Amelia’s POV
“what do you think about this?” Natasha asked as she pulled out a pink dress.
“hmm…no. it’s cute, but kai doesn’t like bright colour, remember? I’d rather it be black” i said while Natasha nodded with realization
“oops! I almost forgot my brother is a grim reaper” she said with a chuckle while i smiled. I and Natasha were out shopping together, of course, not without kai sending a guard to escort us. He claimed to be doing it to keep me save but i still feel like he was also trying to keep an eye on me.
“has kai asked you to be his date for the ball yet?” Natasha asked, her question giving me a brain freeze
“uhhm, i don’t think he would” i answered. i and Natasha were in some luxury boutique, shopping a dress for the ball which was happening tonight. Kai didn’t inform me earlier on probably because he thought it wasn’t really necessary for me to start preparing in advance since i wasn’t going there to enjoy the event like any members of his mafia, i was going there simply for a mission, so he doesn’t even care if i pull up to the event dressed like a homeless woman. Even though i understood my role and the purpose of me attending the ball, i don’t know why i wanted more, i don’t know why i wanted kai to ask me to be his date for the ball even though it’s only a night. Maybe i was being greedy and was beginning to overstep my boundaries.
“why wouldn’t he ask you out!? i mean, it’s only a night and he doesn’t have a girlfriend or any close female staff other than you. Besides, what sort of a weirdo goes to a mafia ball without a date if not my brother?” Natasha asked alarmed
“well, he has Bianca” i said while Natasha furrowed her brows in confusion
“i don’t like her” she said, and i almost got a seizure, finding out that she didn’t like Bianca. How could she not like someone as sweet as Bianca?
“look, amelia” Natasha said as she grabbed my both hands “a mafia ball only happens once in a year. And ever since kai turned 18 and was finally old enough to attend the ball, he has never brought a date along with him, he is always sitting alone. Sometimes, i do feel sorry for him, but again, it is his personal decision, and i don’t think i have the right to force him to bring a date. But i want things to change this year. I want you to be his date”
I remained silent for a while, i wouldn’t mind being his date, but he has to ask me first. I would never chase a man no matter how much i like them, if he doesn’t want me, then i’ll have to move on like he never existed.
“i don’t think that is possible, besides, you don’t have to worry too much about me, you should worry about your brother because i already have a date” i answered while Natasha’s eyes popped in shock
“really? Who is he? How did y’all meet? What’s he like? Is he handsome?” Natasha asked excitedly. bombarding me with questions and not giving me the chance to answer any
“it’s actually carlos” i said and her smile dropped
“seriously? That punk had the guts to ask you out? He really should find girls on his level, not you!” she said disappointedly. Her expression almost comical
“gosh! Natasha! I promise, it isn’t anything serious, he just suggested that we keep ourselves company since we both did not have a date and we definitely do not want to go there looking like lonely people” i answered with a laugh while she nodded with satisfaction.  
“that male hoe better stay clear from you” she said, only making me laugh more
“so, go find your brother a date. Because, i’m taken” i answered while she rolled her eyes with disgust
“guess what?” she asked with a mischievous look in her eyes
“what again” i asked already sick of the discussion
“we’ll find the perfect dress and give you a perfect makeover. And i promise, after i’m done transforming you, kai would be left breathless when he sees you and he will regret never asking you to be his date. Sounds good?” she asked
“that is a very petty thing to do, but if you insist” i answered as i rolled my eyes at her. we continued shopping. That was probably one of the most hectic day in my week as i had to try over 20 dresses only for Natasha to keep disapproving all of them. Finally, we settle for a black ball dress with really tight corset that i could barely breathe in.
“perfetta! Bellissima! Now you’re ready for the ball” she said as she got on top of the chair and started to clap, not minding the fact that she was being too loud and people were beginning to glare at her.
“Natasha, i can’t breathe” i said as walked out robotically
Natasha’s eyes glistened with mischief as she answered, “amelia, you look snatched!! Kai will be on his knees when he sees you”
Okay, i think she is beginning to exaggerate now. Kai doesn’t look like the man to get moved over a woman’s looks. It’ll take lots of effort to impress a man like him.
After that, we headed back to the mansion. Kai wasn’t in when we got back, and it was already 7:00pm by the time we got back, so all the workers had already gone back home as usual. There were only a few guards left and Carlos, of course. The ball was starting by 9:00pm, so I only had 2 hours to get ready before the event.  Kai wasn’t home yet, but I was hoping he shows up before 9:00, else I wouldn’t be able to go alone. After I took a shower, Natasha started with applying makeup on my face, it took longer than expected and the result was worth it because it looks a lot better than my everyday makeup routine. Staring at myself on the mirror, I could barely even recognize my own self.
“Makeup all done, now the dress!” She said as she clapped excitedly and picked up the heavy dress on the bed
I changed into the ball dress and walked out, holding the dress up in my hands.
