Chapter 6 TH BALL (ELLA)

We left the studio once everything had wrapped up. Romeo gave the director a firm handshake,

the kind that men use to silently size each other up. The director walked over to me, smiling

politely.

"It was a pleasure working with you, Miss Ella. We hope to have you again."

I returned the smile and muttered a soft, "Thank you," before following Romeo outside.

He asked the drive to take us to the mall, claiming I needed new clothes and accessories. I was

exhausted and tried to talk him out of it.

"We can come back after we have rested," I pleaded. But he shook his head. "I want you to

come with me. you will need something elegant for my father's ball."

I yielded; not like I had any choice though.

Romeo was the illegitimate son of Alnaldo Lucas, one of the most powerful and feared men in the

country. Whispers followed Alnaldo's name; Mafia ties, underground dealings, and a string of

enemies who vanished without a trace. The last person to challenge him had been found headless

in a river. He denied, he had no hands in the death of the young man. He was good at clearing his

name.

Romeo had spent all his life clawing for his father's recognition. He believed he deserved to be heir

more than his legitimate brother, Leo Lucas Alnaldo, a name he could barely speak without a

venom. Romeo was older by just one month, he held onto that fact like a crown.

When we arrived at the mall, a sales associate greeted us with a bright smile. I tried on dress after

dress while Romeo sat outside the fitting room, rejecting each one. Thirty minutes passed before I

stepped out in a white gown. It fit like it has been sewn into my skin; luxurious and bold, with a low

neckline and a slit in the back. It swept the ground softly as I moved. I hoped he'd approve.

He looked up and stared.

"That's it. Perfecto," he said, blowing me a kiss.

I smiled automatically, not genuinely.

The dress was packed up along with matching heels, jewelry, and a few other outfits. We stopped

for lunch afterward, and over our meal, Romeo couldn't stop talking about the ball.

"I want all eyes on us tonight," he said. "It's time they all see who I am."

I listened, nodding where appropriate, the exhaustion crawling deeper into my bones. After the

meal, he dropped me off and promised to return by 7:00p.m.

Once I got inside, I collapsed onto the sofa and exhaled. The silent was comforting. For a moment,

there was no one to be afraid of. I stared at the ceiling, then reached for my phone and called

Maya my best friend.

She answered with a shout.

"Bitch! Where have you been? I was worried sick after you disappeared from the club!"

I started narrating the ordeals of yesterday. I told her how I was almost raped and got saved by a

lady. I told her how swift and skilled Estella was and how surprised I was when I found out she was

a girl.

She gasped; she was shocked too. She doubted me "There's no way a woman would have done all

that" she said in awe.

Of course I didn't tell her the part where Estella and I got kiss.

"I'm so sorry I left you there all by yourself. I should have been there to guide you." She apologized

while pouting her lips.

"Thank you, babes."

"So, tell me what were you out there doing the whole night?" I asked her with a suspicious look.

Knowing Maya so well I knew she was just out there dancing.

"Well, while you were out there sobbing and drinking yourself to stupor, I was out with the big

fishes."

My ears perked up.

"I knew it, go on spill the tea."

"Girl, I went up to the VIP section, and this tall rich, handsome man approached me. he asked for a

dance which I obliged to. I later figured that he was Vogue's brand manager! Can you believe that?

He said I've got the looks they are searching for, and baby, the way rocked my ass and looked at

me, like I was the next Bella Hadid."

"Maya, no way. You can't be serious, that's huge."

"Yes bitch. He took me home, his penthouse. Girl you should have seen the view. "He made love to

me like a god. I'm still floating."

We both laughed, and I filled her in on the shoot. Then I showed her the white dress Romeo had

bought me.

"Awwn, that dress is stunning!" she squealed, pouting and making a kissy face. "See how good he

treats you? What a gentleman. I wish I had a man like that."

I smiled faintly. If only you knew.

"He will be here at seven to pick me up. I need to rest a bit before getting ready," I told her.

