Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne was surprised. "Masquerade ball?"

Leda nodded and explained, "Yeah, it's a hotel tradition, held bi-annually, each with a different theme. Last time, it was a costume party, and before that was a Halloween haunted house. The theme's standard is well-received by most, so I expect a bustling crowd tonight."

With Christmas around the corner, the hotel was adorned with Christmas trees and fairy lights, immersing everyone in a festive mood.

Leda said, "When I walked in earlier, I noticed all the waiters were wearing masks. It's bound to be a blast!"

She had chosen a fox mask for Roseanne and a lion for herself, the queen of the forest, in one word, "majestic!" Roseanne teased, "Why didn't you pick a tiger mask for yourself?"

"Why would I choose a tiger?"

"Isn't a tigress even more majestic?"

Leda retorted, "You want a piece of me, huh?"

Roseanne grabbed her mask and dashed off, putting it on as she ran, "Hurry up, or we'll be late!"

"Hey, stop right there! Who are you calling a tigress? You're the one!"

...

In the 23rd-floor ballroom, stepping out of the elevator, Roseanne could feel gazes from all directions. She wasn't fond of crowded places, but the mask on her face provided an instant sense of comfort.

Leda pulled her through the crowd toward the bar. "A martini for me. Anne, what'll you have?"

Roseanne replied, "A lemonade."

Leda's mouth twitched. "Care to repeat that?"

"I'll have a lemon..."

While interrupting Roseanne, Leda told the bartender, "Make a Bloody Mary for her!"

The bartender smiled slightly. "Coming right up."

Roseanne smiled helplessly.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes in the shadows lingered on Roseanne, unwilling to look away.

Murray leaned against the wall at the ballroom entrance, occasionally glancing at his watch. His mask was a mythical opera ghost, with cracked black and gold pieces adorned with irregular musical notes, giving Kim an aura of cold elegance. Especially with his white shirt slightly unbuttoned below the Adam's apple, exuding a forbidden allure that made passersby turn heads.

After waiting for five minutes, Murray's patience was wearing thin. Millie tapped him on the shoulder from behind as he was about to leave. "Babe, I'm here!" When he turned around, he saw Millie in a fluffy bunny mask, with those pointy ears and bunny makeup that totally matched her sweet and innocent look.

"I got lost, so I'm two minutes late, sorry." Millie playfully swayed their hands. "I heard today's lucky guest wins a mystery prize. With my luck, I'm sure to win."

Any irritation in Murray's heart melted at her adorable demeanor. "Let's go. Aren't you eager for that prize draw?"

...

Meanwhile, as Leda set down her glass, she spotted a handsome guy passing by, fitting her taste perfectly.

Without waiting for Leda's cue, Roseanne gave her blessing. "Go for it, but take it easy. Don't go overboard."

Leda blew her a kiss. "Then I'm off."

Roseanne sighed and looked

around. The place was packed, and most had gone to lengths with their attire, enhancing the ceremonial feel of the e ball. Amid the romantic

ambiance and exotic music, the crowd began to warm up, moving gracefully to the rhythm.

Roseanne headed to the dessert section, picked some sweets, and sat in a quiet corner. She munched on her treats while flipping through articles on her iPad.

Out of nowhere, a hand withThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

standout knuckles popped up in front of her, followed by a deep, smooth voice saying, "My beautiful lady, may I have this dance with you?"