Chapter Six

Two years ago

A smile spreads across my face as I tape up the last box, ready to move out of the dorms.

My roommate, Jessica, and her friends lounge on the floor, chatting excitedly about a frat party tonight.

When I turn to face them, they fall silent as if they are noticing me for the first time in the room.

“Hey, River.” Jessica recovers quickly and smiles. “There’s a frat party tonight. Wanna come with us this time?”

Jessica and I get along just fine, but I wouldn’t say we’re exactly friends. That’s mainly because I’ve politely declined every party invitation she’s ever extended. To be honest, loud crowds and thumping music just aren’t my scene. I’m more of a quiet night-in kind of girl. But there’s another reason too, one that’s hard to ignore: my dad.

As the daughter of a wealthy business tycoon, I’ve grown up under the scrutiny of the tabloids. Every move I make, every step I take, is watched and waited for. One misstep, one careless mistake, could damage my dad’s reputation and hurt his business. So I’ve learned to be careful, to always think twice before acting. It’s not always easy, but it’s just part of who I am.

My dad wasn’t thrilled when I decided to move into the dorms in the first place. His fierce protectiveness can sometimes make him unreasonable. But I was determined to learn to be independent and self-sufficient. I wanted to prove to myself that I could survive living with strangers and making my own way. It took some time adjusting, but I’m happy with the independence it has given me.

The only drawback has been my roommate’s boyfriend, who seems to think our dorm is his own personal crash pad. He’s always spending the night, and let’s just say their... activities make it impossible for me to get a decent night’s sleep.

So, I’ve decided to take the plunge and move out for good. This summer, I’ll be finding an apartment off campus, and I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter of my life.

“I can’t. I’m leaving in a few.”

Jessica’s friend with pink highlights and nose piercings stares at me while popping her chewing gum. “You’re such a goody two shoes.”

“What the hell, Sasha?” Jessica throws a pillow at her.

Easily dogging it, she glances at Jessica with a bored expression. “What? Isn’t it the truth?” She turns her eyes to me. “Never went to any parties or stayed out past curfew. Hell, I bet you’re still a virgin.”

I stiffen. The other girl gasps out loud while Jessica pushes to her feet. “Seriously, Sasha. Cut it out.”

“I was just saying that she needs to chill and get out more. You know, to live.” The last part is said while giving me a pointed look.

A jolt of distress hits my stomach. Yes, I kept to myself the past two years. Yes, I am a bookworm. Boring with a pretty face. And yes, I am a twenty-year-old virgin. I’m going to turn twenty- one in six months and I don’t see myself losing my virginity any time sooner. Is that so bad?

I struggle with connecting to new people. Regardless being fluent in multiple languages, I am an introvert. I talk to others when necessary. It’s because I’m designed this way. I am yet to find someone who could accept me as I am. And not force me to do things in the name of friendship. Though, Sasha’s words hurt, explaining myself to a stranger is a waste of time.

There’s a knock on the door and I turn to find Derek, dad’s security chief. He is wearing a navy suit. His eyes are hiding behind black shades.

“Ms. Gibson.” He inclines his head.

“Derek,” I say warmly, smiling as I step aside to let him in.

My eyes back to the girls. “Hope you all have a pleasant summer.” Giving them a last smile, I walk out.

But as I turn to leave, two more guards appear in the doorway, their eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on the stacks of boxes. My roommate’s eyes widen in surprise, and her friends stare, open-mouthed.

Nobody here knows that I’m Christopher Gibson's daughter. I’ve worked hard to keep it that way.

Within minutes, I am seated in the back of the SUV. Shaking my head at the sight of two more cars lining behind me. I pull out my cell phone and dial Dad. He picks up on the third ring.

“Hello, sweet pea. Are you on your way?”

I melt hearing my nickname. “I am. But dad… I told you not to send the guards.”

“You think I’m going to let you do the heavy lifting?”

