Unedited.

CHAPTER FORTY

HALA'S P.O.V

I skimmed through the racks of dresses as Danielle went to try on her own dress.

"What do you think?" She asked as she stepped out the dressing room. She wore a bright red gown that flowed down to her knees, but had a frilly design on the top of it that wasn't too appealing.

I scrunched my face up in disgust, "too bright." Danielle nodded before walking back into the room. I sighed as I went through another rack once again. I spent most likely an hour going through the clothes racks and I still haven't found anything to my liking.

I groaned. "I hate dress shopping."

"I know, it's a pain in the ass," Danielle stepped out of the dressing room. "How about this one?"

The dress she wore was strapless which was a beautiful shade of purple, that flowed down to the ground. The top of the dress had a sparkling design on the front of it that trailed down to the bottom.

"It's beautiful." I breathe out. Danielle smiled and twirled.

"Looks like I've finally found my gown. Did you find yours?"

I frowned. "No, there's nothing in here that I like." Danielle raised her eyebrow before quickly going back into the dressing room and changing back into her regular clothes. She then tossed me her dress and disappeared into the back of the store.

After a few minutes she came out with a navy blue dress that had sparkles on the front of it, I couldn't see much of it since she was holding it. I swear I looked in every rack in the store and I didn't come across that dress. She threw the dress at me, a smile playing at her lips.

"Try that on." She took her dress out my hands before shoving me into the dressing room. My god she was impatient.

I changed out of my clothes and slipped on the big gown. Holy mother of fudge. The one-shouldered, navy colored dress flowed down to the ground and had a slit for my leg just like Danielle's dress. There was a sparkly silver design that trailed from the shoulder down to the skirt of the dress.

"Danielle, oh my god."

"What is it?!" She asked in a panicked voice. I stepped out of the dressing room with a shocked face.

"Are you Jesus, because this dress is amazing." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Well look at that, you now have a dress for the ball." I pulled her into a tight hug, a wide grin spreading on my lips.

"Thank you."

She chuckled. "You're welcome," she pulled away and lightly pushed me to the dressing room. "Now go and change so we can pay for these." I quickly changed out of the dress and back into my regular outfit before following Danielle to the cashier to pay.

*******

It was 8:20 PM, and I had just finished putting the final touches of my makeup. I slipped on my gown along with the heels, and looked once more in the mirror. My hair was slightly curled and I had light shade of pink lipstick on.

I pressed out my dress and took a deep breathe. Are you ready for this? It's just a ball, what could go wrong. I lifted my dress up slightly so I was able to walk, and stepped out of my room and into the living room area. Chris was by the door, looking in the mirror and fixing his tie. Danielle stepped out of her room as well and a huge grin appeared on her face as she looked at me.

"What did I tell you?! It's perfect! You look stunning Hala."

I laughed. "Now what did I tell you! You look stunning in that dress."

"You both look amazing." Chris complimented as he turned to face us. "Shall we go?"

I nodded my head and the three of us all headed out to the Devine's Masquerade.

SEAN'S P.O.V

I readjusted my suit and tie before slipping on my masquerade mask.

"Well don't you look handsome." I turned around to find Katrina all dressed up in her gown and mask, a smirk was playing on her red lips as she stepped towards me.

I let out an awkward laugh. "You look beautiful." She pressed her lips against mine.

"Thank you." She whispered as she pulled away. Just then her phone began to ring violently, she rolled her eyes and held up a finger before leaving the room. Now that's when my curiosity got the best of me.

I moved closer towards the room she was in and pressed my back up against the wall where she couldn't see me. I leaned in closer against the wall and was able to hear everything she was saying.

"What do you want?!" She asked in a hushed whisper.

"Well we can't have the meeting now, my masquerade starts in literally 10 freakin' minutes." She continued, it was silent for a while but then she began to talk again.

"Alright, fine. Tomorrow noon at the warehouse." She said before hanging up the phone. I rushed back to the mirror and pretended to fix my hair. Katrina came back into the room with a frown on her face.

"What's wrong babe?" I asked.

