Chapter 3

As time passed, Liliana couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude for the safety of her loved ones and sadness for the lives lost. She realized that death and grief would become a recurring theme in her life, but if she wanted to be with Vance, she would have to accept this as her new reality.

Liliana arrived at the stylist's place, where she was greeted by a well-dressed man and an astonished woman. The woman exclaimed, "Wow, my dear, you are a vision!" Liliana chuckled and flashed a grateful smile, expressing her appreciation. As the stylists worked on her hair and makeup, Liliana couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building up for the upcoming masked ball.

Her hair was curled to perfection, cascading in elegant waves around her shoulders. The makeup artist created a stunning Smokey look that accentuated her emerald-colored eyes. And when it came time to choose a dress, they selected a breathtaking black gown. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, with a daring thigh slit that added a touch of allure. The intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship of the dress made her feel like a true queen.

With her hair done, makeup flawless, and dressed in the perfect attire, Liliana was ready to make a grand entrance. The doors opened, and as Vance's eyes locked onto her, she could see the mesmerized look on his face. He scanned her from head to toe, biting his lip in admiration. He couldn't help but express, "You are incredible, my queen." Liliana looked up at him with her emerald-colored eyes, a hint of playfulness in her gaze, and replied, "And you don't look so bad yourself, my king."

Feeling a surge of affection, Liliana adjusted Vance's shirt, pulling him closer, and planted a soft, tender kiss on his lips. He took her hand in his, leading her towards the waiting limo, where Ben, the driver, stood ready to take them to the grand ball. The anticipation of the evening and the joy of being in each other's company filled the air as they embarked on their journey, ready to immerse themselves in the enchantment of the night.

They arrived at the ball, surrounded by a crowd of beautiful and elegant people. However, Liliana stood out the most, capturing everyone's gaze with her stunning appearance. As Vance excused himself to greet a man in a purple suit who had a round belly and was smoking a joint, Liliana's attention shifted. She noticed the man handing Vance a card before he made his way back to her, planting a kiss on her lips.

Curiosity piqued, Liliana watched as Vance made his way upstairs. Her heart sank when she saw him engage in conversation with a familiar face – his ex-girlfriend. Confusion clouded her mind as she wondered why Vance would bring his ex to the ball while coming with her. Determined to confront him, Liliana made her way upstairs, seeking answers. However, upon reaching the room where she last saw Vance, he was nowhere to be found. It was then that she spotted Isabella and implored her for help in finding Vance.

Isabella pointed towards a room and informed Liliana, "I saw him go into that room." Fueled by a mix of emotions, Liliana pushed the door open, only to be met with a distressing sight. Vance was lying on the bed, accompanied by the woman in laced lingerie. Disappointment etched across her face, Liliana turned her gaze towards Vance and uttered, "I knew you weren't over her." The woman introduced herself as Ana, exuding confidence.

Liliana's frustration grew, and she forcefully pushed Ana's hand away, directing her words at Vance, "Don't ever come near me again." In that moment, Liliana realized the extent of her own naivety for trusting Vance once more. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, she caught sight of her reflection in a nearby mirror. Despite the pain, she couldn't deny her own beauty. With newfound confidence, she made her way to the bar, purchasing the strongest wine available and consuming half the bottle in an attempt to drown out the memories of Vance with another woman.

Amidst the haze of her thoughts, Liliana suddenly heard a familiar voice. It was Emanuel. Their eyes met, and he immediately sensed her pain. Without hesitation, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor, just like when they first met. They began to dance a passionate salsa, their bodies moving in sync. As Emanuel dipped her slowly, his touch caressed her leg, and Liliana looked up, catching a glimpse of Vance's bothered expression from the railing above.

At that moment, Liliana no longer cared about Vance's reaction. She decided to show him that she could thrive without him. Emanuel held her close, their energy filling the room. The crowd made way for them to dance, captivated by their chemistry. People whispered compliments about Liliana's beauty and how perfect she and Emanuel looked together, creating a sense of admiration and envy in the air.