Chapter 2: Dancing Together

The two stepped onto the dance floor and Edward gently wrapped his arm around Alicia's waist, her hand on his shoulder. In time with the music, they began to spin gracefully.

"Remember when we were little and learnt to dance in your back garden?" Edward asked softly, a nostalgic glint in his eyes.

Alicia laughed, "How could I forget? You were always stepping on my feet back then, and we were both as clumsy as two little bears."

Edward smiled back, "It seems we've both improved a lot."

They danced on the dance floor as if they were back in those carefree childhood days. Alicia felt a long-lost sense of camaraderie and warmth, and she found herself enjoying this wonderful moment of reunion.

However, this beautiful moment was soon interrupted. A brightly dressed young woman suddenly appeared beside them and said in a shrill voice, "Edward, so there you are! I've been looking for you for ages."

Alicia recognised the woman as Edward's cousin, Sophia Hart. Sophia had always had a soft spot for Edward and had looked at Alethea with disdain since she was a child.

Edward frowned, "Sophia, I'm dancing with Alicia."

Sophia bristled in disbelief, "Oh really? I thought you were just fulfilling a little social obligation. After all, Alicia's status right now ......" She deliberately trailed off, a glint of malice in her eyes.

Alicia felt a tingle, knowing that Sophia was alluding to the decline of her family's status.

Edward's expression became serious, "Sophia, please watch your words. Alicia is my best friend."

Sophia said reluctantly, "But Edward, you should be with someone more suited to your status. Someone like Alicia is now unworthy..."

Before she could finish her words, she was coldly interrupted by Edward, "Enough, Sophia. Your behaviour is unbecoming. Please leave immediately, or I will call security to handle this matter."

Sophia paled, unable to believe that Edward would speak to her like this for Alicia. She gave Alicia a vicious glare before turning and leaving the dance floor.

Edward turned to Alethea with an apologetic look in his eyes, "I'm sorry, Alethea. Sophia she..."

Alicia shook her head and forced a smile, "It's okay, I understand. Thank you for speaking up for me, Edward. You've been a great friend."

A flicker of loss flashed in Edward's eyes, but it was quickly masked. He smiled and said, "That's the way it should be. Let's keep dancing."

And with that, they settled into the melody of the dance floor once again. Alicia felt the warmth of a long-lost friendship, and she was grateful to have a good friend like Edward. Edward, on the other hand, sighed in his heart; he knew that his feelings for Alicia were much more than friendship, but he also understood that now was probably not the best time to reveal his heart.

The music faded to a halt and Edward gently let go of Alicia, but still held her hand. He looked deeply into her eyes and whispered, "Alicia, I'm so happy to see you again."

Alicia smiled sincerely, "Me too, Edward. I am so happy to be reunited with you."

After the dance ended, Edward gently let go of Alicia's hand and said gently, "It's a little stuffy on the dance floor, shall we go out on the balcony to get some air?"

Alicia nodded and smiled, "Sure, just what I need to take a break."

The two made their way through the bustling crowd to the balcony of the ballroom. Alicia felt a rush of refreshment as the cool night air brushed against her cheeks. She took a deep breath and let the fresh air fill her lungs, as if to sweep away the dry heat of the party on the dance floor.

The balcony was adorned with elegant flowers and vines that looked stunning in the soft light. In the distance, the city was lit up, the stars shining like diamonds scattered across the velvety night sky.

Edward leaned against the railing of the balcony and looked at Alicia with soft eyes. The moonlight splashed on her face, adding a layer of hazy beauty to her. He couldn't help but say, "Alicia, you really look beautiful tonight."

Alicia smiled and turned to him, "Thank you, Edward. You're also very handsome tonight." She paused, then continued, "Honestly, I'm glad I met you tonight. Over the years, I've often thought about our days as children."

Edward's eyes flashed with joy, "Me too. Those days are some of my most cherished memories." He paused for a moment, as if organising his words, "Alicia, I've been meaning to ask you, how have you been doing all these years? I heard that after your father's death, the family has encountered some difficulties ......"

Alysia's expression was slightly bleak, but she quickly regained her composure. She said softly, "It is true that we have encountered some problems. After father's death, there were disputes over some of our family's assets, coupled with some unsuspecting people taking advantage of the opportunity to drop stones, the situation was once very bad."

Edward asked with concern, "What about now? Has the situation improved?"

Alicia smiled faintly, "Fortunately, my mother and I have been working hard all these years. It's not as good as it used to be, but we've made it through the toughest times. I've just recently inherited shares in the company and will be attending company meetings in a few days as the ceo of the Stewart Group."

Edward admired her, "Alicia, you are so strong. I've always believed in your ability to get through this. If you need any help, please do let me know."

Alicia looked at him gratefully, "Thank you, Edward. You've been a great friend."

At the word 'friend', a hint of loss flashed in Edward's eyes, but he quickly hid it. He changed the topic and said, "By the way, do you remember the tree we planted in the back garden of your house when we were kids?"

Alicia's eyes lit up, "Of course I remember! That cherry tree! We promised to taste our first cherry together when it bore fruit."

Edward smiled, "I didn't think you remembered. I actually went back a while ago to see it, and that tree is now very tall and full of beautiful cherry blossoms every spring."

Alicia said in surprise, "Really? I wish I could see it again."

Edward hesitated for a moment, then plucked up the courage to say, "If you have the time, maybe we could go see it together? Think of it as reliving some childhood memories."

Alicia smiled and nodded, "Yeah, we'll definitely go see it when we have the chance."

The two were lost in their memories, and neither spoke for a while. A gentle breeze brought the faint scent of flowers from the garden.

After a while, Edward said softly, "Alicia, I'm so happy to have met you tonight. All these years, I have been..."

Just then, a waiter came out onto the balcony and respectfully said to Alicia, "Miss Stewart, your mother is looking for you."

Alicia looked at Edward somewhat apologetically, "I'm sorry Edward, I have to go see what my mother wants."

Edward nodded, "That's okay, go ahead. Call me anytime if you need me."

Alicia smiled gratefully before following the attendant off the balcony. Edward looked at her departing back, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He sighed deeply and turned to look at the distant night scene, his mind filled with thoughts.