The Gala of Masks

The ballroom glittered like a dream. Chandeliers spilled golden light across the polished marble floor, violins hummed in the air, and the city’s most powerful families gathered beneath crystal glasses and fake smiles.

Zhao Liyun tugged nervously at her dress. It wasn’t hers—Li Wei had arranged everything. A sleek black gown that hugged her curves, heels that made her stumble, and a necklace far too expensive for her comfort.

“You’re my assistant tonight,” he had said coldly in the car.

“Not my date. Don’t misunderstand.”

But as she walked beside him now, every eye followed them.

Li Wei in his tailored suit looked like he belonged to this world of wealth and power. Sharp, cold, untouchable.

And yet—when his hand brushed the small of her back, guiding her forward—her heart thundered.

“President Li,” a man greeted, bowing slightly. “You honor us.”

Li Wei’s lips curved faintly, polite but distant. “Minister Zhang.”

His gaze flicked to Liyun. “And this is…?”

Li Wei didn’t hesitate. “My assistant.”

The word stabbed her. She forced a smile, bowing politely, though inside, her chest tightened.

As the night dragged on, Liyun tried to stay invisible. But it was impossible. Men whispered about her beauty, women glared with jealousy. She caught pieces of conversation—about alliances, enemies, old betrayals.

Then—

“Zhao family.”

The words froze her blood.

Across the ballroom, her parents entered, smiling graciously as they greeted old friends. Her father in a sharp suit, her mother in emerald silk. They looked powerful, respected—untouchable.

Liyun’s throat went dry. Not here. Not now.

Li Wei’s body stiffened beside her. His eyes locked on the Zhaos, burning with a rage only she seemed to notice.

She grabbed his sleeve. “Don’t,” she whispered desperately.

His gaze cut to her, sharp as a blade. “Why not?”

“Because…” she faltered, unable to explain, “because not here.”

For a moment, their eyes battled. Then, with visible effort, he turned away.

But the storm in his eyes didn’t fade.

Later, while Li Wei spoke to investors, Liyun slipped toward the balcony, needing air.

She gripped the railing, staring at the glittering city lights below. Her chest ached. The kiss, the lies, the weight of her family name—it was too much.

“Running away?”

She jumped. A young man leaned against the doorframe, smirking. Dark hair, mischievous eyes.

“I—I’m not,” she stammered.

He chuckled. “You’re Li Wei’s assistant, right? Strange. He never brings anyone. Especially not someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” she asked cautiously.

“Beautiful. Distracting.” His smirk deepened. “Dangerous.”

Her cheeks flamed. She opened her mouth to respond—

And froze.

Because suddenly, Li Wei was there.

His presence was like a shadow falling over them both. He stood tall, eyes sharp, voice colder than ice.

“Step away.”

The young man raised a brow. “President Li. I was just making conversation.”

“You were flirting with what’s mine.”

Liyun gasped, turning to him. “What—?!”

The man smirked. “Yours? But didn’t you say—”

Li Wei’s glare silenced him instantly. Without another word, the man slipped back inside.

Silence hung heavy.

Liyun’s heart raced. “What do you mean, ‘yours’?” she demanded.

Li Wei’s jaw tightened. His hand reached out—grabbing hers, pulling her closer. Too close.

“Don’t talk to men like that,” he ordered, voice rough.

Her eyes flashed. “You don’t own me!”

His grip didn’t loosen. His gaze bore into her. “Then why does it drive me insane to see someone else near you?”

Her breath caught. The city lights blurred behind her.

For a moment, neither moved. Their faces inches apart. His eyes softened, just slightly—vulnerability slipping through the cracks.

Then—

“I shouldn’t want this,” he muttered, voice breaking.

And before she could answer, he kissed her again.

This kiss was different. Not forced, not cruel. It was desperate. Like he was drowning, and she was the only air he could find.

Her hands trembled against his chest. She wanted to push him away. She wanted to hold him tighter.

His lips moved against hers, urgent, aching, until finally he tore himself back, breathing hard.

“If I kiss you again,” he whispered hoarsely, “I won’t be able to stop.”

Her heart thundered. She stared at him, speechless.

And for the first time… she saw it.

The cracks in his armor. The pain he tried so hard to hide.

Inside, music swelled, laughter echoed. But on that balcony, the world was silent.

And Liyun knew… whatever this was, it was only the beginning.

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