After fully dressing up, Myra went downstairs in her elegant cream gown. The moment she appeared, the guests all turned their attention toward her.
A soft wave of admiration moved through the crowd. She looked stunning graceful, radiant, and effortlessly the center of attention.
For a moment, she was not just a guest in the room; she was the moment itself.
She smiled gently at the guests as she descended the stairs, holding her gown carefully as she moved.
Raymond stepped closer to Cissy, both of them dressed smartly and proudly. He then took a microphone and addressed the guests.
"Let's welcome my daughter, Myra, back."
The room erupted into applause.
Myra smiled warmly, acknowledging everyone as she slowly walked down into the hall.
At that moment, Captain Dan stepped forward. He was young, handsome, and confident and more importantly, he had been Myra's childhood friend, a bond that had lasted through the years.
He offered her his hand.
Myra accepted it, and together they walked through the guests. People greeted her warmly, expressing gratitude that she was safe and back.
She nodded politely, exchanging smiles and brief greetings as she moved through the crowd.
Soon she joined Raymond and Cissy, both of whom looked deeply happy to have her back.
The guests moved around freely, taking drinks and enjoying the beautifully arranged food. Soft music played in the background, setting a calm and elegant atmosphere.
Myra noticed her friends Tina, Katrina, and Brian already present and mingling. Only Leo and Barbara had not yet arrived.
After a while, she took a seat.
It was then that Leo entered.
He walked in quietly, composed as always, with Barbara beside him. She was dressed in a stunning black shimmering gown that suited her perfectly.
Leo wore a sharp black suit, calm and unreadable as usual. Together, they drew attention as they entered.
Myra noticed them immediately but quickly forced herself to remain composed. She turned her focus back to the guests around her, acting as though nothing had caught her attention.
Leo, as always, was reserved and silent. Even after taking a seat beside Barbara, he barely spoke, observing the room rather than engaging in it.
The party continued smoothly until Raymond stepped forward once again, holding a glass in his hand. The room gradually quieted.
He began his speech, speaking about Myra and what had happened weeks earlier.
"This is my daughter. I'm sure you all know what happened a few weeks ago. My daughter was kidnapped and missing for over five days. It was a time of great fear for all of us, but today we are here to celebrate her safe return."
He paused, his voice filled with gratitude.
"I would also like to appreciate everyone who worked tirelessly to bring her back safely especially the officers and all well-wishers who stood by us."
He raised his glass.
"For Myra."
The guests lifted their glasses and toasted in unison. Leo remained quiet, his expression unreadable as he took his drink without much reaction.
Slow music resumed, and the dance floor was opened.
Raymond immediately approached Myra and extended his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
She nodded and accepted. They moved to the dance floor together, dancing slowly as guests watched.
She appeared happy, relaxed in her father's arms as they moved gently to the music.
Soon, other couples joined in, and the dance floor became lively.
Barbara then turned to Leo.
"Would you like to dance?"
Leo shook his head slightly.
"I'm not really a person of dancing, you know."
But Barbara stood up, taking his hand anyway.
"Come on. Let's go have fun. There's a lot to celebrate Myra's promotion, her safe return… everything."
Reluctantly, Leo stood and followed her to the dance floor.
Myra continued dancing with her father for a while before switching partners. Raymond guided her out of the dance, and she found herself momentarily alone before Captain Dan approached her again.
"May I?"
She agreed, and they began dancing.
As they moved, Leo and Myra briefly locked eyes across the floor. Both quickly looked away, each focusing on their respective partners.
Captain Dan noticed the subtle tension.
"By the way, Myra, how was your experience with Leo?"
"He was a very good bodyguard. He did his job well."
"That's good. It's what he was trained for."
They continued dancing slowly.
"Do you remember when we were young, when we used to dance like this?"
Myra gave a soft smile.
"Yes, I remember."
"We should do this more often. Attend parties, enjoy moments like this."
She laughed lightly.
"No problem with that."
Elsewhere, Barbara danced with Leo, but something about him still felt distant. He was physically present, but emotionally far away, as though his thoughts were elsewhere entirely.
As the dance continued, the tradition of partner switching began.
On the first switch, Barbara found herself in Brian's arms. Leo ended up with another guest. Myra also changed partners and danced briefly with another man.
On the next switch, Myra found herself dancing with the Chief Commissioner. Barbara ended up with Captain Dan, while Leo again changed partners.
While dancing with the Chief Commissioner, Myra smiled politely as he spoke.
"It's truly good to celebrate you like this today. You look very beautiful."
"Thank you," she replied softly.
"We are grateful we were able to play our part in rescuing you."
"I'm also grateful," she said sincerely.
As the next switch happened, everything changed again.
This time, Myra found herself in Leo's arms.
The music continued, but for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to stopped. Their eyes met, and neither of them spoke.
It felt different.
Uncomfortable.
Unfinished.
They simply stared at each other while others continued dancing around them.
From a distance, Barbara noticed immediately. Katrina also observed the shift in atmosphere, sensing the tension between them.
Without a word, Myra gently stepped back.
"I think I need to use the washroom."
She left the dance floor, walking away quickly.
Seeing that, Barbara moved toward Leo.
"Are you okay?"
Leo nodded slightly.
"I think I'll go outside for some fresh air."
He turned and walked away.
As he moved through the corridor toward the exit, he unexpectedly met Raymond on the way.
Raymond looked at him closely.
Raymond, noticing Leo in the corridor, immediately brightened with excitement.
"Oh, Leo! Nice to meet you again."
Leo stopped and respectfully bowed his head in greeting.
"Good evening, sir."
Raymond waved him closer, his tone warm and proud.
" Cissy , come here."
Cece approached with a gentle smile.
"Meet Leo," Raymond said. "He was the detective on the case… the one who managed to rescue Myra from the kidnappers."
Cece's face softened with appreciation as she looked at Leo.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for saving her."
Leo bowed slightly again.
"Thank you, ma'am."
At that moment, his eyes briefly drifted past them. He noticed Myra still walking away in the distance. Something in him shifted, as if he wanted to say something or follow her, but he restrained himself.
Raymond continued speaking, his voice filled with gratitude.
"I must truly thank you for the great work you did. And congratulations on your promotion as well."
Leo nodded respectfully.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Walker."
Raymond smiled and stepped back.
"Alright then, I'll let you enjoy the evening."
Leo gave a polite nod and excused himself.
——-
Myra, however, had not gone to the washroom as she had claimed. Instead, she had stepped outside and walked toward the swimming pool area. The night air was calm, but her thoughts were not.
She sat down slowly near the pool, staring into the water as it reflected the soft lights from the mansion. Her mind was restless and tangled.
She did not understand what to do about Leo.
She did not understand what to say to him.
She did not even understand how to act when he was near.
Her feelings were pulling her in different directions at once. She loved him, but he did not love her. At least, that's what she kept telling herself.
And then there was Barbara.
She wanted that relationship to survive. She wanted Barbara to be happy. She wanted Leo to move on and live his life well.
But deep down, everything still felt unresolved. The confusion, the unanswered emotions, the moments they had shared it all pressed heavily on her heart.
She lowered her gaze, overwhelmed.
A few moments later, footsteps approached.
Leo appeared.
Myra immediately stood up, her expression tightening as she turned toward him.
Her face turned cold.
"What are you doing here?"