The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 64: The Ball

Alannah, filled with a mix of frustration and anticipation, swiftly unlocked her phone and began searching for any upcoming balls or events in the area. Her eyes scanned through various listings until she found one that caught her attention. A masquerade ball, happening tonight at a prestigious venue not too far from her location.

A sense of relief washed over her as she realized that the ball mentioned in the mysterious phone call did indeed exist. It seemed that fate had aligned, providing her with an opportunity to seek the answers she desperately sought.

With newfound hope, Alannah grabbed her phone once again and dialed Nathaniel's number. Her heart raced with anticipation, yearning for his familiar voice to reassure her. However, disappointment settled in as the call went unanswered once more. Frustration bubbled up within her, causing her to let out a frustrated groan.

In a fit of vexation, she threw her phone onto the nearby couch, frustration coursing through her veins. "Why does he even have a phone if he can't bother to reply?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with exasperation.

Alannah thought for a moment and sighed, "its better he is not here. If he gets to know this, he would never let me go."

Alannah's mind was clouded with a mix of emotions-concern for Nathaniel's absence, the unanswered questions surrounding her parents, and the mounting anticipation of the ball. Despite her frustration, a glimmer of determination shone through her eyes.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. Resolving to face the upcoming events alone, Alannah brushed off her frustration and embraced her inner strength.

Alannah stood before the full-length mirror in Nathaniel's bedroom, adorned in the beautiful red dress that had arrived mysteriously in the package. The vibrant hue of the dress perfectly complemented her features, accentuating her elegance and grace.

The dress, crafted from luxurious silk, clung to her form in all the right places, creating an alluring silhouette. Its bodice was intricately adorned with delicate lace patterns, which cascaded down to the flowing skirt, creating an enchanting and captivating look.

Alannah's fingers gently traced the intricate details of the dress as she admired its beauty. The fabric felt smooth against her skin, reminding her of the significance of the night that lay ahead.

Next, she turned her attention to the mask that accompanied the dress. It was an exquisite piece, crafted with meticulous care. The mask was adorned with delicate silver filigree, creating an intricate pattern that added an air of mystery and allure to its design. As she held it in her hands, Alannah could feel the weight of anticipation and intrigue that it carried.

With a soft sigh, she carefully placed the mask over her eyes, adjusting it to fit perfectly. Its presence concealed a part of her identity, allowing her to become someone new for the night. She admired the reflection in the mirror, as the mask lent an aura of mystique, obscuring her true self.

Her attention then turned to her hair, which cascaded in loose, romantic curls framing her face. Each strand was meticulously styled, adding an ethereal touch to her appearance. The curls danced as she moved, enhancing her natural beauty and completing the ensemble.

As Alannah took one last look at her reflection, she couldn't help but feel a sense of transformation.

****

Nathaniel stood in his office, his arms folded across his chest, glaring at Adrian with a mixture of frustration and reluctance. He had no interest in attending a ball or any social gathering, particularly when he was already consumed by the turmoil surrounding Alannah's safety.

Adrian, on the other hand, shifted uncomfortably under Nathaniel's intense gaze. He knew his brother's aversion to such events, but he also understood the importance of this particular ball. He took a deep breath and summoned his courage to speak up.

"Listen, Nate," Adrian began sheepishly, his voice laced with earnestness. "I know you don't want to go to some fancy ball, but trust me, it's important. You've never been to one of these events, and there's a reason why you should be there."

Nathaniel's brow furrowed as he regarded his brother warily. "And what reason would that be?" he questioned, his tone laced with skepticism.

Adrian let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, this is more than just a social gathering. It's an opportunity for us to gather information, to uncover the truth about your father's past and the people who may have been involved in Alannah's parents' murder."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed, the gravity of Adrian's words sinking in. While he still had reservations about attending, the prospect of finding answers compelled him to consider the possibility.

"Old gang members and people who knew your father will likely be in attendance," Adrian continued, desperation seeping into his voice. "We might stumble upon vital information that could help us piece together the puzzle."

Nathaniel's glare softened slightly, his frustration giving way to a flicker of curiosity. He understood the significance of unraveling the truth, not only for Alannah's sake but also for his own understanding of his father's involvement.

After a moment of contemplation, Nathaniel let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine," he conceded, his voice tinged with resignation. "I'll go to this damn ball, but only for the sake of finding answers."

Adrian's face brightened, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thank you, Nate," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I know it's not your idea of a good time, but I truly believe this could be a golden opportunity for us."

Nathaniel's gaze shifted from his brother to the documents spread across his desk. The weight of responsibility settled upon him, and with a determined expression, he nodded. "Let's do this," he said firmly. "We'll find the answers we're looking for, no matter what it takes."

Nathaniel hurriedly pulled out his phone, his fingers swiftly tapping on the screen as he opened Alannah's contact.

Nathaniel felt a pang of guilt as he realized he would be late tonight. He picked up his phone and dialed Alannah's number, waiting for her to pick up.

"Hey, Alannah," he began, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm really sorry, but something urgent came up at work, and I'll be late tonight. I won't be able to spend time with you."

Alannah stayed quiet for a moment, contemplating her response. She knew she had her own plans for the evening, and she needs to stay quiet about them. After a brief pause, she lied, "It's alright, Nathaniel. I understand. I'm actually planning to go to Amy's place and have a girls' night. It'll be fun."

Nathaniel's voice held a hint of disappointment. "Do you need me to come and give you a ride? I don't want you to go alone at this hour."

Alannah smiled softly, appreciating his concern. "No, it's okay. I can manage. Thank you for offering, though."

Nathaniel let out a sigh, the weight of his protective instincts evident in his tone. "I'm sorry again, Alannah. I wish I could be there for you. Just be safe, alright?"

Alannah reassured him, her voice filled with understanding. "It's okay, Nathaniel. I'll be fine. Don't worry too much. Take care of your work, and we'll catch up soon."

They exchanged a few more words, expressing their love and understanding, before ending the call. As Alannah hung up, she couldn't help but think to herself that sometimes it was better not to share every detail with Nathaniel. She knew he would do anything to keep her safe, but she also cherished her independence and the freedom to make her own choices.