The masquerade ball was held in an opulent villa just outside the city, its grand entrance framed by tall marble columns and flickering lanterns. Guests in elaborate gowns and intricate masks mingled under the glow of chandeliers, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
Jade entered alongside the men, her heart racing. The villa’s grandeur was overwhelming—golden walls adorned with Renaissance art, a string quartet playing softly in the background, and a garden terrace illuminated by fairy lights.
“Stay close,” Milan murmured as they made their way inside.
“Do I have a choice?” Jade replied under her breath, earning a faint smirk from Enzo.
The men quickly became engrossed in conversation with other guests, leaving Jade to wander slightly on her own. She admired the elegance of the room, the way the soft candlelight reflected off the polished floors and glittering masks.
But as she sipped her champagne, a strange sensation crept over her. She felt… watched.
She glanced around the room, her gaze scanning the sea of masked faces. Everyone seemed engaged in their own conversations or dancing, but the uneasy feeling persisted.
Her grip on her glass tightened. She moved toward the terrace for some fresh air, hoping the open space would calm her nerves.
The cool night breeze kissed her skin as she stepped outside. The garden was quieter, with only a few couples scattered among the hedges and fountains. Yet, the sensation of being watched followed her, stronger now.
“Jade.”
She jumped, nearly spilling her champagne. Turning quickly, she found Thiago leaning casually against the railing, his dark eyes studying her.
“Relax,” he said with a smirk. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Did you follow me out here?” she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.
“Just making sure you’re okay,” he replied, his smirk fading slightly. “You seemed… distracted in there.”
Jade hesitated, unsure whether to confide in him. “I just—” She paused, shaking her head. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”
Thiago raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. “Well, if you’re feeling off, stick close. These events can be… unpredictable.”
Her unease deepened at his words, but she nodded. “Thanks.”
As they reentered the ballroom, Jade’s eyes darted around once more. The feeling hadn’t gone away. Somewhere in the crowd, hidden behind the masks, she was certain someone was watching her.