Chapter 23 — Couples’ Dance

Only two days left until the wedding. Two days till Diana ran away, leaving the life and moments she had with Ivan forever.

Diana glanced at the red gown she was wearing. Today, there was a party. This party was a pre-wedding celebration. A few news reporters were invited as well because the queen thought it would be wiser for not only the country to get some spicy news, but also the entire world.

"Are you ready? The pa—" Ivan stopped mid-sentence when his eyes fell on Diana. She looked gorgeous, especially with the strands of her bun framing her pretty face. She had a long neckline, so the hairstyle suited her perfectly. He wanted to compliment her, but he restrained himself.

He had to marry Rain, come what may. He couldn't fall for Diana more than he already had. Moreover, Diana shouldn't know about his feelings. If she knew, she would stop talking to him. That was the last thing Ivan wanted. Knowing that in a few days, he would never see Diana again, he wanted to cherish every moment with her.

"I am ready," she let out.

Ivan broke himself from the trance and fixed his black suit that he paired with a red shirt to match Diana. He fiddled with the tie on his hand and approached her. Before he could open his mouth, Diana understood and grabbed the tie.

"Stand still," she said sternly. He did what he was told as Diana started tying the garment on him. "Watch and learn, Ivan. I won't always be here," she mumbled. Ivan could hear the sadness in her tone.

His heart ached, realizing it was probably the last time she was that close to him. The truth was, Ivan knew how to put on a tie. It was just an excuse to be close to her. He loved the closeness between them.

"Done." Diana finished her work and went back to wearing a simple bracelet on her hand, to look more elegant than before. The pendant Ivan gave to her was still on her neck. She never got rid of it.

Ivan cleared his throat. "Let's go, then. Everyone is waiting for us."

She nodded. Ivan placed a hand on her waist as she wrapped her arms around his before proceeding towards the ballroom.

The ballroom was decorated nicely. It screamed royalty. Suzanne planned it entirely, with the help of Diana obviously. They developed a very good relationship. Diana knew she would have a hard time leaving everyone. She liked everyone except one person.

"Hello, Diana," the Duke of Sussex, Raiden Candelstone, stood in front of the couple. He had a smile plastered on his face, which annoyed Diana. I will never miss him, she thought to herself as she smiled back at Raiden. "As we will be a family now, I don't have to call you Ms. Stevens anymore, now do I?"

"Absolutely not," she answered politely.

Sensing the tension, Ivan said, "I'm glad you could make it, Uncle."

Raiden gave a curt nod. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

Diana managed to control herself. She didn't know why the man infuriated her from the moment she stepped into the palace.

"Where is Aunt?" Ivan inquired.

Raiden replied, "Chatting with Suzanne."

A bright smile evolved on Diana's face when her eyes fell on her mother. "Ivan," she uttered his name under her breath. Ivan looked at the direction she was looking at and understood.

"Well, I'll see you around then," he said to Raiden and walked towards Merida, along with Diana.

"Mom!" Diana pulled Merida into a big hug. "I'm so happy to see you here."

"How will I miss this?" Merida retorted. Then she glanced at Ivan. He still had no idea that Diana told her mom about everything, including the plan. "How are you, Ivan?"

"I'm fine, Mrs. Stevens. Thank you for asking. How are you?"

"I'm fine," she answered.

"Diana, Ivan, you shouldn't be here," Ruyeli whispered to them from behind. "Go to the dance floor. There will be a couples' dance now. All the couples ought to be on the floor."

"But my mo—"

Ruyeli cut Diana off.

"I'll give Merida company. Suzanne and Floresa are already on the dance floor, including Jasper and Rain."

Merida furrowed her eyebrows. "Why are Jasper and Rain on the dance floor? They are not a couple."

"They are the bridesmaid and best man. They have to dance too," replied Ruyeli.

Without wasting another second, Ivan extended a hand towards Diana, asking her permission to dance with him. She placed a hand on his.

A soothing song started to play in the background as they went on the dance floor.

