This is probably one of my longest chapters yet. There's quite a few things going on, but I hope you all enjoy it, and comments are appreciated. ^^

Chapter 25

"Awww miss, you look absolutely breathtaking!"

Alex was in her room, along with the dress designer, a makeup artist, and hair stylist. It was Saturday night, the night of the charity ball. The ladies had just finished their work, and one of them said,

"Miss, you really should take a look at yourself."

Alex smiled awkwardly and getting up, she walked towards the full-length mirror. She gazed at her reflection and was amazed to see herself. Her hair was done up in slightly wavy curls and there was just a touch of makeup. However, what was most amazing was the dress she was wearing. It was a beautiful golden dress made of silk with the back going down while the front was raised just below her knees. In short, it was a ball gown made for a princess. Alex commented,

"I don't look like myself."

The dress designer giggled and replied, "But that's the point of a masquerade ball, miss. You can be anything or anyone you want to be. Oh, and you mustn't forget this."

She handed Alex a mask, and Alex put it on over her eyes. Alex replied,

"At least, no one should be able to recognize me. I hope."

The hair stylist replied, "You'll surely be getting a lot of attention tonight."

Alex laughed awkwardly and replied, "I really hope not. I'd rather remain lowkey."

Just then, there was a knock at the front door. Alex hurried to get it, knowing that it was most likely Mokuba coming to pick her up. Earlier in the week, Mokuba had called to say that he would be her date, as Kaiba would be busy with preparing for the event. As the case was, Alex hardly got to see or talk to Kaiba during the week, but she figured that he was probably really busy and she didn't want to add to his burden.

Alex opened the front door and as she guessed, Mokuba was outside wearing a tux and a mask as well although his was black while Alex's was gold. Mokuba grinned and said,

"Is that you, Alex?"

The ladies who had helped Alex get ready approached the two of them, and one of them said,

"We were just telling the miss how wonderful she looks."

Mokuba replied, "She sure does. I'm really lucky to be your date."

Alex laughed and replied, "Thanks, Mokuba. You look great, too."

She turned to the ladies and said, "Thank you so much for all your help. It's like I had three fairy godmothers to help me."

They smiled and another one of them replied, "You're very welcome, miss. You enjoy tonight."

The group then left Alex's apartment, leaving Alex and Mokuba by themselves. Alex grabbed a golden clutch purse and then said,

"We should probably get going."

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Right. We don't want to be late."

The two of them left the apartment and then Alex followed Mokuba outside to where Roland and a limo were waiting. They got inside and then Roland drove off towards where the charity ball would be held. Along the way, Alex asked,

"Mokuba, I know it's a bit late to ask this, but there won't be any reporters or photographers, right?"

Mokuba replied, "No photographers. Seto specifically requested that there not be any, and security will be extremely tight tonight, so there won't be any of that. As for reporters, well, there might be a few, but they've been instructed not to harass the guests. They'll only want to talk to Seto, anyway."

Alex replied, "That's good." She then sighed to herself, which didn't escape Mokuba's observation. Mokuba looked concerned and asked,

"You still would rather not go?"

Alex looked at Mokuba and replied, "Yeah. This feels weird, and I just have this feeling that something's going to happen tonight and I'm not going to like it."

Mokuba wondered what that feeling was, but he replied, "It'll be ok, Alex. I'm going to be with you the entire time, and I'll make sure no one bothers you."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thanks."

To change the subject slightly, Mokuba commented, "I'm glad you decided not to go with the Cinderella bit."

Alex laughed and replied, "Me, too. Besides, Cinderella wanted to go to the ball, while I'm still having reservations. But really, I thought this would be more appropriate. I like Belle. She's smart and brave, and I'd like to believe I'm like that somewhat."

Mokuba grinned and replied, "You are. Man, I really am lucky to accompany you."

Alex replied, "I feel lucky, too, to have such a handsome, young man be my date."

The two of them laughed and continued to chat. Alex felt some of her nervousness fading, and soon, they arrived at what appeared to be a luxurious hotel. Mokuba commented,

"Looks like we're here."

Alex nodded, and she took a deep breath to calm herself. Mokuba got out of the limo and then helped Alex to get out as well. Alex held onto Mokuba's arm as the two of them entered the building and then towards the hotel ballroom. Once they entered, Alex took a few moments to look around and marveled at how beautifully the room was decorated. She observed the guests that were already present, and it was amazing but overwhelming to see many people dressed up and wearing masks.

As she looked around, though, Alex began to notice that many eyes were on her. Feeling her nervousness return, Alex looked at Mokuba and whispered,

"Is there something wrong with me?"

