Chapter one: The encounter

Cassandra stepped out of taxi, her modest gown accentuating her tall frame and petite curves. The soft breeze rustled her dark hair as she smiled, anticipating a lovely visit with her fiancé, Jim. She hadn't seen him all day, and the excitement of their upcoming wedding filled her every waking moment.

As she walked toward the office building, she noticed a sleek black sports car parked nearby. The driver, a striking man with piercing blue eyes, watched her. Their gazes met briefly, but Cassandra didn't give it much thought, assuming he was just another employee.

She entered the building, passing through the see-through glass door, and approached the receptionist's desk.

"Hi, Karen. I'm here to see Jim," Cassandra said, her voice warm and cheerful.

Karen, a chubby lady with a round face and curly brown hair, beamed at Cassandra. Her lips mouthed words with exaggerated movement.

"Hey, Cass How's the wedding prep going?" Karen asked, her voice dripping with excitement.

Cassandra's eyes sparkled. "It's crazy, Karen! But I'm so excited. Just finalizing the seating arrangements and confirming the florist."

Karen nodded enthusiastically, her double chin wobbling. "Oooh, flowers! What kind did you choose?"

"Mainly roses and lilies," Cassandra replied. "Jim's mom helped me pick them out."

Karen's eyes widened. "Aww, that's lovely! Mr Jim's mom sounds sweet."

Cassandra chuckled. "She is. We've had our differences, but she's coming around."

Karen leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "And how's Mr Jim handling the prep? Is he stressing you out?"

Cassandra laughed. "Actually, he's been really helpful. We're dividing tasks, so it's not too overwhelming."

Karen's face lit up. "That's wonderful! You two are meant to be. I just know it. Don't worry,You're almost at the altar. Just breathe."

Their conversation concluded with Karen's warm well-wishes and Cassandra's grateful smile.

Cassandra walked down the hallway, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She pushed open the door to Jim's office, and her heart skipped a beat as he stood up, his eyes lighting up with love.

"Hey, beautiful," Jim said, embracing her warmly. "I've missed you."

Cassandra melted into his arms, feeling safe and cherished. They shared a tender kiss, and Jim led her to the couch, where they sat together, hands entwined.

"I can't believe our wedding is just a week away," Cassandra whispered, her eyes shining.

"I know," Jim replied, his voice filled with excitement. "I've been counting the days."

Just then, the door opened, and a tall, imposing figure entered. Claus, the man from the parking lot, stood before them, his gaze lingering on Cassandra.

"Jim, sorry to interrupt," Claus said, his deep voice commanding attention. "I need to discuss the Smith account."

Cassandra felt uneasy as Claus's eyes met hers, but Jim's reassuring squeeze dispelled her unease.

After a brief discussion, Claus departed, leaving the couple to their romantic moment. As he walked out he met Karen.

"That your friend in Jim's office?" He asked her.

"No sir, I'm sure Mr Jim informed you about his wedding. That's Cassandra his bride to be." She replied with a straight face.

Claus mouthed a low "ouh I see, I wonder why he didn't introduce her" and walked out to the parking lot waiting like a predator.

As Cassandra prepared to leave, Jim walked her to the door, stealing one last kiss.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, and I can't wait to be Mrs Heights" Cassandra replied, smiling.

In the parking lot, Cassandra's thoughts drifted back to their conversation. Suddenly, a hand grasped her buttock, startling her. She spun around, ready to confront the perpetrator.

The stranger who had interrupted her conversation with Jim stood before her, she thought he was Jim's colleague, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," he said, his eyes glinting.

"That's not okay. Don't ever do that again." Cassandra said angrily.

The stranger chuckled, unfazed. "You're feisty. I like that."

"What do you think you're doing?"

Claus smirked, "Just admiring the view."

"Admiring?" Cassandra's voice rose. "You groped me!"

Claus chuckled. "I merely appreciated your... curves."

Cassandra's anger flared. "Appreciation doesn't involve touching without consent."

Claus raised an eyebrow. "You're quite the firecracker, aren't you?"

"I'm just a woman who deserves respect," Cassandra said firmly.

Claus's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "My apologies if I overstepped. You're... not what I expected."

"Expected?" Cassandra chuckled furiously.

"That's how you shallow minded men go around thinking that's the best way to bag a woman." She said breathing heavy,her anger evident.

Their brief altercation ended with Cassandra storming off, leaving the stranger watching her depart.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Cassandra muttered to herself.

"I'm Claus," he whispered, his eyes narrowing. "And I'll deal with you."

As Cassandra settled into a taxi, a sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. Little did she know, her world was about to shatter.

Cassandra danced with her friends, surrounded by balloons, confetti, and the pulsating music of the party hall. Her bachelorette party was everything she'd dreamed of – laughter, memories, and celebration.Mildred, her elder sister and maid of honor, raised her glass. "To Cassandra, may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and adventure!"

The room echoed with cheers and well-wishes. Cassandra's heart swelled with gratitude as she gazed at her friends.

As the night wore on, Cassandra's vision began to blur. She attributed it to champagne and exhaustion. Her friends noticed her swaying and encouraged her to sit.

"Maybe you should head back to your room, Cass," Mildred suggested.

"Just one more dance," Cassandra pleaded.

But as she stood up, her legs wobbled. Her friends rushed to support her.

"I think it's time to call it a night," one of them said.

Cassandra nodded, relieved. "You're right. I'm just so tired."

With Mildred's help, Cassandra made her way to the hotel room, located just down the hall.

In the corridor, she caught a glimpse of someone hastily departing. The figure's face remained obscured, but their urgency made her wonder.

"Who was that?" Cassandra asked Mildred.

"I didn't see anyone," Mildred replied.

Cassandra shook off the feeling, attributing it to her haze.

As she stumbled into her room, she collapsed onto the bed. Her heavy eyelids shut, and she surrendered to sleep.

Just as she drifted off, the sound of her door opening jarred her awake. A blurry figure entered, their features indistinguishable.

Cassandra's drowsiness momentarily lifted, replaced by alarm.

"Who's there?" she tried to ask, but her voice barely whispered.

Before she could react, her exhaustion took over, pulling her into a deep, dark sleep.

As she succumbed, a low, whisper echoed.

"Tomorrow, you'll wish you never woke up."