Faceless

Yvonne worked extra time today and was stressed down to her bones. She was the only one left in the building together with her secretary and friend, Muri.

"Ugh, I'm famished" Muri cried. "Can't we just continue tomorrow? I am really tired" she whined.

" You know we have to finish this today and as a good friend which I believe you are, you wouldn't leave me alone to all this" she replied

"Why do I have to be a good friend? Can't I just pretend not to notice you and leave? Besides, engrossing yourself working like this doesn't cancel working tomorrow, does it?"

Yvonne pretended not to have heard and continued with the paperwork reviews. She couldn't afford to be distracted tonight. After a while, Muri broke the silence asking if she should order pizza

"You should, you're the famished one" she replied glancing at her

"You know, I was thinking you could hang out tonight, together with me and Jayden. It's just 8:00 pm so If we round up before 9:00 let's go clubbing somewhere. Jay decided on Faceless. It's not like anyone would recognize you". Muri chooses her words carefully knowing Yvonne hated publicity and the crowd. She's the perfect one for describing an introvert. For three years since she founded the company, she has always avoided public appearances and she had no plan on revealing her face anytime soon.

"Says someone tired a few minutes ago" she sneered. "I'm in. Who knows, I might even hook up with someone there".she grinned

Muri couldn't believe her ears. Hook up? Yvonne was not the one who said that. Thanks to her impression of relationships, Yvonne didn't care about meeting new people if they weren't business partners and even if she did, she'd send in Muri to represent her.

"Did you just say hook up?" Muri asked she was already distracted from booking her order

"Yes. Anything wrong?" she replied feigning ignorance.

"Spill it, you have something crazy in mind, don't you? by now, Muri was already in front of her table.

"Miss Muri, get back to work" Yvonne replied in a strict voice.

Muri knew she was trying to stop her from prying, which she was not planning to stop. Instead, she placed both of her hands on the table making Yvonne lookup

"It's past working hours ma'am" she smiled. "Now, tell me. What are you hiding Miss Yvonne?" she replied cocking her head sideways.

"That doesn't change the fact that we're still in the working premises does it?" she grinned flicking her finger against Muri's temple.

"Ouch, that was not business-like don't you agree Miss?" she continued. Muri didn't plan on letting her out of her corner. She kept staring at her till Yvonne could bear it no more.

"So annoying. You know how to push my buttons".

"Good for you" Muri replied and she scoffed

"I going to have a baby" she blurted

Muri laughed "Impossible. You don't even have a lover talk less of a boyfriend, fiancee, or husband. Talk about something else".

"Which law says I have to get one of those before having a baby" she scoffed "You just watch".

"You are not being serious, are you? No way. You are not planning to...." Muri trailed off. It couldn't be what she was thinking right? Yvonne would resort to that, would she? she thought.

"I will have to find someone willing to help with my plan. Perhaps a sperm donor or a nightstand. I don't care. As long as he has no criminal record and is reasonably handsome" she winked. "I can look after the baby all by myself, moreover, I have you" she completed leaving Muri to wonder if her best friend had gone crazy.

"I'm trying to understand your motive but it does not cease to sound stupid." Muri kept on talking, trying to change her mind but she wouldn't budge and at last, she gave in.

"Well since you're bent on doing this, shouldn't you at least do it well?" she said as they picked their bags up ready to leave the office.

"You need some makeup. I'm sure you would want no one to recognize you."

"I don't think that's necessary. We are going to Faceless, aren't we? You'd have to put on a mask before you gain entry."

"I'm sure you wouldn't have your way with him right there, would you? Count yourself lucky, you're one of the few that is privileged to have my handwork wonders on their face. I'm pulling over at my place, let's do something fun".

Yvonne looked at her reflection. She couldn't deny the fact that Muri was good. She used the perfect makeup tone for her skin and the dark hue made her look wild.

"I think you should use a wig since you have no plans on keeping in touch with the guy. Let's see... " she opened her closet asking Yvonne to come closer

After trying several dresses on, Muri finally decided on what to wear. She settled for a red armless knee-length gown with a jacket and untied her ponytail allowing her hair to fall freely.

"So nice. Are you sure you don't want to change into something else?" she turned to face Yvonne.

"Nah, I'm okay" she waved her hand.

Although she was still in her office wears, she was sure to make countless heads turn with her figure. "Let's hit the road".

~

"We're going to the dance floor" Muri shouted making her voice higher than normal so Yvonne could hear her since the speakers were blaring. She put on her mask and dragged her boyfriend with her not giving Yvonne a chance to reply her.

"She ditched me immediately we got here" Yvonne shook her head and adjusted the mask heading to the bar.

"Taken?" she asked standing in front of a guy. It was Xavier but of course, she didn't recognize him.

"Ah, no". He was staring. He knew he was but he could stop. Standing in front of him was one of the prettiest ladies he's ever seen. She had this silky red hair that shone even in the dark. Even with the mask, he could deduce she had an oval-shaped face was blessed with diamond-like eyes and thin red lips. It was only when she sat down beside him that he realized she was referring to the chair. His face flushed in embarrassment and he tore his eyes away from her figure. He'd originally reserved the chair for Ryan who he was still waiting for. He didn't care. Ryan could settle himself when he came.

Yvonne ordered a blue cocktail and twirled the glass between her finger examining the drink before bringing it to her lips. From the corner of his eyes, he watched her and swallowed nothing.

"Business or pleasure," he asked trying to start a conversation.

"Fun" she answered smiling at him.

His phone beeped. It was a message from Ryan apologizing he couldn't make it.

"Shit" he hissed.

"Anything wrong?" she asked

"No. Apparently, a friend I'm here to meet can't make it".

"Well, that makes us even. My friend ditched me after we got here. What's your name?" she asked

"I'm Xavier. Xavier Harold". he smiled, showing his dimples.