My Bratty Wife
Chapter 69 - Sixty Nine

Chapter 69: Chapter Sixty Nine

The ballroom was a spectacle of opulence and refinement. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow on the polished dance floor, their light dancing on the swirling gowns and tailored suits of the assembled guests. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the faint tang of champagne. A live orchestra, stationed on a raised platform, filled the room with the enchanting strains of a waltz.

Suzy and Ryan joined the throng of dancers, their movements a perfect blend of grace and control. As their bodies moved in rhythm to the music, Ryan found himself drawn to the emerald gown she wore. It was a shade of green he had never seen before, rich and vibrant, like a jewel unearthed from the depths of the earth.

"This dress," he murmured, his voice low, "it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. It suits you."

Suzy, taken aback by his unexpected compliment, raised an eyebrow. "Really?" she replied, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "You, the man who usually has a critique for everything I wear, is complimenting my dress?"

Ryan paused, taken aback by her unexpected retort. He was used to her outspoken nature and her sudden sharpness caught him off guard. He decided to ignore her comment and continue dancing.

Suzy smirked. "Well, I’m flattered, Your Grace," she replied, a touch of sarcasm in her voice. "But I’m more accustomed to your lectures on proper attire."

Ignoring her sarcasm, his gaze lingered on her face, taking in the delicate features, the sparkling eyes, and the hint of mischief that always seemed to lurk just beneath the surface. He always felt a strange pull towards her, a magnetic attraction that defied logic.

Couples waltzed to the gentle melody, their steps graceful and synchronized. The chandeliers, ablaze with light, cast flickering shadows on the polished floor, creating a magical atmosphere.

Suzy and Ryan, lost in their own world, danced in perfect harmony. The rhythm of the music seemed to echo in their hearts, creating a connection that went beyond the physical act of dancing. Ryan felt a sense of peace, a tranquility he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

But amidst this blissful moment, a flicker of unease crossed Ryan’s mind. He was falling into a dangerous rhythm, a pattern of attraction that was both exhilarating and terrifying. He was drawn to Suzy, inexorably pulled towards her, but he knew that indulging in his feelings could lead to disaster.

He tightened his grip on her waist, a silent plea for control. Suzy, sensing his change in demeanor, tilted her head in question. Their eyes met, a silent conversation passing between them.

The music swelled, reaching a crescendo before fading into a gentle melody. The dancers slowed their movements, the rhythm of the waltz fading into the background. Suzy and Ryan, their foreheads almost touching, stood motionless for a moment, their breath mingling in the still air.

Then, with a forced smile, Ryan took a step back. "Thank you for the dance, Duchess," he said, his voice barely a whisper. He turned away, his back to her, his heart pounding in his chest.

Suzy watched him retreat. She couldn’t understand the sudden change in his demeanor. One moment, he’s nice and caring, and the next, he was pulling away, going back to his usual demeanor. It was as if he was fighting against something, a battle raging within him that she couldn’t comprehend.

She turned her attention to the crowd. It was time to fulfill her role as hostess. With a renewed sense of purpose, she began to circulate among the guests, greeting old family friends and making new acquaintances.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for familiar faces. And then she saw her, standing in a cluster of giggling young ladies – Cassandra’s half sister, Isabella. A wave of affection washed over Suzy as she made her way through the crowd towards Isabella.

Isabella, a vision of youthful beauty in a pale pink gown, spotted Suzy almost immediately. Her face lit up with joy, and she broke free from her companions, rushing towards her older sister.

"Cassandra!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her sister in a tight hug. "You look absolutely stunning!"

Suzy returned the hug, ruffling Isabella’s already messy hair. "You look beautiful too, little one," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.

"You look more stunning," Isabella replied, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Everyone’s talking about your dress."

Suzy chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, little sister."

Isabella giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But it’s true! You look like a princess."

Isabella continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can you believe it? I’m finally old enough to attend the Carleton Ball!"

