Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 567: The sofa had been pushed aside, clearing a wide space in the middle. The floor shone, spotless and bright under the glow. Golden strands hung from the ceiling, dotted with tiny stars, like a galaxy floating just above her head. Maia's heart skipped a beat. Before she could even grasp what was going on, a figure stepped out from the far side of the room. It was Chris. He wore a sharp white suit, tailored just right to fit his broad shoulders and lean build. His usual casual, easygoing vibe was nowhere to be seen.

Tonight, he carried himself with a quiet grace, like a gentleman from a timeless portrait. Chris gave a slight bow, his eyes warm and shining like a sky full of stars. His voice was deep and captivating when he said, "Happy birthday, my love." Every move was smooth, his words polished, like he'd practiced this moment over and over. Maia stood there, stunned. She had told herself that Chris didn't care about her birthday. She never dreamed that he'd pull off something this grand.

The disappointment that had weighed on her heart melted away, swept aside by a flood of feelings that she couldn't quite put into words. Before she could even collect her thoughts, Chris was right there in front of her. His long lashes fluttered like wings of a raven, and his eyes held the gentle warmth of spring's first thaw, full of care. He reached out his hand, palm open, and with a slight tilt of his head, asked, "May I have the honor of a dance?" Maia hesitated, still stunned by the surprise. But moved by the effort he'd made, she slipped her hand into his.

: gⱯν⩸ His hand felt warm and steady, giving off a quiet strength that settled her nerves. Right then, music started playing - a tune she knew well. It was a classical waltz. The melody drifted through the room like a soft, flowing river. Chris moved with flawless grace. His timing was steady, every step clear and exact, without a trace of doubt or clumsiness. He led her smoothly, guiding her through spins, forward steps, and steps backward. His hand on her waist was firm but gentle, perfectly syncing with her motions.

For the first time, Maia managed to dance without tripping, even though she wasn't very good at it. His breath was gentle, carrying hints of mint and cedar, wrapping around her like a soft hug. Every step close, every spin, every quick look made her heart race, throwing off her rhythm. It seemed like they weren't gliding across the floor but drifting on a hidden cloud. They moved perfectly in sync, their eyes and steps matching, as if this dance had been meant for them from the start. As the last note of the waltz drifted away, they held their final pose, frozen in time.

Maia stayed wrapped in Chris' arms, their fingers laced together, faces just a breath apart. Then... Click! A gentle noise came from close by. Maia turned instinctively and spotted a Polaroid camera on the coffee table, slowly ejecting a fresh snapshot. . . .