Chapter 1
Surrounded by darkness and heartache, Ariel Landford felt like a ticking time bomb.
Behind closed eyes, Ariel could hear the busy streets of—of where? The busy streets of…. She did not know. And the smell of—surely of her best friend’s bakery. ...Or was it? Where was she?
Ariel could not move her lower legs and although she wanted to open her eyes, they would not. Was she even conscious? This must all be a dream. But she could hear cars, horns, buses, and people passing. Surely they must see her…?
This was all Gabriel Stones’ fault!
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Gabriel and Ariel were celebrating their wedding engagement in Kansas City. Being from Chicago, brought them closer to his family.
Ariel had them packed and ready to go after breakfast. There was little conversation, just the pleasantries. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and they were off to get showered and dressed.
It was a beautiful spring day. They talked, sang, and continued as though everything was normal on their drive. Gabriel even promised to fix the kitchen sink when they returned home. It meant a lot to her. He wanted to please her, but this concerned her too because he was no Mr. Fix It.
When they arrived, Gabriel kissed her hand before releasing it. Surprisingly, he held her hand for the ride. It was as if he could not get enough of her, would not be seeing her for a while, and had already missed her. He was acting as a man in love should but a little out of his character. Regardless, there was no doubt that he still loved her.
The valet took their keys and once inside the party’s banquet room and foyer area Ariel could see it was huge and catered by Tina Marias. The staff was classy in white and black tuxedo-style uniforms with black shiny shoes.
There were only supposed to be 100-150 in attendance. It appeared that half of the guests had already arrived, and Ariel mingled but stayed by Gabriel’s side. She had no family here and knew no one. She had no surviving family. Gabriel was all she had.
The event turned out gorgeous as Tina decided on a vintage-themed wedding engagement party.
Everyone dressed in light and breezy vintage wear. The room is adorned in red velvet, brick accents, and fully set tables of vintage to match but with white roses mixed in red. There was so much white too that it all appeared angelic.
Ariel wore a white vintage dress that made her feel like she was partying at the Gatsby’s House. Very nostalgic and taking one back in time. She received so much praise on her choice of dress and how much it brought out the green in her eyes, as well as the shine of her auburn red hair with blonde highlights.
Gabriel was tall and lean with deep brown eyes, dark short hair, and a smile to die for. He looked dashing in a vintage Sailsbury green suit with matching shoes.
They all sat down to a lovely dinner. They enjoyed New England Clam Chowder Soup, Antipasto, Salmon with Pilaf, and Broccoli. For dessert, they devoured hot Apple Pie with Ice Cream on top.
The icing on the cake was the timeless sounds of Anita Baker singing, Sweet Love, softly in the background.
“Ariel, would you like to dance?” Gabriel asked.
While beaming with a glow of happiness, Ariel responded, “Yes.”
Ariel always loved how just the touch of his hand could make her blush with thoughts of their lovemaking. His scent drove her to weakened knees. And when he placed his hand upon the small of her back she breathed in and released it slowly with contentment.
As they danced, Gabriel’s lips touched her ear, running shockwaves through her body and he whispered, “You look beautiful today. Just know that I will always love you, Ariel.”
He said it like a goodbye was coming.
Her contentment quickly and abruptly ended.
“Let us step out onto the balcony, I need to speak with you,” said Gabriel. “It is important.”
He chose what was to be an “us” moment and admitted to finding him another; he just did not love her anymore. Turning their moment into a goodbye. A very cold one. He could not even look her in the eyes when he spoke. Almost robotic.
He just proclaimed his love for her and now there is another? No way.
How could he put her through a trip, party, and then dance with her as if all were well between them? This made no sense. He had never functioned as if there was another. Quite the opposite. His breakup sounded forced.
Ariel was so devastated; he was all she had in the world. Her eyes filled with tears, and she was so embarrassed that she just ran off down Barley Avenue. She ran frantically onto a busy city street with blurred eyes; unable to see.
Screeeeeeech …. Everything went black.
