Chapter 54: The Unattainable Beloved

At that moment, she was unable to recover.

If there was such a thing as a heartache that could be fatal, then she was experiencing it now...

Her heart ached so much she couldn't breathe, yet she couldn't cry.

The melodious music played on, and at that moment, everything felt so ironic.

　　The man she wanted to hold tightly, the man she wanted to lean on.

　　But she wasn't in his arms.

　　Luo closed his eyes tightly, his bitter smile still as charming as ever. When he opened his eyes again, there was no hesitation left.

　　Yes, quickly regaining control of one's emotions is a quality a ruler should possess. But for the first time, Si regretted the advice he had given.

　　Luo's choice saved a dangerous dance party, but in the end, he lost what he wanted. His hidden love for Ivina was quietly erased at this magnificent ball, and S gradually came to understand this regret.

Standing quietly to one side, S watched Biya's extremely satisfied and happy expression.

　　"I'm sorry, did my invitation cause you any trouble?" He had never seen a witch who could dance with him without a trace of pride on her face.

"I'm fine." Ivina didn't look up at Bucher, and she didn't even notice the obvious disappointment on her face.

Bia was as happy as she was sad, and perhaps she had also learned to be jealous.

　　"If—if you want to go into that man's arms now, it's still not too late." Bucher curled the corners of his mouth, his tone both leisurely and teasing.

"What did you say?" Ivina looked up in surprise.

"It seems you don't need to take the initiative…" The deep purple eyes gazed calmly at Ivina, full of meaning.

　　"Huh?" Her waist was held tighter, her body pressed close to her dance partner.

She looked up again, meeting those deep red eyes.

"How could this be?"

Ivina gasped in shock. In just a few seconds, why was Luo suddenly before her eyes?

"Shh..." The faint blood-red hue in his hair made Luo look wild and untamed. He placed his index finger on her lips with care. Now, he only wanted to cherish this moment, quietly watching his Ivina in this beautiful atmosphere.

　　Through Luo's broad shoulders, she saw Bia's furious expression. A spin, and she was met with Bucher's calm purple eyes.

　　Panicking, Ivina gently rested her forehead against Luo's shoulder. Regardless of how long this delicate atmosphere could last—whether it was an instant or a light-year—she wanted to stay like this, quietly leaning on Luo's shoulder, the man she trusted.

　　Looking up might remind her of the pain he had caused her.

"Is it a social dance?" Ivina asked weakly, still leaning on Luo.

　　"A social dance, or a transaction—you cannot be exchanged." A curve formed at the corner of his mouth as Luo gently cupped Ivena's face. "You belong to me; you cannot refuse, you cannot leave." It was a command, or a plea.

　　Refuse? If she had learned to refuse, she wouldn't be in this foreign place, she wouldn't have seen him, and she wouldn't miss that face that broke her heart yet she couldn't refuse...

　　He was so domineering, demanding her body and her love with such force.

　　The music reached its climax, and among the countless slow-dancing couples, they embraced and kissed passionately.

　　Because their love was extraordinary, neither of them was willing to admit that they truly loved each other.