Vera's plain black eyes quietly met Ezra's equally plain black eyes.
Neither of them looked away.
The lively applause and murmurs surrounding the ballroom seemed to fade into the distance as they remained locked in that final dance posture, breathing softly after pouring themselves into the performance.
The dance had demanded more stamina than either of them expected.
Their breathing had gradually become uneven, rising and falling with the final rhythm of the music.
For a brief moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Vera broke the silence.
"You said you didn't know how to dance."
Her expression remained as calm as always.
She wasn't accusing him.
She simply sounded curious, as though she had found something that didn't quite add up.
Ezra guided her through another gentle step as the melody softened more.
"I learned."
His answer was short and flat.
As if the explanation required nothing more.
Vera quietly watched him for another moment.
She could tell he wasn't lying.
