Page 15 of Misconducts & Temptation

How I wished my father had never met Marion. My life had turned into a living hell since she and her daughters moved in. I pressed my palm against my burning cheek, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me.

My heart ached at the thought of my father. What would he think if he saw me now? Would he stand up for me, protect me from this nightmare? Deep down, I doubted it. He was too wrapped up in his work, too blind to see the cruelty unfolding in his own home.

The thought of being sold off to William made my stomach churn. But one thing became clear: I wouldn't let them take my freedom without a fight. No one deserved that power over me.

I stopped at the window at the end of the hall, looking out at the darkening sky. The masquerade would be in full swing soon, with laughter and music echoing through The Ritz's grand halls. It wasn't fair that I had to miss out because of their twisted plans.

If tonight was truly my last night of freedom, I needed to make it count. I wouldn’t cower in some corner or spend it cleaning up after others. No, tonight I would live without fear of consequence.

With newfound determination, I marched back to my room and rifled through my modest wardrobe. There wasn’t much to choose from—plain dresses mostly—but there was one dress I'd been saving for a special occasion. One dress that had belonged to my mother. It was simple but elegant, with soft green fabric that brought out the warmth in my green eyes.

I waited until I heard them leave, their cackles like a beacon in the night.

I slipped into the dress, pulling my hair into a neat bun and smoothing down any stray strands. Looking in the mirror, I almost didn't recognize myself. For once, I looked like someone who belonged at Crestwood Academy—a young woman with dreams and ambitions, not just a scholarship kid bound by chains of duty.

I stood before the mirror, taking in my reflection. The soft green dress hugged my slender frame, accentuating curves that usually went unnoticed under my usual plain attire. My hair, pulled into a neat bun, revealed the delicate features of my face. For once, my green eyes seemed to sparkle with a light that had been missing for too long.

I actually looked pretty.

A small smile crept onto my lips as I reached for the mask. It was a simple black piece with intricate lace patterns that framed my eyes. As I tied it behind my head, I felt a rush of excitement and fear mingling together. With the mask on, no one would recognize me. I would be just another guest at the masquerade, free from the chains that bound me at home.

But then came the practical matter of getting there. I grabbed my phone and checked my Uber account. Relief washed over me as I saw that I had enough for a round trip ride as long as I used the pass before midnight. It was tight, but it could work.

I ordered the Uber, my fingers trembling slightly as I typed in the address of The Ritz. The screen confirmed that a car would arrive in ten minutes. Now, all I had to do was wait.

I glanced around my room, suddenly hyper-aware of how small and confining it felt compared to the world outside. My heart pounded with anticipation and anxiety. What if something went wrong? What if Marion found out?

But then I remembered her words and her slap. This night was mine, no matter what happened next.

As the minutes ticked by, I paced back and forth, unable to sit still. The sound of an engine pulling up outside finally broke through my thoughts. Peering out the window, I saw the black sedan waiting at the curb.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed a small clutch bag and slipped on a pair of flats. No one would suspect me if I left now; they were all too busy preparing for their grand evening.

With one last glance in the mirror, I headed downstairs and out the door. The night air felt cool against my skin as I approached the waiting car.

This was it.

My escape had begun.

The Uber driver, a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a salt-and-pepper beard, glanced at me through the rearview mirror as we cruised through the city streets. "Headed to a fancy event?" he asked, his voice warm.

"Yes," I replied, offering a small smile. "A masquerade."

"Sounds exciting. Must be nice to get dressed up and have some fun."

I nodded, my fingers fiddling with the lace edge of my mask. "It is," I said softly, though the nerves bubbling in my stomach told a different story.

He chatted amiably as we drove, talking about his own experiences driving people to various events around the city. I listened politely, grateful for the distraction. As we neared The Ritz, I reached into my clutch and pulled out my last three dollars in cash.

When he parked at the entrance, I handed him the money. "I'm sorry it's not more," I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

He waved it off with a smile. "No worries, miss. You enjoy your evening."

I thanked him and stepped out of the car, immediately aware of the stares directed my way. The sight of an Uber pulling up to The Ritz must have been unusual for the other guests arriving in sleek limousines and luxury cars. But I straightened my shoulders and held my head high, determined not to let their judgment affect me.

The Ritz stood tall and imposing before me, its grand facade illuminated by soft golden lights that cast an elegant glow over the entire building. The entrance was adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers arranged in intricate patterns. A red carpet led up to the grand double doors, where doormen in crisp uniforms greeted guests with polite nods.

I took a deep breath and made my way up the steps, each one bringing me closer to a world that felt both thrilling and terrifyingly foreign. Inside, the lobby was even more breathtaking—a chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its crystals shimmering like stars against a velvet sky. Marble floors gleamed beneath my feet, and soft classical music floated through the air.

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