Chapter 001

The cold summer night air caressed my cheeks as though greeting me a grand welcome as I descended the stairs of the plane with my hand securely clutching at the handle of my small suitcase. Bright, glittering lights sparkled right in front of my eyes, reminding me of the night I left the country. It was summer that time too and though five years had passed, I still recalled the events as though it happened just yesterday.

Forcing my thoughts back to the present, I held the knitted cardigan securely into place before my high-heeled stiletto moved across the lobby, right in the middle of skittering passengers.

"Miss Arabella Angelstone?" A man called my name, pulling me into an abrupt stop. Adjusting the rim of my fashionable eyeglasses, I looked at him inquiringly. Racing my voice just enough for him to hear, I warily replied, "Yes?"

"I'm from the car rental company." He said, slightly bowing his head in a polite greeting before showing me his company ID. "Your car is waiting in the parking area. I'll lead the way. Please follow me."

I fell into steps beside him.

Upon reaching the car, he handed me the key, then he was gone.

Placing my small suitcase on the car's trunk, I climbed into the driver's seat. The sharp roar of the engine shattered the stillness of the night as I maneuvered the car to the highway. 

Moments later, the car smoothly glided under the picturesque star-studded sky. 

The city had changed so drastically over the years. I thought to myself, throwing the side of the road a brief glance, finding cramped buildings in a neat line up instead of a long array of healthy trees. Tall and wide digital billboards flickered, their vibrant colors adding life to the night. One particular billboard took my attention by surprise. Automatically, I have to pull the car to the side of the road to calm myself down.

It only took one look at his picture on the towering billboard, and my heart hammered violently inside my rib cage. For a moment, I found myself watching him until the overwhelming emotions were too much to bear and I thought I would burst into tears.

Five years had changed everything and yet the man who makes my pulse jitter and my knees buckle remained the same. 

Lucas Nicholas Alexander aged well. The years had been so good to him. He's a man now, not the boy who had my first kiss when I was eighteen. As I continue to look at him, I think of what he has which others didn't have, that I can't seem to replace him in my heart. The answers were right in front of my eyes now. No one had ever made me feel alive the way Lucas Nicholas Alexander did. Though countless men had expressed their love and devotion over the years, my heart never opened to anyone. It remained faithful to one man who never knew Arabella Angelstone existed.

Wiping the tears at the edge of my eyes, I pulled myself together and drove away. Summoning all the strength I could muster, I looked away and maneuvered the car on the road. But instead of making a beeline straight for the Hotel I'm staying at, I turned left when I reached the intersection and found my car traversing the way to where the biggest church in the city was located.

Here is when it all began, I thought to myself as I pulled the car into a stop and lifted my gaze upon the colossal white church.

I could still remember the echoes of wedding bells and the glorious sound of the orchestra. I could still imagine in clear, vivid detail as the large mahogany door flinging open, light bursting inside the church, and an ethereal beauty stepping inside with slow, graceful movements of a Queen. 

I could still recall how the bride looked. She was a tall, slender woman with exquisite red copper hair and soft amber eyes that looked as if they were glowing against the light. She was so beautiful and she is my twin.

At that moment, I realized what betrayal feels like. Betrayal that wounded not only my heart but also carved a deep scar on my soul as well. 

Lucas Nicholas Alexander promised to marry me. But he broke that promise by marrying my twin instead of me.

My stupid self remained seated on the pew, watching the holy matrimony unfold in front of the altar. Only the scarf covering my hair and half of my face conceals the indescribable pain shown in my expression. 

Then the priest spoke. "Now that you both have committed yourselves to one another and to your Holy Union through the sacred vows that you have taken and by the giving and receiving of these rings, I now pronounce your husband and wife." 

"Those whom God has joined may, he generously blesses forever." 

"You may now kiss the bride. "

The groom claimed the bride's lips and my world came crashing on my feet.

The memories were cut short by the sound of a wretched sob tearing from my lips. I let the tears flow freely to ease the grief I kept hidden within me for five years. The years didn't dull the pain. Instead, it intensified. I poured the pain out, knowing after this I will never allow myself to be weak and cry again.

I cried and cried until the tears wouldn't come out of my eyes anymore. Somehow, after pouring my heart out, my chest felt much lighter and better. 

Exhaustion draped over my shoulders, making me hold on tight on the steering wheel for support. My back leaned on the leather backseat as I let my eyes flutter close to let it rest for a while.

I hadn't been in that position for long when a knock sounded on the window. Startled out of my wits, my eyes fluttered open. A glimmer of light reflecting into something smooth caught my eyes.

A horrified gasp escaped from my lips as the man pressed something hard and metallic to my neck.

"Do just what I say. Open the door and get out of the car. Now." He had spoken the words calmly, but I knew better. He wouldn't think twice about using the weapon against me.

Terrified for my life and gasping for air, I did what he said. Obediently unlocking the door, I emerged from the driver's seat.

The silvery moonlight illuminated his face, revealing the familiar face of a man. If it weren't for his eyes—the shade of warm honey—I wouldn't recognize him.

"Did you miss me?" He whispered sweetly, sending chills down my spine.