"Why are all my clothes lying across the room?" I shouted as I entered the suite, in Barbados Hotel which of course is owned by Ace Parker who is currently not in sight, I guess he is in one of his meetings like everyday.

I sighed as I looked at the mess in the room and wondered what the hell happened in the room while I was gone for just half an hour to the spa in the hotel only.

Walking to the bag in which my clothes were kept earlier, I thought whether Ace did this. But why would he touch my bag? His things are neatly kept in his bag which Jenna had packed earlier. I groaned and started picking up the clothes from all over the room and crammed everything in the bag. After many failed attempts, I finally managed to close the bag which was overfull now due to the fact that I practically threw everything inside without folding them.

I was tired like hell after everything was done. I am not gonna leave Ace for this. Why the hell did he turned everything upside down?

Then an idea sprang into my crazy mind, which I was definitely going to regret later. I took all of the Ace's clothes out of his bag and threw them over every inch of the room, making the room look like a laundry place. But for me, it was a masterpiece. I can't help but feel elated thinking about Ace's priceless anger on seeing this.

I wiped the sweat of my head and looked down at my sweaty body.

"I should definitely have a bath before the germs come in search of trashy body." I muttered to myself. I took my towel and some clothes for changing, because I don't want Ace to walk in the room while I am naked.

I went inside the bathroom and hung my towel and clothes on the hanger. I then turned towards the bath tub to step into it, planning to relax in it for half an hour or so. But as soon as turned around, I froze in my tracks. My hands covered my mouth to ensure that my silent scream doesn't come out.

There he was, in the bath tub with his eyes closed while the foam covered his lower body. But this didn't stop his upper body consisting of a damn handsome face and muscular torso from showing off. His tanned abs were being tickled by the water droplets while Ace had his eyes closed, thankfully not noticing me till now. Oh god. I am going to die.

If I don't die fan Girling over his body, then he would definitely kill me once he sees that I have seen him naked/half naked with his lower body hidden under the foam.

He is naked right? Maybe not?

Of course he is. Who goes into the bath tub with pants on?

I will, after this incident. I don't want Ace to walk onto me - naked.

I was already red, seeing Ace like this - but now I going redder with these thoughts. I need to stop. I should tip toe and leave the bathroom before he open his eyes-

And at that very second his eyes opened to reveal his grey orbs which now held confusion which then turned into realization and then -

"What the hell are you doing here?" He yelled at me trying to get or what I don't know but I covered my eyes because no way in hell I was ready to see him fully naked yet.

wait, yet?

Oh god. Stop it Eva for god's sake.

"Uuhhh...I just...I was...just...coming...bath....you are damn ho-..I mean you are an idiot...I mean I am an idiot. I thought you- ..you were in ..office not ...not lying here naked...I mean in the bathroom. I just wanted to..want to...see you naked- Oh crap." I closed my eyes even though it was already covered with my hands.

"Will you just leave me alone?" Ace shouted again.

"Uhh yeah- I just wanted to sa..say..that you have hot abs- I mean that you..I....am so sor-" I was cut off by the sound of door closing. I opened my eyes to see that Ace had already left the bathroom while I stood there, looking like an idiot that I am.

I reached onto the door to defend myself but the second my hand made contact with the handle of the knob, Ace's loud voice made me stop.

"What the actually fuck is this?"

Oh shit. His clothes. I threw them across the room. I am deep trouble.

At that moment, everything happened very fast.

I saw Ace lunging towards me because the bathroom door was still open-

I started closing the door -

He was almost at the door and-

Slam.

I slammed the door on his face.

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I survived.

I have not been murdered by Ace.

Yet.

I was in the bathroom for 43 minutes while Ace waited for me to come out of the bathroom to face his wrath. But I wasn't going to go out, I would rather spend my entire life in the bathroom than to face him.

After 43 minutes only he gave up and left the room. I heard him talking on the phone that he didn't have any meetings today, which surprised me since he always had one. When I got out of the bathroom, thankfully he wasn't in sight. But few minutes later after that, I got an invitation card which said -

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Parker,

It is our pleasure to invite to the glamorous masquerade ball held this evening at 8pm in the main dancing hall. This is to celebrate the 25th foundation day of our hotel, with cocktails, martinis and of course rum as Barbados is the birthplace of rum.

Also we would be announcing the most beautiful couple tonight, so dress tight!

Thank you."

So here I am trying to make myself look presentable. I don't know if Ace is going or not and Honestly, I don't want him to come. But I haven't really decided with whom I am going to go since I need a partner for ball. Earlier, I went to the nearby shops and brought a gown for myself. Luckily I had my matching accessories and sandals.

I have been trying to put the eyeliner, and at last I got it. With the help of Jess by face timing. She really saves my day ensuring that I don't look like Tiffany Valentine.

The dress that I brought earlier is stunningly beautiful. It is a red flowing gown with intricate work along the skirt and upper part of the gown. It was just perfect for me. The spilt v-neck showed by chest just enough, and I paired the dress with red glass sandals making me feel like Cinderella. I brought this dress with Ace's money and yeah it cost a lot even thought it was on sale. But I am going to repay him - as my first job when I get home is to have a job.

Anyways, I did the makeup and I was almost ready. It is almost 8:30 pm now. Ace still hasn't returned from wherever his went and now I was wondering where he was. He doesn't have any meetings and he headed out in a pair of jeans and casual t-shirt so no way in hell he will go for any formal meeting in those. I shrugged and put on my dress and everything including wine red lipstick adoring my lips. I then finished my look by putting on my red domino mask which matched my dress and also it's design.

