Living with the Harringtons

Who's that

Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks in the backseat of the car as the driver maneuvered through the bustling streets of London, he glanced out the window. Tonight was the masquerade, a highly anticipated event for the elite school seniors, where social status and reputation meant everything.

Sebastian leaned back, trying to suppress the familiar sense of irritation that washed over him. The thought of attending yet another gathering filled with overindulgent teenagers made him sigh. There were drinks at least, he thought to himself.

"Are you ready, sir?" the driver asked as they approached the bustling location, his tone respectful yet casual. "Yeah." Sebastian answered, glancing at himself in the rearview mirror as he placed the dark mask over his face, which framed his sharp features impeccably.

As the car came to a halt, he stepped out, adjusting his tuxedo, confidence radiating from his every move. He scanned the masked crowds and before he could take a step forward, he was approached by Luke and Louis, both dressed up in black tie attire.

"Look who decided to grace us with his presence," Louis said, slapping Sebastian on the back. "You actually made it out of your cave!" he said.

"I was starting to think you'd bail again. Let's not make any bad decisions tonight," Luke teased.

Sebastian smiled knowingly at his friends. "Someone has to keep you idiots in check, so keep it civil," he said, his tone dripping with irony.

The three young men moved confidently toward the grand entrance, flashing their invitations to the doorman.

The arched hallways opened into a vast, vibrant space, where swirling colors and lively music filled the air. The venue was crowded with guests in elaborate masks, laughter reverberating through the air. The space was alive with flickering candlelight and vibrant hanging lamps.

Sebastian scanned the room, his gaze drifting over the crowd, searching for familiar faces. He spotted some of his friends at a nearby table, and in the corner he noticed Veronica, surrounded by her minions already looking his way. His stomach tightened slightly at the sight of her. Memories came flooding back, but he forced them down, determined not to let the disturbing thoughts ruin his night.

"Let's grab a drink," Luke suggested, nudging him toward the bar. As they approached the bar, Sebastian's attention was captured by a figure across the room. A girl in a sparkling dress, her mask adorned with delicate lace. She seemed to captivate the room as she entered.

There was something hauntingly familiar about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Who's that?" he muttered.