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!"

...

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

pulled her through the crowd toward the bar. "A

Roseanne replied, "A lemonade."

twitched. "Care

"I'll have a lemon..."

told the bartender,

smiled slightly. "Coming right

Roseanne smiled helplessly.

pair of eyes in the shadows lingered on

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

was wearing thin. Millie tapped him on the shoulder from behind as he was about to leave. "Babe, I'm here!" When he turned

Millie playfully swayed their hands. "I heard today's lucky guest wins a mystery prize. With my

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

...

set down her glass, she spotted a handsome