Chapter 53 A Dance
"Masquerade ball?"
"Yeah, it's this hotel thing they do every six months with different themes. Last time it was a costume party, and before that, a Halloween haunted house. This time, it's something more mainstream, so expect a big crowd tonight."
With Christmas around the corner, the hotel was decked out with Christmas trees and lights, giving off major holiday vibes.
Juniper chimed in, "I just came in and saw all the waiters wearing masks. This is gonna be fun!"
Juniper picked out a fox mask for Camilla and a lion mask for herself—queen of the forest vibes, totally badass!
23rd-floor banquet hall.
The moment they stepped out of the elevator, Camilla felt all eyes on her.
Crowds weren't really her thing, but the mask made it a bit easier to handle.
Juniper dragged her through the crowd to the bar. "A martini for me. Camilla, what are you having?"
"A lemonade."
Juniper's eyebrow shot up. "Say what now?"
"I want lem—"
Juniper cut her off, turning to the bartender, "Get her a Bloody Mary!"
The bartender smirked. "You got it."
Camilla sighed, feeling a bit defeated.
Little did she know, someone in the shadows was watching her every move.
Leopold stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, leaning against the wall, checking his watch now and then.
He wore a mask of the opera singer Yunaria, with cracked black and gold patterns and random musical notes, giving him a mix of cold and classy.
His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the top, adding to his stoic charm that made heads turn.
After five minutes, Leopold was about to bail when Amara tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, I'm here!"
Leopold turned around. Amara had on a white rabbit mask, complete with fluffy ears and rabbit eye makeup, matching her sweet and innocent look.
"I went to the wrong place, so I'm a bit late. Sorry."
Amara grabbed his hand and gave it a little shake. "I heard there's a mystery prize for a lucky guest tonight. With my luck, I'm totally winning."
Leopold's irritation melted away at Amara's cuteness.
"Alright, let's go. We're here for the raffle, right?"
Meanwhile, Juniper had just put down her drink when she spotted a guy who was totally her type.
Before Juniper could say anything, Camilla nudged her. "Go for it, but don't go too wild."
Juniper blew her a kiss. "See you later!"
Camilla looked around, noticing the crowd. Everyone was dressed to the nines, giving the ball a real sense of occasion.
The romantic atmosphere, exotic music, and the crowd were heating up, dancing to the beat.
Camilla wandered over to the dessert table, grabbed some pastries, and found a quieter spot to sit. While munching, she pulled out her iPad and started flipping through some papers.
Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of her, and a deep, elegant voice said, "May I have this dance, beautiful lady?"
The dude was rocking a black suit, with these killer royal blue cufflinks and a vintage-looking Patek Philippe watch that totally matched his Phantom of the Opera mask.
Camilla locked eyes with him and knew right away.
Marcus!
"Sorry, I don't dance."
Marcus shot back, "I've seen you dance on your toes backstage at school."
Busted. Camilla was speechless for a couple of seconds.
She remembered Marcus was probably talking about senior year, at the graduation party, where she missed her solo dance.
She had practiced for two months but couldn't perform because of a calf injury.
She had almost forgotten about it, but Marcus hadn't.
Just then, the host on stage said something, and the spotlight swept over the crowd.
The cheers got louder and louder.
Out of nowhere, the white light landed on them, putting them in the spotlight.
Marcus grinned. "The rule here is, if the spotlight catches you, you gotta dance. Destiny has a plan for me. Can you bear to let everyone down?"
He bowed at a perfect forty-five-degree angle, extending his hand for a dance.
The crowd started chanting, "Say yes, say yes!"
"Dance, dance!"
Camilla gritted her teeth and reluctantly placed her hand in his.
Marcus led her straight to the center of the dance floor.
Forward, backward, spin, embrace—the tall and dashing Phantom of the Opera had snagged a sly and charming little fox.
Their outfits intertwined, their eyes met, and Marcus's smile was full of joy and satisfaction.
Camilla was actually pretty good at it.
Thanks to her mom, Jane Grey, who believed every girl should try dancing, painting, music, and etiquette.
Jane taught Camilla to be sensible, well-mannered, and multi-talented, but Camilla had a knack for academics.
Physics, chemistry, biology, computer science—Camilla signed up for competitions in all subjects. From prelims to state competitions, then nationals, and finally making it to the International Olympiad podium.
That year, the whole school and even the country were amazed by Camilla.
Top universities were all over her, and she ended up at Harmony College with stellar grades.
"What are you thinking about?" Marcus's voice was right in her ear.
Camilla snapped back. "Just some old memories."
"College days?" Marcus's eyes darkened, thinking about someone he didn't want to remember.
"No," Camilla shook her head.
Marcus suddenly laughed, a deep sound from his chest. He spun her quickly, sending her into a twirl.
Another round of cheers erupted around them.
Even though Camilla had to follow his lead, Marcus's steps were small and his movements slow, like he was being super considerate.
His hand on her waist was also very gentlemanly, just lightly supporting her without any hint of aggression.
"You look stunning today. The fox mask suits you," Marcus said with a playful tone.
Camilla raised an eyebrow. "What a coincidence, you're here on vacation too?"
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