They say a woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets, yet she had discovered that men were even more enigmatic. If it had been her, she'd simply pursue whoever she liked, without beating around the bush.
Joy Parker asked a question, but Samuel Johnson paid her no heed. Amanda Smith had already left, and the party held no meaning for him anymore. He reached into his collar and touched the necklace; below the chain dangled a platinum ring.
He traced the pattern on the ring, thinking of the one Amanda had worn, and his eyes softened then. But then, as if struck by a thought, he sighed softly.
Samuel gestured to the emcee, then rose and walked toward the hotel rooms. Downstairs, the emcee began to announce that the party was over, and instructed the service staff to help the guests leave.
**************************************
Amanda Smith returned to her residence, threw her mask on the counter, and went straight to the bathroom to take a thorough shower.
