The night was alive with music, laughter, and the soft clink of glasses as guests mingled in the grand hall of the Marino estate. The ball was in full swing, a perfect mix of modern elegance and old-world charm. The chandeliers above cast a warm glow over the room, their light dancing off the polished marble floors. Guests were dressed in their finest, the men in sharp tuxedos and the women in glamorous gowns, their conversations a low murmur beneath the melody of the orchestra.
Isabella stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, her reflection staring back at her with an air of uncertainty. She was wearing a maroon dress that clung to her every curve, the rich color accentuating her olive skin. The dress was simple yet striking, with a deep V-neckline that hinted at eleganc