Mokuba noticed the stares as well although he knew what they meant. He smiled and shaking his head, he replied,

"You're absolutely perfect and everyone's noticing that."

Meanwhile, Kaiba was backstage, getting ready to give his speech for the event. Next to him, there was a beautiful woman with white hair and blue eyes, wearing a light blue ballgown. She was pouting, though, as Kaiba wasn't paying any attention to her. As Kaiba was rehearsing his speech, he noticed that the ballroom had gotten quiet. Wondering if there was anything wrong, he decided to peek into the ballroom, and that's when he noticed the cause of the silence.

At the top of the stairs, there was a beautiful woman wearing a golden dress. Kaiba immediately recognized her and smiling, he quietly muttered,

"Breathtaking."

Kaiba's date decided to take a peek as well, and that's when she noticed Alex. She frowned and thought,

I'm supposed to be the star tonight, but that little bitch is hogging all the attention. I'll show her.

She turned to Kaiba and sweetly asked, "You don't need me for a while, do you? I want to enjoy the party and I'm getting bored here."

Kaiba turned to her and frowning, he replied, "Do what you like – whatever your name is."

The woman replied, "Kiara, and thank you, Seto. I'll be back in a bit."

She then left the backstage, preparing to confront Alex.

In the ballroom, the chatter returned, as Mokuba waved at the guests. He and Alex then walked, and Alex said,

"That felt weird. Maybe I should have gone with something different."

Mokuba shook his head and replied, "No way. I saw all the looks everyone was giving you. Even Seto would be envious."

Alex laughed and replied, "Awww come on. He wouldn't be envious of his own brother."

Mokuba replied, "You'd be surprised."

He almost spilled the beans about how Kaiba wanted Alex to be his date tonight but couldn't. Just then, he and Alex noticed a young woman who appeared to look like Cinderella approaching them. Mokuba couldn't help frowning, as he immediately knew who she was. However, he was determined to protect Alex and not let anyone ruin tonight for her.

Meanwhile, Alex saw the woman and for a moment, she was surprised. She recognized her although rather as someone from Priest Seto's long-forgotten past rather than her current reincarnation. Alex was confused, as she knew that this woman shouldn't exist in this current time. She kept this piece of info in the back of her mind, deciding to keep her composure.

Kiara approached Alex and Mokuba and smiling sweetly, she commented,

"I was wondering when you'd arrive, Mr. Mokuba. You should go help Seto."

Mokuba frowned and replied, "He can take care of things himself, and I'd only be getting in the way."

Kiara frowned slightly, seeing how her attempt at making Mokuba leave failed. She decided to change tactics and turning to Alex, she sweetly said,

"You must be Mr. Mokuba's date. It's quite sweet of you. I'm Kiara, Seto's date."

Mokuba saw the disaster that was happening and thought,

Oh no. I was afraid of this.

Although it hurt Alex to hear that Kaiba had a date, let alone an extremely beautiful one, she did her best to remain calm and replied,

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Alex. I'm an intern at Kaiba Corp, so I have to be here."

Kiara replied, "Oh, I see. That explains it. You're wearing such a lovely dress tonight. No wonder all the guys here were undressing you with their eyes."

Alex's cheeks burned upon hearing Kiara's comment although it was mostly from anger. However, Alex decided to turn the tables around and replied,

"Why, thank you. Honestly, it wasn't my intention to have all eyes on me. I'm just a lowly intern, after all. You should be taking center stage."

Kiara smiled and replied, "Yes, I agree."

Kiara decided to try taking the next step in her plan. With the glass of red wine in her hand, Kiara decided to stage an accident where she'd spill the wine on Alex's dress. However, Alex saw that glint of deviousness in Kiara's eyes and decided to take steps of her own. As Kiara tipped the wine glass, intending to spill it on Alex's dress, Alex swiftly moved to the side such that the wine ended up all over Kiara's dress.

Kiara looked angrily at Alex and exclaimed, "Look what you did."

Alex calmly replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about, but if you were attempting to ruin my dress tonight, mission failed."

Mokuba added, "And I'm witness to the whole thing, so you can't say otherwise."

Kiara screamed in frustration, which brought about stares towards the group. Even backstage, Kaiba overheard the commotion and groaning to himself, he left to see what was going on.

Meanwhile, Alex couldn't help getting annoyed and thought,

Yup, it was a bad idea to come here. As if I needed a night to deal with a diva.

Kaiba arrived at the scene of the incident and Kiara turned to him and said,

"Seto! Look what she did to my dress. It's ruined."

Alex rolled her eyes and muttered, "For heaven's sake."

