Truth and Hope or Lies and Despair

Chapter Twenty Six "Masquerade Ball"

~* Venus's POV *~

I awoke by the sound of someone knocking. Raising my head, I rubbed the sleepiness from my eyes and adjusted my glasses. I had fallen asleep while trying to solve the case. So far, nothing useful.

As I was walking towards the door, I caught sight of myself in the large mirror hanging on the wall. My hair was a complete mess, tear stains were evident on my face and my eyes were slightly red. I frowned, fixing myself up a little.

"Lady Venus?" Sebastian called.

I sighed in annoyance. What does he want now? Glancing at my reflection one more time, I walked towards the door and turned the knob, revealing the Phantomhive butler.

"What is it?" I snapped, already in a foul mood.

"My apologies. Did I wake you?" he questioned, noticing my disheveled appearance.

I nodded, a yawn escaping my lips. "Yes, but let's not talk about that. What is it you wanted to inform me?"

"This," he placed an envelope in my hand. The Phantomhive seal kept it closed. Ciel, perhaps? Opening it, my eyes skimmed over the elegant fonted words. It was an invitation. The manor is hosting a masquerade ball this evening on behalf of his fiance' return.

A scowl formed on my face, clenching the paper in my hand. A masquerade ball for his fiance? How much more must he humiliate me? Even invite me? I rolled my eyes, simply tearing the material up with an angry huff.

"Ah, this is for you, from the young master," Sebastian revealed a breathtaking bouquet filled with different shades of purple flowers. My eyes widened at the sight, the butler placing it in my hands. Bringing my finger to one of the petals, I felt the smoothness and smelt its wonderful aroma. There was a small card laced around the stems. It read:

If you would let me, I would like to share a dance with you, tonight. ~Ciel Phantomhive

A dance? Is he seriously asking me to dance with him? I sneered under my breath. How shameless. He would dance with me, although he has a fiance. How absolutely revolting.

"Judging by the look on your face, I take it you are not attending?" Sebastia guessed.

"Of course I'm not going! He can take his stupid dance and shove it up his-!"

He interrupted, amusement clear on his face. "Language. A proper lady shouldn't speak such vulgar words."

"Who ever said I am proper?" I retorted, huffing immaturely.

He chuckled then cleared his throat, giving me a smile, "Perhaps I could help you prepare for the ball."

"I already said I'm not going."

"Do you not want to make the young master jealous? I believe it's called, 'showing him what he's missing'. I know that you are angry with him and what better way to satisfy yourself than to do this?" Sebastian smirked, a knowing glint in his eye.

I pondered over that for a moment. Yes, I do want to get back at him. I want him to know the pain of loving someone you cannot have. I laughed to myself. What a joke. I shouldn't be pushing my anger on him. It's my fault anyways, falling in love with him. Truthfully, I don't want to hurt him at all. All this anger I feel, is just the hurt and betrayal etched in my heart. Though I will be alone, I wish him happiness. If he will not be happy with me, at least he will find happiness with someone else. It's kind of ironic. Lizzie was the one who made me realized I loved him and she turned out to be his fiance. Sometimes, I believe I am cursed to live in solitude.

"Fine, I will go."

Perhaps this would be our last dance, before we never see eachother again.

~*~

I walked in front of the double doors, nervous. According to the invitation, I'm already late. I could hear the instrumental music and the sound of laughter from inside. I took a step back, having second thoughts of going after all. But then I stopped, shaking my head. If I don't go, I'll probably regret it later.

The gorgeous dress I wore was of course, a midnight colored purple. It held pure elegance. A bow was centered in the top, black laced designs woven around it. It wasn't too frilly or uncomfortable, it was just perfect. Sebastian had been the one to choose it and I have to admit, he definitely has a splendid taste in fashion.

A black laced mask covered the top half of my face. I had removed my glasses and surprisingly, Angel had not taken over. She has been silent for a while and she doesn't even speak to me anymore. I had a bad feeling that something was going to happen.

One of the flowers from the Earl's bouquet was tucked neatly behind my ear, finishing it off.

A shaky breath left my lips before I pushed open the doors. From the entrance, there was a staircase, leading to the the ballroom floor where people danced happily. Tables were set up around the dancers, people chatting and eating. The decoration was breathtaking and I spotted quite a number of famous people here this evening. There were so much people.

"Milady," Sebastian held his hand out for me to take. I was thankful he was there, not really fond of large gatherings such as this. I took his arm and he guided us down the staircase.

Feeling a certain pair of eyes on me, I looked up, staring into familiar azule colored orbs. The Earl was dressed gallantly, navy blue and black consisting of his attire. A black simple mask rested on his face. Any girl would have found him attractive, I knew I did.

He walked through the crowd, it parting by his presence. He soon stood at the end of the staircase, waiting for me. My heartbeat picked up, a slight tint of pink covering my cheeks. Once we had reached him, Sebastian let go of my arm and bowed, walking away.

The room felt hot as I was left alone with the Earl.

"You look beautiful, Lady Venus," he complimented.

I could hear the pounding of my heart ringing in my ears. Calm yourself. Don't make a fool out of yourself, Venus!

I curtsied, "Good evening. You don't look so bad yourself."

A teasing tone seeped from my voice. He chuckled before he suddenly smiled at me. I forgot how to breathe for a moment, realizing that this was the first time he had looked like this towards me. I forgot our strain and all the horrible feelings I felt for him as he stared at me with those eyes and that soft smile on his lips. Everything was forgotten as he outstretched his hand and asked,

"May I have this dance?"

A/N: I know Ciel technically has one eye since the other is covered but eh, whatever. F*ck it, I'm just gonna says eyes and orbs. It sounds better that way!

Whoop! Whoop! Back from the Philippines! But I'm not use to the time zone yet, my sleep pattern is completely messed up!

Oh my god, I finished Code Geaus and Assassination Classroom and I cried so badly on both of them. Ughhh whyyyyy did it have to end that way Lelouch?!! I liked the ending for Assassination Classroom though, the feelz were so real >.<

Enough of my complaining.. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

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