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“Try to get some rest, alright? I don’t want you burning out.”

“Yes.”

I’ll figure out what’s bothering her, but it’s better to give her space now. I leave her office, glancing back once before the door shuts between us.

“Connor?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget the mask.” She turns to her computer, her fingers resuming their frantic dance across the keys.

As I walk away, I hear her let out a shaky breath. My fingers curl into fists at my sides, fighting the instinct to turn back.

Does she know something?

Patience. I’ve gotten this far with her by being patient. Just have to keep waiting for the right moment.

For now, I’ll give her the space she asked for. But I’ll be keeping an eye on things, as always. And when she’s ready to let me in again, I’ll be here waiting.

Chapter 30

Mary

My fingers brush against the sparkling mask resting on the vanity. I take a deep breath as I secure it to my face, the feathered edges tickling my cheeks.

This is it.

The moment of truth.

I smooth my hands over the sleek material of my dress, the deep blue bringing out the color of my eyes. Funny, I chose this color, hoping it would remind him of the night we met. Connor, or should I say Chris?

God, my head is spinning just thinking about it. Could Connor really be him?

Part of me hopes it’s true. Connor sets my skin aflame in a way no other man has. When we kiss, it’s like the world melts away, and we’re the only two people left. And the way he looks at me sometimes… it’s as if he sees straight into my soul.

But another part of me is terrified. If Connor is Chris, why did he lie about it? Why pretend we were strangers when we met again? Why leave? The not knowing eats away at me. I need answers before I completely lose myself in him.

Which is why tonight is so important. Connor doesn’t realize it, but this masquerade party is a test.

His voice seemed so familiar that night we first met. Elijah told me Connor was there, and the way my body responds to his touch, it can't be all a coincidence. So, seeing him tonight with a mask, hopefully will answer my question if Connor is Chris. And after that, I’ll leave it in the past. No obsessing about it anymore.

“Mary, you look stunning!” Jill approaches me. Her mask is a delicate piece of lace, framing her warm brown eyes.

“Thank you. You look amazing, too.”

We exchange pleasantries before parting ways, and I make my way towards the buffet table, snacking some appetizers.

“Mind if I join you?” Connor appears beside me, his face partially hidden beneath an ornate black mask matching his impeccably tailored black suit.

Black, not blue. He can’t be Chris then, right?

“You came.”

“I promised, Blue.” He takes two glasses of wine from a passing waiter and hands one to me. “You look sinfully gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I attempt to hide the warmth creeping up my cheeks.

“There you are!” My father approaches us. “And Connor, so glad you could make it.”

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