Her Contracted Chaos

In the great city of Sicily in Italy, two best friends sat down, one trying to pursue the other into going to a masquerade party. “You have to go for it, Isa.” Her best friend, Gloria tried to pursue her. A wealthy businessman, Alessio de Angelis, had orchestrated a masquerade ball, inviting all the elite members to the occasion. Only the powerful and rich would be present and Isa thought it was some sort of foul play. Alessio was a billionaire with lots of companies and businesses around the world and yet very little was known of him. He always seemed to avoid the media and she couldn't blame him. The paparazzi were ruthless. Which was why when he announced the ball, she didn't want to go. Something was wrong. “I already told you, it's weird that...” “…Alessio De Angelis is hosting a ball. Blah blah blah. It's all nonsense because you're trying to escape seeing Snaky Samson.” Gloria interrupted her. Samson was her ex-boyfriend and Gloria never liked him, leading to the birth of the nickname. “I am not.” “You are too.” Her best friend retorted. ”Ugh. Fine, I'll go.” Gloria let out a shrill squeal and Isa immediately regretted her words. As usual, she had let herself be pursued by Gloria into something she didn't want to do. “Come on, Isa. Let me dress you up like the queen you are.” “I don't know if I can trust you.” Isa peered up at her from the bed she was sitting on. Gloria gasped in mock offense, “What do you mean? You'd look like the f*****g queen of the elite at the end of my makeover.” “That’s exactly my point, I don't want anything too flashy,” Isa groaned. “That’s what the mask is for, baby girl. Nobody would know it was you.” “Fine.” Gloria’s explanation made sense anyway and the accompanying smile on her face made her feel better. For the next forty minutes, Gloria set to work, refusing to let her see what she was doing. Soon she gave her a deep burgundy gown to try out. “Wow, you're gonna turn heads tonight.” Gloria commented when she came out. “I feel exposed though,” she said, trying to cover more of her breasts. “That's the point,” Gloria laughed, “Come and see how pretty you are.” She walked to the full-length mirror in her room and her mouth dropped open. The deep red shade highlighted her pale skin and contrasted against her dark wavy hair, giving a clear balance. The fitted bodice accentuated her curves while embroideries danced along the edges. The off-shoulder sleeves revealed a hint of her narrow shoulders and pushed her breasts upwards. And her makeup, although Gloria had only highlighted her eyes and lips, she looked magnificent. Her forest-green eyes popped against the golden brown eyebrows and the black liner. Her lips were colored with a glossy red shade and her cheeks, a subtle rosy blush. She radiated a perfect balance of boldness and soft elegance. “Why are you a nurse and not a fashionista?” She said in awe. “Ask my parents,” Gloria laughed in response. She gave her accessories, golden earrings and a necklace with intricate designs. A golden heel was placed at her feet and after she had worn them, a deep burgundy mask with golden undertones was given to her. “You really got prepared.” Isa didn't know how Gloria had gotten all these within the 24 hours that Alessio had announced the ball. “I have my ways.” She smiled. Minutes later, she entered her limo and her driver took her to the venue. ”Thanks, David.” He smiled at her, “You look beautiful, Miss Rodriguez.” “Thanks, David.” A bodyguard standing in front of the place came and opened her car’s door, taking her arm and leading her to the exact ballroom. She gave her thanks and walked into the place, thinking to herself this is it. The grand ballroom was adorned with crystal chandeliers, painted in rosy colors walls and marble floors. As she walked into the already full place, most of the guests turned their heads, and it stayed that way until she sat down, a sense of nervousness coming over her. There was an air of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the elite, a thirst to know what the enigmatic billionaire was up to. Minutes passed and Isabella began to wonder what she was doing here. “Hello there.” A deep voice said. She turned only to see the man in charge there. He was dressed in a black tuxedo that hugged his perfect tall muscular frame. A classic dark mask, adorned with golden accents was over his stormy grey eyes. Every detail from his charming smirk to his polished shoes exuded allure and elegance. “Hi.” “May I sit next to you, pretty lady.” He asked. “Um, sure.” She said, feeling surprised that he would ask to seat when it was essentially his ballroom. “What do you think about the event?” “I think it's very beautiful. If you wanted to show the world just how wealthy you are, then you really hit the mark.” She answered. “Beautiful? You, my dear, just upgraded this place from beautiful to enchanting.” He smirked, his smile tilting up even further when she blushes. “You're quite the charmer, aren't you? You have a good way with words.” She smiled. “Guilty as charged. But I can't help it when faced with someone as intriguing as you. What brings you here?” She didn't think she was intriguing. It was only Gloria’s magic at work that made him think that. “Well my best friend wanted me to come. She said it would be great and, as much as I'm not a fan of such huge events, I think it's great.” “Remind me to thank your friend for bringing you here.” She smiled softly. “But what exactly is the ball for?” He grinned mischievously, “It’s for charity.” “Charity?” She echoed. Alessio always did his charity events in private. “Mm. Well, I must say, Miss…?” “Isabella Rodriguez.” “Beautiful name for a beautiful lady. I'm rather interested in you. Would you like to have a dance with me?” “I suppose a dance wouldn't hurt.” As they glide onto the dance floor, a weird thing suddenly happens. All the lights suddenly flicker off and they're thrown into the darkness, a woman’s scream accompanying it.