Serena Vale

~•~

The video had ended long ago, but the awful intimate sound of him and the woman kept replaying in my head.

As we returned to the living room, everyone was silent. My friends were staring at me like I was a ticking time bomb but I was just trying to make sense of everything. I couldn't even cry. I was feeling so many things at once that I tried to regulate my emotions.

Logically, it wasn't possible that Douglas would cheat on me. He always called me the most beautiful woman. He said I was the best partner he'd ever had. He even wished he had met me earlier.

But the video was clear as day. It was filmed at an angle that I was certain he didn't know he was being filmed. I was tempted to text the person who sent the video but I didn't want to break my heart even further. I needed to confront Douglas. I needed to confront him as soon as possible.

Just as I picked up my phone to call him, the door opened and the man in question stepped in.

His regular lazy smile was on his lips as he saw the state of the house. "You decided to change the flowers last minute, didn't you?"

For a moment, I just stared at him, wondering how my lovely fiancé could do something so evil to me.

His eyes darted from me to Noelle to Tessa, eyebrows furrowing when we all stayed silent. "Is something wrong with the preparation?"

I glanced at Noelle and Tessa and they both nodded at me before packing up and leaving silently. Douglas looked behind them as they disappeared through the door. "Babe, is everything okay?" He rushed forward, attempting to hold my arms.

I pulled away. "Did you cheat on me, Douglas?" I didn't have the time to beat around the bush. My wedding was tomorrow. I needed to know whether or not it was going to go through.

His face registered his shock at my question, then as if he had practiced it a million times, he laughed. "What are you talking about, baby? Why would I cheat on you?" He looked so honest that I started to doubt if the video was real. "You're literally the love of my life."

I closed my eyes briefly. This was so hard to do as Douglas had never given me a reason to doubt him. But I needed to clear things up. I picked up my phone, played the video, and handed it over to him. "Isn't this you, Douglas?"

His jaw ticked. "Who sent this to you?"

"Is that you or not!?" I yelled.

His face was clear and his voice was unmistakable. He couldn't deny it. "It's me but–"

"But what?" I interrupted. "This is obviously recent. Your tattoo is right there. Even your hairstyle is the one you started cutting earlier this year. What the fuck, Douglas?"

"Look, Rena," he tried to hold me again. I didn't let him. Who knew how many women he had touched with that slimy hand of his? "The wedding is tomorrow. Let's not do this now, okay?"

I blinked. "What?"

He moved closer. "You've spent months planning everything. People have flown in from several cities just for our wedding. If this gets out, we'll both look stupid. We'll handle it privately. For now, let's just go through with it."

My mouth fell open at his audacity. Something inside me broke then. If I hadn't caught him red-handed, would he have lied to me forever? Did he even care about me? Did he intend to continue cheating after we got married too?

"Go through with it?" I asked in disbelief. "You cheated on me, Douglas!"

"It was a mistake, Serena! It meant nothing."

I stared at him, unable to recognize the man in front of me. He wanted me to dismiss his cheating like it was nothing. He wasn't even apologetic. He just wanted to save face. How the hell did I not see the signs?

"Serena, please. You love me. We can fix this. Tomorrow, we'll say our vows. We'll pretend this didn't happen. No one else has to know."

Pretend it never happened.

I took a deep breath, the tears finally rolling down my cheeks. "Get out, Douglas."

"Serena–"

"I said get out!"

The silence that followed was deafening. Realizing he couldn't argue about that right now, he sighed and turned around, leaving the same way he came.

As soon as he left, I fell to the ground and broke down in tears. Tessa and Noelle rushed in. They hadn't left after all.

Tessa knelt beside me, her voice gentle. "You did the right thing."

Noelle placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're not marrying a man who cheats and expects applause for it."

I tried to nod but the tears wouldn't stop rolling. They wouldn't get it, not fully anyway. I thought I had found the love of my life. I'd imagine our life together, our future. I thought we were going to be together forever but it turned out I didn't even know the man I was supposed to be marrying.

Everything I knew was crumbling right before my eyes. How the hell was I supposed to move on from this?

