Chapter 4: The Great Ballroom

Ethan exhaled deeply; his gaze suddenly fell towards the feast area. With a subtle gesture toward Sara, he indicated his departure, quietly excusing himself and leaving the trio—Sara, Lily, and Emily—behind.

As he entered the feast room, the rich aromas of the food greeted him, offering a small sense of comfort. He picked up a plate and began filling it generously, selecting a variety of dishes without much thought. Finding an unoccupied table near the edge of the room, he took a seat. Away from the teasing and lively chatter, Ethan allowed himself a moment of calm, savoring his meal in the quiet corner.

As he ate his meal casually, Ethan's gaze drifted to Roman Schitzwit, sitting alone and lost in his own thoughts. A quiet tension settled on his face, as if grappling with the next chapter of his novel, The Monster. The hum of conversations and the clinking of plates around him seemed to fade into the background as Ethan focused on the scene before him. After finishing his plate, he quietly exited the feast room.

Re – entering the grand hall, he scanned the room and spotted an empty seat tucked away near the corner. Without hesitation, he walked over and took a seat, the stillness offering a brief respite from the overwhelming energy of the gathering.

As he sat quietly at the empty table, the faint sound of music drifted from the great ballroom. Ethan's gaze shifted toward it with a mix of curiosity and excitement, drawn towards the sweet music. For a moment, he fought with his urges, but eventually failed.

Finally, he stood up and made his way toward the ballroom. With each step, his heartbeat quickened in rhythm with the music, the anticipation building as the sounds enveloped him. The closer he got, the more alive he felt, until he finally entered the grand room, where the energy of the crowd and the music seemed to consume him.

He stepped into the grand ballroom, his eyes widening at the sight before him. The room was alive with the sound of music and laughter, couples dancing hand in hand while others sat alone, absorbed in their thoughts. Ethan scanned the crowd until his gaze landed on an empty seat at the far end. With a quiet sense of relief, he made his way toward it.

When he reached the chair, he sat down comfortably, the atmosphere around him no longer overwhelming. The rhythm of the music seemed to settle in his mind, allowing him to embrace the moment with a newfound calm.

He saw a sea of beautiful women dancing, their movements flowing in perfect rhythm with their partners. Each step seemed effortless, an elegant harmony between music and motion. Ethan admired the scene, his thoughts momentarily drifting. He knew how to dance, but had never found the right partner to share it with. Lost in this reflection, a soft voice suddenly broke through his thoughts,

 "I think, it's good for you to join them." [The voice gently reached his ears.]

Ethan turned his head toward the voice, his eyes landing on Roman Schitzwit standing calmly with a gentle smile. At first, he was startled by the unexpected encounter, but quickly regained his composure. Standing up, he extended a hand in greeting.

 "H – Hello sir," [He said, his voice slightly shaky at first.] "It's a pleasure to meet you." [His words came out hesitantly, a mix of respect and nervousness.]

Roman Schitzwit, shook his hands with Ethan. He noticed Ethan's hesitation and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a reassuring gesture. Without a word, he gestured for Ethan to sit beside him. Ethan paused, unsure at first, but something about the older man's calm presence made him take a seat.

Roman Schitzwit. The name alone carried weight. A renowned author, sitting across from him, his gentle smile conveying wisdom and warmth. Ethan's mind raced—tonight truly seemed like a stroke of luck, a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Yet, as he settled into the moment, a quiet thought tugged at the edge of his mind. Fate, he realized, often had other plans.

 "So, young man, what's your name?" [Roman Schitzwit said with a warm smile, though a faint trace of worry crossed his face. Ethan noticed it, but quickly brushed it away, choosing instead to focus on the moment.]

 "I'm Ethan Blackwood, sir." [He replied, his voice steady but a hint of nervous excitement beneath the surface. He continued,] "I read your novel, "THE MONSTER", You painted the monster's details so vividly. Just imagining it gives me goosebumps."

Ethan shivered slightly at the memory, the unsettling imagery lingering in his mind.

 "Oh, so you're one of the fans who read that novel." [The expression on his face, shifted from a warm smile to a more sombre look. After a brief pause, he added,] "Well, young man, Ethan, perhaps this is the first—and last—time we meet" [With those words, he turned and walked away, leaving the tension lingering in the air.]

Ethan sat in stunned silence, the weight of Roman's words lingering in his mind. He replayed the brief exchange, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind them. There was a distinct tension in Roman's voice, a worry that seemed genuine, as if the novel had touched on something far more personal than fiction. Ethan longed for more conversation, for a chance to uncover the truth, but Roman had slipped away without offering any further explanation.

As he sat there, lost in thought, a sudden voice cut through the quiet. It jolted him from his introspection, sharp and commanding.

As he watched around, Ethan noticed a well-known singer step onto the spotlight. Dressed in a shimmering gown that caught the light like stars, she commanded the attention of everyone in the room. In an instant, the music began, and the crowd fell into silence, their eyes fixed on her. Within a split second, applause erupted—an overwhelming wave of energy that pulled everyone into a shared celebration.

