CHAPTER ELEVEN

Stepping out of the car, she linked arms with her brother, dressed in a black long-sleeved outfit and heels from Zara collections.

With grace, she entered the exquisite dinner hall, where an unfamiliar yet sophisticated piano rhythm resonated.

"It's the launch of the Mondez shipping project. They only invited renowned brands," he explained.

She scoffed, "No wonder you're representing Daddy's company."

He made a face at her, exchanging pleasantries, occasionally involving her in the conversation.

However, her attention was captured when she gasped at the sight of Raymond, walking hand in hand with the elegant Sylvia Smith.

In that moment, it dawned on her – Sylvia Smith was Raymond's mother.

Observing the resemblance, she gasped, and to her surprise, Victor seemed acquainted with them, exchanging pleasantries.

Attempting to hide her identity from Raymond, she covered her face with her phone, but it was too late.

Raymond already knew that she was the one.

He moved to her. "Stalker, what are you doing here?". He said mischievously.

She smirked. "You are obviously the one stalking me".

Victor eagerly approached them, suggesting, "You two can have a dance together while I enjoy a dance with the elegant Sylvia Smith."

"Dance?" Raymond and Rosa exclaimed simultaneously.

Scanning the room, Rosa noticed every opposite-sex pair was forming for a dance.

A couple nearby nudged them, saying, "It's time for the courtesy dance. Position yourselves."

Rosa gasped as she locked eyes with Raymond.

Dance with Raymond?

The thought had never crossed her mind.

Besides, she only considered dancing with a humble man, not someone like Raymond that was so full of himself.

Despite her reservations, he mischievously reached out for her hand, catching her off guard.

Her heart raced, as she hadn't expected such a response from him.

"Can I have this dance, Rosaline Anderson?".

Observing everyone already engaged in dancing, she wondered why she had followed Victor to a dinner party featuring a courtesy dance – a concept entirely new to her.

During the dance, he placed his hand on her dress rather than her waist, while she positioned hers on his shoulder.

As they moved to the rhythm, her heart raced, necessitating a deep breath.

Raymond's face was uncomfortably close, his gaze penetrating hers.

It felt awkward; she hadn't scrutinized a man's face so closely before.

A sigh of relief escaped her as the courtesy dance concluded.

Swiftly, she exited the hall, opting to wait in the car and avoid Raymond, whom she perceived as a stalker.

Attempting to catch her breath in the car, she was taken aback when Victor approached with Raymond.

In a panic, she jumped to the backseat and pretended to sleep.

As Victor opened the backseat door, she clung to the seat, nearly losing her balance.

Victor gasped. "I thought you were at the ladies room, what are you doing here, Rosa?".

"I have cramps. I am trying to relax". She closed her eyes.

Victor was confused. "It just started?".

Raymond chuckled mischievously . "Yes. During the dance".

His mischievous tone irritated her.

"The dance was no big deal. You really think too high of yourself". She grit her teeth.

Victor chuckled and nudged Raymond. "I think my sister likes you ".

Laughter erupted from them, and in frustration, Rosa threw her bag at them, but it only fueled their amusement.

"It was my first time dancing with a man. That's why it felt awkward," she admitted, closing her eyes in embarrassment once again.

Victor shook his head incredulously. "What kind of sister do I have? Today she likes Joshua, tomorrow she likes Raymond. Who's next the day after tomorrow?"

"I don't like Raymond! He's not even my type. He's too full of himself and too tall. My neck hurt dancing with him," she retorted.

Laughter ensued again, but this time, she took off her left heel, prompting them to run away.

Amidst her preference for Joshua, she couldn't ignore the awkwardness she felt dancing with Raymond.

This new experience was unsettling; she hadn't seen him gaze at her like that before.

It pained her that, after nineteen years, she lacked the ability to conceal her emotions like she had done perfectly during her childhood .

In frustration, she let out a scream.