HOMEWRECKER {18+}

26

O L I V I A

We entered Mr. Everett's mansion, where the ball was being held in his private ballroom, a space large enough to fit over a thousand guests.

After handing over my white coat and Gabriel removing his black coat, giving the coat to a butler, we were ready to join the party in the ballroom.

Though, the guests were not permitted to wander into other parts of the mansion, as guards were stationed at the entrance to the closed-off areas.

But I had been an exception, as I previously had slipped away to leave a gift for Eleanor Everett, which I had placed inside her bedroom on the table.

I allowed the thoughts of Eleanor leave me for a moment because I had my gaze clued to the interior of the ball.

The interior of the masquerade ball was magnificent, decorated with a golden theme. A diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling of the vast room, casting light into every corner.

There was even a grand marble staircase descended into the room, with guests making way for others to come and go as they pleased.

In the center of the room was a space reserved for dancing, where couples swayed gracefully to the music of a classical orchestra playing in the corner.

Even the orchestra members were dressed in tuxedos and masquerade masks.

Everyone wore masks of varying shapes, colors, prices, and qualities. Some masks covered the entire face, while others, like mine, were simple eye masks.

Those not dancing were engaged in lively conversations, each holding a flute of champagne, while others preferred stronger drinks like whiskey or scotch.

The atmosphere was joyous, with laughter mingling with the music.

I felt as though I had stepped into another world, a different dimension. It was as if I had become a royal princess attending an aristocratic ball, far removed from my own reality.

For the first time, I felt elated to be at the masquerade ball for reasons other than revenge, like I actually wanted to savor my time here.

However, that feeling quickly vanished when I caught sight of my own personal hell within the ballroom.

Eleanor Everett.

Her long golden dress drew the eyes of everyone in the room, causing people to make way for her as if she were their queen.

The dress hugged her curves, highlighting her slender form. She wore a white pearl necklace that featured her neck and shoulders, while the V-neckline defined her feminine physique.

Her blonde hair was styled in a low bun, and the dress's open back displayed her graceful sway as she moved with confidence, aware of the admiration she was attracting.

Eleanor glided through the ballroom, greeting everyone with poise. Compliments flowed not only for her stunning appearance, but also for the extravagant masquerade ball she and her husband had hosted.

Her white lace eye mask, similar in design to my red one, covered the upper part of her face, leaving her lips exposed.

If she wasn't a vicious fucking monster even I would have complimented on her appearances, something in the lines off 'I hope you fucking die,' like I would ever want to compliment her in another reality even if she isn't a monster in disguise.

She had planted scars, both in me and in other people, which could last lifetimes before any of us got to rest in peace.

Sam's murder was an example of Eleanor's true nature, as well as the scars on my irreparable back.