Chapter 3: Masquerade Ball

I don't know how Steven got my number. He called several times before I answered. He was very angry when he found out that I left his condo. I didn't say anything and hung up on him.

I always think and ask myself why I didn't stop myself last night. I sent on a whim.

A few days ago I received a call from Boss that he had sent what I would wear to the party. Just as I hung up, there was a knock on the door.

"Are you Miss Suarez?" the delivery man greeted me when I opened the door.

I nodded. "Yes."

He put the box on the floor and handed me a folder.

"Just sign it please," he said and then handed me the ball pen.

I nodded and accepted the ball pen and signed. "Thank you."

When he left, I looked down at the box. I smiled and carried the box inside and closed the door.

I put it on the bed and opened it. When I opened it I was amazed at the beauty. I gently put down the cover of the box and then stared at the contents. I smiled while caressing the fabric of the gown. This is the first time I will wear something this beautiful. I shifted my gaze to the mask and then took it. It is red in color mixed with white. There is a feather on the side.

I stood up and thought about measuring the mask. I will see if it suits me or not. When I faced the mirror, my chest tightened at the same time as my tears fell. My heart was squeezed and the mask was immediately taken down. I won't be recognized, but no matter how much I cover and hide, I still can't hide that I'm a disgusting woman. I bit my bottom lip while turning away from the mirror.

"You're so beautiful, Qotorie!" I was praised by Aling Mae, the landlady of my rental.

I smiled at him and straightened myself. Today is the day of the party and I'm waiting for Sir Ethan. He said he would take me here. "Thank you."

I didn't have to wait long because Sir Ethan arrived immediately in his Black Mercedez-Benz C-Class. I smiled at Aling Maria while waving at her.

"Enjoy the party, hija!" And he turned to close the gate.

When Sir Ethan got out of his car I was amazed at his clothes. He was wearing a black tuxedo and he had a new haircut. Undercut is suitable for her gentle face. He smiled at me and opened his car door.

"Shall we?"

I laughed because he was trying hard at what he was doing.

"Thank you." I bit my lower lip and went inside.

"You're welcome, Qotorie." And he closed the door himself before turning towards the driver's seat.

He glanced at me as he sat down and started the engine.

"I hope you are not scared of me, Qotorie." He smiled at me. "I am very approachable!"

I laughed and turned to him. "It looks like it, Sir."

When we got to the party I was surprised because of the masks covering their eyes. I will never hope to see Steven again.

I was surprised when Sir Ethan extended his arm to me. He smiled at me while sniffing his arm.

"Shall we?"

I nodded and held his arm. I'm new because this is the first time I can attend a ball. It's a formal party because my boss usually attends.

We entered the grand mansion together with my hand on his arm. I'm not comfortable to be honest but I have to get along because it's part of my job. Many congratulated us when we finally entered.

There were other women murmuring, wondering who Sir Ethan was with. I also smiled when someone complimented my gown. Well, I am wearing a red see-through ball gown with white see-through gloves. My hair is in a messy bun. Because my gown is red, my lipstick is also red. We stopped walking when we were stopped by a bald, rather fat, but well-built man of rather old age. His grin widened as he looked at us.

"Wow" he said while smiling at me. "Whoever you are gorgeous, you two look good together."

I bit my lip and gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you."

The old man turned to Sir Ethan, who was turning everywhere, maybe he wasn't used to this either. I smiled to get his attention and turned to face the old man.

"Uhm. Sir, This is Mr. Mike Ethan Lamosao Marquez, the heir and the only son of Mr. And Mrs. Marquez of GRM Group of Companies," I introduced Sir Ethan to the old man whose lips were parted.

I can already hear the music that the musicians are playing on the stage and I think that the program brought by this party is about to begin.

Oh shocked the old man's reaction as he turned back to Sir Ethan who was now smiling. The old man immediately extended his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Marquez," said the old man happily and his grin widened when Sir Ethan accepted his hand without hesitation.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr.." Sir Ethan hung up on what he said.

The old man laughed when he realized that Sir Ethan didn't know him. I just stayed in my position and acted as Sir's guide because I think he didn't know yet

these.

"I'm John Arellano. I know your Dad," he said and laughed again. "So, are you gonna be the next Mr. Marquez?"

I didn't listen to what they were talking about because I was already looking for a place to sit. There are many vacant tables and seats. I also lifted my gown a little to be able to walk properly.

