2 CHAPTER 1

Today will be a good day. The sky is a clear blue, birds are gleefully chirping away and even the air doesn't smell like its usual trash. Yes, today will be a good day. But not for any of those reasons.

My best friend is getting married today.

And I'm her maid of honor!

We've known each other since we were seven and have gotten into tonnes of mischief the moment we met. It's hard to believe we lived the day to see each other married.

I checked my phone for any messages. Sure enough, there were a few. I opened my text chain with Javier and smiled. He had written can't wait to see you later babe. It's been too long.

I contemplated for a good while what to write back. Instead, I settled on a bunch of Emojis and xos'. With a huge dopey smile on my face, I closed my eyes and reminisced. We've not been together for long. Just a couple of months. Before this, I had no intention of getting into a relationship anytime soon, but then, Leanna handed me his number and basically shoved me out the door to meet him. And the moment I met his rustic eyes and high cheekbones I was all over him. It hasn't turned out to be anything serious yet. Nevertheless, I was taking him to my best friend's wedding today.

Snapping back to reality, I glanced at my phone, noting the time, and decided to start getting ready. A dash of blood red lipstick, feline eyeliner and smokey eyeshadow later, I looked... great, I look like a hooker now. Cringing, I washed everything off and started my makeup again.

In my walk-in closet, I donned my dress. It was a piece of art - a deep navy blue with plunging necklines on both the front and back, the dress left little to one's imagination. Intricate sparkling stars rose up from the hem of my dress to converge at my waist into the little golden belt encompassing the phases of the moon. It's off-the-shoulder sleeves paired with a diamond necklace surely put the look in perspective.

Standing in front of the floor length mirror, I took it in. Never before would I have managed to do this. To pull myself together after all those years drinking and drowning my sorrows. I owe it all to her. My best friend.

Snapping back to reality, a smile blossomed onto my garnet red lips. Jamming my leg into my ankle length heels, I strode out the door and into my car and headed out to have one hell of an amazing day.

Arriving at the hall way ahead of schedule, I decided to make sure everything was going on smoothly. Nevertheless, every thought eddied out of my head the moment I stepped through the bejewelled doors. High above, the ceiling bore tantalising convoluted flowers weaving amongst themselves and the blinking lights. The aisle on the other hand was literally a bed of white roses. Breathing in, you could clearly scent a hint of lemon verbena filling up the air. I knew that scent anywhere.

I carefully descended down the aisle, being careful not to destroy the petal scattered pathway and made my way to the dais. On one end stood the groom who seemed to be practicing his speech with his best-man. Smiling at the sight, I turned towards the umber coloured doors to see my favourite person in the whole goddamn world.

"Daphne! You look absolutely breathtaking! I ought to steal that dress right off you," Leanna screeched as she wrapped me in a bear hug.

"Me? ME! Have you taken a look at yourself? It's early in the day- no scratch that, it's your freaking wedding; are you already stoned?" I replied, faking a look of horror.

With an incredulous look Leanna playfully shoved me aside and moved to perch on the pearl white cushions. Her usual joyous self gone.

"Hey now, why that look? You're going to get wrinkles."

"Funny. It's nothing - just wedding jitters and all."

"Hmm, right," I told her as I moved to put my arm around her.

Leaning into me, Leanna's body shook as she tried to reign in her sobs.

"I just miss him. So goddamn much."

There it was.

A few years ago, Leanna's father met in a terrible car accident which took his life. She was left all alone considering how her mother left them when she was still a babe. Her father was everything to her - her whole life. And now her wedding day…

"Oh Leans. I'm here for you, never forget that." I apprised her as I enveloped her in a hug.

After a long but overdue moment, we pulled away.

Giggling, I said to her "damn! And I thought I looked horrendous when I cried."

With a look of pure delight, Leanna literally shoved me off the cushions which caused me to land flat on my arse with a huge oof.

"Hey!"

Leanna was laughing so hard, tears were literally raining down her face. Joining in, I was glad the horrors before were wiped away. She deserved this. More than anyone, she deserved to be happy.

After the laughter had FINALLY subsided, I began to work on her makeup considering the mess it was now.

"Just don't make me look like a hooker," she chuckled. I snorted in reply.

We worked in unison - she handing me brushes as we traded memories over the years. I grew lost in my thoughts that I jerked a little when Leanna said something that brought me back to reality.

"Hey Daph, can you walk me down the aisle?"

"... but OF COURSE Leans! I would be beyond honored!"

"Great! Also, can I see the rings?"

Shit. The rings.

Oh My Fucking God.

"Umm Daph? You spaced out."

"Oh, Oh! Yeah sure! I left them in the car for safe keeping. I'll go get them."

Strutting out, I realised I was wrong about today being a good day. How horribly wrong I was.

Not trying to be careful this time, I trampled profusely over the scattered pathway to my car. Praying to the Gods above that no one would notice. I threw off my heels into a near corner and half-sprinted out the door. Reaching my car, I searched every possible alcove for the missing rings.

Shit.

Sweating now, I trudged back inside and got onto my hands and knees to search the petalled pathway. How could I be so careless! Leanna is going to be so upset! Cursing a string of the unspeakable, I reached into my clutch for my phone. Just then, a piece of tissue fluttered out and fell faster than it should have. With a trembling hand, I picked up the tissue and ushered it open.

There it was.

Two gleaming bands of gold shone.

Phew that was a close one. Today was going to be a good day after all.

Standing up, I searched for my heels.

"So, did you find the rings?" A sensual husky voice sounded behind me.\

Spinning, I stumbled into the arms of an angel with the most peculiar eyes - deep gray eyes with the palest sapphire blue as its core. Holding me Cinderella style, we stood, breathing in our scents.

It was seventh heaven.

Realising I was face to face with the best man, I opened my mouth to speak as I glanced at his nametag.

The blood drained from my face as the familiarity of his face registered.

No, it was not an angel I was looking at. It was the devil himself.

It was certainly not going to be a good day.

Trembling with restraint, I faced my 'saviour.' His name echoing in my head as he delivered a sensual grin that triggered something deep within my core.

No, it can't be.

But it was.

Sorin Hunt.