“Why send so many then?”

“Because it saves time.”

“Ever the strategist.” I smile.

“That I am. Come home soon. I miss you, sweet pea.”

“I miss you too, dad. So much.”

“I am officially on leave starting today. We are going on a vacation.”

Sometimes I wonder if he still blames himself for abandoning me on my birthdays when he was grieving mom. He has spent his every waking day making it up to me ever since. I only hope he knows that I’ve long forgotten those empty days and nights. He should know that he doesn’t have to set aside his work just because I’m coming home.

“Dad, you don’t need to—”

“Ah, but I do,” he replies. “I’ve missed my daughter, and I’m not about to let work get in the way. Besides, you stood me up over spring break. I’m collecting on that rain check.”

“Okay. Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Really?”

“Yes. In fact, you’re not coming home. You’re heading straight to the airport.”

I sit straight. “What?”

“Yes. That’s why I sent Derek to bring you.”

I glance at him who is sitting ahead in the passenger seat.

“Now I know what you’re thinking. Don’t pester him with questions. He won’t reveal anything.”

“But dad, I’m not ready. I need to know the location to pack and—”

“Everything has been taken care of.”

“Okay,” I mumble. When he hangs up, I scoot to the edge of the back seat and peer at Derek silently.

“Derek—” I start but he just shakes his head, and I scoot back, grumbling.

He’s loyal at heart. It’s useless to convince him to spill the beans. Plugging my AirPods in, I close my eyes and enjoy the music.

◆◆◆

Today is a bad day. It has to be because when we reached the airport. We couldn’t fly because of the bad weather.

Dad was in a terrible mood because he was stuck in his office. And I was just bummed. I didn’t much care about the vacation. I just wanted to see Dad.

We end up going to a hotel near the airport. Although we have a private jet, and can fly any time, Dad insisted on flying out as soon as the weather settles. And to avoid the unnecessary hassle of moving to and from our mansion, he suggested we stay at a hotel nearby instead.

So here I am, in the lobby of a luxurious hotel, waiting for Derek who’s at the front desk.

I stroll over to the wall of mirrors, giving myself a once-over. My light blue puff-sleeved sundress, which hits just above the knee, is slightly rumpled from the long drive. I smooth out the wrinkles, my fingers tracing the soft fabric. My dark brown curls, secured in a messy bun atop my crown, have begun to unravel, with a few stray tendrils framing my face and grazing my neck. I tuck a few behind my ears.

As I smooth out the last wrinkle on my sleeve, my gaze drifts up to the mirror, and that’s when I see him. My lips part in shock, my eyes widening in stunned surprise. Time seems to freeze, my hand hovering in mid-air as if suspended by an invisible thread. My breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, I forget how to exhale.

It’s him.

He is here.

The mere sight of him makes my heart stutter. My first kiss, the one person who’s haunted my thoughts since my eighteenth birthday. The man who left me with a bittersweet ache in my chest. Those piercing onyx eyes have invaded my dreams every night for two years, refusing to let me go.

I spin around, my legs trembling beneath me, as if my body can’t keep up with my eagerness. And then, I see him again—really see him—standing there and I know it’s not just a dream.

It is him.

Damian.

He stands tall and intimidating in a crisp black button-up and black trousers. From where I stand, only his side profile is visible, but it’s more than enough to confirm my suspicions. The sharp lines of his face are etched in my memory forever—the straight nose, the high cheekbones, and that strong, chiseled jaw. Every feature is unmistakably his, and my heart skips a beat.

As he listens intently to the phone call, his fingers rake through his silky dark hair, the gesture sending a shiver down my spine. The frown etched on his face is ridiculously attractive, making my heart stumble. It’s really him! The man I’d impulsively kissed that night.