Kaiba calmly replied, "What happened?"

Mokuba replied, "She," pointing at Kiara, "was attempting to ruin Alex's dress because she didn't like that Alex is the center of attention."

Alex turned to Mokuba with an incredulous look, as though she wanted to ask him,

Really? You had to word it like that?

Kiara pouted and replied, "That isn't what happened at all."

Kaiba replied, "Oh? So you're saying that Mokuba is lying?"

Kiara replied, "Of course not. I just meant-"

Alex interrupted, "You really should get yourself cleaned up. That looks like quite a nasty spill."

She turned to Kaiba and added, "You should help her, since you're her date and all."

Alex gave Kaiba a pointed look, and Kaiba couldn't help noticing a brief flicker of hurt in Alex's eyes although it quickly disappeared. Kaiba didn't know what to say, but fortunately, Mokuba added,

"Yeah, she should get cleaned up. Maybe get a new dress. I'll stay with Alex."

Kaiba nodded and grabbing Kiara's arm, he led her out of the ballroom. The other guests resumed their conversations, and Alex took a moment to calm down. Mokuba looked at her with worry and asked,

"You ok, Alex?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's not like that was my first time dealing with such a bitch. But it's not like I wanted any attention tonight."

Mokuba replied, "I understand. Don't worry about it. It'll die down and knowing Seto, he's currently doing some damage control."

Alex nodded and after a moment of thought, she said,

"Mokuba, I'm going to step outside for some air."

Mokuba replied, "I'll go with you."

Alex shook her head and replied, "Nah, I'll be ok. I just want to be alone for a few minutes."

Mokuba nodded although he couldn't help but worry about Alex. Alex gave him a reassuring smile, though, and Mokuba decided that Alex needed a little alone time. She then left the ballroom, heading towards the hotel lobby and then to the entrance. Once there, she looked at the doorman and said,

"Sir, would you mind calling a taxi for me? I'm not feeling very well. I should go home."

The doorman nodded and replied, "Yes, of course."

He then waved over towards a nearby taxi and the driver pulled up. Then he opened the taxi cab door for Alex and said, "Take care of yourself, miss, and feel better soon."

Alex smiled gratefully and replied, "Thank you, sir."

She then got into the taxi but was unaware that the clasp around the necklace that she always wore had come unfastened, and it dropped to the ground. As the driver drove off, heading towards Alex's apartment, the doorman called out to her about her necklace, but it was already too late.

Ten minutes passed, but Alex hadn't returned. Mokuba was starting to get a little worried and was about to go look for her when Kaiba returned to the ballroom. He looked around for Alex but couldn't see her anywhere. However, he noticed Mokuba and immediately approaching him, he said,

"Mokuba, where's Alex?"

Mokuba replied, "She said she wanted some air and to be alone. Considering what happened, I thought it was best to give her some space, but it's been too long. I was about to look for her."

Kaiba frowned and replied, "She's run off."

He handed some note cards to Mokuba and added, "Change of plans. You're giving my speech tonight."

Mokuba replied, "But-"

Kaiba interrupted, "I'm going after her."

He then ran off before Mokuba could say anything more. Although Mokuba was secretly glad that Kaiba was going after Alex, he wondered how he was going to handle giving an important speech.

Alex sighed to herself but did her best not to cry. Emotions were running through her, and she only thought that she was right. She shouldn't have come tonight. She muttered to herself,

"What was I thinking? Pretending to be something that I'm not? Letting that bitch get to me? Heh, and worst of all, I thought I could see something good in him. Stupid, stupid, stupid…"

Alex took off her mask and closing her eyes, the tears finally began to flow. The driver noticed and commented,

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, miss, but whoever this guy is, he isn't worth your tears."

Alex opened her eyes, aware that she was crying. She smiled a bit at the driver and replied, "That's very kind of you to say, sir. I'm sorry that I'm a mess. Tonight didn't go as I had wished."

The driver nodded and replied, "I can see that. And miss? I don't know you, but I certainly don't think you're stupid. If anything, you seem to have a very kind heart."

Alex replied, "Again, you're very kind, sir. I didn't mean to voice out my feelings."

The driver was about to reply when suddenly, there was a bright flash of white light just behind them. Alex couldn't help shielding her eyes, and when she opened them, she saw herself no longer in the taxi. Instead, she was in a white space and across from her, there was the brown-haired lady from back in the Greek exhibit. Alex was confused as to what was going on, and she couldn't help but say,

"What's going on?"

The lady smiled kindly at Alex and replied, "Alex, I don't have much time, but I had to reach out to you. I know you're hurting, but don't give up on him."

