Chapter 17: Bridal Dance (2)

Shelby only spared a glance at her brother-in-law, without giving any thoughts away by remaining expressionless. A few of the guests caught Brad's exaggerated gasp because they were already looking in that direction, but no one understood and brushed it aside.

'What is wrong with Brad Thornston?' A few thought, while others felt like he was being his usual dramatic self.

"I am a Gemini, and I make the most of every situation I am in. I might as well enjoy myself today. After all, it's my wedding! No matter how unconventional it is!" Shelby muttered to herself and walked boldly to the dancefloor amid the growing pitiful glances thrown at her.

She tuned everyone out, and as if on cue, most of the floating lights drifted to the middle of the floor where she was. The last remnants of the day gave away to the darkening skies. The only illumination was largely by the floating lights. This created a truly romantic-like setting created.

A few of the hairs had escaped her up-do, creating a most natural messy style. It was sweet and exotic at the same time. The lights routinely shone off and sparkled the diamond clips in her hair. Her wedding dress swayed with each step she took, and she took a shuddering breath inside. The reflexive shimmering lace on the dress added to its allure.

"What can I do best?" she asked herself as she finally came to a standstill under everyone's curious gaze.

"Dance!"

She answered her own question.

"Am I going to let James and the rest control my happiness?"

She placed one dainty foot in front. Her beautiful shoes peeked out of the dress, showing a bit of her fair legs.

"No! No one will ever control my happiness!" She raised her hands high above her head.

"Shelby, what are we going to do now?" She held her index and thumps together on both hands in an okay sign.

"Dance as if our lives depend on it!"

She executed each move so exquisitely that most of the guests watching had forgotten that they were pitying her just moments earlier. She talked to herself softly, maintaining just the right smile on her face.

'At this moment, let's just do this for ourselves only! Not for the weird husband who does a no-show on his wedding day, not for his crazy family who gets him a contracted catalogued bride, not for my even crazier stepfather… just me myself and I!' The thoughts running through her head simultaneously did not disrupt what she said or her body movements.

"What are you waiting for, Shelby?" She asked herself again and closed her eyes, raising her head to the slight outdoor breeze.

The 'ting' and melodious piano and flute ensemble flew to her ears.

"THAT! Is what we were waiting for!" Shelby's smile brightened as she twisted her thin body slightly, allowing gravity to hook her up as if she were about to fall, but she balanced herself perfectly.

She spun and glided on the floor as if her body had no bones. She moved as if a slight water force encased her and guided her in her steps. The musical notes accompanied her as Shelby glided from one part of the dance floor to the other.

Initially, Brad was struck dumb by whatever had happened earlier. He examined his fingertips and wondered, 'What the heck was that?'.

He had no idea, but before he could think about it more, the music had started, and he looked towards the dance floor, ready to laugh at the girl who was without a groom, but his mouth dropped open in surprise instead. 'Close your mouth, Brad!' He reminded himself as he swallowed dryly.

Brad could not take his eyes off the girl. 'She moves like an enchantress! I have never seen one before, but I am sure this is how they would entice men if they existed.'

Brad unconsciously took a few steps forward. He could not explain his fascination with the seemingly simple dance moves being executed.

He was not alone. Not one bit. Both men and women equally were struck standing at the same place—snacks forgotten in hands. Drinks were forgotten as well. It was as if the only logical entertainment that made sense was what was going on the dance floor.

Shelby circled the dance floor, and the tiny firefly-like lights followed her every movement. Her eyes, which had been closed from the start, opened suddenly. She managed to lock gazes with anyone whose eyes met hers, and she grinned… widely.

Despite this, her eyes held a tinge of melancholy that was saddening. She was smiling, yet her clear blue eyes spoke volumes of a pain that the guests did not understand. 'Was it because her husband had not shown up?' They asked themselves, but the look held more depth than their current thoughts.

And the effect? …. It was devastating on their poor hearts. The music was in sync with her as if they had rehearsed for days on end before the wedding. In fact, no one would believe others if told them that. She relaxed more as the tune progressed. It was perfect!

'Ian sure is a lucky bastard!' Brad thought as he got more smitten by the second.

Even though Alex and James were older men, they were not spared. Alex coughed slightly and forcibly tore his eyes from the scene to get himself a glass of wine, gulping the first glass and then picking the second one to sip.

James forgot where he was and allowed his eyes to roam freely on the girl, whom he considered his daughter. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as his eyes turned bloodshot.

Shelby came to a standstill suddenly. She lowered her arms slowly and then took a couple of steps back. The music also came to an abrupt halt along with her. The whole garden was so silent suddenly as if something was missing. It had taken a few short ten minutes, but the impact of Ian Thornston's new bride's dance would leave a lasting impression for a long time to come.

It was unknown who had started, but a thunderous applause erupted from the guests. Some rubbed their arms from the goosebumps that had developed.

"That was-"

"I don't think I can describe this!" The people around nodded.

Shelby's smile receded, and she heaved up and down slightly. A light sheen of sweat glistened d on her fair skin. 'That is how we do it, Shelby! No one would pity us! One step at a time… let's get there safely.'

At one dark corner of the garden, another pair of eyes watched quietly.

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