“Something’s missing “ she said as she stared and me with one hand on her waist and the other under her chin. She grabbed my shoulders and spin be around, making be face the mirror.
“Aha! The hair!” She said with a loud voice, making me jerk in shock.
She sat me down on the chair and quickly picked up my flat iron, hair pin and other hair accessories from my drawer. And after what felt like forever, she was finally done.
“You look like a Disney princess” she comments as she stared at my reflection on the mirror. Yes, I looked good. But I didn’t think any of these was necessary, I was attending a ball solely because of my mission. If not for Natasha, I would’ve opt for something less sophisticated and wear minimal makeup.
“Thank you, Natasha” I said pulling her in a tight hug
“You’re welcome, honey, whenever you need anything, just tell me and i’ll be glad to help out. And if you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m always here for you” she said, her voice dropping almost in a whisper
“You’re so sweet!” i said giving her a kiss on the cheek while she giggled
“so, lets get you down stairs” she said as she helped me raise my dress
“wait, you helped me get dressed, it’s only logical that i help you too. I mean, you also need to look pretty for your hubby, don’t you think?” i said and Natasha’s smile dropped
“he doesn’t deserve my effort” she said, and i immediately felt stupid for opening my mouth and talking without using my brain. The first time i was at kai’s family house, i remembered kai and Natasha mentioned something about Natasha getting a divorce, it was quite obvious that Natasha wasn’t in good terms with her husband and kai wasn’t oblivious to that, he appeared to despise Natasha’s husband.
“i’m sorry” i mouthed quietly while Natasha gave me a quick smile
“its fine. Now let’s get you down stairs, shall we?” she asked with an outstretched hand while i took her hand with a smile. Getting down stair, as expected, kai wasn’t back yet, so i headed straight to the parking lot to meet carlos who was standing beside the car busy on his phone. As soon as i got out, Carlos glanced up from his phone as I approached, and his eyes widened in shock as he took in my appearance. For a moment, he seemed utterly speechless, his jaw dropping slightly before he managed to get a hold of himself.
"Wow," he finally breathed out, his voice barely above a whisper. "You... you look stunning, Amelia."
I couldn't help but smile at his reaction, feeling a warm flush of pleasure at his compliment. It was rare to see Carlos at a loss for words, and his genuine reaction was more flattering than any amount of praise.
"whatever" I said with an eye roll as i struggled to hold back a smile
He shook his head, still looking slightly dazed
“i am lucky to be your date, my lady” he said as he took my right hand and was about giving it a peck when Natasha smacked his head before his lips could touch the back of my hand.
“don’t you dare, carlos!” she said smacking him really hard.
I chuckled at Natasha's reaction. Carlos rubbed his head sheepishly, shooting Natasha a glare before turning back to me with a grin.
"Sorry about that," he said, still grinning. "ignore her, don’t let her ruin our beautiful moment."
Natasha rolled her eyes at him but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
 “uhh! You guys are so annoying, i need to leave, this is so painful to watch” Natasha said shaking her head as she turned around to leave
it was already 9:35pm and kai was yet to arrive and it was freezing cold outside, so I and Carlos decided to keep each other busy as we waited for kai to get back. Lost in our conversation, I didn't notice when Kai walked in. his eyes darted between me and Carlos, his gaze was judgemental, at that moment, i don’t even know why i suddenly felt the need to take a step away from Carlos. We were standing so close to each other, but it wasn’t a problem until kai arrived.
 “i found a date, unfortunately, you’ll be the only one attending the ball this year without a date” Carlos said to kai as he grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to himself.
Kai gave us a stare that i didn’t really understand before answering,
“unfortunately, you wouldn’t be attending the ball this year because you have to stay back and finish your work” kai said while Carlos’s smile dropped
“uhmm…. I didn’t know there were any work for me to do” Carlos answered, kai remained quiet for a while before answering
“go watch all the cctv footage from the previous night and report to me if you find anything suspicious” kai answered
“i thought that was derrick’s job?” Carlos answered in confusion
“Do you want to die?” kai asked with a threatening voice while Carlos nodded quickly
“No sir” Carlos answered quickly
“then get lost” kai answered while Carlos bowed slightly before walking away. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, he was so excited about attending the ball, and kai, being the bully that he is, had to ruin everything. Now that Carlos wasn’t coming right now, i guess i will have to wait for him to finish whatever job kai asked him to do, so we can come together when he’s done.
“i’ll join you before the event ends” i said as i turned around and was about walking away when his voice made me stop on my track
“you’re coming with me” he said and i paused, not knowing if he was being for real. I watched as he made his way to the driver’s seat.
“get in the car” he said turning on the engine. I reluctantly made my way in the passenger’s seat, pulling up my heavy dress. So, all of this was all for nothing? I put so much effort in my outfit, only for kai to send home my date at the last minute?