Dancing with Ivan reminded Diana of the way he taught her the ball dance. Thank god Diana learned properly that day.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, swaying lightly with the rhythm of the song. He had his hand on her waist. Their rapid heartbeats were audible to them because it was too quiet. They were dancing slowly, and they were very close to each other. They knew the effect they had on each other, but they still pretended to be naive.

They were trying not to show their affection to each other. If they started showing their love, things would be messier than before. Their relationship might turn different. That was the last thing they wanted. They didn't want to spoil what they already had.

Only two more days, Diana assured herself and looked into Ivan's green eyes. Then everything will be over.

Why can't we stop the time? Ivan asked himself, his gaze fixated on Diana's. It was as if their eyes spoke everything to each other, unleashing their emotions, their complaints.

Diana thought, If only we could seize this moment, and stay here forever.

When Ivan whirled Diana, she landed into Raiden's arms, while Rain landed with Ivan. They started dancing as well.

Rain was happy that she was dancing with Ivan, however, Ivan maintained his distance. He was unwilling to dance with Rain, and it was making him pissed. He couldn't create a scene and push her away though because it was a party. Being rude was never in Ivan's nature.

Meanwhile, Diana let out a groan because she was dancing with Raiden, who chuckled in amusement. He was finding it more than amusing that Diana was annoyed with him.

"You really hate me, don't you?" he asked as they continued to dance.

"Honestly, I never have felt this annoyed, ever," she answered.

"Since we are being genuine right now, let me tell you something, Diana. I am sorry for being annoying in the beginning. I was just testing your patience and everything." Raiden continued, "Something didn't seem right between you and Ivan when I first met you. It felt as if something was missing between you two. And now, that gap is filled."

"With what?" she questioned curiously.

"With love." As soon as these words left Raiden's mouth, Diana stiffened. "Now, I can see the love between the two of you, and I am happy that you are the royally chosen one."

Raiden twirled her and Diana landed on the king's arms this time.

"I am proud of you, daughter. You've developed a lot so far. Good job!" Devin said with pride. He was indeed proud of a commoner proving that being royally chosen was the best decision of the royal family.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Call me 'Dad' from now on. The wedding is in three days, counting today." Devin spun her before saying, "I am really blessed to have you as my daughter."

Soon, Diana and Jasper were together on the dance floor, and immediate regret rushed into her. She was playing with everyone's emotions. Unknowingly, she impressed everyone and developed a relationship with each and every one of them. She was supposed to avoid forming any kind of close relationship when she stepped into the palace for the first time.

"Are you okay, Diana?" Jasper asked as they danced. Diana glanced at Ivan, who was dancing with Suzanne.

"Yes," she lied bluntly. She didn't want to let Jasper know what she was feeling. If Jasper knew, he would tell her to follow her heart. And she was aware of what her heart would do.

"I have booked the tickets to Poland. Also, all the arrangements are done. You don't have to worry anymore," he said slowly because the song was coming to an end. "Are you sure you want to do this? Please don't go, Diana."

She avoided the request of Jasper and asked, "What about the place I will stay with my mom?"

"Arranged."

"Can anyone trace me?" she questioned just to be sure of everything.

Jasper shook his head. "Everything is settled."

"Okay," she muttered.

Jasper scanned Diana's expression. He knew that something was wrong with her. She was not sharing it with him. "Are you sure you are fine?"

Diana hummed in response. Jasper didn't push her anymore. He sensed that Diana was confused about what to do. She didn't know if she was doing everything the right way or not.

The song ended, and everyone went back to their respective seats. Diana started to get second thoughts. She looked at Suzanne and Devin, who were gazing at her with pride. Ruyeli was also proud of her because she taught Diana well. Raiden and Floresa were happy about her too. Jasper gave a sad face to Diana. He didn't want her to leave.

Diana let out an exasperated sigh. It was happening—something that she didn't want. She was attached to the royal family and in love with the prince. Her fear had become real, and now she knew, it would be difficult for her to leave everyone behind.