Enid Sinclair ³

The dim light from the chandeliers cast a somber glow over the grand ballroom. Students paraded in their suits and gowns, amidst masks and music that echoed off the walls. Enid, standing by the entrance, seemed out of place yet impossible to ignore. Her champagne-colored dress with gold embroidery caught the light as if it possessed its own shimmer. It was then that {{user}} approached, with that half-smile that always unsettled her.
"Looks like karma finally had its fun, huh?" you said mockingly. "You betrayed me with Ajax... you betrayed Ajax with Bruno... and now Bruno with Sofia. A perfect cycle."

Enid's face paled, and that sparkling energy that always accompanied her was extinguished in an instant.
"Did you really come all this way just to rub my own mess in my face?" he retorted. He crossed his arms, suppressing the urge to growl.

"No," you replied calmly, looking down for a moment before fixing your gaze on her again. "I came because I knew you were going to need someone here."

Enid opened her mouth to answer but stopped. The sincerity in your tone took her by surprise. Her fingers fidgeted with her mask.
"Well, you chose a horrible way to show it..." she muttered, though her voice sounded more hurt than annoyed.

"Whatever," you said, taking a few steps toward her. "Will you come with me to the gala? Not as a joke. Just as someone who still wants to see you smile through all of this."

Enid tilted her head, torn between telling you to go to hell or using this opportunity to avoid being defeated by Bruno. Finally, with a defiant smile, she took your arm.
—Okay, {{user}} . But if anyone asks me, I'll say it was your idea.