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I’m amazed to see a lot of people already there. Jeffrey guides me until we reach a table. He pulls back a chair and allows me to sit before sitting beside me. I can’t help but admire the artistry of the decor.
“Is there anything else after this auction?” I ask.
“Not that I know of,” Jeffrey says, and I nod.
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this momentous occasion. I am well aware that we have all been eagerly anticipating this. To kickstart the auction, I’m delighted to introduce a very special guest among us. Please join me as I welcome Mr. Jeffrey Rowland,” the announcer declares, and applause fills the air. I give Jeffrey a questioning look, wondering if he knows about this, but he seems as surprised as I am. He becomes the center of attention as he stands.
“I’ll be right back,” he whispers before going to the podium. I join others by giving him a round of applause.
“Thank you, everyone. It’s an honor to be here among some of the brightest minds in society. I joined this orphan charity years ago because I understand the struggle of lacking life’s essentials. The moment I heard about it, I knew I had to be a part of it. I feel a deep connection with these children as they remind me of myself. I’m grateful that we’re all coming together to give them the hope they need.
As he gives his speech. I can feel the depth of his words. Maybe, because I know his story first-hand.
“All I can say is that we’ve started in a path of light, giving hope to the next generation. There is no greater legacy than this,” he says. The room falls silent before applause breaks out again.
I remember how Jeffrey used to talk about helping other orphans like himself. It brings tears to my eyes to see him fulfill that dream, even without me. He returns to my side, and I try to act as naturally as possible. I feel numb as the auction ends. The host announces the start of the party. Several people instantly flood the dance hall. For a moment, I imagine what it would be like to dance with Jeffrey.
“Phebe, would you come with me? I need to talk to some people,” he says.
“I need to use the restroom. Can I join you later?” He raises his eyebrows but thankfully doesn’t question my decision.
“Sure, whatever suits you,” he says.
“Okay,” I tell him before watching him leave. The waitress directs me to the restroom. I spend only a few minutes there before returning to the table.
I find Jeffrey engaged in a conversation with some group of men, so I decide not to interrupt. The dance hall is filled with a few couples.
“I never believed angels existed until today.”
I spin around in shock to find a good-looking man standing behind me.
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just that I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you since you entered the party with Rowland.”
I’m sure my cheeks are turning red by now. I’m speechless and unsure of what to say.
“Excuse my manners. My name is Dwayne, and you are?”
“Phebe,”
I reply breathlessly as I accept his extended hand. I gasp in surprise when he lifts my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it.
“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“It’s a pleasure meeting you. May I ask you for the next dance?”
“I don’t know how to dance.”
“Come on, it’s not that hard. Trust me to guide you through it.”
I watch Dwayne, feeling a bit uneasy, but he appears harmless and very cool. A simple dance won’t hurt.
“Okay,” I accept.
“Thank you. Shall we?”
I nod in response before he leads me to the center of the dance floor. The previous dance ends, and a new one starts. Dwayne gently embraces my back and leads me through the dance. He is a good dancer. I find myself gradually relaxing in his arms.
“Tell me, why it seemed like you were about to leave before I approached you?” he inquires, smiling.
