At The Masquerade Ball

Chapter 4

Lily had caught up with James at the party and they decided to leave the party. They arrived at James apartment at almost midnight. They were laughing as they walked down the hallway of James apartment building. James was telling Lily about the fake identity he had to come up with just to fit into the crowd tonight. “you needed to see me as i was bawling out my fake life to these rich folks and how interested they were” James said with laughter in his voice “I told this guy i was the CEO at a start up company that is into Fin-Tech, and he couldn’t have enough of me.” James continued. “Bro was interested in investing in the company but i told him the company was already sold out.” “How did you even come up with all these on the spot fiction and still keep a straight face?” Lily asked “I mean if it were me i probably would not have been able to hold back giggling or an overly suspicious smile” “Girl, it is not fiction, but a carefully curated reality that may a possibility in an alternate universe somewhere.” James replied as they both burst into laughter again. The spontaneous laughter was not an anomaly for this duo but they have become a bit tipsy from the party. “So what about you?” James asked. “Did you enjoy the party?” “Of course i did. I even met someone”

“Oooh... really? Tell me all about it” James says as he is not very interested in what Lily has to say and he did not predict this to happen. Lily told James all about her mystery man and how he was such a gentle man, how his charms were endless, how she insisted that their identities remained a mystery, how the talked and laughed for the evening, and how they shared a kiss. “what!” James exclaimed “When did all of this happen?” “he approached me not long after you left me to go handle whatever it was you needed to handle when you excused yourself.” Lily replied. “So what is our gentleman's name? Who is he? Where does he work? Complete the details girl.” James said, urging Lily for more information about this mystery man “Well, i honestly did not get his name and i didn’t give him mine” Lily answered. “wait what? I don’t get it.” James still confused wanted to know more. Lily explained everything that had happened with her and the mystery man, why she insisted that their identities remain a mystery, how they engaged in various topics of conversations. James still didn’t get it though. “This was your chance girl, you could have bagged a rich dude tonight and trust me our lives won’t have been the same” James stated. They were both already sitting on the couch as they talked but James stood up to go get some chips as he was suddenly feeling peckish. “Our? You say it like it’s going to be a throuple.” Lily pointed out. As James was coming back to eat his chips, Lily points out the fact that she missed a very important detail. She then informed James the condition she had given her mystery man. “Girl. When i called you Cinderella, i didn’t expect you to take it this far” James said in shock. “Do you honestly think that this guy, who is most likely some multi billionaire and runs a very busy business, will take you seriously on that condition?” “Well, i really am not expecting much, after all the ultimate goal tonight was to have fun and that, my dear, i achieved.” Lily stated as she smiled at James “Well, i’ll give you an A for the fairy-tale romance though. I’m glad you had a good time” James says as he hugs her. “Alright you can crash on the couch tonight, I’m going to my room. I’m beyond exhausted” James informed Lily as he moved towards his bedroom already taking off his suit jacket off. “So, you aren’t even going to give me the lady treatment?” Lily jokingly asked already knowing the response “Honey, Chivalry died in the 90s. I’ll bring a blanket to keep you warm.” James replied

********************

Steven could not believe what had just happened. Who was this girl? Where did she come from? She had really stolen his attention. He pondered on who she could be as he left the garden to leave. He ran into Collin. Collin happens to be the CFO of the company and his childhood friend. “Yo man. Why are looking so puzzled? I thought you had already left.” Collin asks. “Not exactly. I met this girl who was really interesting yet she refused to reveal her identity to me. The more intriguing part was the fact that she had no idea who i was.” Steven narrated all that had happened between him and his mystery girl. “Dude, you were in a fairy-tale tonight. So you kissed her and yet you still didn’t know who she was?” Collin asked “And on top of that, she gives you this ridiculous condition. Are you actually going to go through with it?” “I don’t know yet. I guess we’ll find out in a year.” Steven left the party with the mystery lady still on his mind. He tried so hard to figure out who she could be. On his way home in the car, he asked his assistant to send him the guest list for the party so he could figure it out, but it wasn’t making sense he could piece it together. He had to let it go, but he knew this was going to eat at him for the next few weeks. Steven arrived at his house and quickly had a shower and went to bed.

*******************

The next morning Lily woke up to James already leaving for work. He was looking sharp and well put together.”Alright. i’m off to please those who pay my bills.” He stated. “Please do not forget to return that dress, else i’ll get charged extra and if i do, you are paying for it. Love ya.” James says he leaves. Lily knows to leave the key with the doorman downstairs before she leaves. Here she was again, reality is hitting her hard like never before. As she stood up to freshen up and leave, she thought to herself, how long will she continue as a mere coffee maker? And she broke down in t

ears.