Chapter Five

Inside the ballroom of Blackwater Manor, Stephen and Ava accompanied Nick. Ava would soon be his friend’s wife. Nick had instantly taken a dislike to the woman. She was rude and self-centred. He had watched how she acted in the absence of Stephen. Marrying this woman would bring about some challenging experiences for his friend.

Nick had arrived only yesterday. His intention was to keep a low profile in England for the upcoming weeks. His father was attempting to arrange a marriage between him and his ex sister-in-law.

After his brother’s untimely death 8 months ago. The pressure had increased significantly recently, and stumbling upon a naked Sophia in his bed had been the last straw.

Sophia was ambitious to be queen one day. After Nick’s brother had passed away, she had easily transferred her interest to him. He was worried she would do something that would tip his hand. Leave him no choice but to marry her or step down. Let the crown go to some cousin.

His mother’s presence could have convinced his stubborn father if she were alive. Nick acknowledged that his own stubbornness resulted from his upbringing. Showing the same level of determination as his father, he adamantly refused to marry that dreadful woman.

There was a deadlock between his father and him. So he had left without security, leaving on his private jet. His father would know he was in England, just not where.

He had left as soon as he could, not telling his parent of his intent. Stephen had been his university room mate and lived within a suitable distance of London.

During their conversation last week, Stephen had suggested he stay at Blackwater Manor. The only events on their calendar were this masquerade ball and Stephen’s own wedding. Nick requested Stephen and his family to keep his identity a secret. 

The last thing he wanted was for the media to find out that the new crown prince of Cristonia was staying here. Stephen had to give his word not to disclose it, not even to his future wife. Meeting the woman, Nick felt relieved that she was oblivious to who he really was.

From his perspective, she exuded the characteristics of a gold digger. Throughout his life, he had encountered numerous women similar to her. If a more promising opportunity arose, she would swiftly switch her affections. Specifically, him. While he might sound arrogant, his words are undeniably accurate.

Up to this point, she had been quite dismissive towards him, only thinking he was a friend from Stephen’s university days. Someone beneath her notice or interest.

If only she knew! Hadn’t Sophia been the same? Her motivation for marrying his brother was driven by the title and status rather than the money or love. Oh, the money was nice, and she liked to spend it.

After his brother's death, Nick had gone digging into her activities. He had found out what and who she had been spending the money on even before his brother’s death?

Nick heard the gasps and voices suddenly quietened around him, then someone saying, “Who is she?” Nick, like the rest of the crowd, turned his head towards the person who had captured everyone’s attention, positioned near the ballroom doors.

“Sweet Jesus!” Stephen mumbled, realising it was probably not the best thing to say with his annoyed fiancée right next to him. 

“Who the hell is she?” Ava inquired in a pinched voice. Nick had a strong liking for Stephen, so he didn’t want their disagreement to turn into a public confrontation. The lady that everyone was speculating about moved away from the doors, walking gracefully through the crowd. She lifted her head and scanned the room.

With her tall, slender and well-formed body, she truly was beautiful. She had stunning hair that flowed in waves down to her waist.

Nick said, “She would be my date.” He hoped it would keep Ava from having a meltdown. Walking away from them, he headed to intercept the lady. As he reached her, leaned in to whisper in her ear. To the casual observer, it would look like he was kissing her ear. Not yet. Maybe later, Nick thought.

She smelled divine. “My name is Nick. If you don’t want a scene with a very jealous soon to be mistress of the Manor. I would say you are with me.” Nick pulled back slightly and noticed her stunning blue eyes widen, then shifted to look towards Stephen and Ava. She was familiar with them. Then why did nobody have any idea who she was? Interesting.

Rapidly evaluating the situation, the blonde with Rapunzel-like hair nodded. “I think that would be for the best,” she whispered.

“And whom shall I introduce you as?” Nick was eager to know her name. She was a mystery. He found her more intriguing than he had found any woman in a long time.

“Hmm.” 

Ella had to make a fast decision. Her sister’s anger was clear on her face. Ava had little reason to complain if she pretended to be this man’s date.

He was a stranger. Ella couldn’t explain her certainty that the man in front of her was not local. Perhaps what set him apart was his commanding presence and unique physical attributes - no one else in this area had shoulders as wide or a physique as remarkable as his. There was an intriguing aspect to his posture and presence.

With a small head shake, Ella returned her attention to her sister’s reaction, her current problem! Her sister was definitely furious. Ava would be extremely mad upon learning that she was Ella.

Ella watched as Ava became even more upset as she watched them. Ava was no longer the centre of attention. Wouldn’t that be the same at any masquerade, with masks involved as everyone tried to figure out who each person was?

Looking around, Ella saw she could instantly identify almost everyone. She knew them too well, having lived in town her whole life. People were still looking at her, trying to figure out the person behind the mask. Talking among themselves. That was an bonus, saying she was this man’s date. he was obviously a stranger. That would put her in the same category.

Ergo, the problem, Ella had gone from wearing one mask to another. Everyone didn’t know who she was. The spotlight was no longer on Ava. Ella wished to steer clear of any scene that could cause distress for Mary Blackwater and everyone here.

Ella knew coming to the ball had been a bad idea, and now she felt sick. She couldn’t just leave. In a way, this stranger had come to her rescue and may have just saved her from a scene nobody wanted.

Ella’s mind was completely empty as she desperately tried to come up with a name quickly. Using the name of someone their age in town was not an option for her.

She was completely unknown to everyone dress as she was and wearing a mask that covered part of her face. Em had fulfilled the role of her fairy godmother in a sense. Ava being the evil sister. Everything about tonight fit the fairytale.