- She's always been a great friend, the kind you can count on. - he sighs. - Too bad I couldn't figure out your problem before it got to the extreme.
- A real shame! - I mean, except for a stir in Ryder's hair that falls on his eye. - What matters is that you saved her life, even against Casey's will. That was very nice.
- Thank you! Thank you!
After breakfast, Ryder takes me to buy a decent dress for the debutante ball. Although we didn't want to go, Ryder's mother made a great contribution and would be honored that night. For that reason, Viola and I agreed to go with Mike and Ryder, just to prestige Mel.
The night came quickly and we went to the country club, praying for her to pass even faster. The place was empty when we entered, but still my mother had made a point of ignoring me. Soon the hall became a sea of people, starting the ceremony. We applauded Viola standing when she was called. Although she no longer spoke to her mother, she was listed and made a point of attending.
- You look beautiful! - says Viola, when the introductions were over.
- I agree! - says Mike smiling and hugs me.
- Have you told her about Paris? - I whisper.
- I haven't had the guts yet! - he says, making a face.
I understood Mike. He had a big mission ahead of him. Next year, he would have to go to Paris to start his studies and had not yet told Viola. I was sure that Viola was in love with him and that would be very difficult for her. That's why Mike had been postponing the conversation. Especially now that they lived together. I was hoping he'd tell you before she knew it from someone else. That would really hurt her.
- What are you guys whispering about? - says Viola, with her hands on her waist.
- Nothing! - I say laughing. - Mike was talking about how beautiful you look tonight and I just agreed.
- You could have told me! - she says, pretending offense and slapping her friend in the chest.
- So you could turn red like you are now? - he says, laughing.
She makes a face for him, so she pulls Mike to the dance floor. I'm smiling, because they made a nice couple.
- They're beautiful together! - says Ryder, hugging me. - Too bad their life plans keep them from sticking together.
- Yeah, but I think Mike just sees her as a friend and is afraid of losing the girl he's used to sharing his life with. - I say with a sigh.
- I can't believe that's it. - to replicate Ryder. - I'm sure you both have a feeling for each other that goes beyond friendship. They just don't have the guts to take it.
I let out a laugh and Ryder swirls me, heading towards the dance floor. A slow song begins to play and he leads me.
- Speaking of repressed feelings... - He whispers, stopping dancing. - I saw something in a store the other day and I thought you'd like to use it.
- What is it? What is it? - I ask with curiosity.
Ryder pulls a box from inside the pocket of his tuxedo and opens it, displaying an alliance with a lonely man of brilliance. It was small and delicate, forming a small pink heart.
- Ryder...
- I know that I had made a request at an inappropriate time, but this time the request comes down to just one reason. - he smiles, getting on his knees. - Brooke Evans, my friend, my girlfriend, my life! You've made me a better person. A better man. I owe it all to you and if you do me the great honor, I would like to spend the rest of my life thanking you.
Everyone in the salon stops to watch Ryder on his knees. I put my hands on my face, nervously. I try to hold back the tears and smile and settle down.
- Yes! A thousand times yes!
Ryder stands up, holding me in his arms and spinning as he kisses me.
- I love you! I love you! - he whispers.
Everyone applauds when he puts the ring on my finger. Everybody greets me, and happy, I dance again. At the end of the party, Ryder decides to celebrate somewhere else and we say goodbye to Viola and Mike. Before we go, I'll ask Ryder to wait while I go to the bathroom and retouch my makeup.
The main lobby was empty when I cross into the toilets. Quickly I do my needs, retouch my makeup and leave, going towards the reception. As I was about to enter the hallway leading up the stairs, a familiar voice echoed calling my name.
- Brooke?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I answer by turning to see who it was. But before that, a strong blow hit my head, making me fall to the ground. I pass out without being able to see my attacker's face.
Chapter 20
Ryder
I was walking from one side of the room to the other reserved for the club's board of directors. After waiting for half an hour for Brooke's return, I decided to check if something was wrong. I called
