A Night To Remember...

Tonight was his last opportunity to know what dwelled in her heart. Smartly dressed in a glossy tuxedo, he appeared at the entrance of the grand ball. He put on his mask to cover his face, hiding his identity just like the invited guests. It was a masquerade, a party to celebrate tomorrow’s big event, the wedding ceremony. The sparkling floor was filled with couples dancing accompanied by the rhythm of the music. He looked around to spot the woman he was looking for. He thought that the bride-soon-to-be was not going to show up soon. He took a glass of wine and separated himself from the crowd to the balcony, overlooking the lake. The night seemed so right, starry and the moon shone brightly. He took a sip and sighed. He knew he was a fool not telling the woman who turned his life upside down; his true feelings and now, she was going to be somebody’s wife.

Meanwhile, the woman was in her room, browsing an old photo album. She could recall the faces in the album and on the last page she found her photo with the man of her dreams. She remembered how tender the relationship they used to share. But she did not have the courage to tell him how much he meant to her. She could barely smile as she was going to marry someone she did not love. She walked out of the room into the balcony and sighed as she enjoyed the simmering water of the nearby lake. She did not see a reason why her parents wanted her to marry so soon especially to a man who was a complete stranger.

The time had come, the music stopped and everyone stopped dancing. They moved away from the dance floor and lifted their heads high to the second floor corridor. There, stood the lucky bachelor. They looked at him with awe, he was prince charming. The man entered the dance floor and stood amongst the crowd at the front. He took a sip again and waited. The woman put on her mask and headed out of the room, leaving the last page of the album open. As she neared the staircase, she noticed that hundred pairs of eyes were on her. The prince helped her as they stepped down to the dance floor. He thought that she looked splendid in the white gown she was wearing. The prince then walked her to the centre of the floor. He began addressing the guests telling them what a joyous occasion that night and he was glad that everyone was present to witness.

He uttered confidently, “My fellow guests, I am pleased that we are all gathered here to witness the moment of truth. I would like all of you to take off your mask for the time being as there is a surprise.” Everyone followed his command except the man. The crowd soon moved away from the masked man, allowing him to stand out of the crowd. The woman saw this and she tried to figure who he was. The prince then said, “You can take off your mask now. You need not hide your heart and yourself anymore.” The man was rather stunned. Finally, he unveiled himself in front of the woman. There was a deafening silence in the room. The prince addressed the crowd again, “Ladies and gentlemen, here stand the couple we have been expecting for.” Both of them were dumbfounded.


The man walked slowly towards her and he said, “I don’t want to lose you ever again so I am going to tell you what I wanted to all these while. I need you because I love you…” The woman replied, “I love you too with all my heart.” The lights dimmed and the music started playing soft music. Only the centre floor was lighted, the man and the woman held each other’s hands and they began to dance. It was rather romantic as every guest lighted their candles to light the room, creating a passionate atmosphere. No words could describe the couples’ feeling as they were dancing slowly with elegance. She whispered, “I don’t want tonight to end.” The man softly replied, “Me too. Tonight we celebrate our everlasting love.” The lovebirds kept dancing through the night not wanting time to separate them from each other again.