The drive to the ball was quiet, and after a long drive, we finally arrived. As we arrived at the ball, I stepped out of the car, the grandeur of the venue taking my breath away. The grand entrance, adorned with elaborate decorations and lit up with twinkling lights, made it feel like something out of a fairy tale. Kai followed behind me, his presence commanding attention as always. I could feel the weight of their stares, the scrutiny of their judgment, but I held my head high, refusing to let it get to me.
“sit here. I’ll be right back” kai said when we finally stopped at a table. i nodded in agreement as i sat down. As Kai walked away to engage in conversation with a group of men, I found myself sitting alone at the table, feeling somewhat out of place amidst the glamorous surroundings. The ballroom buzzed with activity, the sound of laughter and music filling the air, but I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that settled over me.
 
I watched as Kai conversed with the other guests, although, it seemed like a rather serious conversation, i would still prefer to argue with a random person than sit here awkwardly. He was probably having the time of his life, and he seemed to have forgotten about me. not like i never expected this, i actually saw this coming as soon as he asked carlos to stay back, kai is always too busy and doesn’t give a fuck about anything that does not concern work. After what felt like forever, kai turned around, and just when i thought he was about coming towards me, a beautiful blonde lady walked up to him, making him pause to speak to her. i recognized her, she is the lady from the previous day who stopped to talk to kai immediately after the meeting. i still don’t know what her relationship with kai was, but whatever it is, I must admit that she is really pretty and i’m nowhere close to her. i was still staring at kai when a young man walked up to me.
“hello” he said with a smile as he walked up to me
“hi” i answered with a bored tone as my eyes grazed over him
“before i start, do you have a date? I wouldn’t want any man to punch me on the face when i get caught talking to you” he asked
“no, i don’t.” i answered while his face lighted up with a smile
“great! I’m ethan, and you are?” he answered with an outstretched hand, waiting for a handshake
“amelia” i answered, as i accepted the handshake. The man sat on the seat opposite me without asking if he could sit there, that sit was reserved for kai, not random annoying people who came without a date.
“i must say, Amelia, you really look really beautiful” he said while i forced another smile
“thank you” i answered, not worried about how bored i sounded. Ethan had dirty blonde hair, pale skin, unibrow and looked like he was about 6’2 tall. He also had a nice smile and perfect dentition. Overall, i think he looked handsome. Not like i was stunned, ever since i started working for kai, i am already used to meeting handsome young men who looked too good to be real. The ball hall looked like a super model get-together, rather than a ball filled with men who’s got thousands of blood on their hands. I and ethan began to talk, he wasn’t who i wish to talk to but at least he kept me company, and i was kinda enjoying his company, not until he asked for a dance. i don’t know why, but my eyes wandered towards kai, he was still talking to the blonde lady.
“Amelia, what do you say?” he asked again, his voice jerking me out of my thoughts
“uhmm….sure” i answered reluctantly. He held my hands and helped me up like a gentle man. As the music started, he placed one hand behind my waist and the other holding up my right hand as we began moving to the slow music.
Ethan seemed like a really nice guy, but my attention kept straying towards Kai across the dance floor. He was still in a conversation with the blonde lady.
As Ethan and I danced, his arm around my waist and his hand clasping mine, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. My gaze kept drifting back to Kai, who was still engrossed in conversation with the blonde lady. I felt a pang of annoyance mixed with something else I couldn't quite identify. I stared at the blonde lady, she was standing really close to kai, and was smiling like a fucking idiot. And no, that wasn’t a jealous remark. I mean why would i be jealous of her? It was a ridiculous notion. I barely knew Kai, and he'd made it abundantly clear that i was nothing more than a useful tool for his mission.
“oops! Sorry” i said with an awkward laugh as i almost stumbled on my footstep
"You seem distracted," Ethan commented, his voice a low murmur close to my ear.
"Just a bit tired," i lied, forcing myself to focus on the conversation. Ethan, thankfully, didn't press the issue.
Suddenly, Ethan pulled me closer to him, his face inches from mine. Our proximity was unnerving, and I instinctively stiffened, my heart pounding in my chest. I glanced around the room, realizing that couples were engaged in similar embraces, their faces mere inches apart as they swayed to the music. It seemed to be a common occurrence at the ball, but the thought did little to calm my nerves.
Before I could protest or pull away, Ethan's lips were dangerously close to mine, and I could feel his warm breath against my skin. My eyes fluttered shut, a mix of apprehension and resignation coursing through me. It was just one kiss, I reasoned with myself, nothing more.
But before Ethan's lips could touch mine, a sudden force slammed into him, sending him crashing backward. I stumbled backward in surprise, my eyes flying open to find Kai standing in front of me, his expression unreadable. Ethan crashed on a table, his stunned expression mirrored by the other guests who had stopped dancing to watch the scene unfold.
"Kai, what are you doing?" I blurted out, my voice tinged with confusion and alarm.