Chapter One

Emma Callum found herself in her expansive bedroom, fully aware that the time had come for her most significant era. It was a moment she had always dreaded, as it held the power to mold her future and dreams of a future with her fiancée seemingly crumbling before her eyes.

Never in her twenty-five years on earth had she faced this intense fear and trepidation. The sense of unease while awaiting the final outcome of Trevor Maddox decision caused her heart to race, her blood to run cold as she locked eyes with her partner of five years.

From the instant, she laid eyes on Trevor half a decade ago at a dinner party, Emma had plunged headlong into love. What made it extraordinary was that the affection was mutual from the onset. It seemed like destiny had orchestrated their fateful encounter, both experiencing love at first sight. A love she thought they had both nature and cherish together and ready to fight for.

As the saying goes, "When you meet the right person, you just know." Emma could confidently proclaim five years ago that she had found her soulmate. Right now, in this now unfamiliar and chilling atmosphere surrounding her beloved bedroom, doubts started to creep in. Had she truly made the right choice? or was it all a result of champagne, passion, and their initial intimate liaison that had clouded her judgment?

Their first meeting which took place at a social event where Emma had captivated attention, most especially his attention throughout the night, dressed in a stunning red silk gown with a high slit, exposing her perfect straight, slim legs, the dress hugged and accentuated her figure, paired with silver heels, her graceful walking, aura and smiles, caught the attention of majority of the male guests, ogling at her with hunger and lust.

Her bouncy curl hair was elegantly styled, and she felt radiant, confident in herself as she mingled with the guests. Trevor's arrival caused an instant surge of vitality within her the moment she saw him walk into the hall with two men. His charming smile, showcasing his immaculate teeth and luscious full lips, sent a thrill through Emma. As he approached, casually sipping his champagne, his alluring cologne enveloped her in a sensory embrace even before he reached her side.

His scent, a blend of citrus and sandalwood, was refreshing like a breeze, exuding masculinity that Emma found irresistible. Close to him, she knew that his touch would set her ablaze, igniting a fiery passion within her.

"Hello, beautiful lady. How do you find the atmosphere at the gathering? Trevor's expression softened as he admired Emma's graceful form, the snug crimson dress enhancing her contours flawlessly. Giving her his signature smile, he was sure he would have her panties wet, Trevor's captivating, dark, and dangerous eyes with a mischievous glint in it rake over her deliciously with no atom of shame, clearly letting her know he appreciated and admire what he's seeing.

Emma, sensing Trevor's gaze upon her, cleared her throat gently, aware of the attention she had gotten from one of the most attractive men in the room. She could not help but notice the subtle sneer and hush whispers from other women as they watched trevor looking at her with absolute admiration and adoration.

Being noticed by Trevor Maddox himself was one thing, but being approached by him and engaging in conversation was a different scenario altogether. "I am indeed. What about you?" She responded, mirroring his smile with a blend of allure and sophistication, as she sip her champagne elegantly, not breaking eye contact either him.

During their conversations, Emma felt a surge of confidence washing over her. Was it the influence of alcohol or simply her growing comfort in Trevor's presence, as his words caressed her like honey and his hearty laughter stirred a swarm of butterflies in her stomach or was it the fact that she just realized that he was the only son and heir to the Maddox empire? that he's the country's most eligible billionaire bachelor?

She chuckled at his remarks, purposely making contact as she spoke, exchanging a glance with subtle nuances only discernible to Trevor. "Would you fancy a dance?" Trevor inquired, placing his glass on a server's tray passing by and extending his hand towards her.

Emma accepted, letting him guide her to the dance floor. Moving in synchrony, Trevor closed his eyes momentarily, breathing in her alluring scent - a fusion of vanilla and floral musk that enraptured him. Bringing her closer, he savored the tender sensation of her body against his own, the softness of her skin. It felt like satin, like butter being smeared onto a smooth surface.

The moment he had stood at the far end corner of the hall, his eyes were glued to Emma, there was something about her that caught his attention, he chuckle at her slight uneasiness, suggesting to himself that it was her first time being in a sophisticated party as this, as the evening progress, the urge to talk to her, dance with her, overwhelmed Trevor, he could see other men at the party ogling at her, Trevor knew if he didn't make the first move, someone else would beat him to it.

The night seemed enchanted, as if their togetherness was predestined, a perfect match. For half a decade, Trevor had showered Emma with a love she had never imagined receiving from anyone else. He treated her like royalty, cherished and adored. He stood by her as a steadfast support, her rock. However, now, Emma felt cracks emerging in their foundation, fracturing at an alarming pace. A chill ran down her spine, her blood turning cold.

She had observed the warnings some months earlier but opted to overlook them. She understood the burden Trevor had to carry on his shoulder, being the only son of the richest man in the country was no joke, she had met his father once and never had the chance again, but from the way his father speaks on the phone, Emma knew that Trevor's father was a ' No nonsense man' and he had to prove to his billionaire father that he has what it takes to inherit the empire.

Their demanding professional lives had engulfed them. On the other hand, Emma strived to meet her boss's expectations while her relationship slowly deteriorated. Her partner became distant, seemingly indifferent to her feelings and worries.

He no longer comforted her during her breakdowns, failing to send encouraging messages, leaving her feeling isolated and hollow.

The house felt desolate and chilly whenever he messaged her about returning home late, advising her not to wait up for him.

Emma knew something was wrong, she could feel it in the deepest part of her heart, she wholeheartedly love Trevor, he has been the only man who had swept her off her feet, the best man she had ever dated.

Pushing aside the thought of her ex, her mind wandered back to Trevor, Emma felt bad she had allowed her job to take over her attention from Trevor, and finally realized that their relationship was sinking fast.