Partner

Even with the mask on her face, I could tell that Quinn was visibly annoyed for some reason. It made me more curious.

"It's not my brother. It's my cousin. I don't know if it's true because that guy just loves to appear and disappear all the time," Quinn grumbled.

"What was his name?" Lila asked

Hearing the answer, my interest waned immediately but the two were still talking so I was only half-paying attention, watching the line instead.

"It's our turn," I called the two to get their attention.

If the masquerade theme was discounted, the party seemed to be just a simple charity event with the usual entrance fees. This time the ticket cost 1500 dollars. Besides the ticket, we can also place a separate donation to the several charity organizations that were part of the beneficiaries for tonight's proceeds.

Looking at them, all seems to be reputable and I trusted Elaine's judgment when it came to this. My eye was glued to the 'Scholarship for the Needy' that was part of the list. It reminded me of my dad who went out of his way to help those children who were hardworking but was hindered by their financial status.

We weren't born with money and the company was built from the ground up so this type of charity had a heavy pull in me. I filled out a cheque quickly with a significant amount and let them know my charity choice.

After the two of them were done, we walked around for a bit after depositing our coats in the cloakroom since the hall was just the right temperature compared to the winter cold outside.

There were men and women alike that mingled around. The masks added just the appropriate tension to the party. There was a thrill in talking to people like they were strangers and judging by how everyone is looking, they're definitely enjoying themselves. It wasn't my cup of coffee though.

Quinn did tell me earlier while we were changing that there won't be any auction at all like what Elaine usually did at her parties. There would be performances to entertain the people but aside from that it's just mostly to let them socialize with each other.

We soon made way for a table and coincidentally ran into Elaine.

"I'm finally free!" She exclaimed excitedly but wasn't as hyper as before.

Thank God.

She was a vision in her deep purple gown in mermaid cut that hugged her body just right and flaring below her knees with her features blurred by a lacy mask.

"Congratulations! You've outdone yourself," I immediately greeted her with praise.

"This was really amazing, Elaine," Quinn followed along with Lila nodding to our words as well.

She looked really brilliant today but the fascinating image was shattered immediately.

"Thank you! It was worth the effort. We're raking in money," she rubbed her hands conspiratorially with glee.

Yup, one track mind still.

"By the way, I'm so interested to meet your cousin now. Don't you know how many times I got stopped by people looking for him. Like, how was I supposed to know where he is when the guy is wearing a mask too. Is he famous or something?" Elaine muttered.

Quinn sighed heavily like a female lead getting bullied in dramas, "So he's really here. That guy is just trouble. I'm pretty sure everyone is just looking forward to meeting him to appease their curiosity because he's always appearing and disappearing unpredictably. I, myself, don't know where he goes but my uncle is always trying to find him to get him home."

"Why do you sound envious instead?" I chuckled at her words.

She whined, "He's living the good life. I should just go and travel around instead."

"He sounds like a pain in the ass," Elaine commented.

"I won't deny that he's troublesome but he's good at slipping away so he can get away with most things," Quinn grinned.

"It looks like you two are close," Lila observed.

Quinn nodded, "Yes, we're around the same age and grew up together."

I told them, "Oh. It looks like it's about to start. We should get seated."

We picked a table around the middle and looked at the stage expectantly. The band opened up with a classical music that seemed to belong to operas. I have no idea what piece it was but the ascending and thrilling melody brought the listeners even further behind their masks like it was a night of mystery and sin. Applause thundered when they were done and it was followed by even more fantastic performances.

With the atmosphere at an all time high, the host finally entered and greeted everyone, "Thank you everyone for gracing us with your presence. Let me welcome you to the 'Masquerade Party for a Cause'. The night has just started but before this stage welcomes the revelers, we would like to give the privilege of opening the dance stage to the most generous people tonight."

There were a lot of squeals and woohoos all around us.

"This is something new. I assume this is where the men come in?" Quinn said, poking Elaine.

"Got to keep everyone on their toes. Only those who genuinely deserve it can get a chance. Isn't it more fair this way?" Elaine winked at us.

"Is this where Quinn's cousin comes in?" Lila asked.

"Maybe." Elaine smiled secretively.

Quinn launched an all out tickle war to Elaine to make her spill it and we're just laughing to ourselves while the announcements of the participants went on in the background.

I was still having fun with them when they all turned to look at me at the same time.

Uh oh. That doesn't seem good.

"It's you!" Elaine jumped up from her seat in exuberance while I just stared at her like she lost her mind.

"Calling Miranda North to join us here in the middle," the announcement of the host came loud and clear this time.

"Go now!" Quinn pushed me off my seat and I could only stand to avoid falling down.

I grimaced at the situation as I only wanted to watch the festivities in peace, preferably in my seat. I might be unwilling but that doesn't mean I wanted to dampen everyone's mood so I went to the middle along with the other ladies there.

"A dance wouldn't be complete without a partner so gentlemen please come and accompany the ladies," The host enthusiastically invited.

A group of men in tuxedos complete with their masks suddenly appeared from who knows where. Suppressed giggles from my side came out at the sight of the men coming over.

Well, they definitely like it.

The men came even closer and I realized that I recognized one of them partly because he was wearing one of those vertical half-face masks. He was wearing a white tuxedo that completely set him apart from the others.

It was Brad.

I didn't expect that he would be here though he's probably together with Arisa. It looked like he was here a lot in the club these days.

I blinked in surprise. He seemed to be going in my direction.

How weird.

However, before I managed to decide whether to stay or look around for a different partner, someone grabbed a hold of my hand and gently tugged it.

My body unconsciously turned to yank my hand back but froze when I saw the man. He was wearing black tuxedo that seemed like it was made for him. Most of the men were already wearing black but something about the way he carried it just demanded anyone around him to just look at him only.

I raised my eyes and saw his face that was covered with a black mask, edged in red and with black feathers at the side and one lone red feather among it. Those red lips stretched into a devilish smile and I found myself getting more captivated the more I gaze at it.

How sinful.

His mouth opened and a husky voice came out, "I'll be your partner tonight, Boss."

The world fell off my feet.