Episode 1
Adriana
The darkness of the night was bringing different shades of love into light. The ghostly white moon, illuminated the sight. A rendezvous slipped within the closed gates of the apple orchard, by the lake, in tranquility and peace. Seen by none, heard by none. The two souls intertwined, restless as the hours passed. Every ripple in the lake made their hearts jump within their chests. Their cheeks flushed and-
Adriana
Behold your kisses!
Christopher
I can't help it. You are looking lovely tonight.
Adriana
If you don't stop, I'll push you down the boat!
They were on a boat, somewhere in the lake, far away from the shore. She had laid her head on his chest, and was dictating him their rendezvous in a honey-dripping voice. He had his arms around her waist as he leaned back. They both stared at the moon above, their eyes shining like stars.
Christopher
Tell me more..
Adriana
The moon shined down on them.
Adriana
A little mischief unfolds.
She smiles before kissing him on his lips.
Christopher
Shall we head to the shore?
They pressed their foreheads together, their fingers intertwined and after a brief moment of sharing their love for each other, they reached the shore, struggling to get out of the boat without wanting to throw the latter in luke warm water.
Mrs Leland
Your niece has been leaving the mansion quite frequently these days.
Mrs Leland
Especially at night.
Mrs Abernathy
You know I don't care.
Mrs Abernathy
She is free to act according to her will. She is to inherit the wealth, regardless of her marriage to a wealthy man. If she wishes to be a damsel, let her be.
Mrs Leland
But you see, the man she is rumored to be with is the son of Bennetts.
Mrs Leland
You sure don't want her to marry into a family like that.
Mrs Leland
A family that hid their granddaughter born out of wedlock.
Mrs Abernathy felt her grip tightening. Her face hardened a bit, but she maintained her composure.
Mrs Abernathy
A granddaughter you say, that was years ago. Nobody remembers it.
Mrs Abernathy
And then, it was just a rumor.
Mrs Abernathy
You cannot just believe it.
A knock comes at the door.
Mrs Abernathy
Please come in darling!
Adriana
You had called for me?
Mrs Abernathy
Iris, leave us alone.
Iris bows and takes her leave.
Mrs Abernathy
So, is it true?
Mrs Abernathy
You and the son of Bennett's?
Adriana playfully smiles.
Adriana
He and I are mere friends.
Adriana
I see him as someone of no good.
Adriana
Why would I love a man like him.
Mrs Abernathy
Just so you know. I will always support you.
Adriana
I know, and I assure you that I never doubt your leniency.
Mrs Abernathy
I am glad that you feel that way.
Adriana takes her leave. She had her reasons to lie. A daughter, raised by a strict mother, who had been gone for too long now, leaving her under her aunt's concern. Her trust is still healing.
She'll tell her when the time is ripe.
Adriana
The rumors are ridiculous.
Adriana
I will never love him.
She is having a conversation with her lover through a telephone; Standing close to the window, a sense of hatred mingles in her heart. Who is spreading rumors?
Adriana
Do you have any idea?
Adriana
Well, I'll call you later.
Adriana ends the call as she heard the footsteps getting coming towards her.
Maid: An invitation has arrived for you.
Feeling confused, she takes the invitation.
A blue envelope sealed with maroon wax was handed to her. Curious, she opens the envelope. Inside it was a handwritten letter stating the details of the masquerade party that was going to take place four nights from now.
Adriana
The Rutherford are holding a celebration.
Adriana
Call for Madam Fairchild.
The Rutherford family was built on generational wealth. They owned several acres of state, private properties and most importantly were close to the crown. This all had led everyone to believe they were the untouchables.
Adriana
And, ask the driver to get ready.
Kate
I believe everyone is invited.
Adriana
And you don't find this weird?
Adriana
It has barely been a week since the engagement was broken, and they are already holding a feast.
Kate
Maybe they are looking for suitable candidates.
Kate Roosevelt, Adriana's best friend. They shared a few common interests but were more compatible than that.
Kate
Well, they won't choose you for sure. Especially because of the rumors.
Adriana
I swear I have nothing to with the Bennett's.
Adriana
And no, I am not asking to be chosed.
Kate
Then why are you worried?
Adriana
I don't know. This would be the very first time I would be meeting them, behind a mask but a meeting is a meeting.
Kate
Have you decided what you are going to wear?
Adriana
I have called for Madam Fairchild.
A moment of silence was shared before Kate decided to ask her about her relationship.
Adriana
Of course, we are going to get married soon. Aunt sees no problem and we both are rich.
Kate
You are so much in love.
Kate admired their relationship, but she always felt like they were not meant for eachother. And if she were to tell the truth, Adriana might get angry with her.
Mrs Abernathy
An invitation from The Rutherford's?
Mrs Abernathy gets slightly detached from the conversation.
Mrs Abernathy
(They are recently broke off an engagement, they better not be thinking of Adriana marrying into them.)
Mrs Abernathy wasn't the only one thinking this way. A masquerade being held meant something was to take place. Every one was thinking of possibilities of them marrying into Rutherford's. It was like a hopeless desire, but the depth of it was very shallow.
Mrs Leland
Jonathan Rutherford, is a nice man from what I have heard.
Mrs Leland
But Adriana surely doesn't feel the same.
Mrs Leland
Considering the rumors.
Mrs Abernathy
Rumors are not to be trusted.
Mrs Abernathy
And I hope you stop worrying about her relationships.
Mrs Abernathy
Well then, Adriana must have returned by now.
Mrs Abernathy
I'll go see her.
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