Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 286

I blushed because of his rude and impulsive behavior just now.

But hearing him call himself a creep, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Sorry about your dress. How about I buy you a new one?" He awkwardly handed me a tissue instead of continuing to wipe my dress, apologizing profusely.

He seemed to be racking his brain on how to make up for it.

His voice was low and a bit hoarse, barely audible over the music.

But from his posture, it was clear he was genuinely sorry.

I was not one to hold a grudge, especially since his mask looked somewhat similar to mine. It felt like a coincidence, or maybe fate.

"You don't need to apologize. Melinda isn't that petty."

Paula had returned at some point and was smiling at the man in the black feathered mask across from me.

I nodded in agreement.

Unexpectedly, Paula said, "How about this? If you're really sorry, invite Melinda to dance when the ball starts. She hasn't danced in a while and might be a bit rusty, so be patient with her."

I quickly tugged at Paula. Hadn't we already forgiven him? Why make such a request?

Paula ignored my tugging and continued smiling as she made her suggestion.

I was about to tell him not to listen to Paula.

But he looked at me and agreed, "Alright!"

His eyes, under the lights, seemed almost magical, capable of making someone easily fall for him.

Before I could say anything else, the lights changed.

The music started playing.

Next moment, Paula whispered in my ear, "The music's starting. Just dance. Since you're here, let loose and relax."

With that, she pushed me into the crowd.

I stumbled forward, but a pair of strong arms caught me.

"Thank you!"

I looked up and met the eyes of the feathered mask man. He had already changed his stance, taking my hand in his large palm. "Follow me!"

Almost instinctively, I followed him. He led me, step by step, into the center of the crowd.

I hadn't danced in a long time, and facing a stranger made me nervous.

The more nervous I got, the more mistakes I made.

"Sorry..." I accidentally stepped on his foot and apologized profusely.

"It's okay, just follow my rhythm. No rush!" His voice had a calming effect, slowly easing my nerves.

Initially tense, I gradually found the fun in it and started to relax.

I had some basic training, so I quickly got the hang of it. As I got more into it, I improved.

"Great, you're doing excellent!" He didn't hesitate to praise me.

I couldn't help but smile, becoming more proficient and in sync with the rhythm.

The more I danced, the more excited I became, losing awareness of my surroundings. It was just the music, him, and me.

I didn't even notice when the crowd stopped to watch us.

"Bravo, bravo..."

Some people clapped and cheered.

Hearing the applause, I snapped out of my trance and saw numerous eyes on us.

There were looks of satisfaction, compliments and blessings.

Everyone was praising us.

Being watched and praised by so many, I blushed, my ears turning red.

My face was hidden under the mask, but my red ears were visible.

"How about a break?"

He was indeed a considerate gentleman, noticing my embarrassment and suggesting a break.

"Sure, thank you!" I nodded.

He led me to the edge of the dance floor, and I realized he was still holding my hand.

As I hesitated on how to discreetly pull my hand back, he let go first.

Throughout, he had been very considerate, making me lose my initial reluctance towards the masquerade ball. Instead, I found such events occasionally quite enjoyable.

I was about to thank him.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He apologized to me before stepping aside to take the call.

"Hey, did you fall for him?" Paula, who had probably been enjoying herself, suddenly appeared.

What nonsense was she talking about?

Just because I was lost in thought looking in the direction the feathered mask man had left, she caught me.

I wasn't falling for him. I just had a strange thought that his back looked somewhat like Christopher's.

But Christopher was always busy and probably wouldn't attend such a ball!

Before I could dismiss the thought, Paula appeared.

"What nonsense! How about you? Found anyone you like?" I teased her back.

"I'm not the main character today. You have no idea how well you two danced together. Why didn't you seize the opportunity to exchange contact info?" Paula looked regretful.

I shook my head. "It was just a chance encounter. No need for that. If it's meant to be, we'll meet again."

Paula, always so smart, pampered me unconditionally. Whatever I said, she agreed.

Having enjoyed the ball, probably also because of the feathered mask man's absence, I lost interest in staying longer.

So, Paula and I decided to leave early.

Paula's car was parked in the basement.

After leaving the ball, we took the elevator to the basement.

Just as Paula was unlocking the car, ready to get in, someone suddenly appeared.

Two men covered our mouths with towels, and before we could react, we were dragged into a nearby car.

Due to past injuries and a miscarriage, my body was weak. The drug took effect quickly, and I went limp, easily dragged into the car.

Paula, being much fitter, struggled hard. She only inhaled a bit of the drug before realizing something was wrong and fought back.

The skinny guy who was holding Paula probably didn't expect her to be so fierce and was momentarily overpowered.

Unfortunately, after a few steps, unfamiliar with the basement, she was quickly caught again.

"Trying to run? Go ahead!"

Paula was caught, and the skinny guy slapped her hard, showing no mercy.

"Let her go! Don't hit her!" Seeing Paula suffer, I couldn't help but shout at the two men.

Besides the skinny guy, there was another burly man with a scar on his face. He glanced at me and reminded his partner, "Don't hurt them too much."