I'll Be My Own Romeo

Chapter 3 pt.1 Juliet POV:Masquerade Ball

❗️❗️❗️DISCLAIMER❗️❗️❗️:THESE ARE SHAKESPEARE'S CHARACTER'S AND I'M JUST WRITING IT IN MY VERSION.ALL CREDITS TO HIM FOR THE CHARATERS

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The next night, our family, including my grandma, cousins, parents, and uncle, eagerly gathered for the masquerade ball. Prince Escalus, sitting on his throne, appeared bored, while a masked boy stood beside him, hands clasped behind his back, observing the festivities with an air of mystery.

As the doors swung open, all eyes turned towards the stairs. I made my grand entrance, clad in a stunning beige and white gown with a silver mask, accompanied by Rosaline, who dazzled in a white and blue ensemble with a matching white and gold mask. Following us were her children, Lorenzo and Roise, dressed in vibrant yellow attire. Our unexpected appearance caused quite a stir, leaving the crowd in awe and whispers trailing in our wake.

Approaching the Prince, we all bowed respectfully. "Lady Capulet and Lady Rosaline Capulet... It's been a while since your last appearance. Welcome to the ball," greeted the Prince with a hint of intrigue, acknowledging our presence.

He then turned his attention to Rosaline's children with a warm smile, setting a tone of curiosity among the guests. Meanwhile, our fathers visibly seethed with anger, their disapproval palpable in the charged atmosphere.

Leaning against the wall, I was approached by a familiar figure extending his hand, stirring up memories of the past. Accepting his hand, we gracefully moved onto the dance floor. "What's your name?" I inquired, breaking the silence that hung between us, but he remained enigmatic, adding a layer of tension to our dance. It was Count Paris.

Recognition dawned in his eyes, and a smile played on his lips as he remarked, "I see you remember me now." Guilt washed over me for leaving him heartbroken and defying my parents' wishes without a word of explanation.

As we swayed to the music, an unsettling sensation of being watched nagged at me. "Are you sure you want to be dancing with me?" I asked, a note of concern in my voice.

His response was unwavering, "Yes, it's you I want to dance with," as he spun me around with a flourish, drawing a genuine smile from me.I realise he was the one next to the Prince.

Despite the weight of judgmental stares and silent accusations, I brushed them aside, attributing them to the consequences of my deception. After our dance, we parted ways with a mutual respect, exchanging courteous bows.

Later, an elderly gentleman approached me, asking for a dance. Politely declining, I found myself abruptly interrupted by my father, who seized my arm, pulling me away with force. Amidst his stern reprimands, I couldn't contain my pent-up frustration any longer.

"I came here to show that I refuse to cower in fear. Rosaline came to demonstrate her pride in her children. We won't be silenced by your disapproval!" I declared, my voice echoing with defiance.

"For years, I've strived for perfection, but tonight, I refuse to be shackled by your expectations! I won't let your words define me as a coward in any way!" With that, I stormed out of the ballroom, leaving behind the weight of familial judgment and societal constraints.

And it was all thanks to Roise's letter that I found the courage to defy expectations and convince Rosaline to join me on this bold venture.