CHAPTER FORTY ONE – AT HIS CONVENIENCE

As the song neared its end, Karina found herself wishing it would go on forever. There was something magical about this moment, something that made all the struggles and challenges of the past few months fade away. But all too soon, the final notes of the song faded out. For a moment, neither of them moved, still locked in their dance hold. Karina could feel Miguel's heart beating against her chest, matching the rapid rhythm of her own. Finally, Miguel stepped back, his hands lingering on her waist for just a moment longer than necessary. "Thank you for the dance... Karina." As they made their way off the dance floor, Karina felt dizzy, and not just from the champagne. She had come to this gala expecting tension and awkwardness. Instead, she found herself more confused than ever about her feelings towards Miguel Eladio. The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Karina mingled and chatted, but her mind kept drifting back to that dance. She caught Miguel's eye across the room several