Chapter TWENTY FOUR

  Theme: A bruised heart

  (FLASHBACK TO TEN YEARS AGO)

  WINSLOW, ARIZONA.

  (IN THE EVENING AT THE BEACH HOUSE)

  Bethany sat on the swing still expecting Ace not wanting to give up. But after several hours of waiting on the porch simply looking at the sea, the hurt that came with the realization was surprisingly sharp, painful and shocking even as she told herself that it no big deal. She knew she was lying.

  Ace had given her the most beautiful night of her life. She expected him to be here by now but it seems like she was wasting her time waiting for him to return. Bethany made her way down the steps, looked back at the beach house before walking away finally, telling herself that it was over. She had allowed herself to be used by a stranger who only wanted to satisfy his lustful desires. She pushed away the thoughts of regret and hopes to get over this pain soon. And she was left with a heart surprisingly bruised.

  GOLDEN HOTEL

  LATE NIGHT