Enzo can wait.
My family cannot.
"Can you check the back?"I pull the wig down over my forehead, adjusting the hairline.
"It's done," Lia says as she swoops the curls aside to check if it's secured in place.
Tonight is the ball Enzo had talked about, and to my great surprise, it's a masquerade. That means no one will know who I am, and I can blend in among the guests. And if what he said about my parents being present is right… then I think it's the perfect opportunity to have a tête-à-tête with my progenitors.
I'd gone to a lot of trouble to make sure no one will be ableto see through my disguise. My entire face is covered in makeup, and Lia helped me book an appointment with a professional. The makeup artist had given me cheek and jaw definition so that when I finally don my face mask, I don't look like myselfat all.
Made entirely of black lace, the mask is malleable and fits perfectly to the upper half of my face, protecting my identity. I'd also put on a pair of blue contacts, for good measure.
"If I didn't know it was you…" Lia trails off, her eyes going down my rather scandalous gown—a black Lolita dress. A corset cinches my waist and pushes my boobs up, with the skirt barely covering my ass.
No one would ever believe that boring old Allegra would wear anything like this. It's much more indicative of Chiara's wardrobe. But for this event, I have to be asunlikelyme as I can.
Because I can't have anything incriminating to me.
Adding some small tools to a simple black pouch, I get ready to leave.
"You're sure about this, Miss? You can still back out… let it go," Lia tells me as I head toward the door. I know she means well, and because she has such a pure heart, she cannot comprehend that there's a boiling need in my veins to see justice done. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive anyone and still look at myself in the mirror.
All my life, I've endured people's scorn, thinking that maybe there was something lacking about me that brought out the worst in others. Maybe I was someone that provoked only disdain. And I'd been fine with just keeping away, remaining in my own world and ignoring the barbs around me. And probably, if it had still beenjustme, I would have continued that way.
But they involved my son in this, and that I willneverforgive.
I still remember the moment of his birth, the days I'd held him to my chest, whispering sweet words to him and imaginingthe future. For once, I'd been optimistic about my own fate. I was simply looking forward to living—to seeing my baby's first steps or hearing his first words. These milestones seemed so easy at the time, so innocent.
But here I am. Five years later and I havenoneof that. They stole five years of my child's life, and for that, they will pay.
"I'll be fine," I tell her curtly, signaling that there's no going back.
Soon, I find myself passing through the gates of the house and stepping into the lively atmosphere. Everyone around me is wearing a mask, some even opting for complete costumes.
I spot pirates, fairies, and vampires.
Maybe I should have dressed a little better.
I make a round of the ballroom, taking a glass of punch and pretending to sip it. My eyes are taking in everyone who comes in and out, ready to act.
Enzo certainly spared no expense for this ball, since there's also a live orchestra in the corner that is currently preparing to start a waltz.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure," a smooth voice says from behind me. I turn slightly, only to be met with my husband's piercing gaze, his flimsy mask doing little to hide his identity.
"No, I don't believe so," I reply in English.
I'd prepared for this eventuality. Since Enzo and I only ever spoke in Sicilian, it would be easier to mask my identity this way. Unbeknownst to him, my English has also improved, and no one can make fun of my peasant-girl accent anymore.
"Why don't you tell me your name, beautiful?" His charm is quick to work, and I feel a pang in my heart. Of course, he's an innate flirt.
"How about I don't?" I retort saucily, returning the flirtation. "This is all about secrecy, is it not?"
Tonight has never been about Enzo, but staring into hisbewitching eyes, I can't help but remember the tears he'd shed at my bedside not so long ago.
Laughter bubbles inside me as I realize that a few days ago he was promising me eternity, and now he's here trying to score with another woman.
Oh, the irony!