My response to those I meet is a smile. I don't even know them, but it's not bad to smile at strangers, especially since that's what should be done at parties.

When I found a seat, I pulled up and decided that I would just wait here for Sir Ethan because he seemed to be enjoying talking to the old man who looked like a comforter.

I turned my eyes and head to the right side where I heard the gentle laughter of women. I think our ages are not far apart.

I would have ignored them but they got my attention because of what they talked about. I didn't make it obvious that I was listening to them.

I sat up and bit my bottom lip hard.

"Omg! I am so happy for you, Megan. Maybe Steven realized that he misses you a lot. Look at you, you're beautiful and sexy!"

My lips parted and I turned to them in shock when I heard Steven's name. I swallowed and looked at the girls talking. The woman with the golden gown color gown spoke. It was wearing a mask but I knew that behind the mask was a beautiful woman.

"I know, right?" the woman replied with a smile and held her hand.

"I'm so happy that Steven is back home, Allysa. I feel like he's planning to fix our marriage instead of having an annulment."

My heart sank when I looked at the woman. I could clearly see the joy on her face as she caressed her ring finger. It was like my heart was being torn apart little by little because I realized that this woman was none other than Steven's wife. I looked away and rubbed my forehead.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I was shocked and immediately grabbed my chest when I saw Sir Ethan standing in front of me. I blinked my eyes and nodded weakly.

"It's okay, Sir Ethan." I adjusted my seat.

I looked away. I saw him nod and pulled a chair in front of me. A waiter came and served us drinks. I didn't listen to what the two were talking about because I might go even more crazy trying to figure out a solution to get away from Steven. But from what I heard, it looks like he won't do that anymore.

"Your communication skills are great."

I turned to Sir Ethan who was looking at the stage. I glanced at the stage for a moment before bowing.

"Yes," I answered. "I'm used to it since I worked at your parent's company."

I'm now staring at the drink on our table. I took a deep breath and thought about drinking it. I quickly swallowed it and I almost fainted because it was so bitter and my throat felt numb. I rubbed my neck and swallowed.

"Are you okay?" Sir Ethan asked, his eyes no longer on the stage but on me.

"It's okay." And looked away.

"And now, the masquerade ball is about to start. Get your partners, folks!" the Emcee said happily before getting off the stage.

Sir put his wine glass on the table and looked at me.

"I'm not a good dancer" He shook his head.

I laughed and nodded. "We're the same."

I have no talent in dancing. It's not like Minda who almost knows how to twerk. Because she is a party girl and has had many boyfriends.

"Let's just stay here."

"Where is Steven, Megan? He still hasn't arrived?" I heard the woman ask Steven's wife.

"No."

"You don't get along?"

"No, he said that I would go first and I did. But where is he?" Steven's wife asked sadly.

I could feel her sadness because it was obvious in her voice. My chest tightened because I was one of the causes of her suffering and sadness. I closed my eyes and bowed.

Steven, please give your wife a chance. She doesn't deserve the bait. She doesn't deserve this. Please... be a good husband to her at least.

I stood up when I felt like I was about to pee. I saw that Sir Ethan was shocked because of what I did.

"Where are you going?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I swallowed and bit my bottom lip.

"I'm going to take a wash first."

He nodded and snorted, playing with the glass with his hand. "Alright."

I nodded and walked towards the restroom. I even asked a waiter where and it was a bit far to walk. Besides peeing, I also want to leave because every time I hear Steven's wife's sad voice, my chest tightens.

After I peed I adjusted myself in front of the mirror. I removed the mask and saw that my eyes were red. It's already watering and if I didn't stop it, it might have been leaking before now.

"I'm the worst," I said to myself as I stared lifelessly in the mirror.

I spent a few minutes before I went out. I put my mask back on and went to the parking lot. I thought about going home but I can't because Sir Ethan is still here and I can't leave him. I'm also not suitable for this event.

I feel, I don't deserve the world and I repeatedly ask God for forgiveness for what I have done.

When I got enough air, I was about to go back inside when I suddenly felt dizzy. I leaned one hand on the side of a car and one hand was already holding my head.

I shook my head quickly when my vision suddenly blurred. I didn't know what was happening to me but I felt scared. I tried to take another step but I was just fumbling.

I blinked my eyes.

My world is spinning and I'm about to fall. What is happening to me? Why am I doing this?

I was about to fall down when someone suddenly grabbed me and violently pulled me to a chest before I passed out.