Masked

PREFACE AND CHAPTER 1

Preface

"The first time I approached you, I intended to end you. The second time, all I desired was to possess you once more. Yet ultimately, what I yearned for was your love," he declared, as the police officers secured his hands in handcuffs.

"I love you, Alina Alonso. So, profoundly. Please wait for me. I will return, and together we will fulfill every promise we made. I love you, my Violet."

I sat there, stunned, tears streaming down my cheeks, grappling with the weight of his words.

CHAPTER 1

DUPE

1 year ago

“The best Women Entrepreneur Award goes to Miss Alina Alonso!”

Everybody was clapping for my success with the fakest smile on their faces. I knew all of those foxes in sheep’s clothing. No man truly wants a woman to be on top of the world, when they work as ants.

“Thank you everyone for this award. I am greatly indebted to all the investors who had shown faith in me and my beloved company employees. It’s their hard work that has made us achieve heights. Thank you everyone.”

“Congrats miss Alina.”

“Ya thank you miss Ava. But we don’t have time for all these fancy shitty dinners. I hope you know that.”

“Ye- yes ma’am. You have a few sales reports left that you have to review. The car is ready outside.”

“Thanks Miss Ava. You can go home for the day.”

“Rea-really ma’am!?”

“You want me to take my words back?”

“N-no ma’am, Thank you. Have a good night”

I am the CEO of the second best company in the country, Alonso F&B. Yes, second best. The first position is taken by an i***t’s company who doesn’t reveal his identity. As it improves his sales. Or maybe it is doing?

Who cares? I have a lot more s**t to do than this business.

“Mark, are you out there?”

“Yes ma’am I’m ready with the car outside.’

“OKAY. I’ll be there in a few.”

I was walking out of this stupid party, when suddenly,

“Ouch!! What the f**k!”

I collapsed with someone. Wait, he was not just someone. He was a man. A beautiful man, with a plain white shirt, a black coat and black pants, eyes covered with spectacles, a face that was perfectly carved out. Who was he? Why had I never seen him before? Did he own any company or was just an employee?

“Oh! I’m sorry miss- Miss Alonso!”

“Yeah. It’s me …unfortunately.” I said the latter part in a low voice.

“Congratulations for the award ma’am.” He said, extending his hand.

“Thanks.” I shaked his hand. His hands were warm whereas mine were freezing with cold. It was a bad choice to wear a sleeveless dress in New York’s winter.

“Ma’am you want something to drink?”

“No, I was leaving anyway.”

“But the party had just started. One drink won’t harm anything, right? Please wait, let me bring something for you.” He said and left. I was too busy to entertain him. When he disappeared in the crowd, I started walking to the door. I was almost there when someone stopped me.

“Miss Alonso! How are you darling?!”

“Oh! Hi Miss Bridget. I’m great. How are you?”

“Oh dear! You know old age. Have to bear with this.”

“Come one Miss Bridget. You are not that old. You are just in your late thirties right?”

“HAHAHA! You have a way for buttering. I’m in my late 50s dear.”

“You are lying, aren’t you? You look so young.”

“Come on. Okay I have to leave now darling. Medicine time!”

“Take care ma’am.”

Finally, she left. She rewas Miss Bridget Cordelia. One of the biggest investors of my company. Actually, the first investor who trusted me and invested money in me. But she was rather a chatterbox. I started walking to the gate when I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

“I’m here ma’am. Your drink.” The man in glasses said. There was something about his eyes which he covered as if to hide something from the world. A truth which if taken out of the bag would ruin the world. I was sure they were deep brown in color. And his voice? It had an odd comfort. Like a warm blanket in chilly winters. One I was in need of.

“Thanks, Mr?”

“I’m Joel Rutherford.” He introduced himself.

“Thanks for the drink Mr Rutherford.” He handed me the drink and I took one sip of it. Wine did its work and made me feel warm. Everybody around me was indulging in small talk and chattering like long lost friends. I craved the silence.

“Do you want to go somewhere quiet ma’am?” He said, as if reading my mind.

“I would love to but I don't have time.” I gulped the wine in one go and kept the glass on a table nearby. Without looking at him again, I left the hall where the party was still going on.

“Mark, are you out there?” I asked my driver.

“Ma’am I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Come fast. This chilly weather is killing me.” I told him and cut the call. I wrapped my arms around me but it didn’t work. Suddenly, I felt something over my shoulder. A warm, soft coat.

“Thought you were in need of this.” The man with spectacles said, with a small smile on his face.

“Thanks Mr Rutherford. My car is on its way.” I told him.

“I’ll give you company till then.” He replied. I looked at him. Was he genuinely a gentleman or did he want something from me?

“Hey, do you want a job or something in my company?” I asked him.

He chuckled. “No no ma’am. I don’t want anything like that. I already work in D&R F&B.” He said.

“Oh, the one run by some psycho who hides his identity from the world?” I said with the least amount of humor in my tone.

“I don’t know about the psycho part but that describes our boss.” He said, scratching the back of his head.

“Is he really that ugly that he doesn’t show his face or he thinks his strategy benefits his company?” I asked him, looking at him directly this time.

“I really don’t know ma’am. I have never seen him.” He said. I nodded my head in surprise. Mark was nowhere to be seen.

“Where the hell are you Mark? What do you mean the car won’t work? Wasn’t it working two minutes ago? Go call a damn taxi and have the car fixed by tomorrow morning!” I told him.

“Any problem ma’am?” He was still standing beside me.

“My car won’t work.” I told him.

“I can drop you if you want me to.” He suggested.

“No thanks. My driver would be here with a taxi in a few.”

“This place is far from the city ma’am. It won’t be easy to find a taxi here.” He said but I didn't reply. I kept looking around for Mark. I called him again.

“Aren’t you even able to fund a taxi now Mark!?” I yelled. The passersby looked in my direction. A few reporters looked at me for more so I could give them some content to write. If I lose my cool again, there would be another article in a tabloid stating how ‘Alina Alonso was a b***h who exploited her employees.’ I took a deep breath and acted to calm down, even though my inners were screaming to punch someone in the face.

The man beside me was right. It was hard to find any taxi here. Surprisingly, I asked him something I would never have asked a stranger. “Will you please drop me?”