#7. The Ball and Two Men (6)

His breath, usually soft and pleasant to the ear, came out harsh and ragged.

Each step he took was no longer his usual refined stride, which alone could capture the ladies’ attention, but a coarse, heedless stomp.

Julian himself knew it well.

That his current state was very different from usual.

It was hardly something he could blame on the champagne; he had swallowed only a single glass.

Nor could he blame the frivolous atmosphere around him; ever since entering the hall, he had remained melted into the shadows.

He was on his way to Eleonore to settle the turmoil in his heart, but

the more her beautiful figure filled his vision, the more the commotion inside him grew.

“W-wait, Julian! What do you mean, see this through to the end? Where are you going?”

His friend’s voice, trailing behind him, gently tugged at the hem of Julian’s coat...