FEELING OF DREAD

The sun was going down. It made the sky breathtaking and it looked like a canvas painted with violet, red, and yellow glowing colors. The setting sun combined with the view from the mountains around the Lee Mansion made the whole scene beautiful but sadly, Kiaraa couldn't admire any of it.

Her head was filled with various thoughts as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror and put on a satisfied expression.

Tonight, she was putting on an elegant champagne-colored dress, a fit and flare silhouette with a thigh-high slit.

It was a long formal gown with a nude-colored lining and an open-back design, it had sexy backless appliques with a plunging V-neckline. It had pearl beadings on top of a sheer underlay giving the illusion of being clipped in shimmering rhinestones that creep originally up the arms, stomach, and chest.

She had worn a soft glam makeup with glowing skin, brushed through brows, diffused eyeshadows, and a natural neutral lip adorned with a diamond necklace with a sophisticated design, diamond earrings, and bracelets of the same set and diamond-encrusted stiletto which gave a brilliant luster with every single step.

She had a personal stylist for her hair and makeup but her mother personally picked out the gown and jewelry herself. Her hair was made into a high ponytail with braided twists.

Despite all the updo, she wasn't feeling any glow. The feeling of dread was rather overwhelming and she didn't know how long she could keep it in. Despite her clouded mind, she still had an elegant expression as expected from a queen. Her expression was so calm from the outside that only she knew the turmoil going on in her head.

She glanced at the clock and it was already 8 pm. The evening night sky seemed so bright and the sky was lit like a magical artwork with ever glowing stars which made the whole place more exuberant.

The evening breeze blew mildly and her curtains danced along with it. The whole place was calm, in contrast to her racing heart. Just then, her door was flung open.

"Have you seen a pretty girl tonight?" Lili made a dramatic entrance as she sashayed her way towards her mirror and twirled in front of it. She looked very dashing, lavishly clothed in a black lace mermaid gown with a sheer illusion corset bodice with ornate lace details and a sweeping train.

The back of the gown was accented with a lingerie-inspired lace strap. She topped it off with gold jewelry and shoes with smokey makeup and light lipstick to bring out her already red lips.

Her long wavy blonde hair was let loose to cascade down her back like a glowing waterfall. She looked stunning from every angle and had a dignified aura around her.

"Is it time yet?" Kiaraa asked in a soft tone and Lili nodded.

Kiaraa glanced at the mirror one last time, satisfied with her looks, she stepped out clutching a silver mask in her left hand.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The whole city was aglow and shimmering in blinding bright lights. The enticing scenario of shimmering lights flickers in the distance as the starry night sky sweeps over the city that never seems to have a dull moment.

The party was going to take place in the Jang ancestral mansion. The mansion was located near the Han River and it only added to its majestic glow like a castle straight out of a fairytale.

The whole place was majestic and grand in every way as different limited editions and expensive cars lined up in the parking lot.

Every guest present was from a very influential and prestigious family in the whole of Asia. Kiaraa could only imagine how many guests were present here tonight.

Each of then was dressed exquisitely and sported expensive-looking masks decorated in gold and silver which covered their faces in entirety.

Kiaraa looked at her father who was sitting beside her in an expensive limousine but he seemed unaffected by the dashing view outside because he had attended many occasions similar to this.

The chauffeur finally opened their door. Her father stepped out and Kiaraa stepped out just after him. He offered her his arm and she grabbed it while exuding a delicate aura.

She looked behind her and saw Lili stepping down from a different car. They came in different cars as they didn't want to draw any suspicions. Besides, her father only planned on revealing only Kiaraa's identity tonight and Lili was still a celebrity so revealing her identity now will only cause controversies in her career.

As they walked towards the ballroom, greetings were offered along the gravel path and Kiaraa replied confidently with a polite smile as her father either gave a polite nod or conversed slightly with them.

A sweet melody was drifting through the busy atmosphere coming from the ballroom.

As soon as thry stepped into the grand-styled ballroom, there was a pin drop silence. All the guests wondered who the celestial beauty beside the infamous business king, Lee Seulki was, as the only lady they have ever seen accompanying her father was his beloved wife.

Being the center of attention in a massive ballroom among thousands of guests, present left Kiaraa bewildered but she masked her uneasiness with a graceful smile and raised her head confidently to acknowledge their greetings.

And then, the introduction began. Lee Seulki introduced Kiaraa as his daughter to most of his business associates and their whole conversation left her dizzy.

The party seemed exuberant and luxurious in every way possible.

There were different Korean menus like kimchi, bean sprout soup, seasoned spinach, and barley tea as well as side dishes like pickled onions and pan-fried Korean zucchini.

The Chinese course was not left out as well. There were starters which includes wok fried fragrant scallops. There was also the dumpling course which includes pork, celery, and water chestnuts and of course, the main course consisted of sweet and smoky hang sao yu with sweet and sour pork.

The smell of various desserts waffled through the air. There was vanilla gelato, apple pie ice cream pie, and strawberry rhubarb cheesecake.

French pastries were also included and it was a bunch of delight. There was creme brulee, apple cranberry galette, crème au caramel, and lemon tart. The whole place was exuding pleasant smells filled with the smell of different cocktails and the best wine from all over the world.

The whole place seemed lively and vibrant as different waiters weaved their way through the crowded room to attend to the needs of the important guests.

And just like that the party just began but Kiaraa could already feel different malicious gazes directed toward her.

'This is going to be a long and interesting night. Thank God I already prepared my heart.'