Ethan observed the joyous atmosphere, the laughter and movement of the crowd blending together into a unified dance. The singer's voice soared through the room, drawing people back into motion, their movements becoming one with the rhythm. A genuine smile touched Ethan's face as he surrendered himself to this moment.

Ethan glanced over the room, watching the people dancing with carefree abandon. A strange sensation washed over him—a deep, unsettling feeling of aloneness. Though he sat quietly with a small smile on his face, the sadness in his eyes betrayed the calm facade. As he observed the joyful chaos, his gaze shifted to his hand—his handshake hand—and memories of Ava surfaced. The brief interaction replayed in his mind, and with a heavy heart, he let out a deep sigh. The weight of that moment lingered, pulling him further into thought as he sat there, lost in reflection.

Suddenly, a soft, sweet and gently voice reached his ears.

 "Are you sitting here alone?"

He turned his head toward the voice, his breath catching as his eyes met hers. His heart skipped a beat, a strange tingling sensation spreading through his stomach. He could feel his hands trembling. Without thinking, he stood up abruptly.

Ava's gaze locked onto him – her soft smile radiating warmth.

 "Y – Yes." [He stammered, his voice faltering.]

 "Mind, if I joined you?" [She said gently, her voice smooth and inviting.]

 "Su – Sure." [He managed, his words trembling slightly.]

She sat down gracefully, gesturing with a warm smile for Ethan to take the empty chair beside her. His heart raced as he moved to sit beside her; the tension thick between them. He nodded slowly, finally settling into the seat next to hers.

Ava Stanford had long, flowing, natural white hair that cascaded down to her torso in sleek, elegant waves. Her striking blue eyes were like two deep pools, captivating anyone who met her gaze. She wore a perfectly tailored red Western dress that hugged her figure, accentuating her grace and poise. A delicate diamond necklace lay around her neck, catching the light with every subtle movement. Her long, slender white fingers were adorned with multiple rings, each one shimmering with exquisite gems.

She exuded an aura of effortless beauty—every movement, every glance, radiating confidence and allure. People admired her from a distance, unable to look away, while others could only envy her perfection.

Ethan's gaze remained fixed downward, his cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. The heat in his face was undeniable, and his nervousness was evident in his posture. Ava watched him quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips. There was a sense of amusement in her eyes as she observed his discomfort, enjoying the moment.

Without warning, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch both reassuring and teasing. Her voice, smooth and composed, held a hint of playful amusement.

 "Are you alright?" [Her smile widening slightly, eyes twinkling with mischief.]

Ethan's breath hitched in his throat, his heart racing at the unexpected closeness. His replied with a stammer.

["Y– Yes,"]

he managed, his voice barely a whisper, trembling slightly with uncertainty.

When her hand touched Ethan's shoulder, a tingling sensation spread through his body, leaving him trembling uncontrollably. His face flushed a deep, burning red, his nerves on edge. Ava noticed immediately and let out a soft giggle, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Ethan caught the subtle reaction and knew she was enjoying his flustered state. He sat up straighter, taking a deep breath and releasing a calming sigh to steady himself.

As the breath left his lips, Ava's gentle voice reached his ears once more.

 "Are you relaxed now?" [A playful chuckle colouring her tone.]

 [Ethan met her gaze, his expression still filled with embarrassment, though he had begun to regain control.] "Yes, it's just… I've never really talked to someone like you before." [he admitted, his voice steadying as he adjusted his collar with a small, practiced motion.]

His flushed cheeks softened to a gentle pink, but the intensity of the moment lingered, giving the air between them a unique tension that neither seemed ready to break.

 [Ava maintained a calm, warm smile as she watched him.] "You're different from others." [She said softly, her voice carrying a genuine intrigue.] "I find you more… intriguing."

 [Hearing her words, a rush of emotions surged through Ethan's veins. His heart quickened and for a moment, he felt speechless. But he quickly regained control, a determined calm settling over him.] "And, why is that?" [He asked, his voice steady despite the storm of feelings beneath the surface.]

 [Ava's eyes sparkled with curiosity; her expression thoughtful. She leaned slightly forward, her voice lowering with a hint of mystery.] "I don't know. You carry a certain… calmness" [She said.] "Unlike the restless, self – absorbed men I usually encounter. They are either trying to impress me or get something from me. But with you… it's different. You seem genuinely uninterested in that kind of thing" [She paused for a moment then said,] "You seem close to my age too? [A playful smile hinting at her intrigue.]

Hearing her words, Ethan's heart skipped a beat. His gaze locked with hers, and for a moment, time seemed to slow down. Ava was leaning toward him slightly, her blue eyes sparkling, not just with their usual captivating beauty, but with something more—something raw, something that caught him off guard.

 "I'm twenty years old." [He replied, his voice almost faltering as the weight of her attention made his heart raced]

Ava's lips curved into a knowing smirk, and she leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful.

