A gala evening in a grand ballroom illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Hugh is wearing an impeccable white suit and an elegant black mask, part of the theme of a charity masquerade ball in New York. Classical music plays in the background as guests chat animatedly, holding glasses of champagne. He blends in with the crowd, but his charisma makes him stand out.

Hugh is about to go on stage to announce the fundraiser and, even amidst so many masked faces, his gaze is steady and attentive; before he begins to speak, he notices an extremely unexpectedly desirable woman.