CHAPTER ONE

Linda's POV

I woke up with a splitting headache and the feeling of very soft, cool sheets on my skin.

I stayed still, closing my eyes, waiting for the pain in my head to fade but it didn't.

This wasn't my bed.

I opened my eyes, a wave of panic hitting me. I looked up at the ceiling, it was sleek, and modern, nothing like the one back home with the worn, peeling paint and cracks.

Then I felt it, the warmth of someone beside me. I turned my head slowly to see a man, lying on his stomach with his face turned away.

He was shirtless, the muscles of his back moving with his breathing.

I sat up quickly, looking down at myself, I was naked.

“What have I done?” I murmured, clutching my sheets to my chest.

I tried to remember the night before and then it hit me; Laura's laugh, the shot of tequila burning my throat, showing my moves on the dance floor. And then nothing.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, "what have I done?

I looked around the room, trying to find my clothes. The walls were grey and there was a table with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

On the nightstand was a very expensive wristwatch, a Patek Phillipe Grandmaster chime, and I knew that because…..well, I just did.

I didn't need anyone to tell me that I had to get out of there.

I slipped out of bed carefully, my legs shivering as they touched the cold floor.

I saw my dress, coat and bag crumpled on the floor, one of my shoes under the table and the other by the door.

I picked them up quickly and wore them, my hands shaking.

Don't look back, just go.

I moved towards the door but my curiosity got the best of me and I turned back to look at the man.

But his face was turned downwards, half hidden by the pillow.

The door creaked as I opened it slowly and slipped out into the hallway.

I got to the elevator and entered inside, and then I saw my reflection on its mirrored walls.

My hair was a tangled mess, my makeup was smeared around my eyes, and I couldn't recognize myself.

I ran my hand through my hair, trying to untangle it but it wasn't working so I stopped.

The elevator stopped and I came out to the hotel lobby, immediately I stepped out my phone started buzzing in my bag.

I searched for it, a wave of relief hitting me when I saw Laura's name on the screen.

“Linda!” She exclaimed, “Where did you go? I've been calling you.”

I sighed, “I'm just leaving the hotel, where are you?”

“The hotel? Do you mean Plaza Hotel? You didn't leave last night?” She asked, her voice filled with concern.

“I don't remember,” I answered, my voice shaking. “I woke up this morning next to a stranger.”

There was a long pause, “Okay, stay calm,” She said gently. “Where are you now?”

“I'm in front of a cafe near the hotel,” I answered, looking around. “I'll just wait for you inside.”

“Okay, I'm coming.” She said and ended the call.

I ended the call and walked to the front of the cafe. “Caffe Arane,” I read the sign before going in.

“Welcome,” the lady at the counter said cheerfully. “what can I get you?”

“Can I get a double shot of espresso please?” I asked, sitting down. “Along with some muffins please.”

“Alright,” she replied. “Coming right up.”

I buried my face in my hands, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of what just happened.

Not long after, Laura came through the café door, her coat flapping behind her as she searched the room.

I raised my hand, signalling to her and she rushed over, sliding into the seat across from me.

“Linda,” she started. “What the hell happened?”

I shook my head, holding my bag tightly, “I don't know, Laura. I don't remember.”

“Ughhhh, I shouldn't have left you to go with Ethan, I'm sorry.” She apologized.

“No, it's not your fault,” I said, shaking my head. “You had to go with your man and I shouldn't have drank so much.”

“So you didn't see his face?” She asked.

“No I didn't,” I replied, shaking my head. “He was lying on his stomach and I couldn't turn him without risking waking him up,” I explained as the waitress came with my order.

Laura let out a whistle, leaning back on her chair. “Did you see anything in the room at least, that could help you Identify him?

I hesitated, the watch flashing in my mind. “I know he's rich, like filthy rich. He had a Patek Philippe Grandmaster chime on the nightstand.”

Laura blinked, “I've heard that name before,” she said, narrowing her eyes.

“Isn't that Scott's dream watch?” She asked.

