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Margot watched the endless amount of fake laughs and fake toasts by people who she worked with. The giant ballroom was filled with women who only came to gossip and upstage one another with their thousand dollar dresses and husbands who came to gloat about their yearly sales and the new boat they bought for their summer lake house. The yearly company-wide gathering was held in one of the most prestigious hotels in Boston, England and for some reason, the higher ups of the company always thought it was a great idea to host the party a week before Christmas. Each year, they liked to have a theme. Last year's theme was Christmas in Vegas. They placed card games all around and people actually gambled and placed bets all night. The year before that was a Christmas Auction. This year though…well Margot didn't particularly like it.
Margot had always been bad at remembering faces, but that was only at the start. Overtime, Margot learned to remember facial and physical features. But at the start, Margot could meet someone and a second later, forget what they look like. That’s just how her mind works. So, Margot found it slightly annoying and grateful that this year's Christmas Party theme was to have a Masquerade Ball. Annoyed because she wouldn't be able to recognize anyone and grateful that no one would recognize her. Hopefully.
Adjusting her black mask, Margot looked around not really recognizing anyone. Everyone looked the same. The only person she did notice right away, was her friend Elisa, who was easy to spot. All Margot had to do was look for honey blonde hair and an all white ball gown that touched the floor. A gold headband sat atop of her head proving that Elisa knew how to dress for any occasion.
There she stood talking to… someone. Margot couldn't recognize the person. She could tell it was a man from his short black hair matching his simple black suit and tie. Margot sipped on her wine before moving away from her place against the wall. It was time to chit chat with her fellow co-workers. And no better way of doing that than grabbing snacks from the food table.
It was only a moment before she was approached by one of her colleagues. Margot stared at him for a couple seconds and he introduced himself as Ben. Margot knew him. He was a pest, who still bothered to take her out from time to time. Margot never agreed. She could smell alcohol on his breath and wondered how much he drank tonight.
“Can we at least go out for coffee?” He whined. Margot shook her head and she attempted to step around him. “Just one date, that's all I’m asking.”
“I already said no, Ben.” Margot told him. This time she moved towards the left, but yet again Ben stopped her.
“Do you have a problem?” She asked, irritated.
“Yes and it’s you.” Ben glared at her. Margot sighed, shaking her head.
“I already said no.” Margot began to turn around, but Ben grabbed her wrist, spinning her back to him.
“Let go of-”
“Something wrong here?” They were interrupted by the sound of someone else's voice.
“Who are you?”
“The CEO. Who are you?” The man stepped closer, frowning with his hands in his pockets. Margot gasped, eyes widened and gazed at the man in front of her.
He was the CEO? Jesus! He looks straight out of a magazine!
There in the flesh he stood, his tall stance was dominating as he frowned at them.
“Oh-Mr. Koh. I-I didn't recognize you.” Ben stuttered before letting Margot’s wrist go. Ben gulped as Mr. Koh continued to glare at him before walking away. Margot watched Ben leave before turning back to the man in front of her. His eyes were dark and concern filled them as he stared back at her.
“Are you alright?” He asked her and it took Margot a couple of seconds before she realised he was speaking to her.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine.” Margot responded.
“Are you sure? I can have security escort him out.”
“Oh, you don't have to do that. Really, I’m fine.” Margot shook her head. The CEO gazed at her for a moment before nodding his head. Margot wondered if he came straight out of the Phantom of the Opera with his one sided black mask and black hair pulled to the back.
“And you are?” He asked her. Margot blinked before realising once again he was speaking to her.
“Oh! I’m Margot. I work in the sales department.”
“Sales.” He nodded before holding out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Margot.”
“You too Mr. Koh.”
“Please, call me Lucas.” He responded, shaking her hand. Margot felt her heart elevate at his touch.
“Lucas,” Margot repeated once again, licking her lips.
“Are you enjoying the party?” He asked, pulling his hand away and Margot wished she could take it back.
“Yes, it’s a lovely party.” Margot looked around at many of her co-workers whose professional manners were ripped away by the many drinks of alcohol they consumed. “What about you?”
“I am. However, I like to take time to sit back and observe.” Lucas told her. “It’s nice to not be the boss for a night.”
“Is that why you chose a masquerade ball for this year's theme? To blend in better?” Margot asked without thinking. She winced as Lucas turned to her with raised eyebrows.
“I mean-”
“No, no. You're right.” From his eyes, Margot could see that he was impressed with her judgement. “I figured people would relax a bit more. In a way, people's identities are hidden.”
