Clara stood at the entrance.
The moment Maya saw her, she quietly released the breath she had been holding. For a second, she had thought it was Nathaniel.
Clara entered, closed the door behind her, and immediately noticed Maya's swollen eyes.
"Is everything alright?" she asked softly.
"I'm fine."
Clara sighed. "You've known me for years. Don't lie to me."
Silence lingered between them.
Maya looked away, "I get jealous whenever I see Duncan with another woman."
The confession came out heavier than she expected.
Clara's face softened, "I understand... but what about Nathaniel?"
Maya lowered her head, "I love him too."
The words made her feel ashamed.
"Maya." Clara held her hand. "You can't keep your heart in two places forever."
"I know!" Maya's voice cracked. "I know, Clara, but I can't explain it. Every time I try to move on from Duncan, something pulls me back."
She sat on the bed, covering her face. "I hate feeling like this."
Clara sat beside her and gently rubbed her back.
"Then remember what Duncan did. He wasted your time, your hope, and your future. Nathaniel is standing here trying to love you the way you deserve."
Maya remained silent.
"Try to give Nathaniel a chance."
After a long pause, Maya nodded. "I'll try."
Clara smiled faintly, "That's my girl." She stood up. "Come outside before everyone starts wondering where we disappeared to."
"You go first." Maya wiped the corner of her eyes. "I'll fix myself and follow."
Clara nodded and quietly left.
Maya stood before the mirror for a long moment, adjusted her mask, and forced herself to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Move on... please move on," she whispered to herself.
Then she walked out.
*******
The ballroom was even louder than before. Violin strings blended with laughter while nobles twirled beneath the chandeliers.
Halfway down the staircase, someone called her name.
"Maya."
She turned.
Sandra stood there wearing a pale blue masquerade gown and a silver mask.
"Good evening, Sandra."
"It's nice seeing you again..." Sandra smiled, though her voice carried sarcasm.
"Does it?" Maya replied calmly.
"You misunderstood Lord Stephen that day."
Maya folded her arms. "Did I?"
"He was only angry."
"Oh really?"
Sandra smiled proudly, "As a matter of fact..." She lifted her left hand proudly. "I'm engaged."
A diamond ring glittered beneath the light.
Maya froze.
Damon's words echoed inside her head.
"Only till the end of this year..."
A strange chill ran through her body.
Still, Maya smiled politely.
"Congratulations, I am happy for you."
Sandra's face brightened, "Thank you."
The two women hugged briefly.
"Come on. Let's go back before they start looking for us."
Together, they walked away.
Hidden behind one of the marble pillars...
A cloaked man stood perfectly still.
His face remained hidden beneath a black hood, only his pale lips visible beneath the shadows. Leather gloves covered his hands, and his cloak blended so well with the darkness that he almost looked like part of the wall.
A cold smile slowly appeared.
"So..." he whispered. "Maya still loves Duncan."
His eyes glinted beneath the hood.
"Interesting."
He disappeared into the crowd without making a sound.
*****
Maya returned to the ballroom but deliberately avoided Nathaniel.
Instead, she joined Gabrielle, Clara, and Sandra.
The four ladies laughed and danced together while Nathaniel watched from across the hall.
He smiled once.
Maya didn't look back.
His smile slowly disappeared. He watched again.
Maya turned away the instant their eyes almost met.
Nathaniel felt something tighten inside his chest.
"What did I do wrong?" he murmured.
Unable to bear it any longer, he quietly left for one of the guest rooms.
He removed his mask and stared at himself in the mirror.
"Am I making the wrong choice?"
Silence answered him.
"What if Maya never loves me?"
The words hurt more than he expected.
The door opened and Jasmine walked in.
"I saw everything."
Nathaniel didn't move. "I don't know what to say."
"Neither do I."
His shoulders dropped, "Should I stop trying?"
Jasmine looked at him carefully.
"You've come too far to give up now."
She stepped closer.
"After your marriage, you'll leave Valtheris. Maya won't have Duncan around forever."
Nathaniel laughed bitterly, "It feels good to love someone who loves you back."
His voice became quieter.
"But in this story... I'm the only one fighting."
Jasmine's expression filled with pity, "I understand." She hesitated, "Then what are you going to tell Aurora... and Mother?"
Nathaniel closed his eyes, "The truth."
"This time?"
"This time."
Jasmine nodded slowly, "Tell Maya before someone else does."
"If I don't..."
She looked directly into his eyes, "...I will."
Nathaniel swallowed hard, "I'll do it."
Jasmine left him alone.
Nathaniel stood there breathing deeply before reaching into his pocket.
A small velvet box appeared in his hand.
Inside... A ring.
He stared at it for a long moment, "It's now or never."
He closed the box and walked out.
As he turned the corner, he accidentally bumped into someone dressed in a black cloak.
"I'm sorry," the stranger said, lowering his head.
Nathaniel nodded absent-mindedly and continued walking.
The cloaked man's smile returned beneath the hood.
*****
Nathaniel found Maya standing with her friends, without saying a word, he gently took her hand.
The girls exchanged teasing smiles as Maya followed him onto the dance floor.
The music slowed.
Nathaniel placed one hand around her waist while Maya rested hers on his shoulder.
Unlike Duncan and Jasmine's dance...
This one was quiet.
Careful.
Almost fragile.
Maya wasn't a skilled dancer, but Nathaniel guided her patiently, making sure she wouldn't stumble.
For a few moments...
The world disappeared.
Nathaniel couldn't stop looking at her and Maya avoided looking into his eyes.
Guilt filled her chest.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Nathaniel smiled sadly, "You don't have to apologize."
He took a deep breath, "I need to tell you something important."
Maya finally looked at him, "What is it?"
Nathaniel opened his mouth, "Maya, I-"
Suddenly, she coughed.
Once.
Twice.
Her body jerked violently. She grabbed her chest.
"Your Grace..."
Her breathing became uneven.
Nathaniel's smile vanished, "Maya?"
She coughed again.
A dark red drop landed on her hand, then another.
Nathaniel froze.
Blood.
"MAYA!"
The ballroom fell silent.
More blood spilt from the corner of her lips. Her body collapsed forward. Nathaniel caught her before she hit the floor.
"Somebody help!"
His voice echoed through the ballroom.
Evelyn screamed while Damon rushed through the terrified crowd.
"Maya! Open your eyes!"
Guests scattered in panic.
"Call the healer!"
"Move!"
"Give her space!"
Nathaniel held Maya tightly as blood stained the front of his white coat.
His hands trembled.
"Maya... stay with me. Please."
Across the ballroom...
The cloaked man stood perfectly still among the terrified crowd.
A servant quietly approached him.
Without looking away from Maya, the servant gave a small nod.
The cloaked man's lips curved into a terrifying smile.
"Good."
He slowly turned around, disappearing into the darkness beyond the ballroom.
"This is only the beginning."
The screams inside Ashford Mansion grew louder.