Alex sighed and replied, "You're talking about Kaiba, I assume. That's easier said than done."

The lady replied, "I know. His past self certainly wasn't easy to deal with, either."

Alex looked surprised and replied, "Wait a minute. You knew his past self?"

The lady nodded and replied, "I did as well as the pharaoh. It's a long story, but I don't have time to go into it. I just wanted to tell you to trust your heart. I know what you've been told to do, but there is another way. It's riskier, but you might just end up finding happiness at the end. Don't give up on him, ok?"

Alex replied, "I don't know."

The lady smiled sadly and replied, "I know it's hard, but please trust me. I care about you, and if you want us to talk more, then figure out how to unlock your bracelet. There's a secret behind it."

Alex replied, "What do you mean? Wait!"

The lady began to disappear, and Alex saw another brief flash of white light, forcing her to shield her eyes again. When she opened them again, she found herself back in the taxi although she noticed that they weren't moving. She wondered what was going on when the driver said,

"Mr. Kaiba has requested that I stop."

Alex groaned and thought,

Oh please, no. I really don't want to deal with him anymore tonight.

Instinctively, she reached out to where her necklace would normally be when she then realized that it was gone. Alex felt an overwhelming sadness and didn't know what to do.

Meanwhile, Kaiba got out of his car and approached the taxi. He looked inside and saw Alex sitting quietly, looking upset. He sighed to himself and opening the cab door, he commented,

"I figured you'd run off."

Alex replied, "So what? I'm not feeling well, and it's not like I needed to stay. Besides, don't you have a date to attend to?"

Kaiba replied, "That's being taken care of. Come with me."

However, Alex remained in her seat, stubbornly refusing to leave the taxi. Kaiba frowned slightly and added,

"You dropped something important as you were running away. If you want it back, come with me now."

Alex looked towards Kaiba and saw that he was holding her necklace. It looked like she didn't have a choice, so turning to the driver, she said,

"I'm sorry for the trouble, sir. How much is the fare?"

Kaiba replied, "I'll take care of that. Just wait for me in the car."

He pointed to where his ferrari was parked, and Alex nodded, saying goodbye to the taxi driver and walking towards Kaiba's car. As Kaiba went ahead to take care of the fare, the driver said,

"She's a sweet girl, so don't go hurting her, ok?"

Kaiba replied, "I know. I'll make it up to her."

He handed the money to the driver, which was three times as much as the usual fare. Although the driver protested, Kaiba insisted that he take it, so the driver took the money and then drove off.

Kaiba then walked back towards his car and sat in the driver's seat. Alex was sitting in the passenger seat although she refused to talk or even look at him. As Kaiba drove off, Alex muttered,

"I hope you're not taking me back to that party. Not really in the mood for it."

Kaiba replied, "No, we're not going back there."

Alex replied, "But aren't you supposed to be giving a speech or something? Don't tell me that you already gave it and then rushed to find me."

Kaiba replied, "Of course not. Mokuba's giving my speech."

Alex was surprised and not able to help herself, she looked at Kaiba and replied, "Seriously?"

Kaiba glanced at her and replied, "I am. Mokuba can handle it, and he understands the circumstances."

Alex turned to look out the window and replied, "You should be lucky you have such a good brother."

Kaiba nodded although he didn't say anything in reply. He continued to drive in silence, taking his time to gather his thoughts. He knew he had messed things up tonight, and that left Alex feeling hurt, making her run away.

As Alex looked out the window, she noticed that they were heading out of the city, which made her wonder where Kaiba was taking her. However, she remained silent, just hoping that Kaiba would return her necklace soon. She really wanted to go back to her apartment to rest, but it looked like Kaiba had other plans.

After a little more time passed, Kaiba stopped the car, and Alex looked out to see that they were on a hill which had a view of the city. Although it was a beautiful view with the lights twinkling and the sky clear tonight with the moon and stars shining, Alex only felt sadness. Kaiba took a deep breath and then said,

"I know I have a lot to explain, and I owe you an apology."

Alex did her best to feign calmness and replied, "What do you mean? You can do whatever you want although I really would like my necklace back."

Kaiba could see that Alex was being difficult although he couldn't really blame her. He replied, "I didn't want her as my date. I wanted you."

Alex looked at Kaiba and replied, "You have a funny way of showing that."

Kaiba sighed and replied, "Mokuba was right. I should have just explained this to you before all this happened."

Alex replied, "Mokuba is a smart kid. You really should have, so why didn't you?"

Kaiba replied, "I thought you wouldn't understand."

Alex replied, "Oh, so you think I'm stupid?"

