Sweet Vengeance

Chapter 19

We arrive at my house at exactly 9 pm, hindi na rin ito nagtagal at umalis na rin agad pero patuloy pa rin ito sa pang aasar.

She told me that she'll fetch me tomorrow at 6 in the evening para sabay na daw kaming aattend.

I wonder what will happen tomorrow knowing that the professor, the president's daughter and also my sweetest doctor will also attend. I know they will, the four of them are best of friends.

I can't wait to finally see them at one place all at once. Tomorrow will be an eventful day for me I guess.

Meeting one of the reasons why I lost my parents, I just wish I won't lose myself tomorrow I don't want to jeopardize all the plans I work hard on for the past 10 years.

Though thinking what just happened all day with the attorney really gives me something I can't name of.

Alessia Armani is a big question mark for me.

Yes, she always smile, laugh, tease. But she's mysterious.

And dangerous.

I know it from the moment I met her. Pointing a bow with a stranger and releasing an arrow without a second thought.

That woman knows something and I won't let her get what she wants.

If she can play with fire, she should be ready not to get burnt with it because I won't let her win.

***

The night was full of excitement as I walked through the grand doors of the beautiful mansion. I couldn’t help but be amazed by everything around me. Shiny chandeliers sparkled above, giving off a warm golden light that lit up the room filled with laughter and chatter. I fixed my white suit, feeling a little out of place among the well-dressed guests.

But my focus wasn’t on them—it was on the woman beside me. My heart beat faster as I glanced at her. She held onto my arm, looking like a dream. Her eyes shone like stars behind a lace mask, and her long gown flowed like soft silk, making her smile glow even brighter.

The air felt magical, full of mystery and excitement. Every guest wore a mask, hiding who they really were, which made the night feel even more enchanting. As we walked through the crowd, people turned to look, their eyes drawn to us and our matching outfits.

I could feel the stares of both admiration and envy following us. The chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, shadows dancing across the masks of everyone around. The whole place buzzed with life, yet it felt as if time slowed when she walked by.

Whispers spread quickly as people tried to guess who she was. No one knew she was the daughter of the birthday celebrant. Her deep, captivating eyes met mine, and in that moment, I forgot the secret reason why I came to this party.

Her voice interrupted my thoughts, "Thank you so much for coming with me, Avice. I really appreciate it."

I smiled back, trying to mask my true intentions. "It's my pleasure, Alessia. I'm honored to be your partner for tonight."

Alessia's mother, the birthday celebrant, spotted us from across the room and waved, her eyes twinkling with joy. We made our way through the crowd, the rhythmic music filling the air as we gracefully glided across the polished dance floor. The guests' gazes followed us, captivated by the elegance of our matching attire.

As we approached Alessia's parents, a mix of emotions swirled within me. They were one of the very reason my own parents had tragically lost their lives, yet I had to maintain an air of innocence and ignorance. The weight of my motive pressed against my chest, but I refused to let it show.

Alessia's mother embraced her daughter warmly, her eyes sparkling with tears of happiness. She turned to me and extended her hand. "Hello, dear. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Alexianna Armani, Alessia's mother."

I took her hand with a friendly smile, my voice steady and calm. "Lovely to meet you, Ma'am. I'm Avice Zen Forbes. Alessia has spoken so highly of you."

Her father, stood beside his wife, his expression welcoming but guarded. I could feel his piercing gaze, as if he were trying to dissect me with his eyes alone. It took every ounce of self-control not to let my composure falter.

"Avice, this is my father, Art Armani," Alessia introduced, her voice filled with warmth.

I extended my hand to him, matching his firm grip. "Pleasure to meet you, Sir. Alessia has mentioned what an exceptional man you are."

Her father's eyes narrowed for a split second, but he quickly masked his suspicion with a cordial smile. "Thank you, Ms. Forbes. I hope you enjoy the party."

The conversation continued, veering into light-hearted topics as we mingled with the other guests. I remained cautious, ensuring I never let my guard down. The night was a delicate dance, not only on the dance floor but in maintaining my hidden agenda.

The masquerade party was in full swing, with elegant guests mingling amidst the grandeur of the mansion. I sat at a table adorned with flickering candlelight, sipping on my champagne, I adjusted my mask, ensuring it concealed my identity completely, as I sat at the lavishly decorated table in the center of the masquerade ball. The dimly lit room was alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. It was the perfect cover for my clandestine mission.

Alessia, was sitting beside me, her elegant gown shimmering in the soft glow of the chandeliers. I glanced at her, trying to hide my anxiety. "Excuse me, Alessia," I said with a smile, "I need to use the restroom. But don't worry, I'll be back shortly."

She looked concerned, her eyes searching for mine. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? It's a crowded party, and I don't want you to get lost."

I shook my head, trying to appear nonchalant. "No. I can handle myself. Besides, I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."

Alessia reluctantly nodded, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. "Alright, but be careful. Don't get into any trouble."

As I left the table, I blended with the crowd, carefully navigating through the maze of elegantly dressed guests. The mansion was vast and filled with luxurious rooms, each one holding secrets waiting to be discovered.

Leaving the vibrant energy of the party behind, I wandered through the opulent halls of the mansion. The sound of muffled music and animated conversations gradually faded into the background as I made my way towards the private rooms. I knew that somewhere within this labyrinthine abode, the thing I was looking for was concealed.

Each step I took was cautious, my senses heightened with anticipation. Silently, I slipped into the shadows, making my way towards the private chambers of the mansion's owner. The dimly lit corridor was lined with opulent paintings and adorned with ornate furnishings. My heart raced with anticipation as I reached for the handle of the first door, hoping to find the thing I was looking for inside.

To my disappointment, the room held nothing more than a collection of antique books and intricate art pieces. Undeterred, I moved on, skillfully trying my luck with each door I encountered. The tension in the air heightened as I explored the mansion, the fear of discovery lingering in my mind.

The air was laden with mystery as I stealthily moved from one room to another, carefully avoiding any potential encounters. The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows on the walls, adding an air of secrecy to my clandestine endeavor.

Just as I stepped into another room, my heart skipped a beat as the door creaked slightly, signaling the presence of someone else. Panic surged through my veins, and I quickly sought refuge behind a nearby curtain. Peering cautiously, I saw the figure of a maid entering the room, her steps confident but diligent. My mind raced, desperately seeking a way to avoid detection.

Silently, I watched as the maid went about her tasks, cleaning and organizing the room with meticulous precision. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I willed myself to remain calm and stay hidden. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, every second amplifying the intensity of the situation.

After what felt like forever, the maid finally finished her work and left the room, not realizing I was there. I let out a quiet sigh of relief and stepped out from my hiding spot. With determination, I continued searching, moving carefully through the long and winding halls of the mansion.

But soon, my heart grew heavy. I knew my search had to end—I had already taken too many risks, and getting caught was now far too likely. Realizing that my absence might be noticed, I decided it was time to return to the masquerade and find Alessia again.

I made my way back through the mansion until I reached the main hall. The lively music and laughter of the guests pulled me forward, leading me to the table where Alessia was waiting. But as I drew closer, something unexpected caught my eye.

Three new women had joined the table. They wore detailed masks that hid their faces, their presence impossible to ignore. They laughed brightly, their voices filled with charm, and the table seemed to glow with their energy. Their eyes shone with both curiosity and mischief, their smiles as dazzling as moonlight on still water.

It felt as though fate itself was testing me, daring me to choose where my loyalties truly lay.