Chapter 30: Masquerade (3)

Samantha's handpainted masquerade mask looked stellar! The style was of black swirls and lace with a hint of gold shimmer around her eyelids. She had dramatic false lashes that made her look seductive when she blinks; it wasn't too over the top, it was just right. And on the ends of the swirls were tiny rhinestones that glisten when it catches the light. She didn't have any jewelry on her except a pair of star-stud earrings. She was dazzling.

The man on her right was equally attractive, if not more. Daniel Cho donned a black tuxedo with a shawl collar that Samantha bought her a few days ago. His navy blue bowtie that had sparkle navy blue rhinestone was noticeably a match to Samantha's gown; it had just enough shine without being too gaudy. Daniel didn't wear his mask yet so his handsome face vas visible to everyone.

All the guests admired Daniel and the lady beside him. They were a perfect match. And while everyone was in awe, a certain director looked so sour at the side. She looked at Samantha from head to toe, she was bursting with jealousy yet she couldn't help but like how Samantha looked. How awful is that? Liking and hating someone at the same time? Leah Tan must be in pain!

Daniel and Samantha walked towards the stage. He ascended the platform while Samantha remained beside Mr. and Mrs. Cho below the stage.

"You look incredible, dear.", Mrs. Cho commented as she kissed Samantha's cheeks.

"I'm just second to you, Auntie."

Christina Cho chuckled at Samantha's flattery.

When Daniel Cho arrived at the center, everyone went silent waiting for their leader to give his speech.

"50 years ago, Cho Corporation was founded by my grandfather...", he started his speech with a bit of reminiscence. Everyone listened to Daniel and this made Samantha's admiration of him grow stronger. He is such a brilliant man.

Daniel didn't make his speech long, "... I'd like to thank everyone again for celebrating this milestone with us. And to all our employees, shareholders, business partners, friends, and family, we wouldn't reach this mark if it weren't for everyone's hard work and continued commitment to Cho Corporation. I hope all of you will enjoy tonight's celebration. Cheers to 50 years, and hopefully another 50 fantastic years ahead.", Daniel raised his champagne glass before he took a sip. Jazz music played by the live band filled the air making the people feel relaxed.

Samantha also had champagne on her hand, she turned to Daniel's parents and wished, "Congratulations Chairman and Mrs. Cho. May you have prosperous years ahead."

The glasses clinked, "Thank you, Cheers to 50 years."

When Daniel came down from the platform, he wanted to go back to Samantha but he was immediately approached by his business partners. So he had to stay with them for a while and exchanged good wishes.

After Daniel's speech, the host had announced to everyone to put their masks and keep it on all throughout the party.

Hannah and Samantha's family came over and Samantha instantly felt comfortable.

"Honey, you look amazing!", Mrs. Kim wrapped her arms around her daughter.

"Thanks, mom. You too!"

Samantha introduced her dad to Chairman Cho, although they have heard of each other, it was the first time that they have seen each other face to face and got to interact. Surprisingly, they immediately got along with each other.

"Hey Dopey... you look... celestial.", Seo Joon snickered.

"Are you saying, I look like an alien?", Samantha glared at her brother.

Even Hannah laughed.

"No, you look marvelous. Like the stars in the sky. You look happy.", her brother patted Samantha's head as he looked at her.

"Thanks... I guess." she grinned.

"Hello, sister-in-law!", Liam came over with a glass of wine on his hand, "Oh! You no longer look like the goddess in gold. You're now the goddess of the stars, like Asteria or Astraea, or whatever her name is.", he said as he raised a thumb.

"Hi Liam, meet my brother Seo Joon and my best friend, Hannah."

Liam and Seo Joon nodded at each other, and then Liam turned to Hannah, "Hello, Hannah. You look beautiful."

Hannah pursed her lips, she couldn't resist Liam's charms, "Hi... Thanks. You look nice too.".

"Hey, how come he gets a compliment and I don't?", Seo Joon complained.

Everyone laughed.

Several minutes later, Samantha walked towards the food table and got herself some snacks. While she ogled at the mouthwatering bite-sized food in front of her, a man approached her from behind.

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"Hi, we meet again."

Samantha turned to face the man whose voice was familiar. Although the man had a mask on, it only covered his other eye and a part of his face, similar to the mask from Phantom of the Opera but in black, red and gold colors; so she recognized him from the shop a few days ago. "Oh... it's you. How did you know?-"

"Well, I saw you and Daniel together earlier. It didn't take long for me to figure out who you were.", said the man and Samantha just nodded.

She wasn't sure how to interact with this guy since Daniel said they were once friends, so she understood that something must have happened before between them and she didn't want to be in an awkward position.

"I'm Stefan Yoo by the way, you're Bella, right?", he extended his hand which Samantha shook briefly.

"Yes."

"It's a nice name, you look nice too. You and Daniel matched perfectly. A lot of ladies in here are dying of jealousy.", he chuckled before he sipped his wine.

Samantha became suddenly conscious and so she started to look around her, sure enough, there were some women who were obviously talking about her. 'Damn it.', she thought about it for a second and replied, "Oh well, I don't care. They can die if they want.", she shrugged.

Stefan Yoo laughed at her remark.

Just then, a warm hand caressed Samantha's waist. Daniel seemed to know when to pop in. Actually, he had always glanced her way every now and then to check up on her, so the moment that he saw Stefan talking to Samantha, he immediately excused himself and walked towards her.

"Hey... I was looking for you.", Daniel looked at her with gentle eyes and when Samantha realized Daniel's arrival. He had on a simple black mask that only covered his eyes. It was modest but looked luxurious, she brightened up upon seeing this gorgeous man beside her.

"Daniel...", she smiled, "I got a bit hungry, how are you? It seemed like you have drunk quite a few?"

"Not really, just a few glasses... Don't worry."

"President Daniel Cho, please allow me to congratulate you.", Stefan raised his glass and Daniel nodded as he clinked their glasses, "Wishing you all the best."

They downed the contents of their glasses and Samantha just stood there watching the two men. Like she was watching a movie, she nibbled on a cookie while looking at them.

"Do you mind going for a walk with me, Daniel?", Stefan suggested.

Daniel looked at Samantha, he actually didn't want to leave Samantha alone again but Stefan asked politely.

Samantha gave him a gentle smile and nodded, "I'll be fine, I'll just go over there and sit.", she pointed towards where her family and Daniel's family were sitting.

"I won't take long.", Daniel said while he tucked a loose hair from her face.

Stefan Yoo walked ahead and Daniel followed behind. It's been about 7 years since they have last seen each other.

They found a porch that's overlooking the city. Both of them were quiet before Stefan broke the silence.

"How have you been doing all these years?"

"I'm all right."

Stefan knew that Daniel is still mad at him. So he's not surprised by his short responses.

"I saw some news about Cho Corporation while I was in France, you did a lot. Being a CEO suits you."

Daniel didn't respond.

"Are you... still mad at me?"

"Mad?", Daniel scoffed, "You betrayed me and you think I'm just... mad?"

"You're right, you must be furious.", Stefan ran a hand on his nape, the other in his pocket. He turned to Daniel while the latter looked over the city below them. "Are you ever going to forgive me?"

This time, Daniel turned to face Stefan, "Forgive you?", he chuckled, "Tell me, forgive you for what? What exactly did you do, Stefan?", Daniel spoke with both of his hands on his pockets. "Is it for betraying me, your friend for a very long time? Or Is it for sleeping with my ex-girlfriend while she and I were still together?"

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