Chapter 4

Tonight is the big Hallowell Gala.

I finish getting ready when my dad 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 out-do 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 glass cup.

I turn around and play with the bottom half of my black Valentino lace and chiffon gown, see-thru in all the appropriate places. I'm so nervous for Max to see me. "Thank you, Daddy."

Turning back to the mirror, I criticize my hairdo. I should have gone with beach waves instead of a low bun. I have nude lips with smoky black eyes. It's paired with black Louboutin platform pumps. For some reason, my outfit feels wrong.

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

I laughed because technically, it's her fault I'm wearing this. Valentino, himself, sent me this dress to wear tonight. As horrendous as it looked, no way Mom would let me wear anything else!

Daddy walks over 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's going to meet us at the venue. 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 to Max if he didn't accept, he would be offended. 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 are also looking 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, would be made by Mom.

"Just please keep your wife under control. Don't let her embarrass herself or me." My brows furrow as I put my hands together, pleading with him and taking a step forward.

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

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

He puts his arm around my shoulders. "Rebecca does, baby doll! Lord knows she does. But no one will ever take care of me the way she does. She's the love of my life." Dad 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 is beyond perfect, and I am so blessed. I have the best parents, obsessed with my job, and I am engaged to a man I love very much!

The only thing missing are my grandparents. Grandpa Phil died four years ago of a heart attack. Grandma Lucille died that same week of a broken heart.

I missed them both so much!

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, I should fight tooth and nail and not let anyone intervene. I guess he was talking about Max.

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. All thanks to my overzealous mother!

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 my dad. 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, making it seem like having money was a disease.

I guess that's what 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 went by, 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's inexpensive, 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 arrive 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 are laid out and decorated with candles and flower bouquets--tall white candles sitting in clear, tall vases. The silverware and plates gleam under the soft glow of lights. The flowers are all 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 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 had passed, and so many people still had little to no food or water. We wanted to do our part.

Mom and Dad are grabbing 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.

We begin our approach when someone bumps shoulders with me. I wince in pain and grab onto my shoulder. 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 man has on sunglasses.

Did he 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.

Composing myself, we stand in front of Max and his parents.

"Mom and 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 says 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 measurements 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 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 shouldn't even be telling her.

"...yes, see, 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 my dad and I cringe. Five minutes haven't even gone by, and Mom is already spilling family secrets. My father scowls and shakes his head. He then turns and offers Mr. Crawford a cigar. He agrees and walks off with Daddy.

"Your mother 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. 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 a dancer, but I want to make this night special for us, and I want to make him happy. "Of course, you can." I place 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 start to envision our wedding and our first dance as husband and wife. I then put my head under his neck and sigh happily.

My eyes are closed. I love every second of this. It sounds corny, but this is what heaven probably is.

Muscular and chocolatey.

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

We continue to 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 either side of my face, our lips, never wavering from each other.

We continue to 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 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 towards 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 nervously. I then look over again, at the corner, and see that the guy is still staring at me.

What the hell?!

The stranger has an evil look to him. 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.

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

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

Like in a trance, we both continue to stare at each other for what feels like minutes. Everyone around us, laughing and dancing, but we both continue to look at one other.

Max whispers something in my ear, but I don't bother to 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 had been standing. "What's wrong? What are you staring at?"

"There's this guy..." I begin, looking back at the corner. He's gone!

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

"What guy?" Max looks in that direction also, confusion written on his face. We both stop swaying to the music.

I start to look around. "There was a guy just there!" I exhale. I know I'm not crazy! Well, maybe, I am.

Who would come to a charity event wearing sunglasses?

I sigh. It isn't important, though. That guy 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 coming out 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.

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 start to feel like the room is suffocating me. There are so many people here tonight, and Max is still going on about Puerto Rico.

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.

"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? 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 am 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. I place my hand on my chest and breathe deeply, trying to get through the swarm of people assembled 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 turn and see that everyone was just gathering near the drinks. The place isn't as packed as I was thinking.

Dinner will be served in the next room, and they are all just waiting around for the doors to the grand hall to open. I sigh as I begin to make my way through the double door 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 finish, I fix my dress and decide to head back to my fiancé.

However, I can't shake that creepy guy. The fact that he's wearing sunglasses and staring at me has me uneasy. I need to ask which of my parents invited him. I'm sure Daddy has business with him.

Feeling like I'm ruining the night for Max, I need to walk back into this party and act as nothing happened. But I still can't shake this unsettling feeling.

I have met Max's parents a couple of times before, and I want to speak with them before the night is over. They need to be warned about my mother before stepping foot into the Hallo Mansion. She is a talker and very nosy.

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

The stranger is just standing there and 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 up at me—no expression at all, unnaturally calm. My heart is now racing.

Why is he just standing there? Is he here with someone?

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

Without warning, the stranger suddenly takes a step 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 grab my head in pain and terror.

He then lets me go and turns, looking out of 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 stranger 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 also. I open my mouth to scream as I try fighting him off of me.

"Scream or fight me, and I will kill you where you stand! Do you understand me?" He asks, a matter of fact. The man doesn'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 tremble and remember his words. He covers the needle again and places it back in his pocket.

Panicking, I look at the injection site.

What was in that needle?!

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

Squeezing my legs together, I can only pray he doesn't rape me. My entire body begins to shake. I am so terrified!

The man puts his pointer finger to his lips. He then pulls the bottom of his jacket back, revealing a holstered gun. I slowly shake my head. If I make a sound, he will shoot me!

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 he 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. 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, and my sight goes foggy.

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.

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 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 onto the floor. I try to hit him, but my arms aren't responding. This is the most terrifying thing to have ever happened to me.

"Don't be afraid," he says as he gently lays me down, and the area around my vision starts to blacken. "I'm here to kill you."