Chapter One

Amelia's POV

I pulled off the promise ring from my finger and placed it on the table in front of me. It was the epitome of a promise that was never fulfilled.

I told myself I wouldn't cry, but tears ran freely down my face. I dabbed my cheeks with my handkerchief and ordered a glass of whiskey.

Earlier today, I had stepped into my engagement party, just to find Damian, my boyfriend, kneeling on one knee in front of my younger sister, sliding the ring I had picked out onto her finger while everyone clapped and cheered.

I didn't understand. It didn't make any sense.

I planned every single detail of that party—from the event center I rented to the food, the colors, everything. The only thing I didn't do was send out the invitations. Damian said he would handle that.

And now here we are. Everyone was congratulating my sister on her engagement to my boyfriend.

What the hell?!

I didn't think.

I marched straight to the stage, my heels clicking against the floor. I grabbed the microphone from the band's stand, tapped it once, and the room fell into confused silence.

I looked around, I couldn't recognize some people, but the others were my employees. My parents were standing by the wine stand, their smiles dropped as they saw me. My father's face was stoic, while my mother's was neutral.

They fucking new, and honestly, I wasn't shocked. They had always given my sister everything she asked for, even if it would hurt me. They didn't mind.

"Excuse me," I said, my voice echoing through the hall.

I faced the stage where they stood, Damian stood up, and turned to me, "Why the fuck are you proposing to my sister? Tonight was supposed to be our engagement party."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Eyes widened. Ivy's face was drained of color. Damian stood there frozen, still holding my sister's hand, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

Then his expression shifted. He let go of Ivy, crossed the stage in four long strides, grabbed my arm hard enough to leave a bruise, and dragged me toward the side door. I stumbled in my heels, almost spraining my ankle, but I caught myself on time.

"Let go of me!" I hissed.

He didn't speak until we were outside, the door slammed behind us, the noise of the party muffled. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he spat, releasing my arm.

"What's wrong with me?" My voice shook, but I didn't back down.

"You're the one who proposed to my sister at my engagement party!"

"Today is MY engagement party, and I'm getting engaged to the love of my life," he smirked. His brown hair was styled to perfection, and he looked really handsome. He looked like the guy I fell for three years ago, but he was different now. That difference was glaring at me in the face.

How I wish I could punch that ugly smirk off his face. Instead, I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath.

"Damian. Hades. Today was supposed to be our fucking engagement party, since you forgot. So tell me what's happening? You suddenly had cold feet, and decided that you wanted to marry my sister?" I folded my arms, waiting for a response.

"Let me make this simple and short Amelia. Ivy had always been the one for me, you were just a pawn in this game. I was with you for your company, and now that I'm the manager of it, I don't need you anymore. I'll make sure to take good care of it when you're gone." He just stared at me, then turned and walked back inside without another word.

What the fucking hell?!

I stood there, feeling so stupid and used.

I trusted that fucking bastard.

I stormed out of the building, took out my phone from my bag, and dialed my best friend, Samantha.

"Hi Baby girl, congratulations! How's it going?" She sounded excited over the phone.

"Terrible. Sam, you were right. Damian is a fucking fool!" I walked towards my Range Rover, and sat inside. I closed my eyes, and took deep breaths, trying to calm down.

"I wouldn't want to say I told you so, but we all know I did. What happened this time? Did he not bring the right ring? Or did he forget to send out invitations as promised?" she signed.

"If it were any of those, I wouldn't be upset. Damian got engaged to Ivy," I whispered. A lone tear slipped down my face, and before I knew it, I started sobbing. My chest tightened.

"What the fuck? That sly prick. He's such a fool. A bastard. Oh my gosh, Amy, are you okay? Please calm down," she whispered.

"Yeah. He just wanted me to sign the contract that would make him the manager of my company, and I did that this morning. I can't believe I was gullible." I wiped my face, but fresh tears rolled down my face.

"Well, as your lawyer, I worked on that document before you signed it, and he's going to be the acting manager for just one year. I wouldn't say I expected this, but you know I didn't trust him. There's no need to worry, I've got you, baby." Her voice was calm and soothing.

"This is the most relieving information I've heard all day. Thank you, Sam." I smiled.

"Anyway, enough about him. It's his loss. Where are you? I'm going to book a hotel for you, and send you the details. Since I can't join you because I'm heavily pregnant with your brother's baby, I'll send you someone experienced who can fuck you until you forget your first name." She laughed.

"Ugh.. Sam!!! Can you be less vulgar? I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'll need that though. Thanks Bestie." I hung up, with a ghostly smile on my lips.

I drove out of the venue, and after a few minutes Sam sent the details of the hotel she booked. The streetlights gave a soft glow to the shops and cafés along the roadside. People were sitting and talking in cafés, couples held hands and laughed while they were walking. Everything seemed peaceful, except my mind.

I checked in, and went straight to the bar. I needed to knock off some steam. I sat on a stool, and winked at the bartender who was openly ogling at me. The atmosphere was calming, and the lights had this beautiful glow. There was a live band on the stage, they were singing songs by Ed Sheeran.

After downing some glasses of whiskey, I felt light headed, and happy. I sang along with the live band, and cracked some jokes that made the bartenders laugh.

I ordered a wine to my room upstairs, I just got a text from Sam that the guy was waiting for me in my room.

When I stood up, my eyes were blurry, but I managed to compose myself and head up to my room.

Was it room 24 or 34?

I was too drunk to remember. I searched my bag, but I couldn't find it.

Room 34 was slightly ajar, so I guessed it was this one. Maybe he left the door open for me, which is very tempting I must admit. As I walked in, cool air hit my face, tinged with that faint lemon-cleaner scent that hotels always have. I closed the door behind me.

The room was medium sized, and neat. Cream walls, a king bed with crisp white sheets pulled tight, and four plump pillows that I since my fingers into as I passed. A dark wood desk sits under the TV, with a kettle and two mugs.

I could hear the shower running in the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes, and went into the bathroom in my underwear.

I could tell from the steam on the bathroom glass, that he was taking a warm shower. I opened the glass separating us and stepped in. His muscular build stared at me, and I couldn't help but trace my fingers on his back.

He turned slowly, and smiled, "Whoa, would you like telling me what you're doing here?" His voice was husky.

"I could ask the same thing," I put my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. His warm body touched mine, as he wrapped his arms around my waist. We stood in the shower for a split second before I stretched and kissed him.

It wasn't deep at first, our lips moved in sync. We fought for control, but I didn't let him. I bit his bottom lip. He slid his tongue into my mouth deepening the kiss, and let out a slight groan.

"Who are you, and what the heck are you doing to me?" He traced kisses down my neck.

"Why don't you find out," I whispered in his ear.