Forbidden Alliance

Part 2 - The Masquerade

Josephine

Saturday afternoon...

Being a woman is the hardest thing ever. Especially when you are a part of high class of people. You represent your family and it's good for the reputation. You can't just go out in sweatpants and without being arranged. But I got used to it and it's part of my routine now.

After getting hair and make-up done for tonight's event, I walk in my dressing, and I take out my dress for the ball. I decided to wear a simple midi black dress. I don't like to wear fancy clothes. I like simple. I added to my outfit some long gloves, black sandals and pearl earrings and necklace. And the center piece: a black mask with some lace. And I'm ready to party. I'm sure dad has planned for me some dances with the most wanted bachelor in London, but my mind will be at Hero. The man I met in coffee shop. He was nice and I couldn't stop thinking about him in the last days.

I spray some perfume, I take my clutch and I walk downstairs where my family is waiting for me.

Elizabeth: "Oh my God! Josephine! You are too vulgar in this dress! It shows a lot of skin!" Jesus! What's wrong with his outfit? My cleavage is not showing anything. And just because I have a cut from my mid-thigh it's not vulgar.

Louis: "Honey, she's not vulgar. She's beautiful."

Jo: "Thank you, dad."

Jake: "Shall we go?"

Louis: "Yes."

We all walk out where a limousine is waiting for us. Jake opens the door, and he helps me and mom to get inside, then dad gets inside, but Jake stays out.

Louis: "Jake? You're not coming?"

Jake: "I'll see you there. I have something to do before. See you later!"

Jake closes the door, and the driver starts the car.

Louis: "Josephine? Do you have any idea where he is going?"

Jo: "No, I'm sorry. But I have feeling he's going to one of his mistresses."

Louis: "Jesus..." He rolls his eyes. "So... there will be a lot of my business partners and you will dance with them. Just for fun and to give them a good impression."

Jo: "Okay..."

After 25 minutes, we arrive at the ballroom. We get inside and we go to our table.

"Mom, do you want me to bring you something to drink?"

"No, thank you, darling."

"Dad?"

"I'll go to take something later."

"Alright."

I get up from my seat and I go to the bar to take a cocktail. A non-alcoholic one. I'm not a person who drinks. I wait for my drink to be ready when I hear someone behind me.

"Josephine?" I turn around and I recognize the man behind the mask. Hero.

"Hero, hello. Are you following me?" I smile.

"Maybe..." He smiles. "What are you doing here?"

"I came with my family. What about you?"

"Me too."

"Ah, you are a Salvatore?"

"Nope. Fiennes."

"Oh..."

"What about you?"

"Langford."

"Interesting."

"See you around, Hero."