“Could You Dance With Me? My Ex Is Watching.” – Extended & More Exciting Rewrite
The chandeliers of the Grand Meridian Hotel sparkled like floating stars above the heads of Manhattan’s richest and most powerful guests. The ballroom looked like a magical world—expensive suits, glittering gowns, the sound of soft laughter, clinking champagne glasses, and music that made everyone feel important.
But behind those polite smiles, people were competing. Every handshake had a hidden meaning. Every compliment had a secret agenda. It was the kind of event where ambition walked around dressed as elegance.
Olivia Mitchell smoothed down her emerald-green satin cocktail dress, trying to stop her hands from shaking. She should have been the happiest person in the room tonight. After all, this was her first public event as the new Head of Marketing at Archer Industries, one of New York’s most respected and powerful companies.
She had worked for years, sacrificed sleep, relationships, weekends—everything—just to earn this place.
She should have felt proud.
But instead… her heart stopped.
Because across the room stood him.
Ryan Cooper.
Her ex.
The same man who once told her that she was “too emotional to ever become a leader.” The man who made her doubt herself, shrink herself, and question everything she did… until she finally broke free.
He stood there now laughing with a group of executives, looking charming and confident in his tailored navy suit. His smile was still attractive, but Olivia had learned the truth—behind that smile was a cold, calculating man who loved control.
Of course he’s here, Olivia thought angrily. Ryan always shows up in rooms where he can show off.
She tried to breathe, lifting her champagne glass to her lips.
“Just breathe,” she whispered to herself. “Not tonight, Olivia. Don’t let him ruin this.”
Before she could calm herself, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” Mia Barnes said, handing Olivia a fresh glass of champagne. Mia was not just her coworker—she was her best friend, her emotional support, her truth-teller.
Olivia groaned. “Worse. Ryan’s here.”
Mia’s eyes grew huge. “Wait—Toxic Ryan? The one who said you’d never make it without him?”
“Yes. That Ryan.”
Mia looked across the room and scoffed. “Wow. Life really has jokes. And look at him now—trying to charm Walter Jenkins from the board? What’s he doing? Applying for a job here too?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Olivia muttered. “He always tries to attach himself to powerful companies.”
Mia raised her glass with a proud smile. “Well, guess what? You got the job. Without him. Karma is sipping her champagne tonight, babe.”
Olivia actually smiled. Maybe Mia was right.
But then… the music changed. The band began playing an upbeat dance track. Couples moved to the dance floor, twirling and smiling as dresses swirled around like colorful waves.
And that was the moment Olivia saw Ryan excuse himself from the group—his eyes locked on her like a hunter spotting his prey.
“Oh no,” Olivia whispered. Her heart raced. “He’s coming here.”
Her chest tightened. She needed an escape. She refused to let him approach her alone.
And then she spotted him—a tall man standing only a few feet away. Broad shoulders. Dark hair. A confident posture. He was quietly observing the room like someone who didn’t need to prove anything.
Without thinking, Olivia stepped toward him, leaned close, and whispered urgently:
“Could you dance with me? My ex is watching.”
The man turned, a little surprised, and looked into her eyes.
His were the most stunning blue she had ever seen—steady, calm, and sharp, like the ocean before a storm.
His lips curved into a gentle smile.
“I’d be honored,” he said softly.
He set down his drink, took her hand like a gentleman, and led her onto the dance floor.
The crowd around them faded into background noise. His hand at her waist was steady—not pushing, not pulling—just supportive and respectful. He moved with effortless confidence, guiding her with ease, as if they’d danced together many times before.
“Thank you,” Olivia said, exhaling for the first time since Ryan appeared. “I’m Olivia. Olivia Mitchell.”
He nodded, smiling. “James.”
His voice was warm, deep, and smooth—like someone who didn’t rush through life.
“So,” he said with a playful look in his eyes, “what makes your ex so toxic that you had to run to a stranger and ask him to dance?”
Olivia gave a small laugh. “Probably terrible small talk for a first dance.”
“I don’t mind,” he said lightly. “Any man who drove a woman like you to do that… must be quite something.”
She rolled her eyes. “He’s the kind of man who makes you feel lucky to be with him in the beginning… until one day you look in the mirror and realize you disappeared without noticing. He made me doubt myself. And by the time I realized what was happening, he had already convinced me I was nothing without him.”
James’ expression changed, his jaw tightening slightly.
“Men like that,” he said in a low voice, “feed off controlling others. But you’re here tonight. That means you fought your way out. And you won.”
His words hit her heart like warmth she didn’t know she needed. It had been a long time since someone spoke to her with genuine belief and respect.
For the first time that night, Olivia’s smile was real.
They danced until the song slowed to a gentle ending, and Olivia found herself wishing it would continue.
As they moved off the dance floor, she asked, “So what brings you here tonight, James?”
“I have… let’s say, a personal interest in the hospital this gala supports,” he replied calmly, avoiding details. “And you?”
“I’m here with Archer Industries,” Olivia said proudly. “I’m the new Head of Marketing. I haven’t met the CEO yet though. Apparently, he’s too important to meet new hires.”
James’s lips curved into a small, amused smirk. “Maybe he’s just shy.”
Olivia laughed loudly. “A shy billionaire CEO? Please, those two words don’t go together.”
“Perhaps you’ll meet him sooner than you think,” he said in a tone she didn’t fully understand at that moment.
Before she could reply, Mia rushed over. “Liv! Walter Jenkins is asking for you—big clients just arrived. You need to go. Now.”
“Duty calls,” Olivia said to James, though she wished she didn’t have to leave.
James gently took her hand, lifted it gracefully, and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“The pleasure was mine, Olivia Mitchell. I hope we meet again.”
There was something in his voice—something that stayed in her heart even as she walked away.
What Olivia didn’t know…
James wasn’t his real name.
He was Jackson Archer—the mysterious CEO she had just casually called “too important” to meet employees.