Chapter 1
Claire flinched and clenched her hands around the armrests. The plane entered another area of turbulence and shuddered again. She enjoyed an occasional thrill, but this time the constant trembling further rattled her aggravated nerves.
The blonde, broad-shouldered man sitting next to her seemed oblivious to her inner struggle. In stark contrast to herself, he appeared relaxed, listening to music through the headphones. He sipped at a glass of red wine, served by the stewardess, only minutes ago.
Distraught, she tried to divert her attention to the articles in the in-flight magazine. Her forthcoming new life down under with Nathan excited her. Yet the thought of whom she left behind, saddened her. Tears welled up. The words on the pages in front of her blurred by her watery eyes.
Once again, she doubted her own judgment. She questioned her decision to join Nathan on his quest for adventure. Not convinced her desire for pleasures warranted the risk she took.
She never intended to hurt Mason, but it happened. Even though he gave her everything that a woman could want, she became bored by the lack of excitement. It suffocated her. And despite the fact that she loved him, she needed to break away from the comfort and the security. She grabbed every opportunity that came her way.
When Nathan persisted in his court-making, he took their work relationship to a whole different level.
He succeeded to win her over for an intoxicating affair.
She tried to keep the best of both. A perfect combination of safety with a touch of danger, pleasure, and excitement. But, she underestimated Mason’s sixth sense, and he caught her in the act. Leaving her to face the unfortunate consequences of her mistake. The way he confronted her and ended their betrothal almost seemed paradoxical.
The sound of Nathan’s voice startled her.
“Is everything alright?” he asked concerned, meanwhile caressing the side of her face with his bronzed hand. “You look awfully distressed.”
She loosened the muscles in her neck.
“Yes and no,” she replied with a gentle smile. “I’m looking forward to our new life together. And yet, I think about Mason. In a way, I feel sorry for him. It must be so hard on him right now.” She sighed.
He took the plugs out of his ears and responded discerned. “That’s understandable, breaking up is never easy.” He looked at her, now more serious.
“Although I warned you about him! I hope you’re not having any second thoughts?”
“No, no,” she was quick to deny. “Don’t worry, I haven’t. It’s just that he didn’t deserve it, that’s all.”
“Well, no-one deserves it, to be honest,” he said, annoyed. “But you made a decision. We are now moving on. I’m sure he will as well. He’s a grown man. He can take care of himself.”
Claire realized it was better to change the topic.
It became clear Nathan left that part of their life behind him. He wished to focus on their new beginning.
“Of course, he will get over it!” she replied, submissive, trying to avoid having an argument in mid-air. “Once he meets someone new, he will forget me!”
She watched another passenger, walking up and down the isle. The thought of Mason with someone else only added to her anxiety.
Confused and tired, she laid her head on Nathan’s shoulder. She attempted to push her musing over the past to the background.
He put a comforting arm around her waist and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. The closeness of his firm and warm body soon calmed her down. His affection reassured her.
She decided to accept the change, with more faith.
“I can’t wait to see our new apartment,” she spoke optimistic. “From what I’ve seen in the pictures, the view from the balcony is incredible! You won’t find that anywhere in London!” she acknowledged.
“Yes, you’ll like it,” he said pleased. “It’s amazing! Spacious and bright!” he boasted. “And you will love the area of Sydney’s Bondi Beach! It buzzes with activity; cafe’s, bars, lots of shops and there’s plenty of entertainment. They organize a range of events each year. It’s a great place to be!”
“I take your word for it,” she responded consoled and yawning. “I think I’ll try to sleep. It’s still a long way to go, and I’m exhausted. I want to have energy left once we land over there.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” he answered.
“I follow your lead.”
They pushed their chairs backward and closed their eyes. But, Claire tried in vain to get the rest she wanted.
She couldn’t find a comfortable position to lay her head or her long legs. Not to mention the noises on the crowded plane. People chatted away, babies cried, and the crew came around with food and drinks on a regular basis.
On top of that, the frequent bumps in the sky kept her on edge and unsettled.
Unable to stay sound asleep, her thoughts wandered back again to the life she left behind. The day she first set eyes on Mason when they collided in the middle of a footpath. Still vivid in her mind.
