Your dress... it's torn

Melissa thought Radulf would not stop, but he did. Their gazes locked. She wanted to ask him what was in his mind, but his magical-looking eyes made her forget everything. She was just lost in them.

"Are you ready for the evening?" Radulf inquired.

"Yes," Melissa replied.

"Let's steal every limelight we can in the ball," Radulf stated.

She nodded, wondering why he was talking in such a way. 'It is better to stay away from the limelight. People don't target you then,' she thought.

'Was she this pretty from this close? I've seen her like this so many times, yet I feel she's glowing every day,' he thought.

"I should check what's in the lunch meal," Melissa said, hoping he would let her go. However, none of that happened. Instead, he lifted her and made her sit on the large desk. He took her left hand in his and found the fourth finger was still vacant.

"Why didn't you find a replacement ring?" Radulf complained.