MAN ON MASK

Reyna’s P.O.V 

As I was close to dragging Hailey out,  a maid knocked at the door.

"Sir Pattson is asking you, young mistress,, in his study."

***

I looked up at River’s father Mr Pattson, seated behind his desk with a hookah pipe under his teeth, blowing on it from time to time.

Has dark eyes and a straight edge nose with an olive skin tone, unlike the twins. Who they have taken after their mother, so beautiful along with grace.

I have never seen anyone so selfish as Pattison. This man could do 'anything' in a straight line just to fulfil his motives.

Since I started dating River, he never accommodated his father. He would always mention him as a sperm donor. Then again, this man did not care, only pretended in front of the audience and always blamed River for his mother's death.

Running out of patience, I urged him, What is it that you want?"

"Oh! Look at that mannerless girl! How dare you talk to me like that?! Where is River?" Laura retorted against my words.

I scoffed. "Oh please, should I announce what you and your daughter did? And how should I know about his son who failed as a father to protect him?" I gritted my teeth. Laura was about to say something but was stopped by Mr Pattso.

"Ah. Stop it." He was annoyed and I rolled my eyes. Of course, it's foolish to expect anything else from this man.

Mr Pattson looked up at his wife with seriousness. "I have some serious talking with you Hailey. Listen to me carefully."

He sucked a blow on his hookah pipe before continuing.

"Prepare for the banquet tonight arranged by a famous family. They are bringing a proposal and the CEO is due for marriage. You are free to  attend the banquet,t Reyna."

'And here it goes again. Of course, this isPattisonn.' I murmured in my mind bitterly that he was away supporting my dad. I can turn him down..

"Wow! If they are prestigious! They picked me! "Hailey chimed in excitement and I just rolled my eyes at her.

'Wasn't she fucking Martins a minute ago? Being so lovey-dovey? Now what?'

Well, this family drama would never end. So I decided to let go. I don't want to hurt my dad.

"I am not a part of this arrangement at all." I was about to leave but River’s father stopped me.

"Do not dare to leave!" He was angry, standing up from his seat.

"You have to attend. I have provided everything to you., I support your father financially, growing you u,p and now you are denying me!? How dare you!?"

"Oh, calm down honey", Laura cooed. "You know, she is always rebellious like that,  she is just like her mom. Why not send only Hailey?"

For the first time, I felt thankful for my mom's evil friend.

"Your wife is right, I am not attending this banquet. She can attend. And please always respect my Dad as a friend will do." I agreed with the warning tone and turned around to leave but was abruptly stopped by Patterson's next words. 

"Fine then, if you don't want your mother's relic and the truth, walk out." A little smirk was on his lips.

He didn't actually care about them, the truth, but he does, and he knows it.

He wouldn't have stopped this brat if I was not outstanding from Hailey in all sorts.

There was a high chance that he could be with us at the banquet.

"Wh...what do you mean? What relic?" Scarlett snapped her eyes at him and took a step forward, filled with doubts.

"Oh, I will tell you, Sweetheart. But before that, you need to do my work." With a lingering smirk, he once again blows his hookah.

"Be the fiancée or help your friend Hailey to become one. And after you succeed, I will give you what you want."

I closed my eyes shut, clenching my fists. The more I wanted to stay away from this family, the more I got stuck in it!

Now, he left me with no but to relate it to my mother.

Gulping the lump in my throat, I opened my eyes.

"Fine. I will do what you said. But, only for this time." I threw my words and left the study in rage with uncontrolled tears.

Oh, if I knew what adventure was awaiting ahead of me…

'You can take your revenge by this engagement, you know that, right?' Receiving the note from her best friend Becky, I sighed and turned to look outside of the car.

Yes, Becky was PattersonPattson never cared about my Dad. He is using me as his tool. 

'I am not into getting married. Well, at least not like this, I love River.' Shaking my head, I replied to my friend with a negative choice.

'Just for the relic.' Closing my eyes, I took a sharp breath and reminded myself of the force of me joining the banque,t.

Soon t, they arrived. I stepped out of the car and found out that the ladies here tonight had given their best to look catchy.

'Maybe I can keep myself hidden from others' eyes if I keep my distance away.' I thought in my mind,iDad

"Oh dad, don't worry. I will be an obedient girl and do what makes my father happy." Hailey said sweetly, batting her lashes, trying to play innocent and be close to Pattson.

'What a bitch!' I couldn't help rolling my eyes at her so-called Friend, who seemed so full of herself.

Mr Pattson nodded his head, looking around and trying to keep his posture charismatic. "You better show your performance tonight." He started, and then his eyes fell on his daughter.

"And you..." He lowered his voice at me, only for me to hear. "You should better attain the task or forget the relic and not keep this away from your father."

My already sour mood turned more tetchy. But I knew I wasn't in a position to fight back for now.

With a slow nod, I clenched her fists. "Yes, I remember."

"You better be." He stated. "Now, don't just stand here and try to charm the people."

With an inward sigh, I stepped behind River’s father, only to be stopped by Hailey. She closed my way and I frowned in annoyance.

"What are you doing?" My tone was low, but cold enough to volume my venom for Hailey.

"Stay away from me."

"Oh!" Hailey's lips raised in a sly smirk. "You better stay away from me and the heir of Investor. I will be getting all for myself, you filthy slut."

A curse for her was just at the tip of my tongue, but it was not worth wasting words with an idiot like her.

"Wish you good luck, Hailey. After all, there are so many dazzling ladies tonight." She just walked away with a sarcastic smirk on her face, leaving Hailey in a stinging jealousy.

Getting inside the banquet hall, I was once again caught by my father, when I only wanted to hide in some corner.

, he called me out. Reyna is sorry. I know what you are going through; please bear a little more. He said and left with tears filling his face. Mr Pattson kept introducistepdaughteraughter to others, hoping to find any possible marriage which could bring him more benefit.

And as much as I hate her, I still have to thank Hailey for her becoming the most irritating social butterfly and catching all the guests' attention toward her.

Suddenly, an exclamation from the crowds. The new CEO of Sliverstoon company just joined the banquet, grabbing every attention over him.

Like others, I,  too,o turned my gaze to the guy in a mask. Only to get choked on my own breath just by looking at his face.

'What the fuck!'

That's the only line my mind could utter at the moment as I turned speechless by all means.

Because the CEO looked exactly the same as the stranger I had spent all night with yesterday!

That cold and dangerous, but extremely good-looking man.

As he was surrounded by other guests,  I tried to cover myself while listening to other women squealing with excitement.

I might be the only woman trying to hide and probably running away.

Yet, I failed when Mr Pattson grabbed my hand tightly.

"Remember the relic, Reyna’s?" His low co,ld voice once aagainr reminded m f how cruel and selfish this man could be.

Why would he want to partner with a stranger in a mask? What is the guy hiding from the world?.