The Dance o

t filtered through the heavy velvet curtains of the guest suite like a silent, golden intruder. Amaka lay in the middle of the king-sized bed, her body

e she could answer, Marcus stepped in, looking

expect a traditional waltz at the engagement gala. If you step on his toes

s, I grew up dancing to Afrobeats in the st

g slippers onto the bed. "And put these on. Mr. Sterling is waiting in the bal

om the ceiling. At the far end, Alexander stood with his hands in his pockets, his back to the door. He had

Julian, hurried over. "Ah, the future Mrs. St

But Amaka felt like a wooden doll. Her feet felt heavy, and her mind was elsewhere-thinking

e walked toward them, the sound of his shoes echoing l

away, leaving Amaka alone wi

uld see the flecks of gold in his dark eyes. "You're treating the dance like a chore. It's not a

n't want to be in your arms," Amaka sh

ush against his chest. Amaka gasped, her hands instinctively flying up to rest on his broad shou

ispered, his voice vibra

a brutal, graceful efficiency. Amaka had no choice but to follow. If she didn't

bird. If you're this stiff tomorrow, everyone will know this

voice trembling as they spun across the floor

s expression unreadable. For a moment, the mask of the ruthless billionaire

survive. You're just learning how to wear yours. This contract isn't just about money; it's about protection. My parents want me married to keep the board

s over?" Amaka whispered. "When yo

tened for a split second before he abruptly let go. The sudden

one left. Now, again. From the top. And

uched, Amaka felt a surge of something she didn't want to name. It wasn't love-

of the room to grab a bottle of water, but her eyes caught sight of a small,

bum. Inside were pictures of a younger Alexander, smiling-actually smiling-next to a beautiful

are you

like ice. He was stan

opping the book. "I... I

h rage. "That is none of your business. Your contract covers

y cared about you," Amaka sa

h. "And she is the reason I don't believe in anything that isn't written on a legal docume

the ballroom, leaving the heav

, the silk shoes, the girl who was slowly disappearing into a billionaire's shadow. She realized then that Ale

She was 4,800 words into her new life, and for the first time, s