Chapter 3: Casa Roma

The preparation went well. The make up artist named Catty had given Serene a light but ravishing make up. Her hair was tied back in an elegant bun. The silver earrings and necklace complemented her black gown. Sydney recommended a black heels to match her attire.

Serene couldn't believe the product of the make over and dress up. She looks like an american Jennie Kim on her new style. Her puffy cheeks and small face complemented her fashion style. She clasped the YSL pouch on her arms as the stylist put the last accessory, the mask. It was a yellow golden half mask, that she personally chose on the collection. It made her a completely different person.

Sydney gasped looking at the finish product. “Very gorgeous,” she said gently clapping her hands.

Serene was also astonished to see herself. She cannot afford any of the things she is wearing, and she felt like walking in debt.

“Ma'am, the helicopter was already here. I have informed the limousine driver to ready,” Cin, the family butler said at the doorway.

Serene glanced at Sydney. “I hope things went smoothly as planned. I'll just swipe the ticket, make it registered, and leave, right?”

Sydney nodded. “Right, but I have one instruction to add. Enjoy the night.”

Serene just nodded but she is unsure if she can really enjoy a party of elites. She thanked the make up artist and stylist, before heading to the parked limousine.

Sydney pecked Serene's cheek. “You have 30 minutes before the start of the party. Remember my instructions. I have to prepare also for my flight to Paris tonight, since the fashion event was moved tomorrow evening.”

Serene nod her head and wave her goodbye to Sydney. Since after she gets in the limousine, Serene just couldn't focus on the road. She was worried about the party. She will meet big people of course, and she aren't ready for that.

After 5 minutes drive, Serene already get a glimpse of the helicopter waiting on the open field. The driver assisted her as she took off the limousine. It was her first time riding a helicopter so she was a bit nervous. A staff assisted her until they successfully get on the helicopter seat. Her hand was sweating and she find it hard to relax. The helicopter take off. It was already dark and Serene can see the lights of New York City. The sea was dark and calm. For some, a grand party must be so exciting, but for her, it's not.

She has no plan of taking her mask off. Doing it might ruin her make up or her hair. After several minutes she finally saw the Vianca Island. It was a small island with lots of light on it. She can see some yacht and floating house on the shore. The helicopter slowed down on top of the only landing space. After the helicopter had successfully touch the ground, the staff assisted her again. Another car was waiting on the other side. The travel is already exhausting for Serene. After she get in the car she just relaxed her body on the back seat and just let the driver take her to the hotel.

She only have 10 minutes left for the party to start. Its not a long drive because after some turns she already saw the large hotel that was a peculiar view, even in the distance. The hotel was inspired of British architecture, but with a touch of modernity. It was surrounded of hedges with water fountain in each side. And just below it was the coast, so the view was so refreshing to the eyes. The car stopped when they were already in front of the hotel. The driver assisted her out of the car. There were also other guest who just arrived on the venue.

Serene stood in front of the Casa Roma. It was gigantic and she looks like an ant by just staring at its height. She can also heard the roaring waves beside.

She has to get on the hotel, registered the ticket and leave. She was repeating that to herself. She has to act like she was also wealthy like them, maybe dance a little bit and listen to the speaker if there is any. She can also try the food and beverages on the hotel.

Serene walked casually on the staircase of the entrance. There are two large man beside the entrance who wears shade and tuxedo. Serene noticed one of the guest ahead of her. It was wearing a pitch revealing dress with white embroidery. The woman swiped her ticket on the machine and the half of the glass door opens up automatically, then it closed again after seconds. Serene walked towards the machine and pulled out her ticket. She doesn't know how it works. She just imitate what the lady did. She swiped the card and then the small black dot beside the machine blink. She almost jumped to her feet when the glass door opens.

It was embarrassing how illiterate she is. She pretends to be cool as she walked in the lobby. The glass door behind automatically closed and she gulped when she saw a lot of people beyond. It was very spacious. The tile was shimmering reflecting the light coming from the large chandelier on the ceiling. There were almost 50 people on the floor, and the maximum attendance of the party was 60. A lot of ladies are wearing the most expensive designer gown they can get while the men are charming with their expensive tuxedo. She cannot recognize anyone because of the mask.

