A familiar face

The night pulsed with an air of mystery as Sophia and Bella stepped out of the grand party hall, their whispers laced with intrigue. The opulence of the evening faded behind them, replaced by the chill of the starry sky.

Sophia’s voice was tinged with disbelief as she recounted the bizarre encounter with Bastian—a man whose arrogance seemed entirely mismatched with his association to Macro, a paragon of gentlemanly charm.

“I still don’t get how someone like Macro could be friends with that insufferable prick,” Sophia muttered, brushing a stray curl from her face.

Bella smirked, her eyes glittering with mischief. “Oh, come on, ‘Giggles Gabby.’ Admit it—you were intrigued. Locked away in the bathroom with a man like him? That’s not just a story; that’s a whizzy-lizzy event!”

Sophia groaned, feeling the weight of Bella’s teasing stare. “You didn’t even see his face, Bella. And what if he is an alien? His attitude certainly isn’t human.”

“Alien or not, he was hot.” Bella gave a dramatic shrug. “Even with the mask, his eyes were doing the most. Sexy, but not sexier than my Macro’s, of course. And let’s not forget—he owns this place. Filthy rich, babe.”

“No wonder his ego barely fits in the room.” Sophia rolled her eyes. “Ugh, let’s not waste time talking about him. Now spill—what did Macro say earlier?”

But Bella wasn’t letting the topic go that easily. With a sly grin, she pressed further. “Forget Macro for a second. Did you or did you not see his…” She leaned in, whispering the rest. “Because if you did, OMG, Sophia, you’re living the dream! We should be toasting to this!”

Sophia shot her a glare. “Dream? More like a nightmare. It’s not my first time seeing one, Bella, and definitely not something to celebrate.”

Bella stifled a giggle. “You’re missing the point. That wasn’t just anyone’s—that was Bastian Knight. The heir to Dominic Knight, aka the richest man in Mexico. Macro told me about him. Girls would kill for a peek at what you accidentally stumbled into.”

“And yet, here I am, not caring.” Sophia’s voice was firm. “Rich or not, he’s an asshole. His money doesn’t excuse his behavior.” She raised a brow at Bella. “Though, judging by your tone, maybe you’re the one obsessed. Why didn’t you shoot your shot?”

Bella laughed, unbothered. “Oh, please. Macro was there, remember? Plus, I didn’t want to ruin your chances.” She winked. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Before Sophia could respond, a smooth, deep voice sliced through the night. “Leaving already?”

They turned to find Bastian approaching, his stride confident, with Macro casually trailing behind. He was the picture of effortless power—broad shoulders, a tailored suit that fit him like a second skin, and a commanding presence that seemed to own the very air around him.

Bella’s quick wit kicked in. “We were just saying how wonderful your party is,” she said brightly. “And how meeting Bastian was the highlight of the evening.”

Sophia’s eyes widened in horror. “Bella! What are you—”

“And,” Bella interrupted, “Sophia here was just saying how curious she is to see your face.”

Bastian’s lips curved into a wicked smile as he turned to Sophia. “Really? Is that so, Miss Sophia?” His tone was teasing, yet there was an undeniable edge of challenge.

“No, I—”

“Yes, she did!” Bella cut her off again. “Go on, Sophia. Say the magic words. I’m sure he won’t bite… unless you want him to.”

Sophia’s temper flared. “For the love of God, Bella, stop it. Seeing his face won’t change the fact that he’s an arrogant—”

“I’d say the same about you,” Bastian drawled, his voice as smooth as velvet. “But I’m curious, too. Why don’t we see what’s hiding behind your mask first?”

Sophia narrowed her eyes. “No problem, Mr. Knight. Let’s get this over with.”

“Finally!” Bella exclaimed, clapping her hands. “Can we get to it before I fall asleep?”

Macro, ever the gentleman, removed his mask first, revealing his boyishly handsome face. Bella followed, grinning as she looked to Sophia and Bastian.

They hesitated for a beat, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, almost in unison, they removed their masks.

Sophia froze. Her breath hitched as she stared at the man before her.

“Sebastian?” she gasped, her voice trembling with disbelief.

“Sophia.”