From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

“Both fine, just minor scrapes. Chris shook his head. “But now the guy who got landed on takes a detour whenever he sees the sleeper, muttering about ‘disasters falling from the sky.””

Scarlett giggled beside us. “Chris, you always exaggerate everything.”

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“It’s true!” Chris raised his hand in mock oath. “I’m starting to think this is some new way of making friends. Maybe I should write a book – How to Meet People Through Workplace Accidents.”

I burst out laughing. “You’re really funny.”

“Of course, humor is my only redeeming quality.” Chris joked. “Other than that, I’m completely useless.”

“Stop being modest.” Scarlett rolled her eyes. “You forgot to mention your eight-pack.”

“Scarlett!” I swatted at her.

Chris laughed too. “Looks like someone’s been sharing my secrets.”

Just then, beautiful waltz music started playing from the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance?” Chris stood and offered me his hand. “I promise not to let you fall from the sky.”

I hesitated. “I… I don’t know how to dance.”

“No problem, I can teach you.” Chris encouraged. “This song is simple.”

I glanced at Scarlett, who was frantically winking at me.

“Okay, but if I step on your feet, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I accepted his invitation.

Chris led me to a relatively empty corner of the dance floor.

“First, put your hand on my shoulder.” Chris patiently instructed. “Right, like that. Then I put my hand on your waist, and we hold

our other hands together.”

‘Now what?”

“Follow the music’s beat. Left foot first, one-two-three, one-two-three…”

I clumsily followed his rhythm but quickly stepped on his foot.

“Sorry!” I apologized immediately.

“It’s fine, totally normal. Chris didn’t seem bothered. “Try again, but this time don’t look at your feet – look into my eyes.”

‘Look at your eyes?”

“Trust me, it’ll help you find the rhythm.”

I looked up into his green eyes and felt slightly better. But after a few steps, I stepped on him again.

“I really can’t do this.” I said, frustrated.

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Chapter 173

“Wait, I have an idea. Chris stopped. “Put your feet on top of mine.”

“What? Won’t that be too heavy?”

“You know what’s most important between dance partners? Trust. I trust that your weight won’t break my feet, and you need to trust that I’m strong enough to support you. Chris smiled. “Come on, give it a try.”

I carefully placed the balls of my feet on his shoes, avoiding digging my heels into his feet. Chris really did start dancing, moving slowly so I wouldn’t lose my balance.

“How does it feel?

“Amazing!” I said excitedly. “I feel like I can actually dance!”

“You always could you just needed to find the rhythm.” Chris said gently. “Now try on your own. I’ll guide you.”

I carefully stepped back onto the floor, and this time, following his lead, I actually didn’t step on him.

“I did it!” I was as excited as a child.

“I told you you could.” Chris looked even happier than me.

Just as I was getting lost in the joy of dancing, I suddenly lost my footing and started falling backward. Chris quickly caught my waist and pulled me back into his arms.

For that instant, our faces were very close, and I could feel his breath. Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

“You okay?” Chris asked gently, not immediately letting me go.

“I… I’m fine.” I immediately straightened up.

I stood up from Chris’s arms, trying to steady myself after that near-fall. The music was still playing, couples still swaying around us, but something felt different. Then suddenly-

Everything went black.

“What’s happening? Is there a power outage?”

‘I need to find Scarlett. She’s alone over there somewhere…” I started to move away, but a gentle hand caught mine.

“Wait, Sable. It’s okay.”

“But it’s so dark! What if someone falls?” I tried to step toward where I thought Scarlett might be sitting. “I need to find Scarlett. She’s alone over there and-”

“Trust me.” His voice carried a hint of amusement. “This isn’t an accident.”

I froze. “What do you mean?”

Chris moved closer, his breath warm against my ear. “This is tonight’s special event.”

“Special event?” My brain struggled to catch up. “What kind of special event?”

“Think about it.” I could practically hear his grin. “This is a singles mixer, right?”

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Chapter 173

Oh.

“So…” My face heated up as understanding dawned. “You mean they’re letting people…”

“Exactly.” Chris chuckled softly. “Five minutes of romantic darkness for anyone who wants to… get closer.”

“Are you kidding me? That’s so…” I searched for the right word. “Direct!”

“Look around if you don’t believe me.”

My eyes had started adjusting to the darkness. Soft night lights glowed in the corners to prevent accidents, casting everything in a warm, dim glow. And everywhere I looked…

Holy shit.

Couples were making out. Everywhere. The pair who’d been waltzing near us were locked in a passionate embrace. Someone giggled softly to my left. The sound of lips meeting lips filled the air.

“Oh my god, you’re right. They’re all…” I whispered, stunned.

“Now do you believe me?”

The atmosphere had shifted completely. What had been a polite dance floor was now filled with intimate moments and soft sighs.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening.” I felt like I was in some alternate reality.

Chris’s hands settled gently on my waist. “Are you uncomfortable? We can just wait it out if you want.”

Something in his consideration made me relax slightly. “It’s just… I don’t usually go to events like this.”

“Neither do I, actually.”

His admission surprised me. “I thought you were experienced with this kind of thing.”

“Me? God, no.” A nervous laugh escaped from him. “Well, that makes two of us then.” His voice grew softer. “To be honest, I only came tonight because… well, because I was hoping to meet you.”

The honesty in his words caught me off guard. I looked up at him through the dim lighting, seeing something genuine in his eyes.

He stepped closer. “Sable, I…”

“Can I kiss you?”

Just as I opened my mouth to respond-

The lights blazed on.

The sudden brightness made both of us squint and step apart. Around us, groans of disappointment filled the air.

“Seriously? That was like thirty seconds!”

“We barely got started!”

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12:02 Fri, 22 Aug PM.

From Substitute To Queen