CHAPTER 1

Dylan Forteros stood in his expansive office on the top floor of F Newspapers and Magazines, gazing out over the sprawling cityscape. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the skyline, illuminating the glass towers that mirrored the ambition he felt coursing through his veins. At twenty-five, Dylan had carved out a formidable reputation in the publishing world, rising from a junior reporter to the CEO of one of the most influential media companies in the industry. His striking looks—dark hair perfectly styled, piercing blue eyes, and an athletic build—often drew attention, but it was his dedication, integrity, and strategic acumen that truly defined him.

He turned away from the window, taking a deep breath as he prepared for the meeting ahead. The company was at a crossroads, navigating a rapidly changing landscape as digital media began to eclipse traditional print. Dylan had always embraced innovation, and today he was set to unveil a bold new initiative aimed at expanding their online presence. Yet, despite the weight of his responsibilities, his thoughts drifted to Kaye Montemayor.

Kaye was a vision, a beautiful blend of elegance and strength, and her infectious smile had a way of brightening even the darkest days. As the owner of Hotel de Montemayor, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, she commanded respect in her own right. Their love story was one of serendipity, a chance meeting at a charity gala that had blossomed into a deep, unwavering bond. They were on the cusp of tying the knot, a day that felt both exhilarating and surreal.

His phone buzzed, pulling him from his reverie. It was a message from Kaye.

“Can’t wait to see you tonight! Let’s talk about the wedding plans. Love you!”

Dylan smiled, his heart swelling with affection. He quickly typed a response.

“Love you too! Looking forward to it. Let’s finalize everything.”

As he pressed send, a wave of anticipation washed over him. Kaye had been immersed in the wedding preparations, her enthusiasm infectious. He admired her ability to balance her demanding role at the hotel with their plans for the future. It was one of the many reasons he loved her so deeply.

He glanced at the clock, noting he had a few moments before his meeting. Taking advantage of the brief lull, he walked to his desk, where a framed photo of the two of them sat prominently. They were at a beach, Kaye’s laughter captured in the golden light of sunset, a moment of pure joy. He recalled that day vividly—the way her hair danced in the breeze, the sound of her laughter ringing in his ears. It was a reminder of the life they were building together.

The moment was fleeting, as the door to his office swung open, and his executive team filed in, serious expressions replacing the lightness of his earlier thoughts. They had a presentation to discuss, one that could shape the future of F Newspapers.

“Dylan, we’re ready to begin,” said Sarah, his secretary, her tone brisk yet respectful.

Dylan straightened his posture, transitioning back into CEO mode. “Alright, let’s get started,” he said, gesturing for everyone to take their seats. He pushed aside his personal thoughts and focused on the task at hand, knowing he needed to lead with clarity and purpose.

As the meeting unfolded, Dylan expertly navigated through slides and strategies, addressing concerns and inspiring his team with a vision that encompassed not just survival but growth. Each suggestion was met with nods of agreement, the synergy of the group palpable as they brainstormed creative solutions to the challenges ahead.

Yet, amidst the discussions of digital platforms and advertising strategies, his mind occasionally wandered back to Kaye. He envisioned her in a wedding dress, radiant and breathtaking, walking down the aisle toward him. The thought brought a smile to his face even as he tackled the pressing matters of the company.

Finally, as the meeting drew to a close, he felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. “Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I believe we’re on the right track. Let’s make this happen,” he concluded, earning a round of applause.

As his team filed out, Dylan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had dedicated himself to F Newspapers, but Kaye was his heart. The thought of marrying her, of promising to share his life with her, filled him with hope.

He paused just outside the door to his favorite restaurant, a low-key yet elegant spot where he and Kaye often celebrated life’s milestones. He checked his watch; they had planned to meet for dinner, but as he prepared to push the door open, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw Kaye’s name flash across the screen.

“I’m so excited to see the gown! I’m heading to Magic Fashion Boutique now! Love you!”

A smile crept onto Dylan’s face. He could practically picture her beaming with enthusiasm. Kaye had been counting down the days until their wedding, and the gown fitting was a major event for her. He quickly typed back a response.

“Can’t wait to see it! You’ll look amazing, as always. Love you too!”

Satisfied, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and pushed through the restaurant door, but a flicker of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. Magic Fashion Boutique was known for its talented designer, Aki Salamanca, and the excitement surrounding Kaye’s gown was palpable. Still, he felt an inexplicable concern as he made his way to their reserved table.

Meanwhile, Kaye Montemayor was practically bouncing in her seat as she drove towards Magic Fashion Boutique. The city’s skyline glimmered in the distance, but her thoughts were consumed by the beautiful gown she had been dreaming about. The exquisite design Aki had crafted was something she could hardly wait to see in person. She navigated the familiar streets with anticipation, her mind swirling with visions of lace and satin.

As she approached an intersection, her heart raced. She was just moments away from the boutique when suddenly, without warning, a black sedan sped through a red light. Kaye’s instincts kicked in, and she slammed her brakes, but it was too late.

The crash echoed through the air, a deafening noise that drowned out everything else. In an instant, glass shattered, metal crunched, and Kaye felt a violent jolt before everything went dark.

Back at the restaurant, Dylan settled into his seat, his thoughts still lingering on Kaye. He glanced at his phone, half-expecting another message filled with her excitement. But as moments turned into minutes with no word from her, that flicker of unease transformed into a deepening concern.

He pulled up his messaging app, ready to check in, when his phone rang. It was Katty, Kaye’s secretary.

“Dylan! You need to come to the hospital. Kaye’s had an accident.”

His heart dropped, the world narrowing to a single, horrifying focus. “What happened? Is she okay?”

“There was a car crash. She’s in critical condition. Please hurry!”

The color drained from his face as he stood abruptly, the restaurant fading into the background. Panic surged through him, and without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed out the door, his mind racing. Kaye was supposed to be trying on her gown, not fighting for her life.