When Lila finally arrived, she was surprised to see us all on the floor. Noelle filled her in and she was about to go out and look for Douglas if Noelle didn't stop her.

"That bastard," she seethed. "If he wanted to fuck everything that walks, he could have just stayed single."

Her words had me crying harder. He was supposed to be my Douglas, not every woman's man. As if I wasn't in enough pain already, another text came through.

Through my blurry eyes, I checked it. It was the unknown number.

[In case he tries to gaslight you into thinking it's nothing, just know that this has been going on for two years. He visited my place last night.]

Without thinking, I threw my phone against the wall.

My chest tightened so hard I thought I wouldn't be able to breathe. "Cancel it. Cancel everything." I couldn't even recognize my own voice as I spoke.

Tomorrow was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Now, I just wanted to erase it from existence.

Serena Vale

~•~

By the time the sun went down, every trace of the life I'd been building with Douglas was gone.

Well, almost gone. I was still packing up my things to move them into Lila's place. Douglas and I had gotten this house together. It was mine as much as it was his but I couldn't live there anymore, not when every single corner reminded me of him. I would deal with the legalities of that later.

When I called the florist to let her know the wedding was off, she was confused. She had just delivered fresh flowers in the morning and was meant to deliver some more the next morning. The wedding planner was more than shocked. She revealed we were one of the sweetest couples she had met. Well, I used to think the same too.

Half of the calls I got were laced with fake sympathy. The other half were just hungry for gossip. The only people who cared about how I actually felt were my parents and cousins.

Douglas' family bombarded my phone with calls but I didn't respond to any of them. I couldn't.

I had to turn off my phone while I focused on taking everything of mine out of that house. Thankfully, Lila had a penthouse big enough to accommodate me and my things. I wasn't in the mood to pack this much to a hotel and she was barely at home anyway.

That night, I didn't sleep. I just sat by the window, watching the city lights through my tears until dawn came.

By the next morning, people were visiting me at Lila's penthouse. My friends came over, my parents, siblings, and cousins all wanted to comfort me. It was suffocating.

Douglas was calling me, leaving several text messages, telling me not to fuck this up. The rehearsal dinner had been canceled and people had texted him to know what was wrong, but he still wanted me to show up for the wedding. It was nauseating.

Amidst all the comforting words people kept throwing at me, I came to a decision. Douglas and I were supposed to leave for our honeymoon around seven in the evening. I had booked it as he was okay with anything. I couldn't sit there and watch everyone pity me because of Douglas' infidelity, so I packed a new suitcase.

"Where are you going?" Lila asked, standing by the doorway of my temporary room. My parents had just left when they realized I needed space from everyone.

"Liora Bay," I answered as I zipped up the suitcase. "For my honeymoon."

Lila blinked. "Your honeymoon?"

"I've been looking forward to going there. I won't let a man ruin that for me."

Lila bit down on her lip as though she had something to say, but was holding back.

The tickets were non-refundable. The villa had been paid for. I didn't think I'd have another chance to visit the island anytime soon, not with my upcoming job.

A lot of money had been wasted already with all the things I canceled. I couldn't let this one waste too. The island was supposed to be our honeymoon. Now, it would just be mine.

That evening, Lila helped me load my luggage into the car anyway. I was in a pair of sweats and oversized glasses, my hair pulled into a bun. I barely ever looked like this outside, but I just didn't have the energy to put effort into my looks at the moment.

"Text me when you land," she said. "And please don't make out with a mysterious stranger on the beach."

A soft laugh escaped me, the first real sign of happiness since I saw that picture. "I'll try not to."

"Good. Because heartbreak rebounds only work in the movies."

I smiled at her. The truth was that I didn't even think I was capable of attraction anymore. I'd just broken things off with Douglas twenty-four hours ago. I didn't have it in me to accommodate another man.

The drive to the airport was quiet. The sun was beginning to set and the skylines were tall and glittering, not caring that my world had just fallen apart.

At the check-in, the agent smiled politely. "I'm sorry, Ms Vale, but your flight has been delayed."

