As the masked guests milled about the lavish ballroom, a hushed conversation took place in a secluded corner. "Here," said Alisha, her voice barely above a whisper, as she pressed a small vial into the palm of a trembling hand.
"Make sure she drinks it." The hand that accepted the vial trembled, and a bead of sweat trickled down the person's brow.
"Do you understand what you need to do?" Alisha asked, her eyes narrowing. A single, terse nod was the only response. With that, Alisha slipped away into the crowd, leaving the person with the vial alone in the dark.
As they greeted the guests, Charlotte and Sebastian's smiles were as perfect as their masks. Behind the masks, however, their true feelings were evident. Charlotte's eyes were weary, her shoulders tense. Sebastian's smile was forced, his posture rigid.
Though they put on a good show for the guests, they were both struggling to keep up the facade. No one could see behind the masks.
"Excuse me," Jordan said, smiling as he approached Charlotte and Sebastian. "I'd like to steal Sebastian away for just a moment if that's okay?" She looked at Charlotte and then Sebastian, who gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be right back," he said and followed his father away from the crowd into a small room at the end of the ballroom. Charlotte stood alone, her heart racing. What was Jordan going to say to Sebastian? And why did he want to talk to him alone? Her thoughts were a jumble of fear and worry.
She picked up her phone and called Mia. "Hello Mia, how's the kids doing? Charlotte asked, her tune filled with worry. "Have they eaten, how's Daniel doing, did he ask you many questions?" Charlotte asked her voice trembling.
"Calm down, Charlotte," Mia said, her voice gentle and soothing. "Breathe. The kids are fine, and I got them to sleep eventually. I know they can be a handful." She paused, waiting for Charlotte to take a deep breath and collect herself.
"Now, tell me how was the wedding? Is the ball not over yet?" she kept quiet, trying to read between the lines of Charlotte's words.
"It's going fine, I can't wait to come home, I miss my kids. Thank you so much Mia, I don't know what I would have done without you."
"What are friends for, you know I got your back. "So tell me, is your hubby there?" Mia teased her voice light and playful.
"Don't make fun of this, you know it's not." Charlotte snapped.
"Take a chill pill, your alleged hubby, how about that," Mia said still teasing.
"He stepped out, I wish I knew it would turn out this way, I wouldn't have accepted this ridiculous proposal.
"Hey! Calm down, don't create a scene there, okay? When are coming home?"
"Tomorrow, hopefully. "Charlotte's voice sounded weary.
"Alright, are you both going to sleep in the same room?"
"Mia!! Stop talking nonsense, I'll talk to you later." Charlotte said as she hung up the call.
She sighed heavily, as she looked at everyone, laughing and having fun.
"Pardon me, Mrs." a soft voice said from behind her. She turned to see a man dressed in black and white, holding out a glass of wine. "I thought you might like this."
"Oh, thank you," she said, taking the glass and smiling. She took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. It was a welcome distraction from the turmoil she had been feeling.
The man lingered for a moment, watching her with an inscrutable expression. As soon as she had finished the wine, he turned and slipped away into the shadows.
"The job is done, ma'am."
"Was the job done neatly?" Alisha asked, her voice steady and firm.
"Yes, ma'am," came the reply, a whisper that seemed to echo in the empty space between them.
"Your balance," She held out a black envelope.
"Thank you ma."
Alisha walked towards Charlotte's table
"Hello," Alisha said, her voice cool and controlled. She reached out to shake Charlotte's hand, but Charlotte's grip was weak, her eyes unfocused. She seemed to be intoxicated, her movements slow and uncoordinated.
"Hello," Charlotte slurred, her words sloshing together like a ship in a storm. "I'm... Charlie... Charlotte. Everyone's spinning, spinning like a merry-go-round." She laughed out and continued. "Why is everyone spinning?" She began to laugh, a high, almost hysterical sound that grated on Alisha's nerves.
"Come with me," Alisha said, her voice quiet but firm. She took Charlotte's hands in her own, her grip strong and steady. Charlotte's laughter was growing louder and more manic, causing people to turn and stare. Alisha kept her gaze fixed on Charlotte's face, trying to convey calm and reassurance with her eyes.
"Just follow me," she said, gently leading her away from the crowd. "Don't worry, she's just had a bit too much to drink," Alisha said, a slight edge to her voice. But the other guests just stared at Charlotte, their eyes cold and judgmental. It was clear that they thought there was something more than just alcohol at play here.
She dragged Charlotte up the stairs, into an empty bedroom, and shoved her onto the bed. "You think you can take him away from me?" she snarled, her eyes flashing with anger. "You don't know who you're messing with. You're nothing compared to me." She loomed over Charlotte, her shadow casting a dark veil over the room. Charlotte lay frozen, her eyes closed.
After ten long minutes, Alisha emerged from the room, her face impassive. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number, "It's done," she said into the phone, her voice low and even. "She's in the room, Make sure it's taken care of, exactly as we discussed." She hung up the phone and took a deep breath, composing herself. Then she walked back down the stairs, Charlotte's mask on her face, not knowing that she had been overheard.