“That’s true.” Margot agreed with him. “However, I struggle with remembering faces.”
“You do?” Lucas asked, turning his face towards her. His curiosity was evident in a way that made Margot think he wanted to hear more.
“Yeah, so I use physical appearances to remember who I’m speaking to. But it looks like everyone has the same appearance tonight.”
“Interesting.” Lucas nodded his head before gazing down at her. “Well hopefully, my appearance is one you remember.”
Wait…was he just flirting?
Margot quietly let out a breath, hoping it would hide her blushing cheeks. “Yes, hopefully.” She responded before looking ahead. From the corner of her eye, she could see a small smirk playing on his lips. For a moment, the pair stood in silence, Margot watched the people around her, while Lucas watched her. She wasn't uncomfortable under his gaze, but she was starting to sweat. He made her too nervous. There was a crash somewhere far away and she heard Lucas sigh next to her.
“I need to go see what that was about.” Lucas spoke. Margot noticed an annoyance in his tone. “Continue to enjoy the party.” Lucas smiled at her before walking away. Margot let out a breath as his back disappeared between the sea of people. His back was replaced with Elisa running over to join her.
“Did I just see you speaking to the CEO of the company?” Elisa asked, stopping in front of her. Margot nodded, feeling a chest tighten at the mention of the man.
“Yeah,” Margot confirmed, “And he’s even more intense than I thought.”
“Wow,” Elisa whispered in astonishment. “What’s he like?” She asked, eyebrows raised.
“He’s intimidating,” Margot concluded, “and also very confident. He has a strong presence.”
“That’s what everyone says about him." Elisa confirmed what she already knew. “What did you guys talk about?” Margot thought about their short conversation.
What exactly did they speak about?
Margot couldn’t pinpoint anything in their conversation.
“We didn't really talk about anything to be honest.”
“Well that’s no fun. Hmph.” Elisa crossed her arms before trailing her eyes around the party. “Well, I’m going to go mingle some more. Will you be alright on your own?” Margot nodded a farewell and watched Elisa walk into the crowd. Margot felt envious of her friend. Elisa was extremely social and was highly outgoing. Margot sometimes found it hard to keep up with her, but was happy that Elisa never forced her to do more than she wanted.
Leaving the snack table to others, Margot decided a drink would be more suiting. Walking across the table, Margot grabbed one of the small glasses of champagne, taking a small sip. Before someone else from the office approached her. This time, the social interaction was welcoming. Margot chatted with a woman who also worked in her sales department. The conversation flowed easily once Margot was able to recognize who she was. They chatted for a while but halfway through the conversation, Margot could feel eyes on her. Looking towards the left, behind groups of people, she could see a lone figure standing along the wall.
Margot instantly knew who it was from the intense stare across the room. Their eyes connected and Margot squeezed the glass in her hand.
Why is the CEO of the company staring at me like this?
Margot couldn't do anything but stare back. He held a drink in his hand as he watched her, the person next to him chatted away, but she could tell Lucas wasn't listening. Margot wondered what he was thinking and what was it that made him interested all of a sudden. Their trance was interrupted by Margot’s colleague regaining her attention. Margot stumbled over her apology, feeling her cheeks once again reddening. They resumed their conversation, with Margot taking one final sneak peak towards Lucas to find him gone.
After a couple more minutes, her colleague walked away, giving Margot the chance to refill her glass. Feeling that strong presence from earlier beside her, Margot froze as she reached for another glass. Taking a deep breath, she turned to find Lucas standing next to her. His eyes were focused on the party instead of on her this time which allowed Margot to breathe better. Taking her glass, Margot turned to face the party as well, nervously tapping her fingernails on her glass.
“Am I making you nervous?” He questioned. Margot quickly glanced at him before casting her eyes forward.
“No,” Margot tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
“Are you sure?”
If Margot didn't know any better, she could say he was teasing her. And the small smile that played on his lips confirmed her suspicion. The happy jingle tune that played seconds ago was replaced with an orchestrated version of Frank Sinatra’s Christmas Waltz. Margot watched as a couple of people took to the dance floor.
“If I don't make you nervous, how would you feel about a dance?” He stood in front of her, holding out his hand. Margot looked between his face and his hand. The genuine smile that played on his lips was enough for Margot to place her cup down and take his inviting hand. Margot felt her heart jump as she followed him. It was more crowded than it was a couple moments before. Lucas took them to the middle of the dance floor, where he pulled Margot close in his arms. Margot felt a wave of dizziness flow through her, feeling so close to him. She was so close she could smell his aftershave. It mixed well with his cologne and for a scent he was wearing, Margot was more than sure it was expensive. As they danced to the music, Margot wondered if he could feel her sweaty palms or hear her uneven breathing. If he did, she was grateful he didn't say anything.