Memories of that night come flooding back. I often wonder how differently things would have played out if I’d restrained myself. But I don’t regret that kiss. What I regret is the awkwardness that followed. The way he’d wordlessly escorted me out of the woods, his expression unreadable. The memory still makes my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“Be good.” He had said gruffly, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he turned and vanished into the darkness. I’d been left standing there, feeling bewildered and embarrassed, with no way to track him down. I didn’t even know his last name.

Despite my aversion to social events, I’d attended every single one, scanning the crowds with a mixture of hope and desperation, praying that I’d catch a glimpse of him again. But it seemed my luck had run out. Months turned into years, and I’d all but given up on the possibility of ever seeing him again.

The rational part of my mind had long given up on the possibility of ever crossing paths with him again. But my romantic side? That part of me had refused to let go, spinning a million different scenarios, imagining countless ways our paths might intersect again. It had fueled a hope that had burned bright and true in my heart, refusing to be extinguished.

And here he is.

Damian.

The man of my dreams.

My smile falters as Damian checks his watch, frowning. He starts striding away, his long legs eating up the distance. Panic surges through my veins like ice water, jolting me out of my stunned paralysis. My brain snaps back into gear, and I spring into action, my feet seemingly moving of their own accord. I dash after him.

“Ms. Gibson!”

Concerned voices call out my name, but they’re distant, muffled by the thundering of my heart.

My bun disintegrates as I run, dark curls tumbling down my shoulders and back like a wild waterfall.

I take a sharp left, hot on Damian’s heels. I refrain from calling out his name out loud. I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention, and the mere thought of speaking aloud sends my anxiety spiraling.

I collide with strangers in my haste, but I don’t stop. This is my one chance, my only opportunity to reconnect with him.

I have no idea what I will say to him. There’s a possibility he might not even remember me. But I know deep down that if I lose this chance, I would regret it forever.

He is easy to spot with his tall frame and broad back.

“Ms. Gibson, River!” Derek’s voice rings out but I’m too focused on catching up to Damian.

I pump my arms faster, my feet pounding the floor in a frantic bid to reach him.

He suddenly stops dead in his tracks. And I’m moving too fast to react, and I crash into his broad back.

He almost trips but steadies himself and twists his body toward me, fiercely scowling.

The moment his other-worldly night eyes meet mine, I lose my footing. I’m a breath away from dissolving into a helpless, needy mess at his feet. But before I can embarrass myself, Damian’s strong arm folds around me, steadying me. He reaches up, his fingers grazing my skin as he tucks a stray curl behind my ear. The gentle touch sends shivers down my spine.

I melt into his chest. My gaze frantically sweeps over his features, drinking in every detail.

Two years, six months, and three days—the exact measure of time since our paths last crossed. But as I search his face, my heart sinks. His expression remains impassive, devoid of even a flicker of recognition.

A crack forms in the fragile dam holding back my emotions. “Hi,” I whisper, my voice trembling as a lone tear escapes, rolling down my cheek. The truth hits me. He doesn’t remember me. The lack of recognition in his eyes is a painful reminder that, to him, I’m nothing more than a stranger.

I’m being silly. Why would he remember me? We were strangers, and that awkward kiss was just a fleeting moment in his life. I was just a timid eighteen-year-old, and he was... well, he was Damian.

The sound of a guard calling out “Ms. Gibson” makes me tremble even harder. I don’t know why I’m being so emotional.

Damian’s gaze sweeps over my shoulder before locking onto mine. I stare up at him, my eyes misty, as he pulls me into the waiting elevator. In my peripheral vision, I notice two guards attempting to follow us, but the doors slide shut, sealing us inside.

As Damian turns to face me, my legs wobble again. His arms envelop me, holding me upright. “Are you all right?”

I stare up at him, wide-eyed and unresponsive. He grips my chin, his fingers warm against my skin, and says, “River?”

A big smile spreads across my face as I stare up at him. My fingers close around his hand, still cradling my chin, and I give it a gentle squeeze. My heart dances in my chest as I whisper, “You remember me.”