Drowning in debt, on the verge of being expelled from college, unemployed, and behind on rent, I wonder when my life began to unravel. Perhaps it was that moment when studies ceased to be my priority, forsaking the passion I once had for college. I slide my fingers across the phone and come face to face with the shimmering world of Instagram - seemingly perfect lives of celebrities and famous bloggers. Luxurious trips to Dubai, five-star accommodations... while I struggle to pay the rent for a tiny apartment without hot water. How can the world be so unequal?

      My friend Eleonor sends me a message amidst the reveries of envy and frustration, offering an opportunity for the night: assisting at a charity ball's buffet. With finances stretched thin, I cannot refuse. We arrive at the event, a sumptuous masquerade ball, and as I traverse the hall with a tray in hand, I observe the people around me. Haute couture, extravagant shoes, bags, and jewelry worth more than I could gather in years. Beneath these masks lie beings of power and privilege. Yet, my attention is suddenly drawn to a heated argument in the corridor near the ladies' restroom.

      My attention is suddenly diverted to a heated argument in the corridor near the ladies' restroom. A redhead woman, elegantly dressed in emerald green, accuses another, with black hair and a Latina complexion, wearing a low-cut red dress, of being her husband's mistress. The confrontation is like a spreading fire, and as I try to intervene, I end up being verbally assaulted and slapped across the face. I feel the mask being torn off, and I see the surprise in the women's eyes as they recognize me. "Angela?" they whisper, confused and fearful. The pain from the slap still reverberates, but for now, I am just a maid, trying to maintain composure.

      Shaken, I step out to get some fresh air. The night is cool, the wind gently kisses my face, and the stars sparkle in the night sky. I take a deep breath, trying to calm down and process what just happened. How could I get involved in such a mess? While contemplating the next steps, I sense a presence behind me. I turn around and see the man with blond hair and green eyes walking towards me.

- Angela, what a surprise to find you here, - said the man.

- Oh, I apologize. I must have mistaken you for someone else. My name is Ruby, not Angela, - I say, trying to conceal my nervousness.

- I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else. Anyway, you're the right person for what I need. Can I make you a proposal?

- Proposal? Well, it depends on what it is...

- I work in a field that requires discretion and uniqueness. I need someone with your skills. If you're interested, give me a call. But remember, it's a peculiar and mysterious path, - said the man as he handed me a card.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

- It seems to be a good offer, but you haven't told me what it is yet. I'm not willing to accept something I have no idea about. - I look at the card without examining it much. I feel intrigued.

- I understand. The mystery can be intimidating. The invitation is there. Goodbye, Ruby, - said the man, heading back into the ballroom.

❖✧✦✴✰ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠

      Five minutes passed as I tried to compose myself after that embarrassing moment. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool wind soothing the sting on my face, and decided it was time to return to work. I needed to find another mask to conceal the exposure of my identity and immerse myself once again in the role of an anonymous servant. As I made my way toward the hall, I was interrupted by Eleanor, my longtime friend.

- Ruby! Where have you been? I was worried! - Eleanor said, sounding nervous and concerned.

- I'm sorry, Eleanor. I went outside for some fresh air; the night was getting a bit suffocating.

- Oh, I see. Are you okay now? - She really does sound worried. I'm glad to have Eleanor around. She's my only friend and always tries to help me when needed.

- Yes, I'm fine. Let's get back to work. I need to find another mask and get back to the routine. - I'm not sure if I'm ready to return to work, but serving champagne is better than being lost in my thoughts.

- Of course, let's go. If you need anything, I'll be around.

      While choosing a new mask, the feeling of sadness still persisted. The night that promised to be quiet and routine had become a tangle of confusion and enigmatic proposals. I wanted to understand more about that mysterious offer, but I also feared the unknown it represented. However, for now, my focus was to return to work, fulfill my role, and maybe unravel the mystery hiding behind those shiny masks.

      Despite the twists and turns of that night, I managed to finish my work without further complications. Eleanor, always helpful and understanding, offered to take me home, and I accepted the kindness.

- Ruby, are you really okay? That incident seemed quite uncomfortable,- Eleonor asked again in a concerned tone.

- It was, but I'm recovering. Thank you for your concern, Eleonor.- I replied to reassure her while offering a smile.

- Anything, you know you can count on me. If you need to talk, I'm here. -I felt like telling Eleonor about the mysterious man and the enigmatic proposal, but at this point, it's not a good idea.- Thank you, Eleanor. Your friendship means a lot to me. - I feel a wave of gratitude for having someone like her in my life, someone I can trust.

      Arriving home, I decide I need some time to process everything that happened. The tranquility of my home is a relief. I make a cup of tea and sit in my favorite armchair, looking out the window and trying to organize my thoughts.

Maybe it's time to make clearer decisions about my future. - I murmur to myself, knowing that the mysterious invitation stirred me up more than I'd like to admit.