Under the Masquerade

Chapter I

~Narrator~

Shimmering golden beams parted thought the haze of mist and shone down on the beautiful city. Each ray warming the hearts of the ancient ruins and the beating heart of the city. The gold arrows gifted from the sun kissed the streets where people danced the dance of prosperity, wealth, joy and love.

Somewhere in that city a British airliner touched down scorched by the lights and life that hustled and bustled around them.

A long legged brunette, that walked out of her taxi cab. Her lush pink lips, relaxed into a wide smile as her liquid honey eyes sparkled when her hair caught fire in the sun. Her eyes searched longingly around, her fingers knotting in her sweetheart marshmallow pink skater dress. Slowly she twirled around a cackle of laughter slipped from her lips as her hips swayed dangerously as she pushed her way through the crowd.

"Rico" was the last word that left her mouth before she drowned in a sea of souls and their human counterparts. in other words lost in the crowd of people.

The couple walked down the now deserted cobbled street, where the leggy brunette has disappeared down. The rats scrawled around, snapping up the plentiful litter around as the youngsters sprayed graffiti on the broken bus stops and vandalised small shops.

This girl was from the lesser parts of Rome the man concluded. He had been watching her all day. From filth he had found a diamond. A golden goose. a smirk flitted across his face as he swiped thorough the pictures on his of this girl.

His master would be proud. So proud. finally he'd be able to get out of here. This girl was his one way ticket to the life of the empire. But that would wait till tomorrow. Today he'd drink to his success.

He flicked his phone open, speedily tapping in the digits. He talked animatedly "Yes, I can't believe it myself, thank the lords he's bestowed this blessing on us. Investigate her now, find out everything and bring me a file on her tomorrow. This will change our lives forever. Sir will be delighted. Get ready to open your arms. Good night buddy, may the night fare well".

He stood up, pushing his shades to his face. Propping open a umbrella he made his way out of the riffraff streets unto the heart of the city.

'Tomorrow Is a new day Marc' was a final thought that filtered into his head as he slipped into world of bliss.

"Your name, darling?" The bored looking hotel receptionist asked."Emery. Emery Thompson" The brunette said a smile plastered on her face."And your here to see?" The receptionist continued. "Me" a voice sounded in the distance. Both girls heads snapped to the side.

A young bloke, no older than 21 strode into the Hotel waiting room. The receptionist rolled her eyes mumbling "your here to visit an employee, typical".

Emery's head snapped back around. "He's not just an employee of yours, he's so much more that you won't ever have the privilege of understanding". A smile lit up his face, his bright blue eyes crinkling with joy at the end as he welcomed Emery into his arms. She looked up at him and their lips met passionately.He took her hand and led her out.

"Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Miraculous. But how can this be? I still struggle to accept that there can be someone who looks exactly like someone else. A perfect carbon copy" A man dressed in a black suit stared down at the happy couple in awe.

"I know Sir, but I promise you she is who she says she is, I've done a full background check on her" Marc, the ever loyal assistant assured.

"I trust you Marc and I have seen the evidence. It's so unreal. Must be my luck, the answer to all my problems has walked straight into my game" He paused, taking a puff of his cigarette.

"Brief me, and whose that boy?" He continued.

"Her 2-year fiancée, they've come to Rome to celebrate their anniversary. I can't seem to trace any of her family says she's from an orphanage and her background is very poor. Finished university. Not many friends. Only that boy. He's from a similar situation, no trace of family. Poor background" Marc explained briefly.

"That's makes things so much simpler for us. His name? You have other info?" Marc's boss had now walked onto the balcony, staring out at the city with his back to him.

"Enrico Fernandez. Yes of course Sire" Marc replied.

"Hmm.....Emery Louise Thompson and Enrico Fernandez. Welcome to Rome! Or should I say welcome home! You know what you need to do Marcus" Marc's boss raised his glass to no one in particular as a sinister smile flitted across his face.

Sunlight filtered in through the hotels Venetian blinds. The girl stirred her eyelids flickering in the light. As she turned to glance down at the man lying next to her her face contorted into confusion. A shriek slipped through her parted lips.

"Who are you?" She shouted angrily as she leapt off the bed. The silver eyed man, stepped out of the covers in his boxers, as a lazy grin fell upon his lips.

Emery's eyes widened in surprise and she found herself stepping backwards slowly. She stared him in the eye defiantly and shouted "Rico, Rico, Rico!". Desperately her eyes wandered looking for Rico or anyway she could escape.

Taking a deep breath she walked towards the man, who stood blocking the oak door. "Excuse me" Emery whispered as she attempted to walk out.

The man swung the door closed and sneered. The brunettes voice trembled as she squeaked "Who are you? What do you want? I don't have any money".

The man laughed sarcastically. "I don't need money. I'm your husband, Mia."