Chapter 3

Tonight is the big Hallowell Gala. I am almost done getting ready when Daddy walks into my childhood bedroom at Hallo Mansion.

I had promised Mom I'd go with her to get our hair and nails done. Then we would run back here and get ready.

"Wow! Someone's trying to outdo their mother. You look lovely, baby doll," Daddy says, smiling. He takes a sip of his drink. It's the usual scotch on the rocks in a small, golden glass cup.

I turn around and play with the bottom half of the gown. I'm so nervous for Max to see me. "Thank you, Daddy!"

My hair is in a bun with nude lips and smoky black eyes. My dress is a black Valentino lace & chiffon gown paired with Louboutin platform pumps. The dress is see-thru in all the appropriate places.

Mom nearly died when she saw me put it on. She disapproved and said I looked like a woman of the night.

I roll my eyes at the thought.

I silently laugh because it's her fault I am stuck with this gown.

Valentino himself sent me this dress to wear tonight. As horrendous as it looks, Mom would not let me wear anything else.

Daddy walks to the mirror, where I am standing, and kisses my forehead. "So, where's Max?" He asks, turning and taking a seat on my old bed.

I begin to put my earrings on. "Max is going to meet us there. He's bringing his parents, remember?" Maybe my father had enough to drink tonight?

Every plate for tonight's dinner is twelve thousand dollars. Daddy paid for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford. I offered to do that, but Max told me no. When Daddy offered, he said he would be offended if Max didn't accept. He had no choice but to accept the offer.

"Of course, I wouldn't forget! I can't wait to meet your in-laws. I just want them to have a great night. Your mother and I also look forward to having them here next weekend. I'll dissect them then."

I shake my head as I turn back to my father. He is a laid-back man, which doesn't worry me. However, all the dissecting, which he spoke of, will be made by Mom.

"Just please keep Mom under control. Don't let her embarrass herself or me." I put my hands together, pleading with him, and step forward.

He gets up from the bed and walks toward me. "Oh sweetie, you know that's the part of the night I enjoy the most! Watching your mom make a fool of herself."

I laugh and pretend to hit him. "Oh, Daddy! I know she drives you up the wall, too."

Daddy puts his arm around my shoulder. "She does, baby doll! Lord knows she does! However, no one will ever take care of me like she does. She's the love of my life," he happily says as he kisses my forehead and walks off. He stops suddenly short of the door. "The limo will be leaving here in an hour!"

I finish getting ready and look at myself in the mirror. My life really is beyond perfect, and I am so blessed. I have the best parents, am obsessed with my job, and am engaged to a man I love very much.

The only thing missing is my grandparents. They loved a reason to get dressed. They would've gone all out for tonight. Grandma was the reason for the Hallowell Galas.

It was horrible to lose them both at almost the same time. Grandpa Phil died four years ago of a heart attack. Grandma Lucille went that very same week due to a broken heart.

I miss them terribly.

Grandpa always told me that the love of my life would come unexpectedly, and I would have to fight for it. If it was what I wanted. That I should fight tooth and nail and not let anyone intervene. He must've smelled Max coming a mile away.

I can see myself fighting for him even though we have a comfortable and quiet life.

When I first met Max, I couldn't stand him. We met when I was playing assistant for my dad. His assistant up and left without notice. Mom was skilled at making any female employee around Daddy want to quit.

I had just finished college and had no idea what I wanted to do in life.

The paper company where Max worked was signing a contract with Hallowell Enterprises. I noticed Max kept staring at me. He invited me later on that day for lunch.

Max kept complaining about how rich people made him sick. That they should practice being more humble. He would always make it seem like having money was a disease.

I guess that made me want to start a friendship with him. He didn't care about my wealth or popularity. Max didn't want anything from me.

Some years passed, and one night we got drunk, and he kissed me. The rest is history.

I look down at my engagement ring. It's a simple two-carat, three-stone engagement ring. It was very cheap, but it means so much to me. Maxwell didn't grow up in luxury, but he lives the best way he can, and I admire that.

