#Chapter 22: Duality

Celeste

The opulent ballroom swirled around me, a kaleidoscope of color, music, and laughter.

But at that moment, time felt suspended. Matt’s piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, hand outstretched. “May I have this dance?”

For a split second, my mind raced to find an answer, but my heart knew it had only one. “Of course,” I replied, allowing my fingers to slide into his strong grasp.

Matt's fingers curled around mine, his gaze piercing into my masked face, the world melting away into nothing but the two of us. The swell of the music rose, and as we moved to the rhythm, there was a palpable tension in the air.

His grip was firm, yet gentle, leading me effortlessly across the floor, our steps matching perfectly.

“I thought you said you weren’t coming,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What changed?”

I shrugged. “My mind changed,” I lied. “That’s all.”

“Well, I’m not complaining. I’m just happy to see you again.” He smirked, that familiar smirk I’d seen countless times. “You know,