In Place of Losing My Memory, I Remembered That I Was the Fiancée of the Capture Target - Chapter 3.11
After the principal and student council president’s greetings, the dance begins.
I was led to the dance floor by Patrick, who had returned.
“Um… I haven’t improved much since then. Even today, when I practiced at home, I kept stepping on Theodore’s feet…”
Patrick and I had practiced dancing several times. He was very good at leading, but I still stumbled.
“It’s okay, Xia. I know your habits. Don’t worry and leave it to me.”
With a reassuring smile, Patrick started to step.
Indeed, Patrick’s lead was stable and easy to dance with. However, unlike practicing at home with Patrick, I felt nervous dancing in front of a crowd, which led to mistakes and near-trips.
Each time, Patrick supported me.
“I finally got to dance with you, Xia.”
Patrick’s eyes narrowed happily.
“I’ve always wanted to dance with you at a ball like this.”
“…I’m sorry…”
He had avoided it last year under the pretext of being in the student council. That’s what I was told during practice. He spoke with a tone of regret… But it was me who had made Patrick being like that.
“I’d like to dance with only you today if possible.”
“…I’m sorry, I made a promise to dance with His Highness…”
“———Come to think of it, you always danced with His Highness.”
Muttering, Patrick pulled me closer as if embracing me.
“I could only watch you and His Highness dance.”
“Rick…”
“…If I can’t have you all to myself, would you at least dance with me for two songs in a row?”
“…Yes.”
Being able to dance consecutively with the same partner in such a setting was reserved for special partners. At this moment, I had no reason to refuse.
The second song had a slower tempo, so I was able to enjoy dancing.
Once the second song ended, the prince promptly approached.
“Mr. President, I’ll borrow Alexia.”
“…Of course.”
I don’t know why, but the air between them seemed heavy.
“Alexia, give me your hand.”
Taking the offered hand, the prince headed straight to the center of the dance floor.
— That’s the most conspicuous place, isn’t it?
“Look over there.”
As the music began and we started to dance smoothly, the prince smiled and glanced outside.
There, I could see Rebecca and Liam. They seemed to be heading to the balcony.
…The balcony was a classic spot for couples to be alone…
“I didn’t expect Liam to be so proactive.”
Saying that, the prince’s expression turned serious.
“Do you know how Miss Stephany feels about Liam? I’m worried that his behavior might be misunderstood.”
“…Well, I think she seems to view him favorably.”
“That’s good. Then Liam needs to try harder.”
The prince smiled again.
“…You seem to care about Liam, Your Highness.”
“He’s been my friend since we were young. I just want him to be happy.”
———Rebecca said the prince’s gaze on me was gentle, but… I also think the prince’s gaze on Liam is kind.
He must be kind to me because he’s known me since I was a child.
Yes, surely the prince is kind to his family.
“It’s fun to dance with you, Alexia.”
As he spun me around, the prince said.
“…I’m sorry for being so bad at it…”
“You’re not bad at all.”
Although he said that… I’m sure he thinks I’m absolutely terrible.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re good or bad.”
He held me as we turned.
“I can only touch you like this confidently when we’re dancing.”
In his eyes, there seemed to be… a hint of warmth.
…Do I… know these eyes?
“Xia. Have you remembered it?”
“…No, I’m sorry…”
“You know how I feel every time I see you getting along with that fiancée of yours, right?”
?Could it be that the prince’s first love is Alexia??
Rebecca’s words come back to me.
The prince’s first love, whom he could never forget.
Could it be… me?
Is he concerned about me not because I’m his cousin but…?
If that’s the case———
“…Ah, it’s over.”
As the music stopped, the prince reluctantly let go of me.