"Alice, what's wrong?" Miss Dianne asked me when she noticed my hesitation. I smiled at her as if nothing's wrong with me but before I could reply, the pair we left just awhile approached us.
"Where have you been? Don't tell me you both forgotten about us?" Andrew asked humorously. Ian silently tagged along.
"Oh, you guessed it right. I even forgot your name. Who are you again?" she jokingly answered or, so I thought. Seeing her smirk, I am not sure it was a joke or meant to be.
"How rude." He answered with a frown. Ian elbowed him slightly.
"Apologies ladies but is it time already for the program to start?" Ian interrupted to dispel the awkward atmosphere slowly creeping in.
"Yes, you are right. Shall we? Miss Dianne?" I said as I slowly walk beside Ian and hook my arm on his. Andrew did the same and offered his hand to Miss Dianne which she accepted. We walked together towards the main function hall where the main event will be held. Just like the moment we arrived, the click of cameras and lights followed us. The event was big enough to attract the attention of media and reporters. There were also celebrity guests who were paired as dates or else business partners present.
We went to our reserved seat in a round table and settled down. Most of our team members were already there talking lively with each other. They all stopped talking when we arrived and looked at us in awe.
"Aren't they too beautiful?" I heard one of them say.
"Yeah. I feel like trash if I sat beside them." also commented by the other one.
"Yeah, but don't worry about it, you look like garbage anyway." a girl replied beside him. It seemed that she was his date. The others laughed at her comment.
"Woah! They are too blinding!"
"We are so blessed that goddesses are in our department. Goddesses should be accompanied by gods."
"Yeah! I wonder if they are their boyfriends."
"Oh, my heart is already broken. I have no chance already just seeing their dates."
"You already have no chance from the start you know!"
A blushed crept my cheeks. Thankfully, my mask hides it from their views. I smiled at them.
"I am not sure if I should be thankful from what you are all saying guys but aren't you being exaggerated with us?" Miss Dianne casually replied to them stopping them from their silly remarks.
They all laughed in reply. I feel like it's already a routine for them to say those words to us.
"No way Miss! We are telling the truth you know!" One of the male team members said wearing a glittering gold mask with feathers on the forehead.
I was about to say something in reply when we were interrupted by the master of ceremonies greetings.
"Ladies and gentlemen with outstanding beauty and elegance behind the masks! We are all gathered here tonight to celebrate this wonderful Annual founding anniversary of xx Company since the year 19xx. Let us all settle down and witness once again the history unfolded before us. Everybody, welcome to this masquerade ball!" He energetically announced. The lights were turned off and a video was played on a large LCD screen where the history of the company was shown and how it was today.
A speech from the CEO followed welcoming the guests and participants. Like as it should, he gave an inspiring speech. He took off his mask before he started his speech telling that he does not need to hide because everybody already knew him. So what's the point? We all laughed at his remark telling that his point was taken.
"Your presence and hard work play a great part in the company's success. Let us take care of each other in the future. Just like Colin Powel said, there is no secret in success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you, and let us enjoy this evening!"
An intermission was followed and at the same time, the meal was served on each table. The servers appeared with foods and served it in our table diligently and expertly. It was a high-quality steak cooked in medium-rare.
Ian precut his meat and gave it to me. I thanked him with a smile. Those who saw our exchange reacted with "Aww, how sweet. Remark especially the girls. The boys also copied what Ian did and the girls giggled in response to their clumsy way of copying Ian's gentleman's manner.
"Miss Alice is so lucky to have a gentleman date." One of them commented while others agreed.
"Are you both dating?" One of them who can't contain their curiosity asked. I could sense that all eyes sparkled waiting for my answer. Ugh! I was put in the spotlight.
"No. He is like a brother so..." I replied with a smile. Everybody gasped with my answer as if not believing my words. I feel awkward inside knowing that Ian's boyfriend is just a chair away from me.
"I think he's good boyfriend material. You have known each other for a while now, why are you not dating yet?" I almost choked the meat that I eat upon hearing the comment from Andrew's mouth. I wonder if he was testing me. My vein almost pooped in my forehead. Damn it! I don't want to be the cause of a lover's quarrel.
'Well, I guess we both knew the reason right, Sir Andrew? We both knew who is his boyfriend right?' That's what I want to say but I controlled to run my mouth and ruin the night between us.
"We can't since I am already dating. Besides, Alice here is also dating someone." And Ian casually dropped the bomb that shocked everyone.
Damned you, Ian! I was trying to be not a center of attention here. I want to glare Ian, but I was trying to be nice in front of everyone. I can't blame him though. Andrew was quite a jealous person. He was even possessive to Ian. They fight a lot but they easily made up.
"Is it true Alice?" Miss Dianne beside me asked in surprise. I guess I have no choice but to admit defeat.
"Y-yes."
"Woah! We wonder who is the lucky person!" one of the girls with a green feather mask said. "I also heard that Miss Jenna has been engaged."
Phew! At least, the topic was suddenly changed to I grab the chance to take the discussion in that direction.
"Miss Jenna Campbell?" I asked in confirmation though it is also news to me.
"Yes. I heard that she was dating Mr. Hyung-woo Baek that was why she was assigned in him by her father and now they are engaged."
"Really? When did you hear it?"
"Woah! They looked together though!"
"No kidding? So that's why she was put in our department."
All asked at the same time. Their murmurs slowly fade away. My mind turned blank hearing it.
'W-what?' I almost dropped the knife that I am holding.