“How long have you been working here Ms. Margot?” She heard his voice in her ear.
“About three years.”
“Hmmm, I see. You must be satisfied with the company.”
“I don't really have any complaints.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I noticed you are quite close with Ms. Elisa from marketing.”
“You know who she is?”
“I’d be a fool not too. She’s been the top marketing associate for two years now. She does amazing work. I’m impressed.”
“She’d be really happy to hear that.” Margot smiled knowing how Elisa would freak out knowing Lucas knows who she is.
“I’m sure her friend standing in front of me is impressive as well. ” Margot felt as if the wind knocked into her.
Was he talking about me?
“Oh, I-” Margot stumbled over her words, not knowing how to reply. “I don’t think- I just work in sales.”
“Sales can be tough sometimes. But I was talking about you.”
“Oh,” Margot’s eyes widened as they came to a standstill in the middle of the floor.
“I don’t believe in hiding things Margot. So, I’m just going to be honest.” he paused, causing Margot’s chest to tighten in anticipation. “I would like to find out more about you. Outside of the office.” The butterflies in her stomach erupted at his confession and Margot was left speechless.
“Only if you would like to as well.” His eyes peered down at her as he waited for her reply. Margot couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Get to know one another outside of the office? How did this even happen? Could she? Would she?
The more she stayed silent, the more she noticed how nervous Lucas was asking her. As if he was scared she might reject him. It was different seeing this side of him as just a moment ago, he was his usual confident self. Deciding she shouldn't keep him waiting any longer, Margot took a deep breath.
“I-” Before she could even finish her sentence, they were interrupted by one of Lucas’ colleagues.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Koh it’s urgent.” The woman glanced at Margot with a frown before turning her eyes back to Lucas. Margot didn't appreciate how this woman touched his arm, stealing his attention away. Lucas simply gazed at the woman before turning his eyes back to Margot.
“I will find you later.” He simply said, breaking away from her. Margot felt her heart increase as he took her hand, lifting it to his lips. “Thank you for the dance.” Margot nodded, watching him walk away, feeling her breath return to her lungs. The woman who interrupted them was still there and Margot was confused by her glare. She looked Margot up and down before walking away, following Lucas’s back.
Who was that woman?
Margot walked off the dance floor and as soon as she reached the carpet, she was bombarded by Elisa.
“Okay, what’s going on? That is the second time you were with the CEO and you were dancing with him?!” Elisa looked around, making sure no one could hear them before pulling Margot closer. “And quite closely I might add.” Elisa wiggled her eyebrows. Margot let out a small chuckle before licking her lips.
“He knows who you are.” Margot giggled as Elisa’s eyes bulged out of their sockets.
“Who? The CEO?” Elisa began jumping for joy and Margot laughed at her happiness. “Oh my god, what did he say?”
“He’s impressed by your work and that we would be a fool not to notice that top person in marketing.”
“Oh my god, I think I need a drink.” Elisa began to fan herself. “The big boss knows who I am. That’s such exciting news!” Margot smiled warmly at her friend.
“And he told you that?! Wait, what else did you guys speak about?” Margot bit her lip, looking around the party in search of the man himself, but he was nowhere in sight.
He must still be away.
Margot turned back towards Elisa, ready to spill the beans, until someone knocked into her.
Margot gasped, feeling the champagne spill all over the front of her dress. Looking up, Margot was annoyed and shocked to see the strange woman from earlier smirking at her.
“He won't want you now.” Was all she said before walking away.
“You little bitch-” Elisa began to follow after her, but Margot quickly grabbed her from retaliating after the tall blonde.
“Don’t, Elisa.” Margot shook her head. “Let’s just go to the bathroom and try to clean this up.” She could hear Elisa muttering and cursing as she pulled her towards the ladies room. Margot agreed with Elisa one hundred percent that the woman was a bitch and spilling champagne on her dress was a bitch move. All for the attention of a guy. It didn't make sense. But Margot could understand. Having the attention of Lucas must be hard to come by and seeing someone else take it away…no. No matter what, women shouldn't act like that.
“That woman was his assistant.” Elisa spoke, dabbing her dress with a wet napkin. “She’s with him all the time and has been sucking his ass for the last two years.”
“Oh. I didn't realise Lucas had such die hard fans.”
“He has an entire fan club. A lot of the women have a group chat about him.”
