Alluring Masquerade

          Kael was smiling at himself and got out of the limousine, fixing the collars of his suit. He walked around and opened the door for Hira. The smile on his lips twitched as he watched her step out.

          "What the heck are you smiling about?" she asked, scowling. The warm breeze waved her hair around behind her as she brushed her frock with her hands.

          "Nothing," he shook his head. He held out his arm for her, his smile now gone and she took it begrudgingly. He started walking her towards this huge house in which the business party was commencing.

          Hira was in awe when she saw the Mansion looming in front of her. She had never been to such a magnificent building before. Walking through the doors, she saw that every person's head turned towards them as if they were under a limelight. And they were. People were observing her keenly, some pleasant and some unpleasant. The young women had particularly annoying looks for her.

          Are they jealous o – of me? she thought. Oh, right. I'm supposed to be his girlfriend.

          She looked around shyly and then looked down, not feeling comfortable under everyone's eyes. She couldn't believe that she was actually through with this; when she wasn't even confident to talk in front of a group of twenty people, and this hall was sufficient enough to hold at least a hundred. Maybe more.

          "Kael," Zach greeted. He walked up with confidence to shake his hand. He did a double-take at Hira, who was standing quietly and fiddled with her watch nervously. Zach and Kael were the best of friends since they could remember. They trusted each other more than anyone they knew, like brothers.

          She watched a waiter, dressed neatly in black and gold uniform, handing out drinks and she scrunched up her nose. Not being a huge fan of alcohol, she searched with her eyes and found a colourful looking buffet to her far right.

          I didn't know business parties had buffets, she thought. Her stomach stumbled and her face turned bright red when Zach noticed her again. She smiled at him and a little relaxed that he was at the party, too. At least there's someone else I know as well.

          He smiled at her, but it wasn't the usual grin that she was used to. This was seemed strained.

          "Man, how've you been?" Kael said enthusiastically, after a brief hug. "This is Hira Kaif, my girlfriend," he added, and brought her closer to him by wrapping his arm around her waist. "Sweetheart-"

          Sweetheart? she thought, raising an eyebrow at him.

          "-This is my closet and trusted friend, Zachariah Lee."

          Zach's eyes showed disappointment and, perhaps, shock and betrayal, that were clashing with the congratulating smile that he displayed. "Ah, girlfriend?" he said. He looked at her and cleared his throat.

          Hira knew that he would blame her somehow. And from the look in his gorgeous, onyx eyes, that were watching her with hushed questions. She turned her gaze downwards, embarrassed. What must he be thinking about me? she asked herself mentally, looking back up at him guiltily. Maybe, he under the impression that I've been leading him on this whole time, but – Oh, God, this is my entire fault! He must be feeling like a right fool.

          "Nice to meet you here, Miss Hira. You look beautiful, like always." This time his smile was genuine, the sadness now gone from his eyes.

          "Oh, thank you, Zach," she blushed. "You, too. I mean, look – nice ... today," she added, her voice growing small.

          Kael watched them talking quietly. Something didn't feel quite right to him, he didn't like her chatting so happily with his best friend. "Do you both already know each other?" he asked them, interrupting their conversation about the last time they had met.