Kaiba frowned and replied, "That's not what I meant. There are things even I can't control, and this was one of them. If I had taken it upon myself to cancel that date, that agency would have sued Kaiba Corp, and I didn't want a mess on my hands."

Alex replied, "I get it. So better to have my feelings all trampled like they don't matter. I told you that I didn't want to go, so I could have just stayed in my apartment. I really should have stayed home."

Kaiba looked into Alex's eyes and replied, "I am sorry for hurting you. That's the last thing I wanted."

Alex averted her gaze, feeling uncomfortable. She quietly replied,

"It's fine. I'm a strong person, and it's not like we were really dating or anything."

Kaiba replied, "I don't see it that way."

He took a breath and then added, "I like you a lot. I mean it, and I'm sorry that it had to take this for me to tell you."

Alex looked at Kaiba and unable to help herself, she asked, "Why? Why do you like me?"

Kaiba let out a bit of a laugh and frowning, Alex added, "Forget it. I'm not surprised you're laughing at me."

Kaiba replied, "I'm not making fun of you, but I am surprised you would be asking that. Most people would be flattered when someone says that they like them, but you go asking that."

Alex crossed her arms and replied, "It's a valid question. I don't see anything of value in me. I know you just wanted to take me away from Joey, like it was some sort of game you had to win. And I let myself almost fall for it."

Kaiba replied, "It may have started that way. I didn't like how you'd praise Wheeler and made it seem like no one was better. So I wanted to prove you wrong. But before I realized what was happening, I found myself attracted to you for you. You want to know why I like you? It's a stupid question, but I'll answer it. You're intelligent, stubborn in a sexy way, strong, not to mention beautiful. And don't deny that. You are beautiful, even if you don't think that way about yourself."

Alex felt her cheeks get hot although she didn't dare to look at Kaiba, afraid to let her feelings show. Kaiba added,

"And I can tell that you're a caring person. I see how much Mokuba likes you."

At that, Alex smiled a bit and replied, "Mokuba's a good kid. I can tell that he'll grow up well and make someone special out there happy."

Kaiba smiled in return and replied, "I agree."

He reached for his card necklace and opening it, he showed it to Alex and said, "I always keep Mokuba close to me."

Alex replied, "He looks so adorable."

Kaiba replied, "Mokuba has one of me, too. You can ask him to show it you sometime."

Alex nodded, and then Kaiba continued, "I saw what was in your necklace, but I couldn't help it. I see why you value it so much. You keep your brother close to you, too."

Alex smiled sadly and replied, "I do. I hold onto him. I love him so much."

Kaiba gently replied, "I know. I should return this to you now. Turn around."

Alex looked questioningly at Kaiba and Kaiba added, "I'm going to put it on you."

Alex nodded in understanding, and she turned around so that her back was facing Kaiba. Kaiba took out Alex's necklace and gently placed it around her neck, making sure that the clasp was secure. He then kissed her shoulder and said,

"Please forgive me, Alex. Forgive me for hurting you."

Alex turned to look at Kaiba, and it was then that fresh tears flowed down her cheeks. It was like her mind was having an internal battle with her heart. She knew the rational thing would be to put her guard back up, but her heart was telling her to forgive him and to trust him again. Alex was about to give her reply when Kaiba gazed into her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. Although Alex was hesitant at first to kiss him back, she finally decided to let herself give into her feelings and she kissed him back. She was listening to her heart, deciding to forgive Kaiba.

Their kiss lasted for a few more moments and after their lips parted, Alex said,

"I suppose I can forgive you. But don't ever do anything like this again or you'll face my wrath."

Kaiba laughed and replied, "I don't doubt that. But even when you get angry, you're incredibly sexy."

Alex blushed in embarrassment and replied, "You don't need to flatter me. I just said that I forgive you."

Kaiba smirked and replied, "I was simply telling the truth."

Feeling the atmosphere around them get lighter, Kaiba then said, "You still owe me a dance, and I paid a lot for that dress. I don't want it to go to waste."

Alex shook her head and replied, "When you put it that way, one dance couldn't hurt."

Kaiba turned on the radio, tuning it to a station that was playing a slow, romantic song. He then got out of the car and helped Alex to get out as well. Once there was enough space around them, Kaiba put his right arm around Alex's waist while holding her right hand with his left hand. Alex then placed her left hand on Kaiba's shoulder, and Kaiba took the lead, the two of them dancing while gazing deeply into each other's eyes. Their troubles seemed to disappear as they only paid attention to each other, everything else forgotten (or at least, put in the back of their minds) as they spent the night in each other's company.