Emily was ready to go on a trip to New York City since a retailer had made a serious offer to promote her design company. Emily had booked the tickets back when things had been more bleak: Byron was working himself to death and she needed space from the relationship.She was reluctant to leave now, when Byron was finally coming back to normality, even though he was still working fairly long hours and had some kind of secret project going on. No matter how she tried to find out what it was, he was silent on the subject. The only thing she knew was that it involved cupcakes because she had overheard him putting in an order from a bakery once. Although she wasn't completely sure if that was related to the secret project or just some work function.Still, going to New York was always an exciting prospect. The fashionable city could be the key to getting her designs out to the world.Although he was always busy, Byron dropped her off at the airport."Go see your mother before she disown
When Emily got back to Vancouver, Byron still refused to tell her what the surprise was, other than it involved a trip. She packed a few outdoorsy outfits and something for a night out, just in case. They set out the next morning in the BMW, and she still had very little idea of where they were going.At last, when she saw Byron taking the turn-off for one of the highways leading out of town, she was pretty sure they were heading for the mountains."This is exciting," she said, "I still don't know exactly where we're going, but looks like you've picked a good direction to travel.""It's one of the many things I love about you," Byron replied, "You find our spontaneous trips exciting rather than annoying.""Well, of course I do." She definitely enjoyed a little mystery and adventure. And she was always flattered and grateful that her boyfriend took the time to plan these special trips for the two of them to experience together.They drove on for a couple of hours, and then Byron ma
Emily had completely forgotten the "danger" of a looming proposal. Now that it happened, she was surprised, but not shocked. Despite all her previous fears, the feeling was not of her freedom being taken away or of her youth ending, but rather of something new beginning. She could still feel young and adventurous, especially when she was standing on top of a mountain. It was a symbol of what her life could be, the experiences she could share with her one true love. When she looked at Byron, she saw not only a stunningly good-looking man, but also someone she had come to know and love, a man who would do anything to make her happy, and she wanted to make him happy in return.She could picture their life too. Even though there might be hardships, she could see the two of them always supporting each other and being together. "I have only one thing to say," she replied, "I will marry you!"She had never seen Byron this happy before. His face shone with pure joy as he rose up and plac
The next day, Emily was completely spoiled at the spa. She got a massage and a facial treatment with mineral masks made of local clays. Byron joined her as they wrapped up the session by relaxing in a scented steam room followed by herbal tea and a selection of chocolates.They went for another hike in the afternoon, and every single moment was magical. The natural scenery delighted their senses. All the people they met seemed sweet and friendly. The promise of a future together was more amazing than Emily had ever dreamed.When Emily headed back to work, it was as an engaged woman. Even the most boring tasks seemed to have an extra sparkle to them in the days following the special proposal. She made a few videos as Anita had advised, where she talked about the inspiration for her designs. She already had dozens of viewers from the beginning, people who were fans of the clothing. It soon turned into hundreds. Emily was concerned that somehow this would provoke Josh to come out of h
Emily sat across from Laura Terence, the well-known local newscaster with the famous blond bob hairdo."Look at that beautiful ring!" the news host exclaimed, admiring the jewels on Emily's finger. "Are you engaged?""Yes," Emily said, "And I'm so happy.""Looks like your career is on fire as well as your love life," said Laura. "Do you have any advice for young people out there who are just starting out?"Emily blushed, feeling the heat of the bright lights and the pressure of being thought of as a role model."I don't feel like someone who should be giving out advice," she said, "We all have our own unique path in life, and what works for me might not work for anyone else. I'm very lucky because I followed my dream, and it came true.""And what can you say about your designs?" Laura asked."They're made for fun-loving and girly girls who want something they can wear every day," Emily said. "I'm wearing one right now." This was a short-sleeved dress with a cute pocket on the fr
"You're just saying that!" Josh yelled. "You're trying to make me jealous.""No, I'm not," Emily said, trying to project a calmness in her voice that she didn't truly feel.There was no one around. Emily had hoped at least the presence of a bystander might make Josh lower his gun for fear of attracting attention, but no people came.She reached for her phone, this time more decisively."Don't do it!" Josh warned.She pulled the phone out of her handbag. "I don't believe you'll shoot me," she said with more confidence than she felt. But she was tired of being the victim. This had to end now. "I'm calling the police.""No!"Emily half expected him to shoot her, but instead Josh pointed the gun at his own temple.She was about to dial the number, but she paused, not wanting to set him off."Josh, don't do that," she said, "You're freaking me out.""What do you care if I live or die?" he shouted.Finally a couple of people showed up in a distant row of the parkade. Emily hoped t
After the encounter, Emily didn't want to leave the house for a few days. Mostly, she didn't even want to leave the bedroom. She could see now why her brother had enjoyed hiding under a blanket so much. It was very warm and cozy, and she could pretend the outside world didn't exist.She didn't know whether Josh would ever stop trying to see her, despite the protection order. Would he haunt her for the rest of her life? It seemed like breaking the law was no longer a problem for him.Another day passed, and Emily was still snuggling with her dog under the blankets. She hadn't even walked the dogs in the last few days, and a walker came by sometimes twice a day to help with them.After his initial outburst, Byron seemed to take a more laid-back approach. Emily almost wondered if he had forgotten about the whole incident because he kept up with his usual schedule, only stopping by her room once in a while to check on her.While Byron was at work, Emily tried to do some of her work fro
Byron must have been born under a lucky star because all his efforts to sabotage his own movie studio seemed to have failed. Chipfairies 2 was getting rave advance reviews. Nearly all the critics agreed that it was an entertaining film for children and adults. Meanwhile, The Vampire from Outer Space, which was going to be Byron's terrible tour de force intended to embarrass Nova Summers, was stalled in development hell. Apparently, the director requested a rewrite, then the writer wasn't happy with the new contract, and many of the actors decided to bail. Emily suspected Nova Summers had something to do with it; perhaps, unlike Chipfairies, The Vampire had no hope of being salvaged.The premiere was only a couple of weeks away, and Emily was slowly emerging from behind the curtain of fear that the incident with Josh had cast over her. No matter how shaky she felt, she resolved to be ready to travel to L.A. for the screening of the film.Dr. Williams looked somewhat like she had exp