"My aunt is in the hospital and I have to visit her tomorrow at noon." She explained, tears brimming in her eyes. I had to hold back my urges to roll my eyes at her fake tears.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." I told her as I pull her into a hug. She pulled away and blew out a breath before fanning her face.

"I cannot cry right now, my makeup will get ruined." I chuckled slightly before placing the mask back on her face.

The doorbell rang, signalling us that the first guest was here. Katrina turned on her heel and rushed to the door.

"I need to use the washroom, I'll be back in a minute." I called out before rushing up the grand staircase and into the bathroom. I locked the door and pulled my phone out, clicking Hala's name.

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT: Katrina is meeting up with someone tomorrow noon at a warehouse. I think it's time to get into action once and for all.

I sent the message before casually walking back down to where all the guest were. Lots of people were already here, champagne held in there hands and some were dancing in the corner to soft music. I smiled at how nice everyone looked with their dresses, their suits and their masks.

I stepped over to the champagne and snack table. I grabbed a glass and turned towards the door, and my eyes almost popped out of my head at the sight.

Hala was at the entrance dressed in a long navy gown, she slipped on her mask and linked arms with Chris. She looked beautiful. Danielle came behind them with some guy attached to her as well and followed Hala and Chris in.

I couldn't take my eyes off of Hala. She looked beyond amazing. I came back to reality and shook my head as I put the glass back down on the table. I wonder if she'd gotten the text. I moved in towards the 'ballroom', but stopped when the music was cut off.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Katrina said, a microphone held in her hand. "I would like to present the first ballroom dance of the evening." She then came over and linked her arm with mine, pulling me into the centre of the room.

She placed her hand on my shoulder and the other interlocked with my hand. I then placed my hand on her waist and positioned myself for the dance. The music began to play and everyone in the room starting to dance with their partners.

I wasn't exactly good at this. Hell, I didn't even know how to dance. I was surprised that I hadn't broken Katrina's foot in the first 10 seconds of the dance.

This was the kind of dance where you'd include everyone with you, at a certain time everybody would transition and end up with new partners. And that would continue on until the song ended.

I twirled Katrina around as I looked around the room. I pulled her back into my arms, continuing to look around until I finally spotted Hala. She was in the same position with Chris, a smile spread on her face as she twirled around. Jealously hit me like a brick.

I was too busy being jealous that I didn't realize that everyone had switched partners and I now was with Hala. My grip tightened around her as we locked eyes.

"Hey." I whispered.

She smiled. "Hey."

"Did you get my text?"

She nodded her head slightly. "Yes, and I think I already have a plan for that." I smiled and pulled her closer, dipping her down.

"You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now."

She smirked as I pulled her back up. "Sorry O'Donnell." She twirled away from me and into someone else's arms. I rolled my eyes, the things she does to me.

HALA'S P.O.V

Towards the end of the song, everyone landed back into the arms of their original partners. I'm glad I didn't trample anyone through out the dance, knowing me I was a bit clumsy.

As the song ended, Chris dipped me down before bringing me back to my feet. I laughed at the goofy faces he was giving me through the dance, he sure knew how to keep a girl in a good mood.

I turned my head to face Sean, but caught Katrina's eye instead. She gave me a smile before turning back to Sean and placing her lips on his. Ass hat.

I turned my attention back to Chris, "so are you ready for tomorrow?" I asked, referring to the 'plan'. He nodded his head with a smile on his lips.

"Ready as I'll ever be." He leaned down towards me and his lips met mine. Even though I felt guilty for doing this because of Sean, I kind of liked it. I mean, I haven't had much affection since Katrina took him back. Is this considered cheating? I shook my head, this was not cheating. It's not like Chris had feelings for me because I'm pretty sure I don't feel that way towards him.

"Hala?" I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up at Chris.

"Yeah?"

He sighed. "I have to tell you something."

"Sure, what's up?"

"I know this might make things awkward between us, but I just can't keep hiding this forever." I furrowed my eyebrows. Where is he going with this?

"What is it?"

He placed his hand on my cheek. "I think..."

He took a deep breath before tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. "I think I'm in love with you."

Oh shit. I just jinxed it.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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