Chapter 7

Halfway through the celebration, Caroline and Oliver announced that they were getting married.

Only then did Sheldon realize that the party wasn't just for her birthday. It was an engagement party, too.

The room erupted in applause as guests called out their congratulations.

Sheldon sat alone in a corner and watched them kiss, all smiles. Yet, it didn't stir a thing in him.

When the couple began making their rounds, Oliver approached with Caroline on his arm. He raised his glass with a smile and said, "Mr. Graham, you and Caroline go way back. Would you be my best man?"

"Sorry. I have plans that day. I won't be able to make it."

Caroline's expression darkened at his blunt refusal. She shot him a cold look and said sharply, "It doesn't matter whether you come or not. Just send a gift."

Sheldon nodded slightly.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to give you a very generous wedding gift," he replied evenly.

He sounded so sincere that anyone would have thought he meant it.

Caroline thought back to what Sheldon had said at the store a few days earlier, and something shifted in her expression.

Just then, upbeat music started playing.

With nothing else to say, Caroline took Oliver's hand and led him onto the dance floor. The spotlight followed them as they glided across the dance floor, light and graceful as butterflies.

Seeing how in love they looked, the guests exchanged envious glances and offered compliments.

"They're such a good-looking couple!" one exclaimed. "They seem perfect for each other. But they've only been dating for a month, and they're already engaged? Isn't that a bit rushed?"

Another answered, "What do you know? Ms. Reed's been in love with Mr. Campbell for years. Now that she's finally got him, of course she wants to get engaged and make it official."

Sheldon leaned back on the couch and watched them quietly, his thoughts in turmoil.

He'd been the one to teach Caroline ballroom dancing. Back then, they couldn't quite get their steps in sync, and she kept stepping on his feet in her high heels.

Caroline, who was usually so impatient, never got discouraged. Instead, she'd flash Sheldon a mischievous grin and lean in to whisper, "Every time I step on your foot, I owe you a kiss."

By the end of the day, he had taught her to dance. His feet were covered in bruises, and her kisses had left his lips swollen.

He'd thought she liked him, too. He'd even believed he was the closest thing she had to a boyfriend.

But when Oliver returned, Sheldon saw for himself how Caroline tried to win him over. Only then did he realize how foolish he'd been to think she might love him.

Sheldon was lost in thought when a woman approached. Then she leaned in and asked him to dance.

He hadn't wanted to dance, but she kept insisting. With everyone else out on the floor, he didn't want to be the one to spoil the fun. So, he agreed.

Surprisingly, they fell into step with each other almost at once, swaying to the slow music.

There was something quietly captivating about the woman. Little by little, Sheldon relaxed and became absorbed in the dance.

For the first time all evening, Caroline saw Sheldon smile. Her face fell at once.

Irritation was written all over her face, and her gaze kept returning to Sheldon. As a result, she missed the beat several times.

Oliver noticed she was distracted. He glanced sideways in the direction she was looking, and something flickered in his eyes.

When the music changed, everyone on the dance floor switched partners.

Sheldon paused when he realized he was holding Caroline's hand, then lowered his gaze.

They had barely finished their turn when the chandelier above them suddenly gave way and came crashing down.

Caroline instinctively let go of Sheldon's hand and rushed to protect Oliver, pulling him out of harm's way.

Sheldon was left standing where he was, struggling to regain his balance.

The chandelier came down beside him. It grazed his shoulder and cut a long gash into his hand. Blood gushed out, staining his white suit red in an instant.

Pain surged through him, and he cried out. The color drained from his face.

A short distance away, Caroline held Oliver close, murmuring reassurances as she hurried him away. She never once glanced at Sheldon.