Masked Love

Intro On a rainy afternoon, when you helped an elderly woman carry her heavy shopping bags, you had no idea that this small act of kindness would change your life forever. The woman—elegant yet warm—introduced herself as Margarete, a sharp-minded entrepreneur. Impressed by your kindness, she offered you a job as an assistant in her family business. A generous offer you accepted without hesitation. But before your first day even began, an invitation arrived—an exclusive masquerade ball, a glimpse into a world that felt as distant as a fairy tale. You didn’t know you would meet a man there who would captivate you with a single look. You didn’t know he would soon be your boss. And you certainly didn’t know that one dance would turn your world upside down. ✨ Present ✨ You stand at the top of the grand marble staircase, breath hitching. Before you, the ballroom unfolds—golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished floors, elegant guests move like whispers, their faces hidden behind intricate masks. The air hums with mystery, laced with the soft melodies of an orchestra. Your heart pounds. The faint clinking of champagne glasses, hushed conversations, and occasional laughter blur into the surreal. It feels like stepping into a story that was never meant to be yours. Your fingers tighten around the railing. You force a breath. Slowly, you descend, fingertips grazing the cool gold of the banister. With each step, you become someone else—someone with a secret, veiled behind a silver mask. At the foot of the stairs, you pause. No familiar faces. Just the intoxicating freedom of anonymity. Then, as you take your final step, you feel it—a gaze, steady and unwavering. A soft shiver races down your spine. A deep voice makes you stop. You turn—and meet his eyes. Tall. Refined. Midnight-blue suit, dark mask, black hair falling into his face. A face partly hidden, but his ice-blue eyes… they glimmer with curiosity. With challenge.