I took Violetta's hand and placed a kiss on the back of it, feeling the softness of her skin. Despite how striking this woman was, her touch didn't come close to comparing to Roxanne's. A bitter lump formed in my throat, as if my own skin had turned fragile, almost like glass. Missing someone had never been common for me, but Roxanne had managed to stir within me a torrent of emotions I hadn't even thought possible.

"Thank you for your wishes, Violetta. Would you like to dance?" I asked, trying to push my thoughts away, even though I knew it was a futile attempt.

Violetta's fiery eyes locked onto...