FATAL TROUBLE | JAY

16 - Ghost in the Machine

Y/N'S POV

A masquerade for a charity gala that I'm secretly attending. The irony isn't lost on me. The entire event is meant to be a spectacle of opulence and good intentions, a public display of wealth and generosity. Yet here I am, hiding behind a mask, both literally and figuratively. The sleek, black mask I chose compliments my gown, blending into the shadows as if I'm meant to disappear into the night. But disappearing is the last thing on my mind.

The car ride to the venue is filled with tense silence. My mother's driver knows better than to ask questions, and I'm grateful for it. The weight of what I'm about to do presses down on my chest like an iron vice. There's no turning back now, no more second-guessing. I've come too far.

The grand ballroom is a dazzling spectacle that I've seen countless times before. Yet, tonight, it feels different. As if I'm seeing it through a new lens, a distorted reality where appearances are everything and the truth is a distant echo. The crowd is a sea of glittering gowns and tailored suits, wealth and privilege. I move through it like a ghost, my presence barely registering.

Jinyoung who used to accompany me to such events or Heeseung whose presence was enough comfort are not here tonight and I almost crave someone's presence. I almost want him here. I almost need him here. But I brush the thoughts about him that threaten to unravel me away, burying them deep beneath the surface where they can't reach me.

As I approach, he glances up, his eyes locking onto mine before his lips curl into a smile. "Miss Lee," He greets me smoothly, tipping his glass in acknowledgment. "It's been too long. I trust you've been well?" 

I almost scoff, but I smile politely and reach for a glass of wine when the waiter passes by, using the moment to compose myself. "Well enough," I reply, matching his tone with equal politeness. I know he's aware of the recent events and the stalker  I'm wary of. News like this travels around the circles we move in like wildfire. Everyone knows, and everyone watches, waiting to see how I'll handle it. The pressure is suffocating, but I can't let it show. Not here, not in front of him. "I see you're enjoying the evening."

"I've paid quite a sum to be here. Might as well enjoy it," He shrugs. His eyes, however, hold a different story. There's a keen observation in them, a silent assessment. I know he's studying me, looking for signs of weakness, of fear. "I heard the launch is scheduled for next week. The delay had kept me, let's say, intrigued. I've always had an eye for promising ventures."

My heart pounds in my chest. He's testing me, probing for information. I might be vulnerable and scared and I might be fighting an internal battle that threatens to consume me, but I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter. Not here, not now. I take a sip of the wine, the liquid sliding down my throat like a shield against the anxiety clawing at my insides. 

"The launch will be as grand as we originally planned," I say, my voice steady, though I know my smile might be a bit too wide, a bit too forced. "The delay was unfortunate, but necessary to ensure everything is perfect. I'm confident it will exceed expectations."

His lips curve into a small smile. "I hope so, Miss Lee. I hope so. For your sake, and mine." He raises his glass in a silent toast while I clink mine against his. "To the Grand View." 

The conversation shifts to more mundane topics, but I can feel his eyes on me, assessing every word, every gesture. It's a game of chess, and I'm not going to be checkmate. So far, everything is going well. Wraith probably hasn't realized my absence yet and Jay, wherever he is, is likely too preoccupied to notice. But the thought of him, of how he would react if he knew where I was, sends a chill down my spine. I don't want to think of the consequences of my actions. I need to focus, to stay in the moment. I take another sip of wine, letting the cool liquid soothe my nerves.