How did I get so lucky?

Later that night, we arrived at Chateau Hallo.

My parents own this venue. They hold a lot of properties in and around California.

Daddy helps me out of the limo while the valet helps Mom.

Moments later, we step into the massive ballroom. Everything is as beautiful as I had envisioned it.

The luxurious clothed-draped tables were neatly arranged and decorated with candles and flower bouquets. The silverware and plates gleam under the soft glow of lights. The flowers are arranged to look like the Puerto Rican flag. They are part of the centerpieces on each table. The arrangements are made by yours truly. I am really proud of myself!

All the proceeds for tonight's dinner are going to the state of Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Maria came and destroyed everything in its path, taking countless lives. Months passed, and so many people were still left in the dark with little food or water. We wanted to do our part.

Mom and dad grab champagne from a server when I see Max and his parents. I wave at them. I grab Daddy by the arm and point towards Max.

Daddy and I begin our approach when someone bumps shoulders with me. It's a man dressed in a black suit. He's wearing dark sunglasses and has a sour look on his face.

Odd, I tell myself. It's dark outside, and this weirdo has sunglasses on. What is the point?

I wince in pain and grab onto my shoulder. Did he really not see me?! The guy didn't even bother to say sorry. I turn and open my mouth, but no words come out. He's gone!

I look around, scanning the area. How rude, I tell myself. Daddy looks at me confused and turns around. I guess he didn't see what happened.

I compose myself as we stand in front of Max and his parents.

"Mom, Dad, this is Mr. Tim & Mrs. Rebecca Hallowell," Max says to his parents proudly. "And this is Julie and Stan Crawford. My parents."

The four of them shake each other's hands. Max stands next to me while we let our parents talk.

"You look amazing, you know that?" Max whispers to me, fixing his tie and jacket. I can tell he is a little uncomfortable.

I look up at him and smile. "Thank you, Mr. Crawford! You look dashing as well."

Max smoothes out his tie and looks down nervously.

"I know you don't like designer wear, but it suits you."

We both laugh at my double entendre.

I took some of Max's old suits from his apartment. I had them sent to get his measurement so I could get a suit made for him. A couple of suits, actually. The ones he owned looked severely worn out.

"I feel like a million bucks in this, so thank you. I really appreciate it." He takes my hand and kisses it. I blush as I look over at Mom, who is already telling Mrs. Crawford things I'm sure she didn't care about.

"...yes, my husband's last name is Duvall. My father made him change it to Hallowell," Mom says, putting her hand on Julie's back and walking off with her. Mrs. Crawford nods.

Both Dad and I cringe. Five minutes haven't even passed, and Mom is already spilling family secrets. My father scowls at my mother while shaking his head. He then turns and offers Mr. Crawford a cigar. Mr. Crawford agrees and walks off with Daddy.

"Your mom is quick. By the end of tonight, my mom should know every secret your family has," Max says, looking at me, furrowing his brows.

I shake my head at the thought of mom embarrassing me. Max is right! Mom doesn't have a filter.

"So, may I have this dance?" Max asks as he holds his hand out.

I'm not really a dancer, but I want to make this night special for us, and I want to make him happy. "Of course, you can," I say, looking at him seductively, placing my hand in his.

We walk to the dance floor. The Police' Every Breath You Take' begins to play.

Max places his hands on my hips, and we slowly sway to the music. I look up at him and envision our wedding and first dance as husband and wife. I then put my head under his neck and sigh happily.

My eyes are shut. I love every second of this. It sounds corny, but this is what heaven probably feels and smells like.

Muscular and chocolatey.

I feel him kiss my head and look up to meet his gaze.

We dance as Max bends his head down and gently kisses my lips. I feel his grip on my waist tighten as he pulls me in to deepen our kiss. He then removes his hands and puts them on the sides of my head, our lips never wavering from each other.

