Chapter 1

The clock struck midnight, and the air buzzed with the soft, sweet scent of roses wafting through my open window. Valentine's Day. Lovers’ Day. A day meant for chocolates, kisses, and promises whispered in candlelight. A day that should’ve felt special—romantic, even. But instead, I was alone in my apartment, sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at the quiet screen of my phone.

Daniel, my boyfriend, was miles away. He had some emergency with work—again. I told myself it was fine, that we’d make it up to each other next week. But the truth was, deep down, I was disappointed. We’d been planning this day for months. I had imagined him showing up with flowers and a cheeky smile. I had imagined dinner, laughter, dancing.

But none of that was going to happen.

I had promised Jennifer, my best friend, that I’d stay in and just take it easy. Her words echoed in my head: “No pity party, Celine. Just wine, movies, and sleep.” It sounded like a plan at first—until the loneliness started to creep in.

But Jennifer had other plans.

"Come on, Celine, you're not spending today alone!" she insisted as she barged into my apartment, her arms already full of outfit options. "There’s an engagement party at Emily’s, and it’s going to be amazing. You’re coming with me."

Her enthusiasm was like a tidal wave—loud, determined, and impossible to fight. I opened my mouth to protest, but the look on her face said she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Fine,” I sighed, dragging myself off the bed. “But I’m not staying long.”

I slipped into a sleek black dress—not too fancy, but enough to make me feel like I wasn’t completely giving up. My reflection stared back at me, nervous and unsure. I ran my fingers through my curls, applying a hint of gloss. Just enough to look like I was trying.

Jennifer looked me up and down, then grinned. "You look beautiful. I hope they won’t try to steal you away from Daniel tonight."

I laughed, a little forced. “Daniel’s not even here.”

“He should be,” she said, tossing her curls. “He’s lucky to have you.”

We took a cab to the venue—a sprawling hotel that looked like something out of a dream. Glass chandeliers sparkled above us. Elegant music drifted from the grand ballroom. People in glamorous dresses and sharp suits moved with confidence, champagne glasses in hand, like they belonged in this world.

Jennifer was already in her element, hugging old friends, catching up with distant cousins. I, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water. I hovered near the back of the room, silently sipping the champagne a server handed me. My fingers curled around the glass, and I forced a smile whenever someone looked my way.

Everywhere I looked, couples held hands. Lovers whispered into each other’s ears. I tried to block it all out, but the ache in my chest wouldn’t go away.

I should’ve stayed home.

Then, as I stared into the golden liquid in my glass, a voice pulled me back.

"Hello, beautiful," a man said.

I turned. He was older, dressed sharply in a navy blue suit. His face was lined, but there was a strength in the way he stood, the kind that comes with age and power.

“I’m Dickson,” he said, extending his hand.

I blinked, then took it. “Celine.”

He smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting just enough. “Mind if I sit?”

I hesitated, then nodded. The chair beside me scraped lightly as he settled in.

Our conversation started off light—where I was from, how I knew Emily, if I was enjoying the party. I answered politely, thankful for something to do besides wallow in my thoughts. Still, something about the way his eyes lingered on me made me feel... noticed. Maybe too noticed.

But before I could excuse myself, Jennifer returned, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the dance floor.

"You’re not escaping that easily!" she yelled over the music.

I laughed, surprised by her sudden energy. The beat took over, and I moved with the crowd, trying to let go. For a few moments, I actually forgot about Daniel, about everything. I let the music carry me.

By the time we left, my feet were sore, and my mind was spinning. I couldn’t tell if I’d had a good time or if the entire evening was just a well-dressed distraction from the ache in my chest.

The next morning, a soft buzzing sound pulled me from my sleep. I rubbed my eyes and stumbled toward the door, half-asleep. When I opened it, my breath caught.

There, on the doorstep, sat a beautifully wrapped gift—white paper tied with a silky red ribbon. A small card was tucked beneath the bow.

I picked it up, my heart already racing.

“I love you, and I want to have you all to myself, forever.”

I smiled without thinking, pressing the note to my chest. “It’s Daniel,” I whispered, the warmth blooming in my chest like a flower in spring.

I clutched the card as I reached for my phone, dialing his number immediately. But instead of ringing, it went straight to a dead tone.

I frowned. Tried again.

Nothing.

That didn’t make sense. I checked the signal. I had full bars. I tried calling again, but the call wouldn’t go through. Confused, I set the phone down and looked back at the gift.

I opened the box. Inside was a stunning red dress—silk, fitted, the kind you only saw in magazines. Beneath it were a pair of luxury heels and a necklace that sparkled under the morning light.

Then my phone lit up.

One new message.

“Meet me at the five-star hotel tonight.”

No name. No number.

My heart jumped. Could it be Daniel? Had he planned some grand surprise? A secret proposal, maybe? He always did have a flair for unexpected romance.

I stared at the message, my fingers trembling. We’d known each other since we were kids. He wasn’t wealthy, but he was the kind of man who made you feel safe. Loved.

Was this his way of making up for missing Valentine’s?

I dressed slowly, slipping into the red dress, my hands brushing over the fabric like it was made of dreams. The necklace sparkled against my skin. I touched up my makeup, adding a bit more blush than usual. I looked at myself in the mirror—and for a moment, I felt like the woman Daniel would fall in love with all over again.

Still, a small voice in my head whispered, Where did he get the money for all this?

I shook the thought away.

Daniel was full of surprises.

Just as I picked up my purse, headlights flashed outside. I peeked through the blinds. A sleek black car idled at the curb. My breath caught.

He was here.

I stepped outside, and the driver opened the door, offering a polite nod. “Miss, your ride is ready.”

Inside the car, everything was soft leather and quiet luxury. I sat in silence, my fingers clasped tightly in my lap. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.

We pulled up to the hotel. My jaw dropped. It looked like something out of a fairy tale—grand arches, glittering lights, the sound of soft music coming from inside.

I stepped out, my heels clicking on the polished floor as I walked into the lobby. Roses lined the path. The air smelled like candle wax and expensive perfume.

I followed the tr

ail with wide eyes, my heart swelling with hope.

Then, I saw him.

Daniel.

Except… it wasn’t him.