Night of Destiny Novel by Vanessa K

Mary was Willow's all-around assistant. She could do everything, including
Willow's makeup and everything else in her life. “Sure, Miss Presgrave. I'll ensure
you'll look stunning tonight.”
“Gosh, no! Just do as you would normally. Don’t overdo it and make me look
horrifying.”
“How could I? You're born with beautiful looks that could charm all the boys, even
with the lightest makeup.” While doing Willow's makeup, Mary asked, “Miss
Presgrave, are you looking. forward to meeting your Prince Charming tonight?”
Willow denied, “No, I'm not. I'm only twenty- three this year. I'm not in a rush for
marriage.” Laughing, Mary rebuked, “When fate comes. knocking, you can’t stop
it.”
After Willow's makeup, she changed into a black evening dress, and as soon as
she put on her fox mask, an air of mystery and elegance. enveloped her.
The masquerade ball was the most anticipated. event for all young cruise ship
passengers because many were excited to meet someone new. Similarly, Willow
was one of them because who would not look forward to a mysterious ball full of
surprises?
In the meantime, Ethan and Josephine were ready for the event. Inside the large
ballroom consisting of three floors, a romantic atmosphere filled the space as
men and women with all sorts of delicate masks entered the venue. Those
mutually attracted to one another would group together, and the added mystery
of the mask evoked a sense of excitement in the guests.
When she entered the ballroom, he immediately locked his gaze on her because
he feared his woman would get hit on by other men. He refused to let others lay
their hands on her.
Since it was her first time attending such a ball, she could not hold back her
excitement. Amidst the music, attendants were shifting through the crowd on the
dance floor with red wines, offering them to customers beside them. Instantly, the
fragrance of wine wafted through the ballroom, causing tension and chemistry
within those youngsters.
Soon, Josephine’s sexy figure attracted a man’s attention. Perhaps he was so
entranced by her beauty that he missed the towering figure behind her. As such,
he mustered up his courage to approach her by halting her. “Miss, would you be
so kind as to accompany me for a dance?”
She politely waved her hand and rejected him. “I'm sorry, but I already have a
partner.”
“Miss, you're so beautiful tonight. It's perfectly normal for a beautiful woman like
yourself to have several dancing partners, right?” The man refused to give up.
Just as she was about to reject his offer again, she felt a domineering hand wrap
around her waist, followed by Ethan's voice, warning the man, “She’s mine, so
leave her alone.”
When the man saw the terrifying glint inside his eyes, he thought Ethan, albeit
young, was not someone he could offend. Therefore, he flashed them an
embarrassed smile and left. Josephine turned around to comfort her fiancé.
“Alright, relax. We're here to have fun, so this is normal!” Feeling resigned, Ethan
argued, “I shouldn't have brought you here. You're too eye- catching.”
That cracked her up. “I'm not! I'm just an ordinary woman!” He immediately held
her waist and whispered, “The woman Ethan Quarles takes a fancy to is no
ordinary one.”

Josephine enjoyed hearing that and could not help but ask, "Do you see Willow anywhere? Maybe we should look for her."

Smiling, he assured her, “Don’t worry.
She's the daughter of the Presgrave family, so she's not short of protection.

She thought that sounded
reasonable. Moreover, she had seen
how heavily guarded Willow was during their previous wedding, so she
knew Willow must have bodyguards
with her. More importantly, it was
best not to disturb her fun tonight!