The masked heiress Novels & Stories

Beside it lay a mask—a plain, featureless white porcelain half-mask that covered the eyes and nose, devoid of glitter, feathers, or expression. "It looks like a shroud," Aria whispered, picking up the heavy velvet. "It’s a Domino," Cassandra corrected, applying a layer of gold shimmer to her collarbones. "Very Venetian. Very mysterious. And most importantly, it blends in with the drapes." She turned from the mirror, her eyes critical and cold. "Tonight is my twenty-ninth birthday, Aria. It is a Masquerade. The theme is 'Gilded Age Decadence.' I am the Queen. Damian is the King. And you..." She gestured vaguely at the gray heap. "You are the shadow."

I'd dated models, actresses, women who made careers out of being beautiful, but none of them had stayed in my head like this masked stranger I'd met for less than five minutes. The door to VIP Room Three stood open, I stepped inside, but she wasn't there yet. I sat on the leather sofa, adjusting my cufflinks out of nervous habit. The door opened. Nyx stepped inside wearing black lace this time. The lingerie left even less to imagination than the crimson from last week. Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves, and that jeweled mask caught the amber light. I couldn’t take my eyes off how stunning she looked in that lace.

I refuse to look at the part of me that hopes she fails. ... Hours later, I step into the ballroom late, my hand fan raised to shield the lower half of my face. “I present, Celine Dontellar, second daughter of Alpha Dontellar.” The announcer says and in my mind’s eye, everyone in the hall pauses to watch me. Right. I might as well have stepped in here naked for all the subtlety. I wonder whether Annika’s efforts will have any effect. The masquerade mask covers the upper part and my scent is being shielded by scent-blocking herbs.

What added a mix of mysterious and romance to it all was that each of the guests at the gala would be masked. Maya was looking forward to it with every bone in her body. It was the talk of the entire town. Infact, people who stood by the door of the store, peeping in at the mysterious heiress who was about to buy out the whole mall, just kept talking about the Gala and how they could not wait to see her there. “She looks so pretty. I wonder which family she’s from.” “I’ve never seen her in this city before. I guess she’s from overseas.”

That got a shaky chuckle from Isabella. “You are right,” she croaked, sniffing. “I will do something about this.” She pointed at her makeup-smudged face. She rose and once again sat on her dresser chair and began fixing herself up. A few minutes later, she was ready to go. But instead of contacts this time, she settled for dark glasses. “Let's go.” She announced, leading the way. “We wouldn't want to keep her highness waiting.” Marcia chuckled, following closely. After settling in the SUV, Asher tore out of the driveway, and in under half an hour, they had arrived at the cemetery.

He had to stood tall even though his heart hurt so much. "Are you sure you can continue the journey alone?" "Yes. I'm not an ordinary girl. I'm Emily Harper, the heiress of the Savior Group, a girl who is admired by many men, and I have minimal sins. Luck is always with me. Even if there is danger lurking, it won't be able to touch me. Even if it's not you, there must be someone else to save me. Besides, I myself am capable though." Prince swallowed. His head nodded slightly. "Okay, then ...."

I felt like a new being, the usual cold breeze now turned hot on my skin. “Silver!” a familiar voice called. This could only be one person. I darted my eyes to confirm my doubts. It was Amelia. Of course, she was. Wrapped in a golden-colored gown that fitted her curvy frame, her golden hair pinned like a crown around her cruel, perfect face. She was her mother’s favorite. The pack’s pride. The heir to everything I had never been allowed to dream of. “I am sorry for keeping you waiting.” “Still alive?” she said, sipping from the silver tea cup she was holding, as if it offended her that I still drew breathe.

Just by discussing amongst themselves, my fate was already sealed. No one bothered to care about any input that I had. I was a girl by myself, after all, and there was no way I could go against the nine of them. So they naturally took my coins by force. Anna pouted and sweet-talked her mother into contributing another five gold coins, allowing her to purchase the Sea Maiden's Dress. "Wow, this dress is so comfortable! It's so cool and form-fitting that it feels like it's part of my own skin!" Anna exclaimed happily.

She couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as he began to speak. "I hope you all have enjoyed this gathering," Hao Xiang begins, his eyes sweeping across the room. "Today is indeed a special day, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter for our family. My lovely grandchild Sarah, and my heiress is here." Cynthia clearly shows irritation with the word “heiress,” so she leans over to whisper to her daughter Arlene. Their hushed voices were barely audible, but Sarah could sense a mixture of excitement and curiosity in their demeanor.

“Smart girl. Don’t worry — I’m not interested in your little love story. I have bigger plans.” He walked to the desk and handed me an envelope — thick, unmarked. “This will cover the exact amount. No more, no less. Deliver it to Heather, and she’ll have no excuse to linger.” I took it, my hands shaking. It was heavier than I expected, like it carried more than just money. “And the favor?” I asked quietly. “When?” His gaze turned cold and his mouth curved into a grin before he said, “It wouldn't be fun if I tell you now, would it, princess?"