Chapter 38: Chapter 38

-37-Masquerade Party.

"When you don't have the heart to write a caption. But you have to since you, my favorite readers want it. I will try to write one for you. But I hope you can also motivate me by posting an honest comment on how much you are liking the story. I would seriously appreciate it❤And those who do comment. I love you guys❤❤." [Ifveen]

...

"Sometimes our illusion is reality. So don't always filter it out." [Riley]

....

After shopping they arrived home. While Christian left saying his boss wanted him to be present.

It was half-past 1 since Riley was bored alone, She opened her phone and found the invitation card on her email.

"You are invited to the masquerade party.

Venue: The Golden Hotel, 5 p.m. on Friday, 12."

In the cursive writing, her name was printed along with a background of the mask. It was beautiful. Seeing it Riley could guess the new boss, did spend a lot of money for the party.

'But who does that? Who can throw such a large party for his employees? It seemed too good to be true!' Sighing she opened the shopping bag and tried on the mask Mindy had chosen for her. Wearing it, she clicked on the phone's camera and clicked a selfie of her. The mask was beautiful. The golden feathers accentuated her beautiful black eyes While complimenting her fair skin. Adoring her selfie, she shook her head as a beautiful smile graced her lips.

'It's going to be so much fun. Maybe our Anonymous boss is a stupid man. Or maybe he loved the idea of the masquerade party.

...

[The Party day]

A black suit covered his whole body while a glassy mask accentuated his cute button nose.

A shiver traveled down Riley's spine as her eyes met his. But what was unsettling for her was, No. it wasn't an unwanted shiver. It was the kind of shiver, you get when your lover looks at you. A wanted one.

Riley was already out of the cab, a small smile maintaining her face. While Tina held her hand asking for her to take it. Which would seem weird. Considering people might get the wrong idea about her, that she swings another way. She doesn't but even if she did. It wasn't a problem. Since her face was already covered with the mask.

A light breeze swept her long hair and Stuart wondered if he had seen correctly or he imagined it. Stuart swallowed hard, fixing his gaze on her. He hadn't shifted his eyes away from her. Even from inside the cab, she was watching him when her friend said few words to the driver. Though There was something about the way she had matched his stare that threw him off-guard. Her eyes felt familiar. He couldn't pinpoint though. 'Who is she?'

In few seconds, he swallowed again, his breath hitched. When he saw her dressed in a beautiful v necked black fitting dress. How could he? He was a man for God's sake. Her beautiful long legs that didn't seem to end were on display for him to feast upon. While her collarbone glittered in the lights. She looked like a fucking Goddess of sin.

His sinful thoughts were stopped when her supposedly who he assumed was a friend held her arm for her to take and she took it placing it in the crook of her arm. Just like how couples do. 'Oh, God. Fuck. How can she be a lesbian? Fuck. Fuck Fuck.' He nearly growled.

His assistant immediately informed him about his invitation card. He had forgotten it in the car. And had asked his PA to send it to him. It was the reason he was waiting just outside the venue.

Maintaining his demeanor, he took it and gazed at the black-haired lady again watching as she said something to her partner.

"Sir we are getting late." His assistant reminded him, making him sigh in annoyance.

"Alright. Let's go."

He joined his assistant and walked through the entrance.

"Who is he?" Riley's smile turned grim as she motioned from her fingers.

"I honestly don't know Riley. But he seemed an important figure with the way people are surrounding him."

Riley twirled her hair and bit her lip, "I guess You are right." The words came out of her lips in a small murmur. Though she wanted to tell Tina 'how he felt a familiar vibe to him.' But she had stopped herself just in time.

Before Tina could acknowledge her response, the guard jogged towards them and smiled.

"Please enter inside Ladies, there are people behind you."

They glanced behind each other and saw a line of people. Part of them was embarrassed while the part of them wanted to run away. They stared at each other and then at the people again, it was like they mind linked each other and said at the precise same time.

"I am sorry everyone." They both giggled at each other. And moved towards the black door showing their invitation cards from the phone.

After a brief exchange, they marched through the entrance to the large hall.

Tina elbowed her, "Wow. The decorations are so beautiful. Let's enjoy this while we are at it, baby."

Riley nodded and stepped forward clutching her bag's strap tightly following behind her. There was something about the party, she felt like, it was her dream. 'A dream ball she always wished to have.'

From the tiniest of decorations to the way, people were enjoying it. As in the background, a voice echoed "Welcome to the masquerade party. I hope you have a razz of a time."

The hall was lit by small candles along with each wall in a chain. People were in dazzling dresses and awe sticking masks. They were drinking and enjoying while a violin played in the background.

Before they could go further the mysterious but important man stood in the middle of what appeared to be a dance floor.

Riley gasped as his eyes met her even through the crowd.

'What's wrong with me? Why Am I getting so worked up with just his one stare?'

The candlelight shimmered in his eyes illuminating his suit and amazing figure. His eyes were dead set upon her with emotion even she couldn't decipher. But, in that single moment, the bad feeling dissipated from her. And she became eager to know about him.

"Hello, Everyone." To which everyone yelled simultaneously, "Hello." After that, he continued, "More than half of the employees showed up tonight." His pleasant voice carried through the room with the use of a microphone.

"Not bad." He looked at each guest in return.

But a feeling of familiarity rose within Riley again as his eyes met hers. For the third time in the evening. He seemed to like making eye-contact with her.