Chapter 1

Later in the morning, I locked up the house of betrayal.

I walked around the city trying to clear my thoughts and my heart from the pain. I walked through the park as the sun was starting to set. It was a Saturday; I did not need to work. I could just let myself have a whole day to grieve like I was attending a funeral. I walked around and let myself cry some more. I noticed the sky growing dark and became concerned. Everyone knows how Central Park can be after nightfall. I walked along, trying to decide where I might go, I was so distraught. I did not want to return to that house, and I had nowhere in mind with my brain so wrecked. The streetlamps were starting to turn on. I looked upwards and stared into the light. I then heard footsteps behind her. I quickened my pace while trying not to panic. As I crossed the bridge, I saw a ruggedly handsome man walking behind me a ways. He was the most stunning man I had seen. Tall, dark, and handsome. I kept my pace even by calmly hurried. I saw the water fountain by the exit, I looked around and did not see the man. I left the park and felt free to relax. As I stood in front of the crosswalk I felt my hairs standing on end. I looked hastily behind, he was there again, walking in the park leisurely, at a slow pace heading towards the exit. I had the unnerving feeling that he was slowly matching my steps. Time felt like it was about to stop. Just like in Highlander Endgame when Jacob Kell was walking to the beat of the ticking clock. Those measured moments, while Conner was walking home, right before his daughter answered a phone call that caused the house to explode. It felt so eerily similar. Only difference was, there was no clock, there was no moment of explosion except my quickly beating heart. It thrummed like it sensed danger. I hurried myself fearful that the danger I felt lurking was the man following me. Was he following me or was he just out for a stroll like I am? I quickly stepped inside a restaurant to find a meal and hide from the mysterious man.

I found a Chinese restaurant named “The Best Sichuan”

I waited to be seated and stilled my pacing heart. A server came to collect me, and I was seated at a window view of the park.  Looking out the window, I did not see the man. Sighing in relief I ordered a Mushroom Chicken, some egg rolls, and crab ragoons with a glass of wine. The quiet time felt comforting, I did not feel the pain at the moment. I think the scare of the park, and the long day of sorrow is finally pushing me past those emotions, God willing.

I had just started on a second glass of wine when I started to feel something odd, I felt as if I was being watched. I glanced the restaurant, and couldn’t pinpoint where the sensation was coming from. The waitress arrived with my food, and I was happy to enjoy my meal in piece. This was the first time, in a long time I was dining solo. I moan at the taste of the mushroom chicken. I saw a colleague be seated across from me. We smiled at each other and engaged in conversation.

“So, you’re solo tonight? That’s new, I thought you’re never without Owen” she joked. I smiled while trying to not let myself break.

“Yeah, he’s working tonight”

“Well, good for you, honestly, you can do better.”

“What do you mean?” I asked

“think about it Katie, he never lets you go out by yourself usually, don’t you think that’s pretty controlling?”

“I never thought of it?” I ponder.

“Think about it, how many times have anyone you know from work or outside of it tried to plan gatherings with you, you always check with him, he gets enraged, scares you, and you don’t go.” I was starting to think about what she was saying.

“I never thought of it? I just thought, I was being a good Fiancé?”

“There’s a difference between being a good wife, and being controlled! When was the last time you saw your parents?”

“It’s been awhile, of course we had a falling out cause, my fathers controlling. He refuses to let me go to France to see my grandmother.”

“You’re an adult, you can see her if you wish.”

“I know you’re right.” I said, lost in thought.

“He refused to let you see your parents, cause you even said they had a huge fight. Your father thought he was cheating on you, you refused to believe it. Remember you told that Owen struck your father after learning to accusation, put him in the hospital. Why did you stay with him?” I did not saying anything.

“You never went to the police about it either, cause you did not believe the accusations, you were scared of him. Scared he would hurt you too. Your parents have not seen you since, cause you sided with a monster.” I stayed silent. I knew she was speaking the truth and I had fucked up by staying with him.

“I am not perfect, I know I fucked up.”

“It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making better choices.” She told me while holding my hand. “reconcile with your family. Don’t let him hold you back. He knows who you are, why do you think he’s with you?” I stared back in shock.

“What do you mean?” No one knows who my family is.

“I know about your family. I work for the museum to remember, I work in historical archives. You don’t think I know that I work with a descendant of “Duchess Gabrielle LaFluer?” I was speechless.

“That line is in ruin, that mansion sits in decay” I told her while staring out the window.

“Only because, your family doesn’t reclaim it. If Owen knew about the mansion, you don’t think he’d be trying to claim it in your name? you’re the last line to the original throne in France. With his power-hungry family, being so pompous on marrying into noble wealth, you don’t think he’d capitalize?” I stayed silent letting her words sink in. I realized she was right.

“That’s why I don’t mention my family, for all he knows my father is a wealthy banker.” I said in resolve.

“That’s why he has affairs, he doesn’t believe you’re worthy enough, and rich enough to commit to.” She said with a scowl. She finished her meal at the same time as I did. She gave me a hug and walked away, leaving me to my thoughts. I arose to leave after leaving a one-hundred-dollar bill as payment.  I was exiting the restaurant, when I heard someone calling me a “bitch” I turned to see, and my eyes caught to the corner in the back of the room Owen with the mistress. She threw a glass in my direction. The waiter yelled at her. I turned away, wanting to leave. I felt something like a roll hit my head. I did my best not to look but, I still saw them in the corner, cozy and eating each other’s faces as if I never existed. That bitch was doing this to spite me. Enraged, I ran from the restaurant. I noticed Owens smirk while he then rubbed the woman’s stomach. The realization made me scream in fury. They shrank back into the booth.

I  was so pissed; I didn’t see the man’s arms I ran straight into without realizing.

“Steady little dove” he said in a silky German voice “don’t hurt yourself” he whispered.

“I apologize sir” As I hurried away.

“Where the fire?” he asked her carefully.

“Nothing you need to worry about” I said in a measured tone while holding in my tears. I looked behind the man that was standing in front of me when I heard that fucking cringe worthy nasal laugh from the restaurant. We both turned as Owen walked out with the woman in hand. I glared at the bloody assholes who were enjoying my misery.

“You fucking bitch!” The tramp screamed at me. “I’m pregnant!”

“Yeah, congratulations for being more a tramp than you already are” I said in a dry tone. She screamed as she tried to charge at me. He looked like he wanted to hit me.

“Virgin sack of shit, at least I know how to please your man.” She said while yelling.

“Keep it up, you’ll miscarry, then who’ll be pathetic.” I said in disdain. She screamed again. Owen held her back from attacking me.

“My apologies” I said to the man in front of me.  I gave a curt smile and walked away trying to hold back the agonizing sob I knew was trying to come out. As I turned to walk away, I noticed the Gentleman looked at Owen in rage. I mustered my courage, buried my emotions. I thanked him again and walked away.