When we arrived, I hurriedly put my shoes back on and followed the girls out. I adjusted my dress and lifted my head—and the sight in front of me nearly made me forget my friends existed.
The luxury hotel was dazzling. With its historic, mansion-like architecture, it was already impressive, but the stunning garden in front and the sea view behind made it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
"Wow… I feel like any second now, a prince on a white horse is going to show up and go, 'Wanna hang out, beautiful?'"
I only realized I'd said it out loud when the girls started laughing.
"What kind of prince talks like that, Duru?" Aylin protested.
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh sure—him being a prince riding a white horse in the twenty-first century doesn't bother you, but the way he talks does?"
Just then, a sleek white sports car sped past us and stopped near the entrance. Curious, I tried to see who was inside. Since we were behind it, all I caught was that it was a young man. As he handed the keys to the valet, Feyza nudged my arm.
"There. Your brand-new white-horse prince."
For a reason I couldn't explain, I suddenly wanted to see his face. Before he went inside, he glanced briefly in our direction. From his side profile, he looked about our age, with sharp features—handsome in a hard-edged way.
When he smiled like he knew he was being watched, a strange unease crawled over my skin, and I looked away.
There was definitely something off about him.
After he disappeared inside, I turned to the girls.
"That's not a prince. That's a serial killer."
Aylin nodded beneath her furrowed brows.
"I didn't like him either. He gives me chills."
Feyza rolled her eyes and started dragging us toward the door.
"If it were up to you two, anyone with a penis would be creepy. Let's go in before my mom starts a scene."
After handing over our coats and putting on our masks, we reached the ballroom entrance.
I linked arms with them again and smiled like I had everything under control.
"Ready for an unforgettable New Year's Eve?"
They nodded, laughing, and we immediately headed toward Feyza's parents, who were busy greeting guests.
"Where have you girls been? We were waiting for you," Mrs. Serpil said with a smile before turning to the people beside her. "This is my daughter, Eva, and these are her friends from school, Aylin and Duru."
Eva was Feyza's second name—one she hated. Her mother had given it to her just to fit in with her social circle, and Feyza never introduced herself that way. Not only that—she didn't even want anyone knowing the name existed.
Maybe it bothered her even more because it came from a mother who didn't really care about her, only used her as something to show off.
"Girls, this is Mr. Yalçın, owner of Derin Holding, and this is his wife, Mrs. Yeşim."
We smiled politely, exchanged brief pleasantries, and then Mrs. Serpil began dragging us from guest to guest, introducing us nonstop. And of course, every time someone complimented our outfits, she made sure to mention they were her own designs.
By the fifth couple, the forced smiles and the conversations that were equal parts fake and competitive started suffocating me. I leaned in toward Feyza.
"That's it for me, Sapphire. When your target comes, signal me."
She nodded lightly with a smile, careful not to tip anyone off. I looped my arm through Aylin's and turned to the guests.
"We'll be right back. Excuse us."
Avoiding Mrs. Serpil's displeased gaze, we quickly slipped away. The ballroom wasn't fully crowded yet, so I searched for a spot outside their line of sight.
When I found the perfect table, we headed there.
The second we reached it, I started producing an endless supply of swear words about how much I hated parties like this. Aylin just laughed at me.
"What are you laughing at? Am I wrong? Look at them—million-dollar invitation, zero chairs. They wander all night like horses on a mill, having conversations where you can't even tell if they're complimenting each other or insulting each other, and they call it a party. Ridiculous people."
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
I grinned and nodded.
"How did you know?"
"Take a guess."
"Did I complain too much again?"
She laughed and nodded just as a waiter approached with a tray of bite-sized food. I wrinkled my nose, took one, and popped it into my mouth.
Maybe I was starving, but it tasted way better than it had any right to.
I lifted a hand to stop the waiter.
"Excuse me—give me that tray."
Ignoring his stunned expression, I took it, set it on our table, and added, "Thank you. You can go on."
When he left, Aylin was already giggling. I handed her one.
"You saw how he looked at you when you took the tray, right?"
"I'm hungry! Who parties on an empty stomach?" I took another bite and pointed with my chin. "And while I'm eating, keep your eyes on Sapphire."
A different waiter came by with drinks. I took two flutes and handed one to Aylin. After a sip, I grimaced.
"Ugh. Champagne? I hate it."
"I love it. Give it here."
I pushed my glass toward her too. As I stuffed another canapé into my mouth, she tried to lift her mask off, and I immediately stopped her.
"Don' tayk it off! We nee' th' mashks!"
"What?"
My mouth was full, so of course she hadn't understood. I swallowed and tried again.
"What are you doing? You can't take the mask off."
"Oh, Duru, these things are so uncomfortable. Why did you even come up with this idea in the first place?"
I patted her shoulder with a sly grin.
"Don't worry. In a few minutes, you'll understand why."