We blew kisses at each other and ended the call.

I undressed and washed off the makeup, letting the bruises breathe. My eyes were still swollen

from the slaps. I took some painkillers and boiled water to gently apply pressure to the bruised

areas. Then I rubbed in a balm to reduce the redness.

Eventually, I lay down and drifted to sleep. The alarm woke me up at 5:00pm

I made a light meal, Quaker oats, my favorite then watched Tv for half an hour before starting my

prep. I took a hot shower, laid out the white dress on the bed, and moved to the dressing table.

The balm had worked wonders; the swelling was nearly gone. I only needed a little foundation

now.

After my makeup, I pulled my hair into a sleek ponytail just the way he liked it and stepped into

the dress. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The woman staring back looked regal,

untouched. I picked up the red purse and checked the time.

7:00pm on the dot.

He was at the door. I stepped out, and he smiled as he took my hand, leading me to the car.

On the way, he coached me on how to behave around his family.

"Be polite. Don't interrupt. Smile when spoken to. This is important, Ella." He said with a serious

look on his face.

My hands trembled as we continued the journey. I had no idea what to expect as it was the first

time I was meeting with his family.

When we arrived, I gasped. The estate looked like a palace; luxurious, lit up like something out of a

dream. The men in black suit (Bodyguards) opened the door, and I stepped out slowly, taking it all

in. Pools glistened under lights, and music drifted from the hall ahead.

Romeo led me through a crowd of well dressed, elegant guests. Inside, everything sparkled

chandeliers, glasses, laughter.

Then he guided me to a man standing with a glass of red wine in hand. Alnaldo Lucas.

"Good evening, Dad," Romeo said.

His father didn't smile. He nodded curtly, then looked at me.

"This your girlfriend?"

I smiled politely and greeted him. He gave another nod.

"Come," he said to Romeo, and they walked off together, leaving me alone.

Lucas Alnaldo didn't look anything close to what the rumors have described him, I always thought

the almighty Lucas would be scary. He didn't look like he could commit any murder, Romeo looked

like him a bit.

I stood in the middle of the glittering hall, unsure where to go. A server walked past and offered

me a class of champagne. I took it and slowly wandered around, letting the beauty of the place

distract me from the ache in my heart. I stood there observing my surroundings silently, the guests

were fully immersed in their conversations, each one swirling wine in glasses, smiling gracefully at

one another. My eyes trailed to Romeo's father who was introducing him to the important guests

one after the other. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that he kept glancing at me, almost like he was

monitoring who I talked to, what I did, as though I didn't quite belong.

Then, a lady approached me with a glass of wine in her hand.

She was stunning; white skin, red slitted dress that hugged her curves perfectly, and a mane of

silky dark hair cascading over her shoulders, she smelled like strawberry. I instantly envied her

freedom, her confidence. I wished I could let my hair down too.

"Hey miss," she said warmly. "You look absolutely beautiful. I love your dress."

I smiled, grateful for the compliment. Soon, we were chatting and laughing like old friends, and the

conversation quickly took a turn, Romeo and his brother Leo. They giggled, shamelessly swooning

over the two sons of the famous Lucas.

"I've had a crush on Romeo forever," the red-dress lady confessed. "But Leo...Leo is just... too damn

hot."

"Do you think they'd ever notice us?" her friend chimed in, hopeful and dreamy eyed.

I stood there, trying to keep my composure as their laughter filled the space between us. I wanted

to scream. I felt disgust. Of course, they should find Romeo attractive; handsome, charming, well

built with that smug little smile that once melted me too. I didn't blame them. But the fire building

beneath my skin was undeniable.

I excused myself politely, needing air... or an escape.

I asked a nearby bodyguard for directions to the rest room, and he pointed me down a long

hallway. The ball faded behind me as I walked through the lavish corridor, heels echoing faintly

against marble tiles. Once inside the restroom, I splashed water on my hands and looked at myself

in the mirror. I made faces, trying to find a part of me I recognized.

