Miss Gray

“Welcome, everyone to the biggest anniversary ball of the Hank family. On behalf of my soon-to-be husband, my mother-in-law, and the whole Hank family, I say a big thank you to you all for coming.”

The hall was filled with claps and cheers at the statement and everyone cheered at the lady who spoke confidently on the platform.

“We also want to use this means to announce that our biggest project and deal is taking place soon and we can't help but add this to our celebration. The Hank enterprise is going to be having a deal with the Grays. Cheers everyone.”

Another round of cheers and claps reverberated in the hall causing the lady on the platform to smile widely as she raised a glass of drink up followed by the guests did the same and at the count of three, they all gulped down their drinks.

“Isn't that Melissa Johan on the platform?” There were murmurs in the hall and everyone seemed to be having a conversation about the lady.

“Yes. She got engaged to Mr Hank a few months back. You don't know that? Everyone does.”

“I haven't been keeping up with the news these months. She must be so happy. I with straight legs and beautiful manners couldn't even attract him but she did. Her legs don't even work fine.”

“True. Even arrogant and spoiled girls get to love these days.

Mr Hank must truly love her a lot to let her speak on behalf of his family. She's one hell of a lucky girl.”

Their conversations continued and seeing this, Melissa could be help but smile as all the attention was on her and no one else. What more could she ask for? Raising the microphone to her mouth, she continued.

“My fiance and Mr Gray are not here yet but don't panic. They are definitely going to be here. Before that, why don't we play some music and dance? It's a day of celebration.”

At this, music started playing and the guests clapped in joy and held the hands of their partners to the dance floor.

“Have you called him, Melissa?” Melissa heard a voice ask from behind.

“He isn't answering his calls, mother.”

“Where has this son of mine gone? The guests will start getting worried if he does not come in anytime soon. We can't offend them. He is the host of the party.”

“Not to worry. I’ll go that way and give him a call again.”

Melissa stepped out of the platform and limped towards a corner where the noise from the hall would not hinder her phone call. She ignored the eyes of the guests who looked at her as she limped slowly.

Well, she used to care but not anymore. They can say whatever they like after all, they all know the backstory and how she would not be able to walk normally her whole life.

It was all because of that lowlife. Good thing she left a year ago.

She hadn’t even started placing the call when the murmuring of the guests caught her attention. They were all looking in a particular direction and she wondered what it was. Following their gaze, her frown deepened when she finally saw what it was or who it was.

“What the hell?”

Melissa harrumphed and kept her phone back in her purse before coming out. She limped towards the person who was taking away the spotlight with their appearance.

“Oh my my. Who is this with a red dress? Did you perhaps come to the wrong place? And even a mask? Goodness.” She gritted her teeth as she glared at the woman she just stopped from going further into the hall from up to down.

One glare from her to the woman’s attendants caused them to stay rooted on their spot and not move an inch to try and stop her from stopping their boss.

“Excuse me?”

Melissa rolled her eyes at her voice. Very ugly. Reminded her of someone.

“Yeah excuse you. Ignoring the instructions of a host of a ball is disrespectful. Do you realize? Wearing a red dress when the invite clearly stated black and white.”

“I don’t think that should be a problem. I’m Brent Gray. Nice to meet you.”

“What? G…Gray as in..” She felt the blood drain from her face immediately.

“I’m the daughter of Mr Gray. I have to represent as my father is not in good health. What I did not know is that this is how you welcome your guests. I’m hig….”

“No no. That’s not it. Haha. I…I thought it was another of those girls that missed their way.”

“Oh really?”

“Of course. Oh my. It's really you. Thank you so much for attending our family’s ball to celebrate the company’s anniversary. You can call me Melissa. I am Mr. Hank’s Fiance. Nice meeting you,” she introduced and brought her hand forward for a handshake but her hand was only looked at for a while and never taken.

Melissa dropped her hands in embarrassment and rubbed them on her black gown. She didn't know why she was feeling sweaty all of a sudden. Was she supposed to be feeling this way? Yes, this woman in front of her is intimidating but this was her. She is Melissa. She doesn't feel this way often.

“Nice meeting you, Melissa.”

“Oh, the pleasure is mine. Please feel at home. I decorated this mansion myself and I do hope that you like it. My husband… I mean my soon-to-be husband had asked me to take care of you specially. You're our biggest guest.”

“indeed.”

“Of course.”

“I haven't seen the host of the party anywhere. He doesn't attend balls?”

“My husband? I mean my soon-to-be,” she waved it off. “You understand. I'm just not used to either of the titles yet. He'll be here soon. He normally doesn't attend balls but he definitely will come. You know, we never expected that you would come in place of your father.”

“Right. Father is sick so he asked me to appear in place of him.”

“He’s so nice for that.”

“By the way, congratulations on your engagement. I’m so happy for you. Your ring is beautiful too.”

“Aw, thank you for that. My fiance is so sweet. This thirty-carat ring must have cost a fortune,” she waved her hands so that the ring could be seen clearly

“It looks expensive, so yes, it must have cost millions. Anyway, I’ll see the others.”

Before Miss Gray turned around, Melissa watched as she removed the mask from her face and with her hands, brushed her hair backward. She could swear that the sight that she saw after that made her almost faint. There was no mistaking who that was and was it shocking? Hell, yes

“Wh…Wh..what the hell? Stop!”