We sway, and I keep my eyes closed, putting my head back on his chest. I wrap my arms around him, and he mimics me. We continue to dance for a couple more minutes as another song comes on. This time it's Cutting Crews' "Died in Your Arms Tonight."

When I open my eyes, I see the guy who bumped into me earlier.

He's staring in my direction from across the room. It is somewhat dark where he is standing, but I can tell it's him, and he is definitely looking this way.

The weird part is that the man still has his sunglasses on.

For some reason, I know he is staring at me, which makes me uneasy. I immediately put my arms on Max's shoulders and look toward the other side.

"You okay?" Max asks, tracing circles with his fingers on my arm.

"Yeah, I'm-I'm fine," I say as I look back at Max. I try to mask the

uncertainty. I then look at the corner again and see that the guy is still staring at me.

What the hell?!

The stranger has an evil look on his face. Calm, but there is something sinister about him. I think he notices that I am staring back at him because he tilts his head slightly. Still not showing an ounce of emotion.

I gulp in apprehension as I look around. Maybe the stranger is looking at someone else, and I am just being paranoid.

I look at the people around us until my gaze falls back on the stranger. He slowly removes his sunglasses and puts them in his breast pocket. All the while, he never takes his gaze off of me.

Like in a trance, we stare at each other for minutes. Everyone around us laughs and dances, but we look at one other.

Max whispers something in my ear, but I don't acknowledge him. I feel uncomfortable, but I can't look away from the stranger.

Who is he? Why is he staring at me like that?

The creepy part about all of this is that he never blinks.

Not one time.

Almost mannequin-like.

"Babe, did you hear me?" Max asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I look up at him, surprised. "Hm?! What? I'm sorry!"

Max looks in the direction the guy has been standing at. "What's wrong? What are you staring at?"

"There's this guy..." I say, looking back at the corner.

What the hell?! He's not there anymore!

"What guy?" Max looks in that direction also, confusion written on his face.

I look around, confused, and point to where the shaded man was just standing.

"He was just there!" I exhale defeatedly. I know I'm not crazy! Well, maybe I am.

Who would come to an evening charity event with sunglasses on?

It really isn't essential, though. The man with the sunglasses is probably just a creep. "You know what? It's nothing," I say, putting my hands on Max's chest. "It's fine! I'm thirsty. Let's get something to drink. Dinner will be served soon."

I grab his hand and lead him to the bar. Max begins talking to me about Puerto Rico and all the help they've gotten so far.

Ashamed to say I'm not even paying attention. That creepy guy still has me uneasy, so I nod and smile at Max.

What was he thinking about as he stared at me?

It makes me uncomfortable knowing I share the same space with him.

Max and I are leaning against the bar, waiting for our drinks, when I feel the room suffocates me. So many people are here tonight, and Max is still talking about Puerto Rico.

I want to tell him to stop talking, but I continue to pretend to listen to him.

I am still trying to see if I can find that strange man, but at this point, there is no use. It will be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are so many people here.

"Samantha, come back to me. Hello? Anyone home?"

I turn and look back at Max. He's waving his hands in my face and looks worried. "Hey..." He put his arms around me. A look of worry spreads through his face. "Are you okay? Do you want to leave or something? We can if you want."

"No, no! I'm sorry." I rub my forehead. I am so ashamed. Here Max stands, talking to me, and I'm looking for the creepy man. "I just have to use the bathroom. When I come back, I'll be as good as new. I promise!" I kiss him on the cheeks as he lets me go, and I walk off into the crowd.

I need some air! It doesn't help that the dress feels a little snug, too, cutting off circulation. I place my hand on my chest and breathe deeply, trying to get through the swarm of people congregated in this hall.

Once I make it through the maze of bodies, I will probably feel better.

Once I'm away from the crowd, I see everyone gathering near the drinks. The place isn't as packed as I first thought.

Dinner will be served in the next room, and they are just waiting around for the doors to the grand hall to open. I sigh as I begin to make my way through the double doors to the bathroom.