Both side of the floor has a long table were the foods waits. There are chairs and available tables as well in the side. Serene inhaled some air. This will be a long night. She can already leave if she want since she already used up the ticket, but that's not right. She was paid a thousand of dollars to attend this launching party, and she can't just leave after being there for not more than 10 minutes. Serene stood at the floor too frustrated to even approach anyone. Everyone there has their own little world. All of them were flirting and making friends, while she was just quietly standing on the floor. Serene decided to take a vacated seat on the farthest corner where no one can actually approach her. Her attire was a total waste because she refused to socialize but it doesn't bothered her. She just wanted to relax on her seat and watched the wealthy crowd on the floor.

One of the waitress offered her wine that she accepted. The guests came from influential and wealthy family. They were used of partying and flirting to anyone they find attractive. Serene was disgusted seeing some of them kissing and touching sensitive parts of the body. She knows that these people grew up in that kind of environment. Serene felt bored after several minutes of watching them. She already expected it though.

Her face lit up when the speaker blared. A wiry man climbed to the top of stairs holding a microphone. He was the emcee of the event.

“Thank you for coming to the launching of Casa Roma. The party will begin and last shortly.” The emcee emphasized the word shortly. “There will be no talk and long speeches everyone. We will start the party in a several seconds, and after that you can already enjoy your night. Now, let's officially cheers to the opening of the newest hotel in New York City, Casa Roma!”

Everyone gave their applause and raised the glasses of wine they are holding. To give respect, Serene stood up and clapped her hands. The hundred of balloons on the ceiling that only few can noticed blew up. Golden confetti poured down the floor and a slow music played. Serene immediately recognized the song which is in a piano cover form, its Still Life of Bigbang.

The party officially started. Women and men dances on the floor with their partners. They look like couples on JS Prom, but all of them has an entry number for the best Prom attire.

Serene get back on drinking her wine. She thought of tasting some food on the table to ease her boredom. She walked to the table. All of the people on the party was dancing and some are chatting on their chairs. The foods are too foreign to her eyes that she cannot distinguished what it is. She picked up the cupcake that she thinks was delicious but instead of biting it, she just put it down, afraid that she'll ruin her lipstick.

“Hey gorgeous.” A bulked up man approached Serene. It is wearing a tight tux and a red mask.

Serene step back. Its not like she was anti-social but she doesn't like the aura of the man. “Excuse me,” she shyly said and left the table. The man find Serene sexy and attractive but he doesn't like its unflirty attitude so he just let the girl away and approached another one.

Serene get back on her sit. She checked the time on her phone and it was just 7:32 PM. She was not sure when the party will be over. Serene noticed some couple climbing the stair case and entering the open door. She thought that maybe the guests just wanted a tour on the hotel which is normal when an establishment was newly opened.

She thought of leaving now, since she has work for tomorrow. Serene held her pouch tightly and walked to the entrance. She stopped after discovering that door was closed. The door was two layered, one with glass and the other made of thick woods. Serene bit her lip after seeing the closed door. It was very inappropriate to pushed it open, but she has no other choice. She has to leave the place. She held the door and tried to open it up, but it didn't open. She pushed and kicked it for several times but nothing happens.

Serene thought that maybe it was locked because the party isn't over yet. She seeked for another opening but she didn't find any. Exhausted, Serene roamed her eyes around the people who are dancing, kissing and touching each other. All of them were busy and she couldn't get a chance to talk to anyone.

She was about to walked back to her sit when she notice a man leaning on the wall. He was staring at the crowd and looks like he has no plan of joining them. Its black hair was brushed back. He was tall, not very bulky, but has a nice proportion. His left hand was on his pocket while the other one was holding a glass of wine. Serene studied the man. The man has a pointed-almost perfect nose, with a red thin lips that moves sexily when he drinks. He was wearing a black mask that complements its somber look.

Serene walked towards the man who was not in the mood to talk or to flirt. The man's name was Darrem and he hates party, but he loved the way he organized the event. He was too focus on the crowd that he missed the presence of Serene. Serene awkwardly waited beside the guy. She thought that Darrem might notice her if she stood beside him, but it seems like the guy was too occupied to notice her presence.

Serene gathered all her confidence to slightly dab the guy on its left arm to get his attention. Darrem immediately turned to Serene's direction after he felt the slight touch on his arm.

He was about to scowl and pushed away whoever it was but instead stay stilled after he saw the lady standing beside him. He couldn't help but to be captivated with the beautiful woman he just saw. The definition was not sexy because she aren't wearing revealing clothes, but rather classy, but for Darrem that was sexy in his vocabulary.

He cleared his throat and pretended not be affected with her looks. “What do you want?” he asked in a teed off manner.