Chapter 39: Are You Truly Willing to Accept Someone Like Me?

Alistair let out a low chuckle, his voice deep and tender. "Of course, it’s just dinner. But, if you’re willing, we could talk about other things, too."

Clara looked up, her gaze meeting his in the mirror.

His eyes were deep and focused, as if he could peer straight into her soul.

She felt a sudden jolt in her chest and quickly averted her eyes, whispering, "Alright. Just dinner."

Alistair gave a satisfied nod and stepped back, giving her space. "I’ll wait for you outside."

Clara gave a soft "mm" in response and continued removing her makeup. Her fingers were trembling slightly, and her heart refused to settle.

Alistair walked out of the dressing room, leaned against the wall, and lit a cigarette.

Amidst the swirling smoke, his thoughts drifted. He had never imagined he would be so persistent with a woman. Clara’s presence was like a cool breeze that had swept away the gloom in his heart. Her dance, her eyes, and every word she spoke drew him in deeper.

He took a long drag of the cigarette, exhaled slowly, and made a silent vow. No matter how she tried to run, he would never let her go.

A few moments later, Clara finished changing and walked out of the dressing room.

She wore a simple white dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders. Though her face was bare of makeup, she remained strikingly beautiful.

Alistair stubbed out his cigarette and stepped forward, saying softly, "Let's go."

They walked out of the Arts Center side-by-side. The night breeze was cool, brushing against Clara’s hair. She instinctively smoothed her tresses and looked up at the night sky. The moonlight was like water, casting a soft, shimmering halo over her face.

Alistair looked at her, a wave of warmth rising in his chest. He asked softly, "Are you cold?"

Clara shook her head. "No."

Alistair took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Put this on. Don't catch a cold."

Clara froze for a moment, feeling the residual warmth from the jacket. A sense of comfort spread through her. She didn't refuse, whispering, "Thank you."

They got into the car, and Alistair started the engine. The car pulled slowly out of the parking lot. The interior was quiet, with only soft music flowing through the air.

Clara leaned back in her seat, her gaze fixed out the window. The city nightscape sped past like a silent film of flickering neon lights. Her heart gradually began to steady, though her thoughts remained in disarray.

Alistair glanced at her and asked quietly, "What are you thinking about?"

Clara snapped back to the present and shook her head. "Nothing."

Alistair didn't press her; he simply focused on driving. He knew Clara needed time, and he was willing to wait.

The car stopped in front of a high-end restaurant. Alistair got out and walked around to open the door for Clara.

Clara stepped out and looked up at the restaurant's sign, feeling a touch of trepidation. Alistair sensed her unease and comforted her softly, "Don't worry. It’s just a meal."

Clara nodded and followed him inside. The interior was elegantly decorated with soft lighting and a faint, pleasant fragrance in the air.

The waiter led them to a window seat, overlooking the brilliantly lit city night. After they were seated, Alistair handed the menu to Clara. "See what you’d like to eat."

Clara took the menu, flipped through a few pages, and ordered some light dishes. Alistair added a few signature items before handing the menu back to the waiter.

During the wait, Clara felt a bit restless. She fidgeted with her napkin, unsure of what to say.

Alistair noticed her nerves and said gently, "Tonight’s performance was a great success. Congratulations."

Clara looked up and offered a small smile. "Thank you."

Alistair continued, "Your dance was beautiful. Especially

Solo Drink Under the Moon

. The emotional expression was perfect."

A flash of surprise crossed Clara’s eyes. "You really understood it?"

Alistair nodded. "I may not know much about dance, but I could feel your emotions. That piece... it was expressing loneliness and helplessness, wasn't it?"

Clara was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Yes. That dance was my farewell to myself, and my farewell to us."

Alistair’s heart sank, but he remained composed. "Why must there be a farewell? Is there really no other possibility for us?"

Clara looked up, her gaze tinged with bitterness. "Alistair, the gap between us is too large. You are the heir to the Vance Group, and I am just an ordinary dancer. I don't want to be your burden, nor do I want you to lose more because of me."

Alistair reached out and gently took her hand. "Clara, you have never been a burden to me. On the contrary, you are the most important presence in my life. Without you, my world would only be darker."

A look of hesitation flickered in Clara’s eyes, but she fought to remain rational. "Alistair, you don't understand. The gap between us isn't just about status or wealth; it's our lifestyles and our values. I don't want you to change for me, and I don't want to lose control of my own life."

Alistair squeezed her hand, his tone firm and tender. "Clara, I don't need you to change anything for me. I only hope you’ll give me a chance to enter your world, to know you, and to accompany you."

Clara’s heart gave a violent shudder, and tears welled in her eyes. She lowered her head, her voice trembling. "Alistair, are you truly willing to accept someone like me? If I were kicked out of the Jian family, I would just be a Clara with no background, no power—someone who only knows how to dance."

Alistair gently lifted her chin, his gaze warm and resolute. "Clara, the person I like is exactly who you are. Your dance, your resilience, and your tenderness are what I cherish most. I don't care about your background or your status. I only care about you."

Clara’s tears finally fell. She lowered her head and whispered, "Alistair, I... I don't know what to do."

Alistair reached out to wipe the tears from her face. "You don't need to do anything. Just give me a chance, and leave the rest to me."

Clara looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. "Will you really wait for me?"

Alistair nodded firmly. "I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

A warm current flooded Clara’s heart. She finally nodded and said softly, "Alright. Let's try."

Joy flashed in Alistair’s eyes. He gripped her hand tightly, a tender smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Clara."

They shared a smile, as if all the barriers between them had dissolved in that single moment.

Dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere, and Alistair drove Clara home.

As the car pulled up beneath her building, Clara unbuckled her seatbelt and said quietly, "Thank you for dinner tonight."

Alistair looked at her, his gaze tender. "No need for thanks. It’s my pleasure."

Clara hesitated then whispered, "Then... I’m going up."

Alistair nodded. "Alright. Get some rest."

Clara pushed open the car door, but just as she was about to get out, she heard Alistair call her name. "Clara."

She turned back to him. "What is it?"

A look of anticipation filled Alistair’s eyes. He asked softly, "Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to take you to a movie."

Clara was stunned for a moment, then a smile bloomed on her face. "Alright."

Alistair beamed. "Then, I’ll see you tomorrow."