"What?" Was everything against me or what? "For how long?"

"I'm not sure yet. There's a maintenance issue. You'll need to wait until we announce and update."

Of course. The universe was adding salt to my injury.

I rolled my suitcase towards a seat and slumped down on it. I wasn't even surprised anymore. It just wasn't my year apparently.

That was when I noticed him.

A man was seated a few rows ahead, impossible not to notice. He had dark brown hair with dirty blonde tips. He leaned back with the kind is confidence that came from wealth and danger, or maybe both.

His suit was tailored to perfection. His watch gleamed softly under the airport lights. As if he could feel my gaze on him, he looked up.

He smiled faintly, holding my gaze for a few seconds too long before he went back to staring at his phone. I felt my stomach flip involuntarily, a reaction I scolded myself for.

'Not now, Serena.'

After nearly an hour of waiting, the announcement finally came through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, flight 233 to Liora Bay has been canceled due to technical complications. Please approach the service desk for rebooking or refunds."

Canceled. Not delayed.

I pressed my lips together. "Perfect."

I'd already told all my friends that I was going to Liora Bay alone. I'd told them I needed space from everyone and everything yet it seemed like the world didn't want me to enjoy a moment of peace. If I hadn't canceled my wedding, would my honeymoon flight have been canceled too?

"Seems we're heading to the same destination."

Irritated, I turned my head, ready to dismiss whoever was trying to strike up a conversation built on my misfortune. I froze when I saw that the man from earlier was now sitting next to me.

Up close, he was even more dangerous. More dangerous in the sense that he was too beautiful. His jaw was too sharp. His eyes were too dark. His gaze was too inviting. There was a small scar near his eyebrow, faint but noticeable. It was almost like it was a flaw put there on purpose to humanize his perfection.

Yes, he was that handsome.

"Liora Bay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah," he smiled. "The name is Ralph."

I hesitated for a moment before shaking it. "Serena."

His grip was firm and warm and he held my hand a second too long. "We're flying private and since we're heading in the same direction, you're welcome to join."

"We?"

"My..." he paused for a second as if he was finding the right words, "-friend is already in the jet. He hates delays."

I blinked in surprise. "You're offering me a seat on your private jet?"

"Unless you'd rather go back home or wait to book with a different airline." He shrugged. "Your call, sweetheart."

I glanced between him and the number of people disappointed that their flight had been canceled. Every rational part of me screamed stranger danger. But rationality had never gotten me anywhere. I rationalized my ex-fiancé's actions so much until it bit me in the ass.

Lila had warned me about making out with a mysterious man on the beach, but she never said anything about following one into his private jet.

"I don't usually accept offers from strangers..." I trailed off.

"Good, that means you're smart," Ralph replied, a tinge of an accent in his voice.

"Then why offer?"

"Because you look like you could use a change of scenery."

It was ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. And yet, a few minutes later, I found myself walking beside him across the private terminal, my suitcase rolling behind him.

Serena Vale

~•~

The jet was the definition of expensive. The cream and gold leather seats didn't look tacky. It looked like something out of a movie. Even the air smelled expensive.

Ralph stepped in first and extended his hand to me. I took it without hesitation, letting him pull me up the steps.

My eyes immediately zeroed in on the man sitting by the window. He looked up when he entered and blinked as if he was surprised to see me. He didn't say anything, he just stared at Ralph.

"This is Nik, N-I-K, Nik." Ralph spelled out, answering the unspoken question. "The friend I told you about."

"We're not friends." Nik quickly denied. His voice was deeper than Ralph's, and somehow, the way he spoke made him sound more serious than Ralph had.

However, Ralph wasn't bothered. "Don't mind him. We are. Nik, this is Serena. Her flight got canceled."

He raised a brow as if asking what that had to do with him.

"She's going in our direction. I decided to invite her."

Nik nodded once. His expression didn't give much away. I couldn't tell whether or not he was annoyed with my presence. Had I intruded on his private time? Did he not want me in their jet?