I was beginning to hate the reflection staring back at me.

As I walked back toward the ballroom, a sound stopped me in my tracks. It was faint but

unmistakable; a man groaning in pain and sounds of machines. My body tensed.

Then I heard a second voice, sharp and cold, speaking in Spanish "Quien te envoi?". I couldn't

understand a word, but it sounded like an interrogation. I should've walked away, but curiosity got

the better hold of me. I followed the sound, each step making my heartbeat louder.

Suddenly, a voice rang out behind me.

"Who are you?"

I froze.

He was tall, intimidating, with the same features as Romeo but rougher, more intense. Blonde hair,

piercing eyes. Anger danced in his expression.

"I.... I..." I stuttered, my words fumbling like broken glass.

"Are you a spy?" his tone dropped, more aggressive now.

"No!" I shook my head, body trembling. I'm not..."

"She's with me," Romeo's voice cut through, and I felt his arm pull me behind him protectively.

The man scoffed, eyeing Romeo with distaste. "

"Well, look who decided to show up," he sneered. "The bastard son of my father."

I saw Romeo's fists clench at the insult.

"And your little whore, I see," the man added, his voice oozing mockery. "She's a pretty one."

My head bent in disgust and shame.

"Back off, Leo," Romeo growled as he dragged me away.

"You're not welcomed here. You never were," Leo called out, laughing bitterly.

Romeo didn't stop until we reached the ballroom. I tried to speak, to explain, but he shut me up.

"it's time to leave," he said with a strained smile.

As he led me out, the two women I had spoken with earlier looked at me in disbelief. Their stares

were sharp, burning with jealousy as they watched Romeo hold my hand. I could hear their

whispers, feel their eyes following me like knives across my back.

We got into the car. The silence inside was heavy. Romeo's jaw was tight, his fists clenched again,

anger radiating off him like heat.

He told the driver to drop me off first. As soon as we pulled up to my apartment, I stepped out,

but Romeo followed. I turned, trying once again to explain.

Romeo, I didn't...

A hot slap landed on my face, sending me to the ground.

The sound echoed louder than any words.

Everything blurred.

"You always find a way to ruin everything," he hissed.

Tears spilled freely now.

"I hate you. You are so damn useless." And with that, he stormed off, got into the car, and vanished

into the night.

I sprawled there on the floor in my white dress with his words echoing in my head, mascara

smudging down my cheeks, broken inside and out. Eventually, I found the strength to pick myself

up and walk inside.

I showered in silence. The hot water did nothing to cleanse the ache in my chest. I dried off, got

into bed, and curled up in my sheets.

Then ...buzz. My phone lit up. It was a message from an unknown person.

UNKOWN PERSON:

"Hey Ella."

I stared at the message, confused.

"Hey, who are you?"

UNKNOWN PERSON:

"Guess who?"

I rolled my eyes, my patience thin.

"Look, I'm not in the mood for games. It's either you tell me who you are, or get the hell out of my

phone."

A laughing emoji appeared.

UNKNOWN PERSON:

"Relax, fella. I'm just a friend ... someone who wants to help you."

"Help me?" I typed, suspicious. "Who said I needed help?"

UNKONWN PERSON:

"What about we meet tomorrow, Ella Martyr? It's better face to face."

My brows furrowed.

"Why? Where?

UNKNOWN PERSON:

"Because you need me."

I scoffed at the arrogance.

UNKOWN PERSON:

"Dala de Vico Lounge. Tomorrow, 5:00pm. I'll make a reservation."

And just like that, he/she stopped replying.

I set my phone down, staring at the ceiling once again. Who the hell was this person? Should I go?

Was it safe?

Estella hadn't crossed my mind until that moment. But then again, she felt like a dream I was never

going to touch again. We didn't even exchange numbers.

I sighed.

Maybe tomorrow would give me something, an answer, a break, a sign.

I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.