 "Oh, so I'm only three and a half years older than you." [She said, the smirk deepening.] "That explains a lot." [She paused, her gaze softening as she continued.] "As an actor, it's hard to communicate with someone around my own age. Most of the time, I'm surrounded by people much older than me, and… it's difficult. I can't quite connect with them the way I would like to. There's always this distance."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, revealing more of herself than she might have intended. It was clear that, despite her fame, Ava longed for a genuine connection—one she didn't often find in the world she inhabited.

Ethan noticed a playful, almost cute expression crossing Ava's face as she spoke. He found himself watching her, captivated by her charm. Their gazes met, and for a split second, his heart skipped a beat. Yet, he forced himself to maintain his posture, staying silent, unsure of how to respond to the growing tension between them.

[After a brief moment of silence, Ava's expression shifted to one of mild disappointment. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing just enough to convey her frustration.]

 "I think you are not enjoying my company…" [She said, her voice tinged with a quite vulnerability, as if she were testing him, probing his true feelings]

 [Seeing the flicker of disappointment in her eyes, Ethan immediately felt a pang of guilt. He spoke quickly, almost stumbling over his words in an effort to reassure her.] "No – no, that's not it at all." [his voice rising slightly.] "I'm just… listening to you. You've got my full attention. I didn't mean to make it seem like I'm not interested."

Ava studied Ethan's face, her gaze steady and calculating as if searching for any signs of dishonesty or uncertainty. But all she saw was sincerity, and for a brief moment, her expression softened. A warm smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she nodded in understanding. She opened her mouth to speak, her thoughts forming, when suddenly, a voice cut through the air.

 "Excuse me, miss. Would you care to dance with me?"

Ava's gaze shifted towards the man, seeing the smirk on his face, her features hardened for an instant as he was confident that she would answer positively... It was subtle; a flicker of annoyance crossed over her but was brushed aside very quickly. Ethan could tell she was irritated by the intrusion. She didn't say a word at first, but her eyes spoke volumes. She took a breath and, despite the flicker of annoyance, her expression smoothed over.

 [With an effortless grace, she replied, her voice calm but filled with politeness.] "I'm afraid I don't know how to dance, but thank you for the offer."

Her tone wasn't dismissive, but there was something in the way she said it that made it clear: she wasn't interested. The man, momentarily stunned by her composed response, his smirk faded. He nodded and walked away, leaving the two of them in an awkward silence.

Ethan watched the man retreat, then turned his attention back to Ava. There was still a hint of tension in the air, but it was lighter now. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice gentle, free from the nervousness that had pinched him earlier.

 "So… you don't know how to dance?" [He asked, his smile warm but curious.]

 [Ava met his gaze, her expression softening as she answered with a smile of her own] "It's not that I can't dance, it's because I didn't want to dance with him. I didn't even know who he was" [She shook her head lightly, her eyes momentarily clouded with frustration.] "It happens all the time. People assume I'll be impressed by the simplest gestures, just because I'm an actress. It's exhausting." [Ethan noticed the slight shift in her tone, the vulnerability hidden beneath her polished exterior.]

[She sighed deeply, her lips pursing as she continued.] "Men like him, they don't care about who I am. They're just after the idea of me. And it's always the same. I'm not a real person to them... I'm just a trophy they want to show off. It's ridiculous."

Ethan listened quietly, processing her words carefully. There was something vulnerable in what she had just shared, something that had cut through the façade she had built as a public figure. It made him see her differently—not as the flawless celebrity, but as someone who carried her own weight of loneliness, just like anyone else.

 "Hmmm… [He murmured, his thoughts still lingering on her words. He didn't know what to say. He had heard the pain in her voice, but he didn't want to say the wrong thing. Instead, he sat there, just listening, letting the silence speak for both of them.]

For a few moments, they both sat in silence, the only sounds filling the air were the upbeat music, the soft hum of people dancing, and the occasional chatter. Ava's eyes drifted to the crowd, her gaze lingering on the swirling figures as they moved gracefully across the floor. Then, as though pulled back to reality, she turned to face Ethan and smiled, a warmth lighting her features.

 "So…" [She hesitated, her voice soft, before she continued with a playful glint in her eyes.] "You know how to dance?" [There was a faint pink blush on her cheeks.]

 [Ethan met her gaze, feeling a sudden flutter in his chest. He hadn't expected her to ask him something like that, but the question stirred something inside him – an excitement. He smiled and said,]

 "Of course I do. I even took a few classes when I was fifteen..." [The words spilled out, more confident than he actually felt, but it didn't matter. It felt good to talk to her, to hold the conversation with ease for once.]

Ava's eyes flickered with interest, and for a brief moment, the pink blush on her cheeks deepened, but there was a flicker of something else too – something shy and almost playful in the way she looked at him.

 "So… [Her words a bit more hesitant. She seemed to gather her thoughts, the pink flush on her cheeks never faded, only growing a shade deeper]

Umm… I was just thinking… if…" [Her voice softened, almost shy, as she glanced at him with a slight uncertainty.]

"If… you'd like to have a dance with me…?" [She lowered her gaze from him in shyness, the pink blush deepening more and more.]