CHAPTER ONE

AMELIA

I scan the main hall, taking in every detail with a critical eye. The hardwood floors, the elegant drapes cascading from high ceilings, the carefully arranged tables adorned with crisp white linens and sparkling silverware––weeks of hard work and planning paying off.

But something’s not right.

My heart skips as I spot the problem—two tables standing bare and incomplete, their centerpieces absent.

I search the room for Nancy, my trusted assistant, and find her near the entrance. “The floral arrangements on tables twelve and seventeen are missing.”

Her brow furrows. “I’ll take care of it right away. The extra arrangements are in the back.” She rushes off.

“And double-check the rest of the tables. We can’t afford any oversights.”

She gives me a two-finger wave.

Jules steps beside me and massages my shoulder, her red hair luminous under the chandeliers. “Relax. Everything looks amazing. You’ve outdone yourself.”

I breathe. “I just want it to be perfect.” I glance around. “This event is a big deal for us. For The Main Event.”

Her green eyes sparkle as she grins. “And it will be. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this. The clients are going to be thrilled.”

I manage a smile. She always knows how to calm me down when I get nervous. She has that effect.

I look at my watch, the hands whirling around. Guests will arrive soon—a sea of faces, expecting to be wowed and transported to a world of elegance and enchantment. And that’s what they’ll get.

Memories of the early days flash through my mind. I think about working for Ester, the previous owner, who took a chance on me when no one else would. I didn’t want to disappoint her, not when she hired a pregnant girl desperate for a job. When she retired, Jules and I bought the business, determined to make it our own. It hasn’t been easy carving out a name in the cutthroat world of Dallas event planning.

But we’ve done it. We’ve made it.

And tonight, as I stand in this breathtaking room, the fruits of our labor shimmering in every detail, I feel satisfaction. This event isn’t just another job—it’s a testament to how far we’ve come, the dreams we’ve dared to chase, and the obstacles we’ve conquered.

The clients—a high-profile tech company celebrating a major acquisition—have given me free rein, entrusting me with their vision and reputation. I’ve given my all to make this happen, curating an extraordinary experience that will leave a lasting impression and establish our business as the premier choice for luxury corporate events.

Soft murmurs and clinking glasses signal the guests’ arrival. They stream in, a parade of designer dresses and tailored suits, filling the room with energy.

I take one last look around, ensuring every detail is in place, every corner polished and perfect. The room exudes elegance and sophistication.

And then, I see him.

Nathan.

He stands tall and handsome in a perfectly cut tuxedo. His dark hair gleams under the lighting, and I can’t breathe for a moment. Can’t think. Can’t move. The world tilts and everything fades until there’s nothing but him. Nothing but the pounding of my heart and the rush of blood in my ears.

Memories crash over me—lazy Sunday mornings tangled in his sheets, stolen kisses between classes, whispered promises of forever. And then the shattering of everything we had.

I pivot and mutter something to Jules––an excuse, though I can’t remember what––and weave through the growing crowd, not looking back.

I don’t stop until I’ve reached the sanctuary of the service corridor, where I lean against the wall, heart racing, breath coming in shallow gasps. My mind spins, a dizzying storm of emotions and questions.

What is he doing here? After all these years, after everything that’s happened—why now? Why tonight?

I squeeze my eyes shut and will the chaos inside me to settle. I won’t let him destroy the life I’ve built. Not for me. Not for my son.

I can’t.