Every year, Silvershade University threw a gala that wasn't just legendary—it was dangerous. Beneath the shimmering gowns and designer tuxedos was a battlefield of ambition, jealousy, seduction, and secrets.
This year was no different.
The theme: "Masquerade of the Vanished."
---
Ochieng, now officially re-enrolled under an alias—Zion Cole—walked into the Gala hall wearing a custom black mask laced with sapphire. His midnight suit hugged his tall, muscular frame, and he wore a soft smirk like a weapon.
Students whispered. Staff froze. Girls stared.
No one knew who "Zion" was.
No one except two.
---
Professor Alvina Kerr, 29 – Lit professor, known for her intellect, scandalous rumors with students, and elegance. Tall, caramel-toned, bold lips, and dangerously witty. She noticed Zion from across the room, eyes narrowing.
"You're not who you claim to be," she whispered to herself.
---
Naomi, dressed in a glittering silver gown with a high slit and glass heels, descended the staircase. Gasps followed her. She wore a crystal butterfly mask—but her real disguise was her composure.
She came to forget.
But as her eyes locked with Zion's from across the hall, her breath stopped.
Something about him… the way he stood… reminded her of a ghost.
---
Callan Reyes – 23, son of a trillionaire hotel tycoon, heir to a media empire. Tall, lean, sharp-faced with hazel eyes, and arrogant to the bone. He arrived with Adriana Kells on one arm and Kendra Vale on the other—a two-faced beauty and rival of Naomi's.
Callan had just bought controlling shares in Silvershade's parent trust.
He owned the school now.
And he had a mission: break every stronghold Ochieng built… and win Naomi.
---
The clock struck twelve. Fireworks bloomed over the moonlit garden. Music slowed into a haunting waltz. Couples paired up under rose chandeliers.
Naomi found herself alone. Until a voice behind her said:
"Dance with me."
She turned. "Zion" stood there, hand outstretched.
She hesitated… then placed her fingers in his.
The waltz began.
As they danced, the world faded. He whispered close to her ear:
"I never stopped loving you."
Her eyes widened. "Ochieng…?"
A tear rolled down.
But before she could respond—
A gunshot exploded.
Screams.
Zion shielded Naomi and ducked behind the marble pillar.
Sniper on the rooftop.
A note floated down from above:
> "Stop digging. Or next time, the bullet finds her heart."
---
Juliette watched the Gala through hacked CCTV feeds. Her red lips curved.
She turned to the man seated beside her—Leonis.
"We give him love… then take it away," she said. "Let Ochieng suffer the torment of what he can't protect."
Leonis sipped his wine. "And while he dances, we'll steal his empire."
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