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Workers in pressed black suits and black dresses have been scrambling around the property all day, preparing for the charity masquerade ball. Me and Ash have spent hours getting ready, a hairstylist pins my hair once more with another bobby pin as the make-up artist finishes Ashley's look.

"Now you girls have to be extra careful getting into your dresses." Erin, the hairdresser, tells us. "You don't want to ruin all the work we've done." They both smile appreciatively as we twirl in front of the mirror. Erin walks away for a moment, presumably getting our dresses for us.

Ashley's hair is down, with long ringlets sweeping across her shoulders, she looks like a princess. I decided to have my hair curled and pinned up to go with my gown. Aiden requested it, and I was happy to have my hair out of my face for the night.

I place my promise ring on my finger, Aidens locket necklace around my neck, and my mom and dad's charm bracelet on my wrist.

I squeal when Erin returns, carrying Ashley's gorgeous dress, it's off white and has the slightest hint of pink to it and it looks amazing against her freshly tanned skin. The winter blues got to her, so she's been going to the tanning bed. For me, I stay somewhat tan all year round, so I skipped that adventure.

"You are going to look so stunning tonight," I tell her, running my hands along the soft fabric of her dress. I stand, helping her get into it, she does a little twirl with the brightest smile I've ever seen.

"Do you think it's too much?" Her smile fades as she looks in the mirror, "I mean it's a lot, right?"

I have to laugh, "No, it's perfect. I promise! I asked the same thing when Aiden brought home my dress but from what he told me, this event is extremely posh and it happens once a year so getting dressed up can be fun. Plus, we're donating our dresses to girls who needed one for prom!"

She relaxes, smiling again at her reflection. "That's so sweet! Okay, I feel better now because I've never worn anything like this." I nod in agreement. "So, the charity is raising money for underprivileged kids?"

"Yup!" I say excitedly, I thought it was a perfect charity to choose. The money raised from the event will go towards housing, food, and extracurriculars for kids. I really loved the idea because not only does it help parents but it will help children who want to be in extra programs like art classes and sports and now they will have that opportunity. Plus, with the high executive people coming tonight, they're bringing extra security in so it's good all around.

I've been involved in the planning of a few key points of the night. Mostly choosing the food, but I'm extra excited about the endless waltz. After Aiden told me he knew how, he learned from his mom, he spent time teaching me just for tonight. In the one we planned you switch partners every thirty seconds and the dance lasts for an hour. When someone stops, they have to donate which is a fun twist and will help raise more money for the cause.

Ashley brings her black mask to her face; I help her to tie it and step back. "I love the detail on it!" I tell her, skimming my fingers along the material. Leaning in to whisper I tell her, "Also, it's to keep us safe since we're still on semi-high alert but security will be amped up for the event."

"Now it's your turn!" Ashley clasps her hands together, looking past me. I admire the glittery blue dress as Erin hands it to me.

I step in while the women circle around and zip me up, my fingers run along the material. Hundreds of rhinestones sparkle on the fabric, while a rich navy blue compliments my skin tone. I let out a deep breath, looking back at myself in astonishment. I look so... grown.

I pull out the intricately detailed mask Aiden got me for Christmas out of its box. It's made out of thin rose gold that's been designed like a vine, diamonds encrust the entire front and it shimmers against the vanity lights. I slowly put it on, when it touches my face the thin gold sends a cooling effect over my skin.

I peek one last time out of the window, watching as the cars roll into the valet. Looping my arm through Ashley's, "Ready?" I ask her, she sends me a wink before we make our way towards the stairs.

"Holy Fuck." Ricky says to Ash, but I don't see him. My eyes are trained on Aiden as we walk down the grand staircase. His mouth is slightly open as his eyes trail up and down my body. His hair is styled impeccably, his suit is pure black minus the hint of blue in his suit pocket to match my dress.

He takes my hand when I reach the bottom of the stairs, pulling me in for a kiss. "You. Are. Breathtaking." He whispers hotly into my ear, his fingers skim my exposed neck sending chills down my spine.

I bite my lip, turning slightly to hide my pink cheeks. "You look amazing," I say quietly, watching as the guest file in. Women in formal gowns sweep the floors, while men in suits grab glasses of whiskey from the bartender stationed at the entrance.

I'm distracted completely by a woman walking in on Howard's arm, she's wearing a floor-length red dress and her dark hair is pinned back into a twist. "Mom?" I say, my mouth open.

