CHAPTER 1
"so, have you considered it?" says a man standing in front of his team, Manager victor hart , age 43 with dark brown eyes, he uses a wig to hide his half bald head, is the kind of person who thrives on belittling others to boost his own ego. He regularly takes credit for the hard work of his team, and when things go wrong, he's the first to scapegoat his employees. He is a womanizer and a Casanova.
"But sir, it was my work in the first place, how can you cut my name off-... 25 year old Luna, long black hairs and dark brown expressive eyes, a vibrant and youthful appearance, worked after graduating. She is smart, resourceful,and often underestimated due to her age. Before she could finish, manager victor hart interrupts.
"Your idea was just some gibberish. you didn't even have a clear vision, you should thank Rosalie, and stop showing that you're pathetic. You should be proud that it was Rosalie who took your idea and with her skills, she came up with an outstanding story for her script-" Rosalie was present during the meeting with other members,before victor hart could finish his words, luna interrupted him.
"her skills!! but manager... hart, you can check she didn't really make many changes. It's my original work-" Luna was aware of the manager Hart but she was still disappointed by him.
"i-i'm sorry luna, all i did was take a mere idea, how can you blame me for stealing your work" *sobs , says a 23-year-old fresher, Rosalie. She has a striking appearance, with long, glossy hair that she styles perfectly to frame her face. Her sharp eyes are always outlined, exuding a sense of playfulness. She wears form-fitting outfits that toe the line between professional and provocative, turning heads wherever she goes.Her voice is soft and sultry. She uses her charm to manipulate situations to her advantage, making her co-workers flustered or compliant without even trying too hard. Just as she lured Victor hart.
"Enough!" Victor shouted "How can you be so shameful Luna, Get lost with your ugly thoughts just as disgusting as you face."
He pauses to turn to the co-workers "meeting disbands, what are you looking at , back to your work" then shares a glance with Luna "what a wench!" says with his wicked smile as he scoffs.
Soon the office was filled with murmurs. "Oh my! " "he called her a wench"… "look at her staying still"... "poor girl"…*giggles *mumble mumble…
*slams "Enough!" Luna was known for making composure. "Manager hart!!!" she screamed in rage, her steps equally furious and rhythmed reaching just 1 meter away from her target. Automatically had victor hart gulped in front of her. "you piece of garbage, shitty shit, long nose lady finger, your eyes like a shit of goat, I will play football with your head, mangia merde e morte (eat shit and die in italian) dare to meet me alone you little shit,
I'll- !!!!!!!
*huff she said all in one breath. Miss Luna Parker was renowned for her calmness and never used abusive language.There was a jaw dropping silence in the hall.
"A-assistant manager Luna! how dare y-you utter that ugly mouth of yours!!!!!!!"
Manager Hart was absolutely wordless, so was Luna , as soon she realized about the fuss she created she stumbled to a deck twice before running out of the meeting room.
"assistant Luna, y-you, come back here you bitch… hey!!!!" he rushed to her, Luna already ran far until she reached the company's bathroom. She barged in one of the columns with someone who was already entering and closed her eyes as she said "I'm alive" she gasped for air for a few seconds. Just when she opens her eyes she claims a sight of a man.
He was tall and strikingly handsome, with sharp, well-defined features, Athletic and well-toned, reflecting his discipline and active lifestyle. His physique seemed lean but muscular, emphasizing strength, intense eyes that conveyed deep emotions despite his typically calm and stoic expression. His hair slightly tousled and carried in a neat way. His sense of style is understated but elegant, he wore tailored sleek suits that gave an aura of sophistication.
She was about to scream but his hands helped up the scene. He was quick enough to handle the situation. "That's a quite bold move to make " he whispered, leaning closer to her ear to avoid noise.
"I-i am not a pervert!" she said as the embarrassment washed down her face after knowing that it was a man's washroom.
" That's quite an answer he said, holding back his laugh, avoiding her.
There was an embarrassing silence.
"Thanks, I'll help myself" she said, before he could say another word she left in a hurry. Shutting, the door on his face.
There was a crowd murmur, watching a woman come out of the men's washroom and running for life.
Luna covered her face, screaming silently to endure the embarrassment, only to walk 2 km to her home, though her legs gave up… as she reached the door
As soon as she reached her home a reassuring voice greeted her "oh my what happened to your legs"
Luna surrendered her head on her miso's shoulder.
"hey! are you okay?" said her friend miso, she had a bold personality, her eyes full of worry and her short hairs flowing to her shoulders, she was an academic genius, she was heiress, rich, but never flaunted her wealth and was living independently with her childhood friend none other than Luna.
"No! I'm not" Luna tells about all the embarrassment she faced today as they sat down on the floor.
"what- you called him shit, like 3 times, you know they'll fire you-"
"I know, I messed up, should I resign and file a legal case against them."says luna
"If you did, I would support your decision. He didn't even give you the credit." miso pauses then speaks excitedly "by the way, was that bathroom guy you met handsome?"
Luna paused before smacking miso then continued…"He did look like a celebrity, I didn't get a clear look but he looked like Iseop"
"you mean Iseop, wait- so that was right?!?!?!?" miso exclaimed in shock
Iseop Morgan, an incredibly popular actor, a heartthrob among women and a media sensation.
"w-what now?!"
"didn't you hear in your office, he was there for the script contract, there was an article about his comeback in 2 months" "Was it today?It definitely has to be today!" Miso covers her mouth in shock
"what!!!! really?" Luna was even more embarrassed than before.
"Oh my, Luna, was that fate, Is he your knight in a shiny Armour." miso exclaims in joy teasing luna.
"Shut up! If meeting in a bathroom was fate, then am I going to propose to him with toilet paper?" Luna says, covering her face with her fingers.
"fine, my lady, it happens,let me aid your injured feet" says miso putting ointment on her feet
"Thank you miso" Luna let out a smile recovering from the shock. So much happened today.
Next hour as the time clocked to 8 p.m. While she was editing her script and was about to close her laptop.
Luna got an email.
"Huh" She said aloud sitting straight.
"What is it?" says miso sitting beside luna.
Luna's fingers hovered over the mouse "another scam, probably" she muttered, and was ready to delete the mail but something about the email bothered her since inside was a simple, elegant message written in a formal yet intriguing tone.
The sender's address was cryptic.
maskedheartsreveal@gmail.com
Dear Luna,
We have been observing you and we believe that you might be clouded by so many things since you are a struggling writer but we see our heart, still hopeful for your response.
We would like to offer you an exclusive opportunity to join an elite group of individuals for once in a lifetime experience.
The Masquerade of Hearts is a reality show like no other where true identity will remain hidden until the end and only the true connections will be revealed. Attached to the email you will find a special item enclosed to your invitation: a red mask that is your key to the show. It is more than a symbol.
Do you have the courage to take the chance?
The show will begin in one week, we await your decision.