“Wow, that’s weird.”
“Tell me about it. However, you caught the boss's eye somehow. She’s just trying to sabotage you. Don't let her.”
Margot sighed, biting her lip. Is this what she’s going to have to endure if she were to say yes to Lucas’s offer? A group of women trying to bring her down so they have more of a chance?
“Elisa,” Margot kept her voice low in case anyone was listening outside of the bathroom. “While Lucas and I were dancing, he asked to see each other out of the office.” Elisa’s eyes widened in shock before she began squealing in excitement.
“Oh my god, are you serious?”
“It’s just getting to know each other.” Margot corrected, but she begged her with pleading eyes, “Please don't tell anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Elisa pretended to zip her lips shut. “No one will get a peep from me.” Margot smiled in relief.
“Thank you.”
“Of course!” Elisa smiled at her before turning back to her dress. “Unfortunately, I think that’s all we can do about your dress.”
“That’s alright.” Margot sighed, glancing at the time on her watch. It was almost ten. This would be a perfect time to just head home. But then how would she reply to Lucas? Well… she’d just have to catch him another day.
“I guess, I’ll just head home then.”
“What about Lucas?”
“I’m sure I’ll see him at the office on Monday.”
“Alright, well make sure you text me when you get home.” Elisa smiled at her before leaving the bathroom. Margot took her time in the bathroom before walking out. She walked along the back walls before, trying to see if she could spot Lucas anywhere, but he was nowhere in sight. As she headed towards the exit, Margot did end up seeing Lucas’ assistant. She was standing with two other women who all sent her glares. Margot frowned, ignoring the evil laughter behind her. Handing her ticket to one of the valet’s for coats, Margot waited for him to retrieve her cape from the back.
“Leaving so soon?” Margot turned to find the man that she’s been running into all night. His hands were in his pockets as he approached her.
“Yeah,” Margot nodded to the wine stains on her dress, “I had some wine spilled on me. It’s getting late anyway.”
“Here you are, Miss,” Margot thanked and smiled at the man before taking her cape.
“Did you drive?”
“Oh, no I took a taxi.”
“Let me call you an uber. I will wait with you.” And before Margot could say anything, Lucas pulled out his phone. Margot watched him, a smile forming on her lips, wondering if Lucas was always such a gentleman.
“It will be here in about ten minutes.” Lucas announced, breaking his eyes from his phone. He smiled at her, motioning over to the small lounge area beside the front doors.
“How about we sit?” He asked. Margot nodded with a smile.
“Sure,” she replied, following his footsteps. Lucas sat across from her, taking the chair as he let Margot have the booth. Now that they were both truly alone and away from the party, the only focus was each other. There was no one to interrupt them and Margot was grateful for that.
“Did you enjoy the party tonight?” He asked her, leaning back in his chair.
“I did, it was a lovely party.”
“Anything that made it special?” He questioned. Margot eyed him, trying not to smile too wide.
“Yes, there was something.” Margot admitted. “Someone I mean.”
“And if this someone wanted to meet you for coffee tomorrow, would you go out with him?” Margot’s breath hitched as he placed his cell phone on the table. Slowly pushing it towards her, his eyes never left hers. Margot bit her bottom lip before taking the phone.
“I think I would go out with that someone,” Margot blushed before quickly typing in her phone number.
“I think you made that someone very happy Ms. Margot.” He smiled at her, a faint blush on his cheeks.
Oh…you are just too handsome for your own good.
“I hope so.” Margot whispered.
“You will. He can just tell.” His intensity became too much for Margot and she coughed and looked down at her hands. “He will be excited to see her beautiful face without the mask hiding it.”
He sure knows how to make a girl swoon.
“Your uber is approaching,” he announced, standing up. Margot stood up, tying her cape around her neck. Lucas followed her outside the hotel doors and they stood near the end of the curb, waiting for the black suv to pull up.
“I’ll get notified when your trip is over, but I’ll send you a message to make sure you’rer inside safely.” Lucas told her. Margot turned to him and nodded.
“Alright,” Margot smiled as the sound of a car pulled next to her. Lucas opened the back door for her, but stopped her before she could fully get in.
“It was lovely meeting you, Ms. Margot.” Lucas said grabbing her hand and placed a small kiss on the back of it. Margot almost fainted. “Get home safely.”
“Good night, Lucas.” Margot was able to breathe out before getting in the car. Lucas shut the door behind her, stepping back as the car drove away. Margot laid her head on the window, smiling from ear to ear, thinking of what could become from tomorrow.