She waves her hand in the air, "don't start." She warns, slightly blushing from the way we're all looking at her.

"You are breathtaking," I repeat Aiden's words to her, which elicits a chuckle.

"Honey, you look like a star!" I playfully roll my eyes as we walk into the formal living room which has been overhauled and made into an elegant ballroom. The chandeliers sparkle overhead as Aiden pulls me in for our first dance of the night. I kick myself for deciding on such tall heels as he twirls me, but the way his eyes dance as we dance makes me forget the pain my feet will go through tonight.

The color scheme is white and gold, heavy tablecloths drape against tables while white roses with golden vases adorn the tops of the cloths. The floral arrangements were provided by The Flower Patch, my mom's business that is now thriving because of Aiden's investment.

After dancing, Aiden walks me around, guiding me with his hand against the small of my back as we greet guests and toast the night away. But he looks distracted, I'm assuming it's the number of people around. He hasn't let me out of his sight until now. He tells Howard to keep an eye on me, while he excuses himself and exits the room quickly.

I eat, walking out of Howard's eyesight so he doesn't ignore my mom to watch over me. Everything is fine and we're safe, if only for tonight. I sample the delicious food the caterers brought as I watch the donations roll in on the digital counter. It's such a success and the night isn't even over.

It's been an hour since I've seen Aiden, and after dancing with my mom, Howard, and Ashley I need to take a break. Decompress from the overwhelming sheer volume of people here.

I admire the thousands of twinkling lights that wrap around every tree, illuminating the backyard, taking a breather from dancing I decide to walk around the greenhouse to knock the chill from my body.

I open the glass door, stepping into the heated space and inhaling the delicious scent as I roam the floor. My fingers gently sweep across the flower beds. I hear a small chuckle and my cheeks flush; someone is in here. Shit.

I tiptoe outside, trying to suppress my giggles and turn down the siding. I sneak a peek through the glass doors at the end out of curiosity. The warm lamp illuminates two bodies tangled together. A woman with chestnut brown hair lays down, her hair flows around the sheets. I turn away, realizing this is way more intimate of a moment than I assumed, but not before seeing the man on top of her.

My heart feels as though it crushes inside of my chest as I watch Aiden's tall frame go from in between her legs to hovering over her. My mouth opens to cry out but the pain is so deep in my chest it's being sucked back in.

I rush back inside the French doors, trying desperately to escape whatever is happening. A pair of strong arms wrap around me, I look to my surroundings. The endless waltz I had planned is happening at the absolute worst moment.

I twirl in almost a robotic fashion, Aiden taught me how to do this dance right after Christmas. I was so excited to dance with him tonight. How could he? Why would he? I thought everything was going so good.

My mind can't wrap around what it just saw, his mouth was wrapped around another girl. "Emilia." The unfamiliar voice makes me look up, my dance partner looks back at me with a serious expression.

"Hello." I greet, bowing my head slightly and trying to slow my aching heart. Just once dance and I'll slip away.

"I need you to listen to me." He says, I look into his unfamiliar smokey eyes. I don't know who this is and his voice isn't familiar to me, maybe it is? I don't know, too much is happening right now. Maybe this is innocent.

I smile, "How is your evening."

With a shake of his head, he takes in a sharp intake of breath. "You're not safe."

I try to pull away nonchalantly so I don't alert the guests but he holds me tighter, my mind races on overdrive as fear courses through me. "Please." I beg, "don't hurt me." I keep my voice quiet, but my breathing is erratic.

A small chuckle escapes his lips, "I would never. That's why I'm here." He tells me, his expression turning grim.

I try to lift his mask, but he gently pulls my hand away. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Is that a threat?" I ask, my body growing more rigid.

He twirls me, my body stays tense.

Shaking his head with the hint of a smile he says, "Not at all, Emilia. I'm trying to help. I came here to warn you." All of my breath leaves my lungs. I thought this was over.

"About what?" I say through shaky breaths. "Who are you?" I ask, my heart racing so fast.

The beat changes and everyone switches partners. A new man grabs me as the thirty second song comes to a close. Tattoos curl up from the bottoms of his sleeves that make me nauseous, it's Aiden. I shoot daggers in his direction as he smiles back at me with glossy eyes.

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See y'all Sunday!!

It's JANUARY!! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year! Can't wait for you guys to see the published version of Aiden 😭😭♥️🎉 it will be out at the end of the month, I'll let you guys know as SOON as it's available on Amazon and Kindle!! 😭😍♥️