Chapter 646

I stared at him in surprise.

"Did he really go all the way to the UK and learn to dance just so he could invite me to this party?" I wondered.

For a straight-up science and tech guy like him, learning something this romantic and dreamy must’ve been seriously out of his comfort zone.

Nathan blushed before he could even get a word out, looking so earnest it was actually kind of adorable.

I laughed and told him with a smile, "Just follow the rhythm, you’ll be fine.”

I was decent enough at dancing to help Nathan relax and get into the groove. For a smart guy like him, he really caught on quickly.

Some couples nearby had totally given up on the formal dance moves and were just holding each other close, foreheads touching, getting all cozy and intimate.

Nathan glanced over at them, and his face went bright red. Maybe something crossed his mind.

When the three-minute song finally ended, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, feeling like I’d just checked something off my list.

Nathan was sweating bullets, and his hands were practically drenched—he must’ve been super nervous.

"Nathan, everyone here is in your field, and I can see you’ve got a lot to catch up on with them. Why don’t you stay and chat? I’ll head home first,” I suggested, not wanting to interrupt his business talk.

"Alright, let me walk you out,” Nathan said, and he walked me down to the hotel lobby. My dress was pretty thin, and it was freezing out there.

The driver was holding a suit jacket, and Nathan took it and handed it to me. "Here, put this on. Don’t want you catching a cold."

I suddenly remembered my own coat was stuffed in the trunk.

"Thanks, I’ll give it back to you another day,” I said gratefully, as I ducked into the car.

Nathan gave the driver a few instructions, then turned to me. "Let me know when you get home, alright?"

"I will!" I waved at him.

I glanced back at the building, its windows blazing with light, and finally felt like I could breathe easy.

When I got back to my apartment building, I slipped the driver a tip. He looked surprised and protested that Nathan had already paid, but I insisted, and he finally accepted it with a smile before driving off.

Hugging the suit jacket tighter around myself and carrying my own clothes, I turned and headed upstairs.

Elaine had texted me earlier, saying she wouldn’t be home tonight. She also said she wouldn’t tell Jared about me not coming home last night.

I was honestly touched. Elaine was definitely the kind of friend worth keeping around. At least she wasn’t into that whole “pick-me” or girl-vs-girl drama.

Plus, she’d told me more than once that the reason Jared and I were getting divorced was because he kept messing around with other women—totally unforgivable in her book.

And now, even after the divorce, he was still trying to stick his nose into my business. Honestly, that’s just shameless.

When I got home, I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the dress I was wearing. It was the first time I’d ever looked so dignified and glamorous, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with how dazzling it made me feel.

Deep down, every woman has a soft spot for those sparkly, show-stopping dresses. I was no exception.

Since it was still early, I didn’t bother changing out of it. I just settled onto the couch, still in my dress, and started reviewing what I needed for tomorrow’s class.

As I read, the light from above caught the diamond necklace around my neck, scattering colorful reflections everywhere—it was impossible not to notice.

After about half an hour, I rubbed my sore eyes, deciding it was time for a shower and some rest.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Jared just trusted Elaine to keep an eye on me, so he barely bothered to call. He’d only ask about me during those rare work video meetings, checking in like it was no big deal.

I’d share some photos with Yvonne from time to time, just to show her what life was like for me over here.

I put my book down, grabbed a hair clip, pulled my hair back and clipped it up, then headed for the shower.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

I froze, wondering if it was Nathan. Then it hit me—I hadn’t even texted him to let him know I got home safe.

I grabbed my phone and walked over to the door, looking outside. There was a familiar figure standing there.

It wasn’t Nathan after all—it was Edward.