Monica's POV
I dragged myself through the front door of my parents' house, my body aching from a fourteen-hour day split between my office job and evening classes. All I wanted was a hot shower and my bed, but the tension radiating from the living room told me I wouldn't get either anytime soon.
"Monica." My father's voice cut through the silence. "Come in here. Now."
I found them sitting rigidly on the sofa, my mother's lips pressed into a thin line, my father's fingers drumming against his knee. Between them on the coffee table sat a cream-colored envelope with gold trim.
"What's going on?" I asked, dropping my bag by the doorway.
My mother held up the envelope. "Grace's wedding invitation arrived today."
A cold wave of anger washed over me. "That backstabbing little—"
"Monica!" My father's voice boomed through the room. "That's enough of this childishness."
"Childishness?" I laughed bitterly. "Finding my boyfriend of four years having sex with my cousin in my bed is childish?"
My mother sighed dramatically. "Tyler was wrong, of course. But poor Grace was seduced by him. He's doing the honorable thing now by marrying her."
The absurdity of her defense made my stomach turn. "Mom, the entire town knows Grace's reputation. She wasn't 'seduced' by anyone."
"Watch your language, young lady," my father warned, his face reddening. "We've had enough drama with Natalie attacking them both that day. Your mother's sister is devastated by this family rift."
I closed my eyes, remembering the look of shock on Tyler's face when I walked in on them. How Grace had smirked before pretending to be embarrassed. How my best friend Natalie had lunged at them both while I stood frozen in disbelief.
"I understand you're upset," my mother continued, her voice softening in that manipulative way I'd grown to recognize. "But you're going to this wedding."
"I'm what?" I stared at her, certain I'd misheard.
"You're attending the wedding," my father said firmly. "As our daughter, you will represent this family with dignity."
Hot tears burned behind my eyes. "You want me to stand there and smile while my cousin marries the man who broke my heart in my own bedroom? Are you serious?"
"ENOUGH!" My father slammed his hand on the armrest. "This discussion is over. You're going, and that's final."
"But Dad—"
"Not another word, Monica. Your mother needs family peace, and you will help provide it."
I retreated to my bedroom, tears streaming down my face. My phone buzzed twice before I answered it.
"They're making me go to the wedding, Natalie," I sobbed into the phone.
"Those insensitive jerks!" Natalie's protective fury warmed me. "Don't worry, Monica. I have a plan."
The next afternoon, Natalie burst into my workplace, carrying coffee and chocolate muffins, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"The Peterson Foundation's Annual Masquerade Ball," she announced, slapping an elegant black invitation onto my desk. "It's this Saturday night—same time as the wedding."
I glanced up from the stack of invoices I was processing. "A masquerade ball? What are you talking about?"
"Your escape plan," she whispered dramatically. "I've already told your parents it's a networking event crucial for your career. I said all our professors will be there introducing students to potential employers." She grinned. "My father backed me up. They bought it completely."
I studied her hopeful face. "You want me to lie to my parents?"
"No, I want you to save yourself from public humiliation," she corrected. "Besides, this ball is the event of the year. Everyone who matters will be there. It's not a complete lie that it could help your career."
Her enthusiasm was contagious, but doubt still nagged at me. "I don't know, Natalie..."
"Monica Hayes," Natalie leaned across my desk, her expression serious. "You work all day, study all night, and follow every rule. For once in your life, do something for yourself. Don't let them force you to watch that cheating jerk marry your snake of a cousin."
I bit my lip, considering her words. "My parents will be furious if they find out."
"They won't," she assured me. "We'll stay at my place after. I've already bought our masks. Please, Monica? You deserve one night of freedom."
Against my better judgment, I found myself nodding. "Fine. I'll go to your stupid ball."
Saturday evening arrived, and I stood in Natalie's bedroom, barely recognizing myself in the mirror. The red satin dress she'd insisted I wear hugged curves I usually kept hidden under practical clothes. The golden lace mask transformed my face, making my green eyes seem mysterious and alluring.
"Wow, girl!" Natalie whistled, adjusting her own blue mask. "You look absolutely stunning! Tyler is going to regret that day for the rest of his miserable life."
I smoothed the fabric of my dress nervously. "This doesn't feel like me, Natalie."
"That's the whole point of a masquerade," she replied, handing me a delicate gold clutch. "Tonight, you can be whoever you want to be."
I took a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I looked in the mirror one last time. Natalie, sensing my nerves, handed me my small perfume bottle from her vanity.
"One last touch," she said with an encouraging smile. "A little bit of the real Monica."
I spritzed the light, floral scent onto my wrists.
When we descended the stairs, Jasper, Natalie's boyfriend, waited at the bottom, his eyes widening at the sight of us.
"Ladies, you both look incredible," he said, kissing Natalie before turning to me. "Monica, I predict you'll leave this party with a new boyfriend."
The thought of meeting someone new sent panic coursing through my veins. Standing in Natalie's foyer, dressed in clothes that didn't feel like mine, about to enter a world of strangers while lying to my parents, I suddenly felt overwhelmed.
"No boyfriend, Jasper," I said, backing away slightly. "Actually, I think I'd better stay. I'm not in the party mood after all. Please, Natalie, let me stay?"