prologue

Just like life had been unfair to many people, would she say she was unfortunate to be among those people life was unfair to? But life didn't end. She had been told many times she was going to be fine.

She had Nate. Who would turn the world around for her as long as she remained the perfect girlfriend. Many had none, but she had someone who loved her to the moon and back.

And why is that?

Because she was perfect.

But was she really perfect?

Would he stop loving her once he found out about her imperfections? Would she be as lonely as everyone else life had been unfair to… if he left her?

That's why she was making this big decision.

“Deli! Someone is at the door,” her mother's voice called.

She quickly zipped up her luggage and shoved it under her bed, her heart skipped a beat.

One deep breath.

And another.

She walked out of the room, her silk-black hair tied in a ponytail that danced lightly on her shoulder as she descended the stairs. Her slippers whispered against the marble.

“Deli,” her mother met her halfway, worry tucked behind the softness in her voice.

They stood for a moment, neither of them speaking too loud.

“you need to tell him,” her mother finally said in a low voice.

“He deserves… .”

“ I will,” Deli cut in gently. “I'll figure it out with him…I promise.”

Her mother didn't argue, she just nodded, slowly, before brushing Delilah's arm and stepping aside.

She walked to the front door and opened it.

There he was.

Chase Monroe

Tall, confident, effortlessly handsome.

His white shirt was rolled slightly at the sleeves, hugging his arms in just the right way. His Cologne hit first… fresh, clean, expensive. His smile made her forget everything for a moment, Like time paused just for them.

He tilted his head, “Hey, beautiful.”

She didn't even think. She smiled wild. Close the door behind her, and leapt into his arms.

He caught her, strong and steady, spinning her once before gently placing her on the ground.

Then came the kiss, soft at first but deeper, like it had missed her.

“you’re ready? ” he asked, brushing a strand of hair off her cheek.

She nodded.

He led her to the car, opened the door like he always did, and waited as she slids in. Then walked around to the driver's side, opened his door, and got in beside her.

And just like that, they drove off.

But everything was about to change.

The car moved, but Deli's mind wasn't in it.

She sat quietly, her hands resting on her lap, her fingers tangled together. Chase was humming along to the soft song playing in the stereo, one hand one the wheel, the other occasionally reaching to rest over hers.

Everything looked perfect, felt perfect.

But deep down, she knew this wouldn't last.

This moment, this love, this illusion of forever.

She made her decision….and tonight might be one of the last nights she’d feel this close to him.

“you’re quiet, ” Chase glanced at her briefly “you okay? ”

She forced a smile. “yeah….just tired, that's all”

He raised a brow like he wasn't convinced, but didn't push.

“Alright,” he said, lips twitching into a small smirk. “Well, I hope you're not too tired for a surprise. ”

Her smile widened a little, “where are you taking me? ”

“It's a secret, ” He replied with a teasing tone, squeezing her hand. “you will see.”

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into a quiet, secluded beach side. The sun was just beginning to set, causing shade of deep orange and pink, across the sky. The waves shimmered under the fading light. Crashing softly against the shore. The breeze carried a salty scent, warm and gentle against her skin.

Delilah stepped out of the car, her eyes instantly widening.

“ it's beautiful, ” she whispered.

Her black ponytail whipped lightly in the wind, her dress fluttering softly around her knees. The sunlight kissed her skin making her glow in a way he couldn't look away from. Her eyes reflected the color of the sky…warm, deep, and quietly sad.

“yeah.” He finally said, barely above a whisper.

But he hadn't been talking about the view.

Delilah smiled and ran toward the water. As the waves rushed toward her feet, she let out a soft chuckle. She turned, running back to him like a child escaping the tide.

Chase caught her and spun her once before pulling her close, his laughter echoing with hers.

Soon they sat on the sand, Chase was with his legs stretched out, Delilah sitting between them. Her head rested gently against his chest as his fingers slowly combed through her hair. The sunset melted into the ocean, soft and golden.

“why do you love me? ” she asked suddenly, her voice small.

Chase chuckled softly and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Because you're perfect.”

Perfect.

There it was again. That word, like a knife laced in honey.

Her smile faded slightly. “And if I wasn't perfect?” she asked softly “would you still love me?”

He laughed, not realizing the weight of her words. “well then, I'd have to tarde you in. ”

Her body stiffened just a little.

He looked down at her and quickly added, “I'm kidding babe. You're stucked with me.”

She said nothing.

He noticed. “Hey,” he whispered. “What’s with all the questions tonight?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

But her voice was distant. She turned her gaze back toward the horizon, blinking away the sting in her eyes.

The drive home was quiet.

When they reached her house, she leaned over and kissed him….hard. her lips moved desperately against him like she was trying to freeze time. It caught him off guard.

By the time he opened his eyes, she was already pulling away.

“Goodnight, Chase.” she whispered.

He watched her, confused but smiling.

Then she got out of the car, and rushed toward the house, waving once before finally disappearing inside.

The door shut.

And then it hit.

Her body stiffened, legs giving way, she fell to the floor, convulsing, her arms trembling violently. Her eyes fluttered, wide and panicked as her body fought against itself.

“Gawd! Deli!” her mother ran to her side, trying to steady her as the seizure shook through her body, tears falling from her eyes.

Outside, Chase had just started the car when he noticed her phone on the seat beside him.

He signed, grabbed it, and stepped out to return it. As he walked toward the door, something caught his attention… a sound.

Crying. Shouting.

His heart dropped.

He ran to the door and started knocking. “Deli?”

No answer, but the cries grew louder.

“Deli? Are you okay? What's going on? ”

Inside, Delilah trashed weakly, sobbing, “please don't let him in…. Don't let him see me like this…. ”

Her mother rushed to the door, cracking it open just slightly.

“Her phone. ” Chase said, holding it out, clearly worried.

“what’s happening? I heard… .”

“ it's nothing. ” Elena said quickly, reaching for the phone.

Chase didn't hand it over yet. “is she alright? ”

“She is fine. ” she replied gently but firmly, taking the phone from his hand and starting to close the door.

“Wait… .please just let me see her, ” he said, trying to peek inside. “ I heard her crying… .I just… what's wrong.”

But the door shut in his face.

He knocked again, harder. “Open the door. Please! let me see her!”

Inside, Delilah could still be heard crying out. Her voice hoarse, broken.

“He… he will leave me mom! P… please don't let him see me like this. ”

And outside Chase stood frozen, fear and confusion twisting in his chest, the sound of her voice playing over and over in his mind.