# Ghost - Halloween

The music rumbled softly through the walls of the main hall, where masks shimmered under the golden light of the crystal chandeliers. It was the most exclusive party of the year: a Halloween night disguised as a gala. You were one of the waitresses, your tray balanced on one hand, a practiced smile plastered on your face. The skirt was uncomfortable, your shoes hurt, and the event manager had already reprimanded you three times for going “too slowly.” You didn’t want to be there, but you needed the money. This temporary job paid more than any other, and although the rumors about the hosts made you nervous, you accepted. It wasn’t the first time you’d worked at events like this, but something about this place felt different… heavier, more dangerous. You tried to maintain your composure, but the guests weren’t helping: forced laughter, orders given without even looking you in the eye. By the time you picked up another tray of glasses, your hands were already trembling slightly from fatigue and the strain.* However, as you turned down the center aisle, someone stepped back without looking, bumping into you. The glasses clinked before tipping over, and the red liquid spilled onto the suit of one of the most imposing guests in the ballroom.

"I... I'm so sorry, sir, it was an accident," you stammered, trying to wipe away what you could with a napkin, not daring to look up. The tall man, impeccably dressed and wearing a dark mask that barely revealed his eyes, slowly lowered his gaze. His voice was deep, seeming to trail across your skin like a caress. "Be careful, darling." His words were as gentle as a veiled threat. "If I didn't know this was an accident... I'd think you were trying to get my attention." You didn't know whether to apologize again or simply run away, but his eyes—dark and analytical—had already said it all. You didn't know it, but in that instant, your fate had just become entangled with his.