I looked at myself in the mirror and satisfied, made my way out of the room and towards the main hall. As I passed, many whispered while others just stared. Like I said earlier, I have become quite used to it but then it didn't help because I was still nervous. Questions were swirling in my mind.

Do I look weird?

Am I too dressed?

Am I looking like an outcast?

Why are they staring at me?

Should I go back?

Do I look beautiful?

Do I look like a fool?

As I came closer to the main hall, I started seeing many other men and women wearing classy gowns and dresses or tuxedo and suits. At least I am not overdressed. But the constant feeling of insecurity never left me. I looked like an idiot probably, coming without a date to a ball dance. Oh god. Why did I even come here?

Thank god, they can't recognize me because of the mask. I can walk tomorrow pretending nothing happened if anything bad or embarrassing happened tonight. They won't know it was me.

I went towards the drinks section, and gulped down a glass of mocktail to ease myself.

"My Lady." A deep voice made me turn and I saw a man about my age only, whose face I can't see because of the mask but then his eyes were amazingly beautiful, the shade of olive green. It reminded me of trees and plants. He had a sharp jawline as I could see, with a charming smile.

"Uh. Hey. Do I know you?" I asked stupidly.

"NO, neither do I know you. But can I have one dance with you, beautiful lady?" He asked extending his hand and bowing down. True gentleman.

"I'd love to." I said giving him a smile of my own. Of course, I would. I don't plan on standing here the whole time, watching others.

We got on the dance floor and started dancing with the ongoing slow song, which actually matched the settings. I got to know a little about the mysterious man, except his name. He lived here in Barbados only, he was single, worked as a manager in a company, came to this hotel as his sister was staying here. I also told him little things about me except my name and the fact that I was married. He thinks that I am single. I don't want him to know me, I think that is the whole point of masquerade ball right?

"So what should I call you?" I asked the man, dancing with me.

He chuckled at me and said with a serious face. "Oh sorry, my lady. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy."

I laughed along with him and said " Sorry, I forgot too! My name is Elizabeth Bennet."

We talked and talked about anything and everything while dancing. After a while, we got tired so we went to sit for sometime. I was having a great time with him, as our conversation was light and funny. We talked a lot but in general, it was like I had somewhere with whom I could share my hobbies without having to dig into my personal memories that I didn't want to share with anyone. I really liked him.

"So Mr. Darcy, when will I get the chance to see your handsome face?" I asked him sweetly.

"Oh Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you can't imagine how much I yearn to see the beautiful face beneath that mask." He said dramatically. I laughed at his priceless face and he also joined me.

"Okay fine. I'll do it first. But not here. Come with me." I said and dragged him with me to somewhere less crowded. I didn't want to take chance by removing my mask in case Ace was looming here somewhere. I found a wide pillar in the corner of the hall so I dragged him with me so that we both were behind the pillar, well hidden.

"Uhhh....Doesn't it look like your intentions are somewhat....wrong? Not that I mind but -"

I cut him off with a glare, and said "I don't want someone to see me. I don't want that person to know I am here. And don't ask me anything, please."

"Okay Elizabeth." He said in a thick British accent.

I then slowly pulled down my mask revealing my mask, and I don't know why but this sounds so dramatic. But anyways I removed it.

"I told ya, you are the most beautiful girl in this hall. Betcha." He said winking at me and I couldn't help but blush.

"Okay, now your turn." I said.

He nodded and removed his mask. He was exactly I had imagined. All his features were sharp and perfect. We both smiled at each other.

"What the hell is going on here?" A familiar voice boomed and I froze in shock.

I turned beside to find Ace looking at me and Darcy with a judging look. Darcy just frowned at Ace, clearly not understanding the situation. Oh god. Why the hell did he come down?

Bigger question -

Why is he looking so damn hot?

He was wearing a black tuxedo with a red tie which perfectly matched with my dress. He looked perfect with his gelled hair and two strands falling on his forehead. And damn, his cologne was so so so manly, musky. I could sniff it from the several feet of distance between us. I wanted to snuggle into his muscular chest and -

Oh wait. shut up for god's sake Eva.

"What the fuck are you doing Eva?" Ace said coming towards me and pulling me with my forearm. But that very second, Darcy came in between us and pulled me back.

Why do I feel like I am the rope in a game of tug of war?

"Don't touch her. You can't manhandle Elizabeth, I am going to call police if you don't get the hell out of here." Darcy said covering me like a shield.

Oh my god. Why is he messing with Ace? I don't want to make Ace angry and I definitely don't want my new friend, Darcy to beaten to death.

He is calling me Elizabeth now also? I thought he would call me by name now that Ace has made it clear that I am 'Eva'. But I like Elizabeth and Darcy name. It kind of symbolizes our friendship or association whatever, as the names are general and fun. It tells how we talk about anything and everything without digging in too much - light yet friendly conversation.

"Are you hearing the shit that you are saying?" Ace asked Darcy.

"Oh are you?" Darcy said giving a fake thinking expression.

Both the men were glaring at each other as I stood there not knowing what to do. I was not going with Ace after what I did to Ace this morning, I don't have a death wish. But I don't think it is good to take Darcy's stand because it won't matter I guess.

I have to go with with Ace only at last. I can't run from that fact.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Ace asked in a mocking tone, looking over Darcy from top to bottom.

"That's not what matters. What matters is that who the hell are you?" Darcy asked raking his disapproving eyes over Ace.

Men will always be men.

"I am her husband, Mr. No one. And now, I am going to take her from here while you watch us dance from the corner. Excuse us." Ace said and clasped his hands around my wrist, dragging me towards the dance floor, while I was still shocked from Ace's words and I wasn't able to process it.

Husband? Dance?

Mother-fudging-words.

PaulinaKnight!!!!