CHAPTER TWO

The frosty air penetrated deep into my bones as I instinctively rubbed my arms, desperately seeking even the faintest hint of warmth. Digging into my purse, I retrieved a lip balm, my lifeline against the biting cold.

I was never one to embrace heavy makeup. In fact, I prided myself on a natural look. If you had to label me, I was the "all-natural" type. However, today was an exception. I realized that, in order to make this work, I needed to step up my game. As a result, my makeup consisted of just mascara, an eye pencil, and a light dusting of foundation on my face.

I had heeded Kate's advice and visited the boutique to update my wardrobe. There was no way I was going to attend the party looking like my fashion inspiration came from a five-year-old. My brown hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, with a few strands allowed to frame either side of my face.

"Here," Kate said, capturing my attention as she handed me a black mask. "Put this on."

I accepted the mask from her with a delicate touch, my fingers gliding along its smooth edges. It was clear that this mask was our golden ticket into the party, as nearly everyone in attendance was adorned with one. A smile formed on my lips as I secured the mask in place. Without a word, Kate led the way towards the entrance of the party hall.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of fellow partygoers. The intensity of their stares made me uneasy. I tried to reassure myself, suspecting that they were probably fixated on Kate, who had gone all out with her attire.

Kate donned a stunning white bodycon dress, paired with elegant white heels and a matching purse. Her black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a graceful waterfall. In comparison to me, she looked like she had been plucked right out of a fashion magazine. Her usual thick, white fur sweater added an extra touch of glamour.

If I didn't know her personally, I might have easily assumed she was the heiress to a billionaire. I couldn't help but wonder how much she had spent on her attire and where the funds came from, but I understood that it wasn't my place to delve into her private life.

We strolled toward the entrance of the building, where a vigilant bodyguard stood watch. His gaze locked onto both of us, and with a silent but assertive gesture, he cleared a path for our entry, and we made our way through. I couldn't help but notice his eyes lingering on me, his gaze more intent and extended than I had expected.

The interior of the party hall was remarkably spacious. An enormous chandelier hung elegantly from the high ceiling. Looking upward, I couldn't help but gasp at the breathtaking architectural design. The ceiling itself was crafted from glass, offering a mesmerizing view of the starry night sky high above.

The strains of a violin filled the air, and couples glided gracefully across the dance floor. It was like a scene straight out of a movie, a far cry from what I had anticipated. I had expected blaring music from speakers and people dancing to it.

"You lied," I whispered, and she didn't appear inclined to dispute it. A subtle smile graced her lips as she gazed at me.

"Does it really matter?" she replied. "We're here now. Why not enjoy ourselves and maybe even get to know some of these people?" She suggested and clicked her tongue.

"How did you manage to secure an invitation to such an event?" I inquired as I observed the other guests.

 They all seemed as if they had been plucked from the pages of a fashion magazine, just like Kate, and I could tell from their attire that they were wealthy.

"Well," she confessed with a nervous chuckle, "I stole the invitation from a one-night stand."

"You had a one-night stand?" I inquired, taken aback by the revelation. She sighed and turned to meet my gaze.

"Don't think too much about it," she advised. "Let's not forget why we're here, for your mom." Her reminder prompted a nod of understanding from, me.

Right.

"Hey," she began, a smile playing on her lips. "What do you think of that guy?" she inquired, directing my attention toward the same direction.

I saw a man in a black suit and mask. He sensually licked his lips as his eyes locked with hers, causing a faint blush to grace her cheeks. I let out a sigh, fully aware of Kate's weird lust for playboys, and he certainly exuded that vibe.

"You can't be serious," I responded, rolling my eyes. "There's no way you should be interested in him. He looks like he'd eat you for breakfast."

"You know, that's exactly what I'm looking for," she replied with a mischievous grin. "A bit of aftercare sex."

"I didn't mean it in that way," I clarified, and another sigh slipped from my lips. "I meant he seems to have a taste for, well, human flesh." I teased, and she chuckled.

"Good one, Chloe."

"You have a bad taste in men, Kate."

"I believe you've caught an admirer," Kate mentioned, nodding in a particular direction. I followed her gaze and found a pair of piercing blue eyes.

He was dressed in a sharp Italian suit, his brown, lustrous hair meticulously groomed. Holding a glass of vodka in one hand, he kept his gaze fixed on me. Our eyes met, and for an instant, it felt as if the world around us had come to a standstill.

His deep blue eyes reminded me of the ocean, the kind that pulls you in only to drown you. It felt almost wrong to avert my gaze, but I managed to tear my eyes away.

"Well, that's unfortunate," Kate commented, taking a glass of wine from a tray and sipping it thoughtfully. “If I were you, I would take him.”

"Have you seen me?" I retorted, and she gazed at me, a perplexed expression on her face. "There's no way he'd be interested in me. I mean, just look at him."

"Are you talking about how he looks like Prince Charming while you’re nowhere near a beauty?" she teased, which only earned her a frown from me. "Well, that's your loss. I'm off to meet mine."

Well, forget it, I thought to myself as I made my way to the bar section to grab a few drinks. I took a seat on a stool, and the bartender approached with a friendly smile as he observed me.

"What can I get you, ma'am?" he inquired, leaning forward.

"Two martinis, please," someone spoke from behind me. The bartender nodded and began preparing the drinks.

As I turned to see who had ordered, my eyes locked with those same captivating blue eyes I had seen earlier.

"Why are you dressed like that?" he questioned, leaving me puzzled by his statement.

"Excuse me?" I responded, my brow furrowed.“Because I chose to.”

In contrast to everyone else at the party, I stood out as the odd one. The dress I had selected for this occasion was neither fancy nor expensive, unlike the rest. I wore a simple blue satin blouse paired with a short black leather skirt.

"You weren't actually invited, were you?" he asked as he walked closer, until he was barely an inch away. My throat tightened with anxiety, worried he might reveal our uninvited presence, even though I had no clue that he was.

"Do i know you? And do you even have a clue who you're talking to?" I inquired, furrowing my brows and making an effort to keep my composure, so as not to give myself away.

For a few minutes, silence hung in the air between us, and he continued to smile, his eyes exploring me as if attempting to undress me with his gaze.

"Sorry, I must have confused you with someone else," he eventually remarked, offering a faint smile. I let out a sigh of relief.

"Excuse me," I replied, beginning to step away, but he caught my hand. "Let go of me," I asserted, giving him a stern glare.

"Please, stay," he implored, and as I looked at him.

 I could sense my heart rate quickens, and a strange feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. As much as I may have wanted to comply, I couldn't bring myself to do so, especially after being annoyed by the assumption that I had sneaked in, even if it was true.

"Fuck off." I retorted, pulling my hand free and walking away.