I was ready for the noon party. Wearing a white cocktail dress with silver linings, I styled my hair into a bun with edges and applied pink lipstick accented by a brown high pencil. I picked up my white mask, which only covered my eyes, and met my friends at the entrance of my house before we set off for the party.
Jasmine Kelfy, the host of the party, is a fashion designer with many followers on Instagram, though not as many as mine. She is talented and creative, and I've heard she's as optimistic, nice, and comfortable to be around as Ariel. I hoped that was true—I didn't want any conflict with anyone. We got into our limousine, specially designed for the K sisters with our initials, and headed to the venue.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a swarm of reporters, newscasters, and paparazzi, and a long red carpet. Ariel, excited, stepped out first in her long mermaid gown that dazzled, drawing envious and awed stares. She walked with such confidence, I wished I had her poise. Next, I stepped out with Bella, my plus one, who wore a blue cocktail dress with gold linings. Her short hair was neatly tucked behind her ear with a blue and gold hair clip. We walked together, and the crowd bombarded us with questions and took pictures as we approached the door.
"How did you come up with your jewelry designs?" "When are you releasing a new collection?" "When will you show your face, K?" "Are you married?" "Do you have a contagious disease?" It was overwhelming, but we finally made it inside. Ariel waited for us at the bar, and we joined her. Shortly after, Jasmine made an announcement. She finished, and as everyone clapped, she approached us.
"Wow, it's the K sisters! I'm so glad you're here. Please, make yourselves at home," she said with a beautiful smile. "We will, Jasmine," I replied. "Oh, you must be the owner of K Jewels. I love your designs—look, I'm wearing one!" she pointed at her necklace, and I smiled. It was the fifth one I made, auctioned for 5 million dollars.
"Wow, so you were the one who bought it?" Ariel asked with wide eyes and a huge smile. "Well, my husband did. He gave it to me as a gift but didn't mention the price," she said, blushing. "Your husband must be very romantic," Bella complimented. Jasmine continued talking, and then I spotted someone familiar. He looked like the man I saw at the brothel.
Bella and Ariel went with Jasmine to see her designer clothes. I was supposed to follow, but I told them I needed a drink. I ordered whiskey to clear my head. It couldn't be him; there was no reason for a guy like that to be here. I ordered another whiskey and took it in one go, despite the bartender's warning. I wanted a different flavor next and ordered wine to avoid further concern.
Suddenly, I felt a hand on my arm. I jerked away and saw a man in his early thirties. He smiled and asked, "May I have your first dance?" I looked at him for a moment. "No." He seemed shocked. "But why? It's just a dance," he said, laughing awkwardly. "I don't dance," I replied, focusing on my glass of wine.
"A beautiful lady like you? Impossible," he said, touching my shoulder, which I immediately shrugged off. "Don't touch me," I warned. His eyes darkened, and he grabbed my shoulder roughly, trying to force me to the dance floor. Just then, a fist connected with his face, sending him flying across the room, teeth knocked out.
Everyone stared at me and my savior—it was him, the man from the brothel. He looked furious, his fist bloodied from the other man's injuries. Jasmine rushed to him, trying to calm him down. Despite feeling a bit irritated, the sensation vanished when I locked eyes with him. His cold gaze met mine as Jasmine reassured everyone that everything was fine. Security took the injured man away, and the brothel man and I maintained eye contact until he broke it and left.
Shocked, Bella and Ariel came to check on me. I told them I was fine but needed to take care of something. I ran in the direction he had gone but couldn't find him. Still curious about what happened, Bella and Ariel waited for an explanation. I promised to tell them everything when we got back to my house. We quickly got into the limo and drove off.
Ezekiel's POV:
I was too angry at the bastard who dared to touch my girl to notice anyone staring. Everything felt dark, consumed by anger, but when I saw her light brown eyes, clarity returned. The light in her eyes, filled with shock, grounded me. I left when I realized I wasn't in my right mind. Jasmine followed to calm me, but I didn't need it. I needed a coffin for that bastard.
"Zekiel, what's wrong with you? You can't do that in front of people. What about your reputation?" Jasmine asked, worried. "I don't give a damn about that," I replied, indifferent.
"Is it because of K?" she asked, searching my eyes. "What do you think?" I asked coldly. "Oh my gosh!" She covered her mouth, eyes wide. "Ezekiel King, are you... in love?" she asked dramatically. I rolled my eyes. She didn't understand my feelings for Kiyara—it wasn't just love, but obsession. Ignoring her, I walked out and got into my Bugatti, leaving her in shock.