"Nice to meet you," I said, trying to sound composed. Inside, I was nervous as hell. I hadn't thought much about it when I decided to climb into a private jet with two strange men but now that they were both standing before me, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with their presence.

I was more than tempted to leave, but what was life without a few risks? I was tired of living so carefully. I was tired of living according to a particular plan. What was the worst thing that could happen anyway?

"You're scaring her, Nik." Ralph chuckled. "He might look like he does, but I promise, he doesn't bite. Also, if you don't feel comfortable with both of us, we're not going to force you to stay."

Could he read my mind?

I looked from Ralph to Nik, who seemed like he was also waiting for my response. Both gazes pinned on me had me flustered. "I'm not uncomfortable. I just didn't expect my night to end like this."

"In a good or bad way?"

I shrugged and Ralph nodded, guiding me to one of the seats. Ralph took the seat opposite me and Nik, who had claimed he wasn't friends with Ralph, sat next to him anyway.

My stomach twisted as the jet began to move. I was really doing this. I was flying with two strangers. I didn't know whether to blame it on my heartbreak or my lack of security consciousness, but I couldn't ask them to stop the jet halfway anymore.

Once they told us we could move around, the air hostess that I hadn't seen when I got on the jet poured us some champagne. Ralph handed me a glass. "So why are you going to Liora Bay?"

"My honeymoon," I answered bluntly, taking a sip of the champagne. It tasted better than any wine I'd ever taken before.

Ralph's mouth fell open. "What? Are you meeting your husband there or something?"

I laughed, but it lacked humor. "I didn't marry him. The wedding got called off."

"Don't tell me he cheated." My silence was enough of an answer for him. He shook his head. "Men are jerks." I arched an eyebrow at him. "I'm not an exception."

As Ralph and I conversed, Nik merely watched. I ended up telling him everything that had transpired in the past week. I didn't know if it was the alcohol or the thrill of the situation I was currently in, but it was easy to talk to him. Then again, it was always easier to talk to strangers.

By the time I was done with my story, he was both sympathetic and annoyed on my behalf. He poured me a new glass of champagne. "You need this more than I do."

I took it with a laugh. "You might be right."

When Nik finally spoke, his voice was low. "You're handling it better than most people would."

I looked over at him. It was the first time he was speaking directly to me. It was the second time I was hearing him speak. "You think so?"

"You're on a jet, heading to somewhere new, instead of crying in bed over someone who doesn't deserve it. That's something."

I smiled faintly. "I've done my fair share of crying."

"Before your trip is over, you'll feel better. I'll make sure of it." The words slid out of Ralph's lips casually as he leaned back in his seat.

The promise hung in the air, heavy and loaded. What did he mean by that?

I stared at him for a while. His tie was loosened now, his collar open. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Somewhere between another glass of wine and another laugh, my chest started to feel heavier. Maybe Ralph was right. Maybe this trip was what I needed to feel better.

When Ralph's fingers traced a strand of hair from my cheek, I didn't pull away.

"You shouldn't feel so sad," he murmured.

"My wedding was supposed to happen today," my voice came out dry and sarcastic. "I haven't gotten used to not being with him," I admitted. Ralph was a stranger yet he was the first person I was telling this to. I was used to Douglas being in my life. I didn't think a day would come when I wouldn't want to see him anymore for the rest of my life.

"Then let me help you forget about him."

Ralph leaned forward, his movement slow and deliberate, like he was waiting for me to stop him. I didn't. Lila didn't tell me not to make out with a man in his private jet.

I wasn't chasing pleasure. I just wanted to feel something that didn't hurt.

In the next second, his mouth was on mine. The kiss was soft at first, testing me. Then it became deeper. His hand cradled my neck, his tongue slipping inside my mouth, the taste of champagne filling my senses.

Somewhere in the corner of my vision, Nik watched us. He didn't seem shocked. He didn't even seem to be judging. He was just watching.

I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I didn't have it in me to be attracted to a new man. I wasn't even over Douglas but as they said, you had to get under someone to get over someone.

And maybe, somewhere in the back of my mind, I already knew what I was getting into when I decided to follow him in.