Elizabeth hesitated, feeling her status made it awkward to dance with Ivan. But Ivan had already spoken up, and everyone was watching. Some folks were even egging them on. This was Ivan’s scene, and if Elizabeth wanted to be polite, she couldn’t let him get embarrassed.

In the corner, some people watched with a grimace, while others looked annoyed, gripping their wine glasses as if they might break.

“Come on, dance with Mr. Shawn!”

“Yeah, he’s so sincere! Who’d turn down a guy like that?”

Everyone chimed in.

Elizabeth looked at Ivan for a moment and finally gave in. She raised her hand, her fingertips landing in Ivan’s palm. Ivan’s eyes lit up, and he instantly smiled like he’d just won a battle. Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh at his childishness. Is he really that easy to please? she thought.

Ivan and Alexander were worlds apart. Alexander was the type who’d keep his feelings to himself.

Ivan led Elizabeth to the center of the dance floor. A spotlight hit them, and Elizabeth’s makeup looked especially stunning today. Under the light, her eyelids and collarbones sparkled with fine glitter. She seemed even thinner than she had been just a few days ago.

When Ivan placed his hand on Elizabeth’s waist, he said, “You need to eat more.”

Elizabeth felt like she’d been worn down over the past six months. Her marriage with Alexander was a disaster. She was tormented and then divorced Alexander. She’d been hurt over and over.

The two months after her divorce were the worst; she was exhausted both physically and mentally. So it was easy to lose weight. Lately, Elizabeth had thrown herself into her work at the research institute, often skipping meals, and had gotten even thinner. Even when washing her hair, it fell out in clumps.

“I’ll eat well. I just had a big meal at the restaurant.” Elizabeth smiled at Ivan, interlocking her fingers with his.

Ivan nodded. “Good girl.”

Elizabeth chuckled, feeling genuinely happy. Are you trying to cheer me up?

“Why not?” Ivan tilted his head.

The people around them watched and commented on how sweet they looked together. With such a handsome guy and a beautiful woman, who wouldn’t want to take a few more glances?

The music in the hall was soothing, and Elizabeth and Ivan danced, others joining them on the dance floor. Elizabeth followed Ivan’s steps, completely in sync with his rhythm. Ivan, having spent many years abroad, was definitely more adept at socializing than most.

The music’s tempo picked up, and Elizabeth’s rhythm instantly matched it. From the previous slow pace, it suddenly turned into a cha-cha. Elizabeth was caught off guard. Everyone was surprised for a moment but quickly got back into the dance. Luckily, Elizabeth had learned the cha-cha as a kid; otherwise, she would’ve been embarrassed today.

Elizabeth remembered her childhood being pretty tough. She had to learn everything, whether she liked it or not.