ROBERT The ticking of my office wall clock brought my thoughts back to the present, and I sighed as I listened to the client seated across my desk. He was the construction manager in charge of my Orlando office renovation. I'd told Renee over the weekend that I could make Orlando my business headquarters, and I was following through with it. Mr. Ryan, a close friend who worked in the Orlando office, had referred me to the man. He was in his early fifties and seemed to be the right fit for the job. The man rambled on and on about the changes the building would require and the renovations that’d be done.With his salt-and-pepper hair and a grin on his face, I decided not to focus on anything else but what he was saying. I paid close attention to everything he said and even took notes to avoid forgetting anything important. After all, I didn't want this project to fail because it was my best yet. “When are you going to start? Also, how long will it take us to finish the remodel? Y

RENEE “Renee, Renee... there's a surprise package for you.”The cheerful voice of Sally, my coworker and closest friend at the restaurant, echoed through the building. I looked up from the counter, my gaze drawn to her slim, bouncing figure. She was carrying a simple flower bouquet and a box with a red ribbon wrapped around it. “What’ve you got there?” I asked, my eyes narrowing as she approached me. “Is this some kind of prank or something?” “Prank? Oh, how I wish it were. This was given to me by a handsome gentleman parked outside.” I rolled my eyes at her as she giggled and carefully handed the package to me as if it were some exotic jewel. “A handsome gentleman? Is he—” “Do you remember the man who came into the restaurant the other day and whisked you out without blinking? He is, indeed, the one.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows. “Oh, Robert...” I muttered to myself, a flush rising on my cheeks as I stared through the restaurant windows, and lo and behold, as Sally predic

RENEE SOME DAYS LATER "Ma'am, raise your chin slightly. We're almost finished." The makeup artist gave me instructions, and I followed them exactly. The woman was quick. As she brushed my face and smoothed the stray hairs, I looked in the vanity mirror, taking in my appearance. Today was the masquerade Robert had been invited to, and I was being primed and prepped for the occasion. His hotel suite's bedroom had been converted into an intimate dressing room, and various stylists and makeup artists were on hand to attend to my every need. It felt like this event was more for me than for him or us. What else could I expect from our first official outing as a couple? Of course, he'd want to go all out. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered if I'd fit in with his world. A world that screamed wealth, extravagance, and grandeur. I had doubts, but I’d give it my all for him and us tonight. The vibrating sound of my cell phone drew me out of my reverie. Muttering an apology to the

RENEE I followed the waitress out of the hall and to the back of the magnificent building. The restroom was oddly located at the back of the building. Whoever designed this building had something up their sleeves. The idea amused me when we finally reached our destination.Murmuring my thanks, the young lady took her to leave, and I pushed the large door open to reveal an empty restroom.It was deserted. Well, lucky me! I mused, a small smile on my lips. I was feeling pressed, as I'd told Robert earlier. I needed privacy and time to myself after what’s happened since we'd arrived at the masquerade. On the outside, I'd acted fine and composed all night, but deep down, I was shaking with nerves. I expected this. I'd even prepared myself for whatever might happen tonight, but it didn't stop me from feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless, and tongue-tied. It’d been difficult not to panic with every camera click taking photos of Robert and me and the never-ending stream of questions

ROBERT *A FEW MINUTES EARLIER*"Please give me a minute, Mr. and Mrs. Charles. I need to check on someone." I spoke to the elderly couple before me, and my gaze was drawn to the Rolex on my wrist. "Certainly, Mr. Clarke. We'll be patient. The party is still going on, and we're not going anywhere." Mr. Charles smiled at me, then returned his attention to his wife and whispered in her ear. They moved toward the crowded dance floor, where several elites and socialites had gathered, sipping their cocktails and mingling. With a sigh, I glanced at my wristwatch for the umpteenth time and then back at the hall's entrance door, where Renee had vanished. Not just a few seconds ago, but nearly a half-hour, and I was becoming increasingly concerned about her whereabouts with each tick of my watch. She should’ve returned by now. It was unusual for her to spend so much time in the restroom, and as time passed, worry ate at my stomach like acid. Renee was never late. She was always on time a