"You ready?" Ian asked as he offered his hand to me. He looked so handsome on his red slim fit tuxedo. His pants were only ankled length-long paired vintage formal leather brown Italian shoes. His blond brown hair was slicked back undercut hairstyle that really suits him best. He paired it with a red mask with elegant red feathers on the other side. He was like an Armani suit model that would take your breath away even in a single glance.
"Oh yes of course! Such a gentleman you are today! You look good Mr." I winked at him giving him my most appreciative smile as I accepted his hand. He hooked my arm to him and we both walked to the aisle of the red carpet with big sparkling chandeliers hanging on the ceiling. It still amazes me how extravagant the founding anniversary of the company that hosted this masquerade ball. Everybody was looking sophisticated and fancy with their flowing gowns like debutants and princesses and coats and tuxedos that exhibit their prince-like charms and appeal.
"Alice" a familiar voice called me from behind. I immediately smiled recognizing the voice.
"How did you know it is me, Miss Dianne?" I asked surprisingly. To think that my face was covered with a silver half-butterfly mask. My hair was beautifully styled like a messy braided bun. I can't even believe it suited well on my long gray beaded sleeveless gala evening dress made in tulle and laces embellished with beads, crystals, and rhinestones. The collar was a bit low cut and has an open back. The dress hugged my body perfectly as I paired it with 3 inches high silver stiletto.
"Aren't you aware that I have an Alice radar on me?" Miss Dianne answered humorously which made me giggle. She looked so ethereal on her embroidered plunging neck navy blue satin A-line long evening gown. The gown was also sleeveless, exposing her nice shaped long faired arms. The mask she wears is a black rose designed Venetian. "Who is this young man beside my Alice? Hmmmm?"
"Oh, This is Ian Lavigne Taylor." I just gave her a short introduction and Ian immediately pulled out his hand to offer for a handshake.
"I am Ian." he shortly said giving Miss Dianne his dazzling smile. "Pleased to meet such a beautiful lady," he added.
"Dianne Anderson." she smiled to both of us as she accepted his hand. "You look beautifully handsome yourself Ian. Can I call you Ian?"
"The pleasure is mine Miss Dianne."
"Oh please, just call me Dianne. Alice is the only one who is stubborn to call me with Miss even I told her not too. She made me feel old and distant you know." she said at the same time complaining while pouting.
"Ugh, please don't say it that way, Miss. You know I never meant it that way." I interjected defending myself.
"Oh my. You are such a cutie when you are like that, right Ian?" she even teased me more and turn her attention to Ian like looking for an accomplice.
"She is not just cute but more likely a beautiful butterfly Dianne," he answered playfully. I wanted to face palmed myself as I feel like they both enjoy teasing me.
"I think I like you, Ian. We have the same taste." Miss Dianne complemented.
"Right? I think I feel the same way. Do you want to talk more about Alice's type? Or perhaps her favorites?" Ugh!
"Aren't you having fun?" a tall man approached us interrupting. He seemed familiar somehow but I cannot put a finger on it. He wears a black 3-layer fitted tuxedo. His mask is also black designed with black feathers on once side like Ian's.
"You are here." Miss Dianne acknowledged the man.
"Yeah. Sorry for being late and being able to escort you." the man replied and turned his attention to us. "Ian and Alice. I did not expect to meet you immediately."
I secretly gasped. Though it was expected to meet him since the business world is quite small for all the executives.
"You know both of them?" Miss Dianne inquired.
"Yes. We both knew each other for a while." he casually replied.
"Good evening Sir Andrew. Nice to meet you here." I greeted him as I recovered from my surprise.
"Good evening Andrew. Fancy meeting you here." Ian too greeted him. He sounded formal. I am not sure if he was expecting him to come.
"What a small world." Miss Dianne commented, smiling. "Well to formally introduce him, Andrew Ford here is my escort for tonight." she sounded as if mocking him for being late. I could feel a bit of tension from both of them. I wonder what's going on.
"Yes. And to my regret, I was not able to escort her properly." Andrew apologetically commented.
"Nothing to worry about Andrew. It was not a surprise from an ex-husband." she dryly commented back. I gulped my surprise. I did not know that Miss Dianne was the ex-wife of Ian's boyfriend, Andrew Form. "Oh don't mind us. It was a long time ago," she added trying to dispel the awkward situation. "Ian, let me borrow Alice first and accompany this man here."
I was grabbed by Miss Dianne and took me to meet the other acquaintances. I glanced back at Ian and he waved at me while mouthing "See you later."
Like expected, it was hard to recognize each face behind the masks but there was an outstanding figure that is easy to spot on. Somehow, I understand why everybody was excited to have a masquerade ball. I wonder if Hyung-woo will be able to recognize me immediately or if I would recognize him too. I smiled reflexively as I feel the excitement to meet and uncover his mask.
"What are you thinking? You look excited." Miss Dianne commented. I panicked on how to answer her question.
"Because the atmosphere is lively." Ugh! I want to wack my brain with a lame excuse. She laughed at my answer but did not push it. She took two glasses of wine from the passing waiter and gave one to me. I thanked her for it.
"How did you meet Andrew, Alice?" Miss Dianne inquired as we both walked into the corner after talking from anyone whom we recognize. I flinched at her question. Right, she was Andrew's ex-wife.
"I knew him through Ian," I answered honestly.
"Are you friends with Ian for a long time?" she inquired.
"Yeah. We both were friends since the first time I came here." I wonder why she is curious.
"And you are not dating him?"
"It was impossible for us to date," I answered with a laugh but Miss Dianne's face was full of curiosity so I decided to answer her voiceless question without divulging Ian's preference. "I am not his type and we both feel platonic."
"Oh is that so? I was just a bit curious since Ian and Andrew seemed close." Miss Dianne was quite an observer. "Anyway, Andrew and I were only married for a year. It was not really because we love each other. It was more likely a political marriage." to my surprise, she decided to open up for the first time though I already knew the part that their marriage only lasted a year from what Ian told me long way before.
"Are you not interested to meet other people, Miss?" I inquired somehow I wanted to learn more about Miss Dianne.
"I met a few from here to there but it seemed like I am not that lucky when it comes to relationships." her voice sounded sad. "Anyway, I have Alice so it is enough for me."
I giggled at what she said though I feel like Miss Dianne is a lonely person from within. "You always use me as your shield, Miss," I complained.
"No way!" she too laughed looking at me. We both giggled when her attention was caught once again by another dazzling pair who just arrived. "Oho. Look at that! Let's go and meet this new pair of the spotlight."
I hesitatingly followed her. The truth was I don't want to welcome them both as jealousy crept in me.