FREE NOVEL DRAMA Chapter 49
CHAPTER FORTY–NINE THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
- 16.
As she lay there, trying to sort through her jumbled emotions, Nia couldn’t shake the feeling that something had fundamentally shifted. The carefully constructed walls between employer and employee, between her past and present, seemed to be crumbling
And as the ship sailed on towards its next destination, Nia realized that navigating the choppy waters of her relationships with the Allistair brothers might prove to be the biggest challenge of this cruise yet,
The next evening found Nia standing in front of the full–length mirror in her cabin, adjusting the ornate mask that covered the upper half of her face. Her heart pounded with equal parts excitement and anxiety as she smoothed down the front of her gown a stunning midnight blue creation that sparkled with tiny crystals, reminiscent of a starry night sky.
“She had debated for hours whether to attend the masquerade ball. On one hand, it seemed like the
perfect opportunity to enjoy the cruise without the constant worry of being recognized. On the other, the thought of potentially running into both Allistair brothers in such a romantic setting made her stomach churn with nerves.
In the end, curiosity and a desire to experience at least one night of carefree enjoyment won out. Nia took one last look at her reflection, barely recognizing herself behind the intricate silver mask. With a deep breath, she left her cabin and made her way to the grand ballroom.
As she approached the entrance, the sound of music and laughter drifted out to greet her. Nia paused for a moment, gathering her courage. “You can do this,” she whispered to herself, echoing the mantra that had become all too familiar on this trip.
Stepping into the ballroom, Nia’s breath caught in her throat. The room was a swirl of color and movement, filled with figures in elaborate masks and stunning gowns. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the scene, their light reflecting off sequins and jewels to create a dazzling, almost magical atmosphere.
Nia had barely taken two steps into the room when a tall man in a wolf mask appeared before her, bowing low with a flourish. Even with his face mostly obscured, she’d recognize that cocky grin anywhere – Justin.
“My lady,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, “would you do me the honor of this dance?”
For a moment, Nia hesitated. Should she pretend not to know him? But as she looked into his eyes, twinkling with mischief behind the mask, she found herself smiling and placing her hand in his.
“The honor would be mine, kind sir,” she replied, falling into the playful spirit of the masquerade.
Justin led her onto the dance floor, sweeping her into a waltz with practiced ease. As they moved across the floor, Nia was acutely aware of the warmth of his hand on her waist, the strength in his arms as he guided her through the steps.
“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” Justin whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “Like a goddess of the night sky.”
Nia felt her cheeks flush beneath her mask. “Thank you, she murmured, grateful for the cover that hid her blush. “You clean up quite nicely yourself.”
Justin chuckled, the sound low and intimate. “I do try,” he said, spinning her out and then pulling her back in close. “But tell me, mysterious lady, what brings you to our little soiree this evening?”
Nia raised an eyebrow, though the effect was somewhat lost behind her mask. “Perhaps I’m here to steal
CHARTERECHTY NINE THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
the crown jewels,” she said, her voice teasing. “Or maybe I’m a princess in disguise, searching for her true
love.”
“Ah, but what if your true love is right here?” Justin replied, his grin widening. “A humble wolf, ready to sweep you off your feet?”
Nia laughed, shaking her head. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that kind of commitment, Mr. Wolf, Besides, isn’t it bad form to try and sweep a lady off her feet when she’s only just learned to dance?”
As if on cue, the music began to wind down. Justin stepped back, bowing once more. “Then perhaps we’ll have to continue your dance lessons another time,” he said with a wink.
Before Nia could respond, another figure approached. This one wore a regal lion mask, but even without seeing his full face, Nia immediately recognized Leon’s gentle eyes.
“Pardon the interruption,” Leon said, his voice carrying Its usual quiet authority even in this playful setting. “But I wondered if I might have the next dance?”
Justin stepped aside with an exaggerated bow. “By all means, good sir. But don’t keep this lovely lady to yourself all night – there are other wolves prowling about, you know.
As Justin disappeared into the crowd, Leon turned to Nia, offering his hand. “Shall we?” he asked, his tone softer now that they were alone.
Nia nodded, placing her hand in his. Leon led her to a quieter corner of the dance floor, away from the more boisterous dancers. As a new song began, a slower, more romantic melody, Leon placed his hand on her waist, his touch gentle but sure.
They began to sway to the music, their movements more reserved than her earlier dance with Justin, but no less captivating. Nia found herself hyper–aware of every point of contact between them – Leon’s hand on her waist, her hand on his shoulder, their clasped hands held at shoulder height.
“You see
seem tense,” Leon observed, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “Is everything alright?”
Nia managed a small smile. “Just a bit overwhelmed, she admitted. “It’s all so… magical. I keep expecting to turn into a pumpkin at midnight.”
Leon chuckled softly. “I assure you, there’s no magic here. Just good old–fashioned luxury and perhaps a touch too much champagne for some of our fellow revelers.”
As they continued to dance, Nia found herself relaxing into Leon’s embrace. There was something comforting about his presence, a steadiness that seemed to ground her even as the world spun around
them.
“Tell me,” Leon said after a moment, “what do you think of the cruise so far? Has it lived up to your expectations?”
Nia considered the question. How could she possibly sum up the whirlwind of emotions and experiences she’d had over the past few days?
“It’s been… eye–opening,” she said finally. “I’ve seen and experienced things I never thought I would. But…
“But?” Leon prompted gently when she trailed off.
Nia sighed. “But sometimes I feel like I don’t quite belong here. Like I’m play–acting at being someone I’m
not.”
Leon was quiet for a moment, and Nia worried she’d said too much. But when he spoke, his voice was filled with understanding
“I think many people feel that way sometimes,” he said. “Especially in settings like this, where everything is designed to be larger than life. But Nia, you do belong here. You earned your place on this cruise, just
- CHARTERFORTYNINE THE MOMENT DE TRUTH
like everyone else.”
His words, meant to be comforting, sent a fresh wave of guilt through Nia. If only he knew the truth…
As the night progressed, Nia found herself alternating between the two brothers. One moment she was caught up in Justin’s carefree laughter as he spun her around the dance floor, the next she was engrossed in thoughtful conversation with Leon as they swayed to a slower tune.
Justin was all charm and flirtation, his compliments flowing freely and his hands always finding reasons to touch her a brush of fingers as he handed her a drink, a hand on the small of her back as he guided
–
her through the crowd. He made her laugh, made her feel beautiful and desired.
Leon, on the other hand, was more reserved but no less attentive. His conversations were deeper, touching on everything from art and literature to their shared experiences on the cruise. When they danced, his touch was respectful but warm, and Nia found herself drawn to the intensity in his eyes, feeling as though he could see right through her mask to the person underneath.