Is this destiny?

About half an hour earlier…

Outside, next to the dance podium, Ellie is watching Tom who is surrounded by four older posh ladies who are very curious about his outfit.

"How did you get your hands on the EY design?"

"This is EY design, right?"

"This is a full outfit. It costs a fortune…"

"Look at these lines. My son would look amazing in this! And his birthday is coming…"

"Young man, you are not bad yourself. Are you single?"

Tom helplessly glanced toward Ellie who smiled and looked away. If he wants to get out of there, he needs to do it by himself. But he better do some good marketing before he chases those women away. Ellie has no intention of interfering, if those four ladies pay attention to her dress, she will be swarmed as well.

Her only regret is that they came here with intention to dance since there is still time until dinner, and at this rate, it does not seem that Tom will be available for dancing.

Ellie looked around and her sight fell on Jasper. He also changed from his wedding-ceremony outfit, and she must admit that he looks more than handsome in his well-fitted black suit. Well, she needs to admit that Jasper looks good in anything but the fact that he has a black shirt under the suit jacket makes him look… intense. He is talking with two older men, probably something business related since all three of them are serious and focused on conversation. Jasper is even frowning slightly.

Ellie smiled while thinking that this is one of the benefits of keeping her identity as a founder of EY fashion designs a secret: she can move around and do things like any regular girl.

"Excuse me…", man\'s voice got Ellie\'s attention. "I noticed you standing here, and I was wondering if you will do me an honor of a dance?"

Ellie glanced toward Tom and saw that two more ladies joined, so now there are six of them around him. It does not seem that he will get out of there anytime soon. He is too polite.

"Sure…", she responded to the young man who smiled at her happily.

"I am Oliver.", he bowed slightly and offered his hand to Ellie.

"Ellie, nice to meet you.", she placed her hand in his and they walked to the dancefloor.

Jasper glanced toward Ellie and his face darkened. He saw her standing by herself, and was heading to talk to her, but these two men stopped him and started asking about latest technology his company is offering and the possibility of a collaboration. Jasper\'s intention was to hear some introduction from them and then to tell them to schedule a meeting to discuss it further, but these two are still talking… and now Ellie went to dance with someone else. And that man is obviously interested in her. What if she likes him back? Jasper feels like a loser. Today is not his day… actually last few days he keeps messing up.

Ellie danced with Oliver and the chat was casual and relaxing. Mostly about the wedding and the overall atmosphere.

"I noticed that you are the maid of honor. Can you tell me how do you know Mrs. White? If it\'s not a secret."

"We are neighbors." Ellie paused and corrected herself. "Well, not anymore. We WERE neighbors while she lived with her parents."

"I see…" Oliver slowly licked his lips while observing Ellie\'s face.

She felt slightly awkward, and then she heard his question: "Are you single?"

Ellie felt that casual topics are getting… less casual. But she will not lie, even if she is not interested in him. "Yes."

He flashed a toothy smile. "It must be my lucky day to meet such a beautiful and charming lady who is single."

Ellie felt that his hand is moving lower over her back. Is he trying to grope her?

"Thank you for the compliment, but please, don\'t misunderstand. I only accepted a dance." She reached to the back and moved his hand higher, placing it where it was.

Ellie was thinking if she should just step away from Oliver without finishing the dance, considering that things suddenly turned uncomfortable, but his hand was moving lower again.

"Are you sure? Think carefully before you reject me.", he pulled her closer to him, and his hand was very low on her back, fingers almost reaching her butt.

Ellie was outraged. She tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he was too strong. Without thinking, she stomped on his toes with her high heel. Oliver grimaced and loosened his hold on her which allowed Ellie to step back.

PAK!

A solid slap landed on his face.

"How dare you!", Oliver almost screamed at her and reached to hold his cheek.

Ellie flexed her hand which was throbbing from the impact, but she saw that his cheek already has a pink handprint, and that made her feel better.

"I should ask you the same question!", Ellie was about to turn and leave when he grabbed her hand.

"I\'m not done with you.", Oliver angrily said.

Ellie glared at Oliver. "Let go of me, or you will feel my heel where the sun does not shine!", she squeezed through her teeth and yanked her arm free. "If you have anything else to say, you can talk to my lawyer!"

Ellie turned away from Oliver abruptly and made two quick steps when she bumped into a broad chest.

"Owww!", Ellie closed her eyes and rubbed her now aching nose.

"I\'m sorry, are you OK?"

Husky voice made Ellie pause her hand movement and look up. Her heart skipped a beat when her eyes met icy-blue ones.

"Jasper, why are you here?", Ellie asked with a nasal voice.

Jasper glared at Oliver who abandoned any ideas to talk to Ellie again and retreated swiftly.

When he saw that Oliver is leaving, Jasper removed Ellie\'s hand which was covering her nose and observed her face, and then the palm which stroke Oliver, making sure she is not injured.

"I thought that you might need help."

Ellie wiggled her nose for a second while processing what Jasper said. She looked at him in amazement. "You wanted to help me?"

"I was about to, but then I saw you slap him instead of me."

"You wanted to slap him?" Ellie\'s lips curved into a smile.

"With my fist.", Jasper responded with a straight face.

Ellie burst into laugh. "Well… thank you."

"I didn\'t do anything."

Ellie was surprised that Jasper does not want to take credit for something he didn\'t do. She thought how that is out of character considering his usual cocky behavior. But she saw him give a death-stare to Oliver, well… that is something. "It\'s the thought that counts. You wanted to help, and I\'m grateful for that."

"You can thank me with a dance."

Ellie held her breath, and Jasper was not sure what that means. But her smile faded, and it made him nervous.

"I promise that my hands will not wonder around.", Jasper added while lifting his palms up showing his sincerity.

He was relieved to see that Ellie relaxed and nodded.

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