HIS MATE

The Ball

As we arrive at the castle, I'm taken aback by the sheer opulence. The grandeur of the place is overwhelming, with towering spires and intricate stonework. Carriages pull up one by one, depositing guests dressed in the most elaborate ball gowns and suits I have ever seen.I feel a pang of embarrassment as I glance down at my plain dress. Compared to the others, I look like a homeless beggar, not even fit to be a maid. Memories of my past flood back—when my father was alive, I lived like a princess, surrounded by comfort and luxury. But all of that was snatched away when he died, and Laura entered my life. I had hoped she would be a mother to me, and Rose and Jasmine would be my sisters. Instead, they turned me into a servant, a shadow of my former self.The grandeur of the castle makes me feel even smaller. I try to stay out of sight, blending into the background as I carry Rose and Jasmine's things. My heart aches with the loss of my father and the life I once knew, but I push those feelings aside. This is my chance to escape, and I can't afford to let emotions get in the way.As the guests begin to mingle, I find a quiet corner to observe. I need to be strategic about my escape. If I can slip away unnoticed, I can start a new life far from here. The thought of freedom fuels my determination, and I remind myself that I am a modern-day Cinderella, ready to carve my own path.While the music plays and the laughter fills the air, I keep my eyes open for the right moment to make my move. This night could change everything, and I am ready to take control of my destiny.