Tangled Hearts: Prologue

Prologue: December 241

“Where are you planning to go?”2

I turned around. Watching Victor’s mouth tug into a frown, I quickly returned to my keyboard, uncertain how to respond. I finished answering my lawyer's question, and as I clicked "send," I checked the time. It was 7:23 PM. Victor impatiently tapped his shoes and I could almost feel the hole he was penetrating into my back. I held in a sigh as I closed my computer screen; there was no stopping him when he was like this. Pasting on a fake smile, I grabbed my new coat and headed out the shop purposely not answering his question. As I locked the store after giving it one last glance, I suppressed the urge to break into a run when I heard his hesitant footsteps behind me. The suitcase I held in my hand suddenly seemed too heavy, and I could not prevent my hand from shaking.3

“So this is how it’s going to be? Rachel!” His voice fell silent, and I angrily told myself not to cry. My nose felt itchy, and already I could feel the prickling of tears that usually preceded a waterfall. I told myself sternly not to turn around.4

“I was selfish and inconsiderate of your feelings. I’m a jerk like you said, but please talk to me. I can’t stand this silence.” He took a step forward, and I silently urged the elevator to hurry. “Rachel. Please forgive me.” I heard something dropped onto the marble floor. It sounded like a piece of paper. “Here's the letter he left for you. I won’t get in your way anymore.” The elevator door opened. He took another step toward me; he was now close enough for me to smell the mint aftershave he had on. “I’m sorry.” I listened with tears rolling down my cheek as he walked away. The elevator door closed, but I continued to stand there. When I was certain that he had left, I bend down to pick up the envelope. I tried not to cry harder as I force my shaking hands to throw it into the waste can. Before I could, the elevator opened again. I turned around, surprised.5

“Mathew” The name escaped my lips before I could take it back. I realized suddenly how pathetic I looked standing there in my suit with ruined makeup on my face. I unconsciously took a step backward. It all seemed too much. My suitcase dropped from my hand. The loud noise it made upon impact shook me from my dazed state and I blushed at my own clumsiness.6

“Miss Donnelly, how are you this evening?” His pleasant voice did nothing to disguise the worry glance in his eyes. His eyes gazed at the piece of paper I still held in my hand. “Mr. Anderson wished for me to take you home, but if Miss Donnelly is feeling unwell, I will be happy to assist her to the hospital. If you do not mind me saying Miss Donnelly, you look awfully pale this evening. Are you feeling alright?” He took the suitcase from me and began to lead me inside the elevator. I angrily wretched my arms from his grip, and immediately turned away in shame.7

“I’m sorry Mathew. I’m feeling alright, but please allow me to go home tonight. Send my apology to Alexis.” I quickly grabbed my suitcase back while he stared at me uncertainly.8

“May I ask where will Miss Donnelly plan to spend the evening?” His eyes looked troubled as he took out his cell phone.9

“NO! I mean, please don’t call Alexis.” I winced as I listen to the begging note in my voice. “I’ll be fine, but I need some time alone. Trust me Mathew. I’ll be back tomorrow, I promise.” I held my breath as he looked at me with his eyes. He smiled and I almost sighed with relief.10

“Alright, I trust Miss Donnelly with her promises.” He reached into his vest pocket. He blushed as he handed me a small red box. “I almost forgot, but please accept this Miss Donnelly. And I hope you enjoy your evening with Miss Granger.” He turned around before I could say anything, and with a “Merry Christmas Miss Donnelly,” the elevator closed.11

I stared at the elevator door in surprise for a while before I remembered the box in my hand. Carefully opening it, I find myself smiling at the sight of a simple pendant with my initial dangly from a fine chain. Two small diamonds was set elegantly above the “R” and the “D.” My cell phone’s ring tone shook me from my musing.12

“Where are you?” Arlene’s impatient voice cried out.13

“Change of plan Arlene. I won’t be going over to your house tonight. I’m returning to Alexis.” I disconnected the call before she could protest. An action that would most likely involved some reproach from her the next time we meet. My heart twinge in guilt, but I forced myself to ignore it. I pulled out my cell phone again; staring with shock I realized that it was now 8:00. The taxi driver must have already left already! The elevator was still on the first floor, so with a loud curse, I scrambled for the stairways. I hastily stuffed the paper and the box into my coat pocket as I ran out the door. To my relief the driver had not left yet. The taxi driver gave an angry glare but did not say anything. I quickly got in.14

“ Memorial Lee Airport please.”15