EYRE’S eyes were half-closed as she walked down the staircase. Melissa, one of the female butler in Victoria’s mansion, woke her up. She was told to meet the visitor at the main parlor.

Victoria and the visitor were having tea when she arrived. The woman sitting across Victoria stood up and bowed.

‘So, she was the visitor the female butler was talking about.’

A sophisticated woman with a bubbly face.

“You must be Eyre,” the woman said with a grin.

She smiled back and nod.

“This is Agnes, House of Fantasia’s ace fashion designer. She made your gown for the masquerade ball.” Victoria picked her cup and took a sip.

Agnes clasped her hands as she looked at her from head to toe. “I think I got your measurements right.”

“I hope you can lend us some time, Agnes. Eyre needs help for the preparations.” Victoria turned to Agnes.

“Of course! Of course! No problem, V.” Agnes walked towards Eyre and clung to her arm. “I know this is the first time that we met, but I was already this close. Just tell me if your feeling uncomfortable. I’ll distance myself.”

“It’s fine, Agnes.” Eyre smiled shyly. “Actually, I missed this kind of feeling… having someone close to me.”

Eyre saw Victoria glared at Agnes.

“Ah, Eyre, I think we need to start preparing for the ball?” Agnes pulled her out of the parlor.

They went to Victoria’s room. Eyre’s gown was there and everything they need to groom her.

Agnes was the one who did Eyre’s hair and makeup. It was a shame that she has no proper knowledge of doing such things. She wasn’t that type of woman who wears makeup and fashionable clothes, Eyre was happy and content with her tees, pants, and a leather jacket.

But now, everything will change. Eyre decided to play Tessa to be able to get Christian. She must learn to do her makeup, wear fashionable clothes, and act like a doll that comes to life.

She heaved a sigh with that thought.

“You don’t like it?” Agnes asked with a knot on her forehead.

“Ah—no, it’s just that I feel a little nervous.” Eyre looked at herself in the mirror. Now she really looked like Tessa.

They may be identical twins, but Eyre got their father’s eyes, it was beady while Tessa got doe eyes. Thanks to Agnes, her eyes now looked bigger than before.

“Turn around, Eyre.”

Eyre did what she was told, she slowly made a turn in front of the mirror. Her gown swayed with her.

“Perfect!” Agnes clapped her hands exaggeratedly. “You look so gorgeous, girl! The gown fits you perfectly.”

“Really?” Eyre cocked her head to one side.

“Of course!” Agnes gave her a two thumbs up.

“Thank you, Agnes, for making me this gown and for helping me with everything…”

Agnes lightly tapped her cheek. “You’re welcome, girl.”

“You will be rewarded for this, Agnes,” said Victoria.

Agnes grinned from ear to ear. “I’d love that!”

Eyre looked at Victoria’s reflection in the mirror, she seemed proud of her.

Victoria stood up from her seat and handed her a masquerade mask that matches her gown. It was inspired by a swan, a black one.

“A mask…” she said as she glides her fingers on its edges.

“It’s a masquerade ball, darling.”

Eyre wore her mask, her eyes were fixed at the mirror, looking at her own reflection. Another cover, another lie.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Victoria’s voice made her flinch.

“When you adopted me, you gave me a new name. And now, you gave me this masquerade mask to hide my face,” she responded.

“There is nothing wrong with that if that’s what makes you feel better.” Victoria cupped her face. “It hides your past, your fears, all those things that you don’t want other people to see. Time will come, you’ll be ready to show it all. You’ll take it off…”

Eyre knew exactly that Victoria was not referring to the mask she was wearing now, but to the invisible mask with layers that she had to put on.

“When was that, Victoria?” she asked.

“Well… don’t ask me. It’s up to you to decide.” Victoria adjusted her mask. “For now, it’s time for us to go.”

Victoria grabbed her purse and head towards the door. Eyre heaved a deep sigh before following her.

It’s showtime…

EYRE forced herself to stand and watch as the dancing started. People were now moving through formal dances that she simply didn’t know the steps. She might belong to the upper class now, but she doesn’t really fit in.

‘I came here to see Christian,’ she told herself. ‘It doesn’t really matter whether I dance or not.’

She picked a flute of champagne from the waiter who passed by her. Her eyes wandered across the hall, looking for Christian. Eyre already received his photo from Nicolas, so she knew how he looks like. Christian was wearing a prince-like suit and a black mask.

Finding Christian was like finding a needle in the middle of hay stock. The crowd was moving, blocking her vision. But Eyre was so determined to find her man, she did not give up. Soon she saw Christian standing at the opposite side of the hall.

As Eyre stepped out towards him, she was sure she caught him looking at her. Only, it was hard to tell for sure with the mask obscuring his expression.

CHRISTIAN sipped the last drop of champagne on his glass and put it down on the table beside him. He was trapped with his father together with the older ones who just stand there and watch from the sidelines, talking to one another about whose son or daughter was dancing elegantly. He was definitely getting bored. He needed an escape. And the heaven seemed to hear his plea and instantly gave him the answer to his prayer. A woman in the middle of the dance floor caught his attention. She wasn’t dancing, she was walking towards his direction.

Christian stilled. Heat instantly rushed through his veins. She was just walking for Pete’s sake, but those full red lips could induce the dirtiest wet dream. The black gown that she wore was made of sin. The lace hugged her curves like the hand of a lover, cupping the swell of her breast perfectly. Whoever made her gown must be compensated fairly.

He stared at her eyes. She was looking at her.

“Hi,” the woman said as she reached him. “I hope you don’t mind me coming over like this.” She smiled.

Christian’s muscles tensed, and his jaw hardened. The smile on her lips aroused him. ‘Am I fucking drunk?’ He shook his head.

“No, I don’t mind,” Christian responded. “I’m sorry, it was hard to tell who’s under the mask.”

The woman was silent for a moment.

“Do you really wanna know who?” she teased.

His arousal throbbed in his pants. Oh God, what’s with this woman? Why does he feel this way towards her?

Christian let out a soft laugh. “Do you mind?”

Her smile widened.

“I’ll show you if you dance with me, Christian.”

His heartbeat raised. The woman’s voice was very gentle when she said his name.

But it wasn’t really fascinating to know that this woman knows him, anyone who’s into the business world knows his name anyway.

“Sure.” Christian offered his hand.

She accepted it, and they moved out towards the dance floor.

“Now, Christian, I should warn you that I am not the best dancer in town.”

“I can teach you,” he said.

Christian put his hands on her sides, it kinda felt tingly. He could feel her warmth even though she was still wearing a gown. And it might have affected her too, she falters the first couple of steps. She was out of focus.

“I’m sorry, Christian,” the woman apologized shyly.

Christian’s gaze roved over her smooth forehead, her eyes, straight-edged nose, her jawline. “You’re not doing bad,” he said softly.

She laughed, it was throaty and deep. He couldn’t help but wonder if her voice will be like that after a night of sex. With that thought, Christian’s hand went to cup her chin. He tilted her head a little and stare at her full red lips.

“I know this is one indecent proposal, but do you mind coming with me?”

If she said yes, then he was lucky. If not, Christian will deploy his men to find this woman no matter what and make her his. Just like what he did when he met Tessa, who unfortunately ran away from him, and now she’s nowhere to be found.

The woman swallowed hard. She was silent for a moment, and then she smiled.

“I don’t mind at all,” the woman replied.

Christian did not waste any second, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her out of the hall.