I nodded, my chest tightening. “ It is.”

“Oh Linda, I'm so sorry for bringing him up.” She apologized.

“It's fine,” I said softly.

She reached for my hands across the table. “I swear, I will never forgive that bastard for what he did to you.”

I looked down, my eyes focused on the steam rising from my untouched coffee.

The memories I had been trying to push down were finding their way back up.

A week prior

I stood in front of the mirror, my wedding dress cascading around me in waves of silk.

I brushed my fingers on the lace at the bodice as I looked at my reflection.

This was it– The day we had dreamed of, I was finally getting married to Scott, the love of my life and the only man I had ever pictured spending my life with.

But as I stared at my reflection, I felt unsettled. The dress was beautiful and everything was perfect but a flicker of doubt still crossed my mind.

Maybe it was just nerves.

“You look stunning,” my mother's voice jolted me. I turned to see her smiling widely behind me, her eyes teary. “You look so beautiful Linda, I'm so proud.”

I smiled back, “Thank you, mum.”

She moved closer, placing her hand on my shoulder. “You know… many people don't get to marry their high school sweetheart, but you and Scott ... .you guys stood the test of time and came out stronger. I'm so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Mum,” I murmured, my voice soft.

She tilted her head, “Is everything okay?”

I shook my head. “Nothing Mum, I'm just a bit nervous.”

“That's normal,” she said, “This is a very important day in your life, so of course you'll feel a bit nervous.”

I took a deep breath, trying my best to calm my nerves. “Is Dad coming?” I asked, glancing at her.

Her smile faltered for a moment but she recovered. “I told him about the wedding, but there was no response,” she answered.

I bit my lip and nodded, trying to push away the sting. It wasn't like I hadn't expected it.

The door opened and my aunt Lisa rushed in, her face lighting up when she saw me.

“Oh my goodness, look at you!” She exclaimed, rushing over and pulling me into a hug.

“You're so beautiful, Scott is going to lose his mind when he sees you”

I couldn't help but laugh, her enthusiasm was contagious.

“Speaking of the groom,” she added, “He’s not here yet.”

My stomach twisted as I heard her, “I…I've been trying to reach him all morning, but he hasn't replied to my texts.”

Aunt Lisa waved it off with a laugh, “Oh sweetheart, that's just wedding jitters. He’s just overwhelmed with excitement.”

“Exactly,” my mother said, nodding her head. “He’ll be at the Altar waiting for you with a wide smile. You'll see.”

I nodded, allowing their words to comfort me as I stared at my reflection.

Of course, Scott is just nervous, who wouldn't be on their wedding day?

My mum and my aunt still moved around, adjusting the lace on my dress and complimenting every detail.

The tension from my chest had eased and I was prepared.

A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts and the door opened, revealing Laura.

The expression on her face sent shivers running down my spine. She wasn't smiling and behind her was Trey, Scott's best man.

“Is there a problem?” I asked, my voice shaking as I looked at their faces.

“Linda…” Laura started, “We need to talk.”

My heart sank inside my chest. This can't be what I think it is. “What's wrong?” I asked.

Trey stepped forward, looking apologetic. “I’m so sorry Linda, we went to Scott's apartment this morning to get ready and he wasn't there.”

“Okay, so maybe he stepped out,” I said, grasping at straws.

“We called him repeatedly,” Trey explained, “but he didn't answer. At first, we thought it was wedding jitters but…”

“But…” I asked, my voice trembling.

“He sent me a text,” he continued. “He said he's….sorry.”

The room began to spin, I stepped back trying to breathe. “Sorry?” I repeated, “What is he sorry for?”

Laura rushed to my side, holding my arm. “I’m sorry Linda, I'm so sorry.”

My mum gasped beside me, covering her mouth with her hand.

It felt like the walls were closing in on me, I couldn't breathe. “He’s not coming,” I whispered.

The room began to blur and I swayed on my feet, the weight of the dress suddenly becoming unbearable.

“Linda!” Laura's voice was the last thing I heard before everything went dark.