are you..." I looked at him with mixed feelings, taking the juice and sipping it.
"There's so much food here, I can't possibly eat it all!" I put down the glass and said to him.
Kane got me a plate of chicken wings—I'd actually been sneaking glances at them earlier. He gently placed them beside me. "I don't like people disturbing you while you're eating."
I sighed helplessly, but I was still touched by his gesture.
I felt like I wasn't here to attend a ball, but to eat at a buffet. Since Kane had already done this, I might as well just enjoy the food.
After I'd eaten my fill, the ball's music suddenly became melodious, the cello's deep tones flowing slowly.
It was a waltz melody, elegant and gentle, carrying an inviting quality.
"Let's go." Kane extended his hand to me, his slender fingers looking especially attractive under the lights.
I knew the ball had officially begun.
We walked toward the center of the dance floor.
The others, as usual, kept their distance from us. A large space automatically cleared around Kane and me, as if we were the only two people there.
"As expected, we're like a flood or wild beast—everyone's avoiding us!" I muttered quietly.
"That's perfect," Kane said flatly, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into the dance.
His movements were skilled and elegant, with an irresistible force, guiding me as we spun.
He led me in circles, my white dress blooming like a flower in the night, stirring up a gentle breeze.
I was surprised Kane could dance so well.
Kane and I were extremely close.
His chest pressed against mine, and I could clearly feel his strong heartbeat, steady and powerful.
That heartbeat grew faster and heavier, as if echoing against my own heart, creating a resonance.
The temperature of his body kept rising.
A September night should have been cool and comfortable, but I felt my cheeks burning, as if a fire was rising inside my body—that heat coming from him pressed against me.
Kane's eyes turned slightly strange, but he didn't let me go.
In fact, his hand gripped my waist tighter, with enough force to hurt a little, as if he wanted to merge me into his body.
"Kane, you're holding too tightly!" I tried to push him.
He acted as if he hadn't heard, and instead held me even tighter.
"Evelyn..."
His voice was extremely hoarse, with a hint of restraint.
"You smell so good..."
I realized our current situation was a bit dangerous.
I frantically pushed against his chest, trying to break free from his embrace. "There are too many people here! I'm uncomfortable!"
Hearing my words, Kane's body suddenly stiffened.
He took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently, as if using all his strength to suppress what was building inside him.
"Okay."
He said through clenched teeth, squeezing out a single word, his voice full of restraint.
The next second, he and I left the dance floor together.
We passed through the crowd, which scattered in panic, until the surrounding noise completely disappeared, leaving only faint music in the distance.
He brought me to a quiet corner.
This was the edge of the ball venue, a small grove where moonlight filtered through the leaves, dappled and serene, carrying a hint of coolness.
Before I could steady myself, Kane suddenly turned around, his hands gripping my waist.
"Ah!"
I cried out as he lifted me up!
He placed me on an empty long wooden table nearby, my legs dangling in the air, while he stood close, almost enclosing me.
"Kane!" I called out to him.
Kane didn't speak.