I walk into the bathroom and notice I need to retouch my face. I pull out my compact and lipstick from my clutch. Once I am done, I fix my dress and decide to head back to my fiancé.

I can't let that stranger with the sunglasses get the best of me. Especially since I will probably never see him again.

I am ruining the night for Max, and I don't want to. I must walk back into this party and act as if nothing happened. However, I still can't shake this unsettling feeling.

I try to clear my thoughts and smile at myself in the mirror, thinking of Max and his parents.

I have met Max's parents several times before and want to speak with them before the night ends. They must be warned about my mother before stepping into the Hallo Mansion. She is a talker and very nosy.

I turn in front of the mirror and decide I look fine. I grab my things and head for the door. I pull it open, and my heart stops.

The stranger from earlier is just standing there and is blocking my exit. His sunglasses are back on, and he's standing with his hands in his pockets. He's staring at the floor with a look of concentration.

I immediately notice he is young with dark hair. He then stands tall as I clear my throat. I move to take a step forward when he suddenly looks at me. No expression at all, unnaturally calm. My heart is racing.

Why is he just standing there? Who is he waiting for?

I suddenly feel uncomfortable and know I have to get away from him. "Excuse me," I say as I take another step toward him.

Without warning, the stranger suddenly steps toward me, grabbing me by the throat and pushing me back into the bathroom. The back of my head hits the white, tiled wall hard. I hold my head in pain and terror.

He then lets me go and turns, looking out the door, making sure no one is around. I immediately notice he's wearing black leather gloves.

It happened so fast I didn't have time to yell for help! The man with the sunglasses comes back in and locks the door. I turn to run, but he grabs my arm and pushes me against the wall again! He then places his hand around my throat again! I open my mouth to scream as I try moving him away!

"Scream or fight me, and I will kill you where you stand! Do you understand me?" He asks as a matter of fact. The man didn't show any emotion at all. Tears start rolling down my face. Is he going to rape me?!

Oh, please, no!

I am scared to speak, so I shake my head. He takes a needle out from his breast pocket. With his mouth, he removes the cover and stabs me in the arm with it.

I want to scream, but I remember his words. He covers the needle again and places it back in his pocket.

What did he just inject me with?!

The man suddenly lets me go. He stands in front of me, staring me up and down.

My entire body begins to tremble, and I look away, not knowing what will happen next. The man put his pointer finger to his lips, slowing turn and bending toward the floor. He is checking that the stalls are empty.

My attacker pulls the bottom of his jacket back, revealing a holstered gun. I slowly shake my head and shut my eyes as they pool. I open them and try to control my sob. Tears begin to spill over.

This is a nightmare! He's going to rape and kill me on a special night like this. The Hallowell Gala and my death will always be synonymous.

As my attacker walks away from me and towards the sink, I see my one opportunity. I will run to the door, open it, and scream at the top of my lungs. Someone will come running for sure!

The stranger looks at himself in the mirror. Once he turns the faucet on, I push off the wall, not caring he's already started to lunge for me!

I am aiming for the door when I start to feel funny. The room begins to spin, and it looks like the lights are flickering.

Am I falling asleep? I can't even keep my balance. I have to use the wall to hold myself up as I feel like my body is becoming too heavy to hold up like all of the gravity has decided to push me to the ground.

I turn and look back at him. He doesn't even bother to grab me. Instead, he is at the sink, adjusting his black gloves.

Who is he, and why is he doing this to me?!

Suddenly my mouth goes dry. Tears are still running down my face. I just need someone to walk through the door!

Anyone!

Not deterring, I try my hardest to get to the door. As I feel my fingertips graze the door, my body starts to fall. Oh no! I'm not going to make it!

I look over and see my attacker is suddenly back at my side again. He grabs me as I slip further into the floor. I try to hit him, but my arms aren't responding. This was the most terrifying thing to have ever happened to me.

"Don't be afraid," he says as he gently lays me down, my vision starting to blacken in a haze." I'm here to kill you."