The Cow Dung's Annual Ball (1)

Sophie was shocked at how the young man was capable of finding out where she lived. Who was Nicholas to have informants that helped him find out about Sophie's home?

She didn't even give him her full name or her aunt's family name. So, how could he find out where she lived?

Well… maybe he was really well-connected and was powerful enough to get such information if he wanted it. Didn't he say that his family had connections to the Rothschild's banks?

Perhaps, wealthy and powerful families hung out together. So, this only showed that Nicholas was from such a level.

However, what did a man from an upper-class family want to do with Sophie?

Questions like those were left for later as Nicholas reached out and held her hand gently.

"It's time for us to go, Sophie. Or we'll be late for the ball."

"Uhm... okay, let's go."

Sophie would have gone back inside the house because Nicholas didn't answer her question immediately, but her future was at stake and the man didn't seem to have any ill intentions so Sophie decided to trust him this time.

The two of them stepped inside the carriage. Once they were inside, Sophie noticed Nicholas staring at her every now and then. She raised a brow at him. "Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"No, you look beautiful." Nicholas smiled. "I also noticed that you're wearing a ring as a necklace?"

Sophie's face heated up. Was this rich boy saying that she should wear it properly? Sophie touched the ring and said, "It's my choice to wear it however I like. This was a gift. It cannot fit my fingers."

"Oh…" Nicholas glanced at her fingers and realized her fingers were too slender for the ring. It was his late grandmother's and she was a plump woman, so all her rings were quite big.

He knew right away that it was the same ring he gave that little girl eight years ago. And suddenly, he knew… it was her, the little girl that his family had been looking for all these years. Unfortunately, she seemed to forget about him.

Well… Nicholas couldn't blame her. He looked very different then. Plus, so many things had happened in eight years and Sophie must have more things to worry about than an injured boy whom she saved from the haunted forest.

"If you cannot wear it, why do you still keep it?" Nicholas asked Sophie with interest. "I think you can only wear the ring if you gain at least 100 kg."

Sophie coughed violently and shook her head, "Gosh… I don't wish to gain that much weight just to be able to wear this ring."

"So? Does the ring hold an important meaning to you?" Nicholas asked with a hopeful expression. "Is it gifted by someone you like?"

Sophie shook her head. "No… I plan to sell this ring when I open my business."

"Huh?" The grin on Nicholas' face suddenly disappeared. "You what? Why sell it?"

"I will need money to open my business," Sophie replied as a matter of factly. "I don't want to rely on loans 100%."

"Uhmm.. that's a good mindset," Nicholas nodded. However, he was still disappointed that she didn't seem to value the ring as he had expected. She only kept it with her while waiting for the right time to sell it.

"Right?" Sophie smiled sweetly. "If you can really get me a loan, I will not disappoint you and work hard to pay back every single cent."

"Sounds good." Nicholas nodded again. "I can't disagree with that."

"By the way, I forgot to mention that it was a masquerade ball. Do you have a mask with you?" Sophie decided to ask. She pulled out a white mask from her bag and held it up. "If not, maybe we can find something to make an emergency mask."

"Oh, I know it's a masquerade ball. And even if it wasn't… I like wearing a mask. So, I prepared mine." Nicholas grinned and took out a black mask from a jewel box. It was embedded with a tasteful touch of moonstone, but then he took out another one that was white. "Do you want to match with me?"

Sophie pursed her lips but accepted the white mask. "Only to not make you feel left out."

"Great. We do make a fine pair," Nicholas chuckled as he put on his mask. His amber eyes sparkled with earnestness. With this on his face, it would be impossible for anyone to recognize or bug him.

"You're really excited about this," Sophie commented.

"It'll be amazing because I will be accompanied by you, Sophie." Nicholas smiled.

Sophie couldn't believe he'd say something like that with such a genuine tone. She didn't say anything and tried to put on her mask.

Meanwhile, Nicholas stole glances at Sophie as she was trying her mask. His face behind his mask was filled with glee. The prince couldn't believe his luck. He suddenly found Sophie in this small insignificant town called Hastings.

And now, they got to go to a ball together. He was so excited.

***