Suzy chuckled. "I know, darling. You are growing up so fast."

Isabella giggled. "I’m not that young anymore, Cassandra!" she protested playfully.

Suzy raised an eyebrow. "Five years younger than me, last time I checked," she teased.

Isabella stuck out her tongue, her laughter ringing through the air. "Mean!" she accused, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.

As they chatted, Suzy noticed Isabella’s parents standing near the refreshment table.

After a few moments of sisterly affection, Suzy noticed a hint of worry in Isabella’s eyes. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft.

Isabella hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Mama and Papa are over there," she said, pointing towards the far end of the room. "I wanted you to meet them. You should go say hello."

Suzy’s smile faltered. She knew Cassandra’s parents were here, but the thought of facing them filled her with a mix of dread and anger. "Maybe later, Isabella," she said, her voice gentle. "I’m a bit busy right now."

Sensing her hesitation, Isabella took her hand. "Please, Cassandra," she pleaded, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and worry. Her lower lip trembled slightly. "Cassandra..." she began, her voice filled with disappointment.

Suzy squeezed Isabella’s hand gently. "I know, little one," she replied softly. " I’m sure they aren’t even expecting to see me. Besides that I’m busy with the other guests."

Isabella’s smile faltered, but she nodded understandingly. "Okay," she said, her voice small. "But please, try to forgive them someday."

Suzy bent down and kissed her forehead. "I know, Isabella," she said. "You know, you are still so innocent for this cruel world." Suzy gave Isabella a reassuring smile. "When you’re older you will understand certain things," she said, squeezing Isabella’s hand one last time. "Now go and enjoy yourself. This is your night too."

As Isabella turned to rejoin her friends, Suzy watched Isabella with a mixture of pride and protectiveness. Isabella was a ray of sunshine in Cassandra’s often troubled family.

She turned her attention back to her duties as hostess, moving through the crowd with a renewed sense of purpose. She greeted guests, made introductions, and ensured that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Feeling a wave of exhaustion, she decided to retire to her chambers for a brief respite before re-joining the festivities. As she made her way through the bustling corridors, her steps slowed as she passed Ryan’s study. An odd sound, a hushed conversation, drifted through the slightly ajar door.

Curiosity piqued, Suzy paused, her hand hovering over the ornate doorknob. The voices were muffled, but she could make out a woman’s voice, its tone laced with a familiarity that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Long time no see," the woman purred, her voice smooth as velvet. "How are you, my love?"

The words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the ballroom. Suzy’s heart pounded in her chest as she strained to hear more. Who was this woman? What was her connection to Ryan? And why did the familiar cadence of that voice send a chill down her spine?

She pressed her hand against the door, the cool wood a grounding presence in the face of the unsettling scene unfolding within.

Questions raced through Suzy’s mind, fueling a growing sense of unease. She couldn’t ignore the strange undercurrent of the conversation, a tension that seemed to crackle in the air like static electricity.

Her grip tightened on the doorknob. She had to know what was happening inside that room. But as she was about to push the door open, a flicker of doubt held her back. What if she walked in on something she wasn’t meant to see?

The decision was taken out of her hands as she heard a familiar voice, turning her head revealing the figure of a young woman coming towards her. It was Doris, her face a mask of concern. "Milady, there you are," he said, relief evident in his voice. "I was told that you were going to your chamber for a respite but I didn’t see you."

Suzy, startled by the interruption,faced Doris, her mind still reeling from the conversation she had overheard. "I was just about to get there," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Doris nodded, her eyes flickering with concern. "You look pale," she said, her hand reaching out to touch her arm. "Are you alright?"

Suzy forced a smile, brushing off her concern. "I’m fine, Doris," she assured her. "Just a bit tired, that’s all."

With a final glance at the closed study door, Suzy turned and followed Doris, leaving the mystery of the conversation behind. But the lingering echo of the woman’s voice, the undercurrent of intimacy, continued to haunt her, a puzzle she was desperate to unravel.