CHAPTER 1

Where it all began...

Jade Pov

I sighed at my phone, frustration etched on my face. "The number you have dialed is not reachable at the moment, please try again later." This had to be the seventh time I'd called him, and I was starting to get worried. Julian, my coworker, noticed my concern as we closed up our part-time job.

"Still haven't gotten through yet?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shook my head, feeling a bit of anxiety. "Yeah."

Julian nodded sympathetically. "You sure he's going to come? By the looks of it, it seems he's busy with something. That's why he can't pick up your calls."

I forced a smile, trying to reassure myself as much as Julian. "I'm sure it's just the network or something. He's going to come... there's no way he forgot our anniversary."

Julian looked skeptical, but she didn't push the issue. "Okay, if you say so. I have to go now."

We exchanged a quick hug, and Julian headed out. I watched her go, feeling a twinge of unease. Where was William? Why wasn't he answering my calls?

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting changed. I slipped out of my uniform and into a slim-fitted, short white gown that fell just above my knee. I brushed my long, brunette hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. A quick swipe of lip gloss, and I was ready to go.

I grabbed my purse and the box containing the anniversary cake I'd bought earlier. I'd been looking forward to celebrating our third year together all week. Now, it seemed like William had forgotten.

As I walked into my house, I called out to my dad. "Hey, Dad! I'm home!"

There was no response. I tried again, louder this time. "Dad?!"

Finally, I heard a faint reply from the front of the house. "Yes, honey?! I'm in here."

I made my way to the shop, which was located at the front of our house. My dad was busy baking, surrounded by the warm, comforting aromas of freshly baked bread.

"Hey, Dad? You're still working?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

My dad looked up, a flour-dusted smile on his face. "Yeah, I just love baking. I couldn't seem to leave."

I chuckled. "But whose going to eat all this bread?"

My dad's expression turned wistful. "Oh, honey, do I have to stop? This bakery... it's all I have left of your mom and your little brother."

I felt a pang of guilt. I knew how much the bakery meant to my dad. It was more than just a business – it was a connection to our past.

"Okay, fine. Continue with your baking, but only if you promise to rest more," I said, trying to sound stern.

My dad's face lit up with a warm smile. "I promise, kiddo."

As we hugged, I noticed the cake box in my hand. I felt a surge of disappointment. William was supposed to be here, celebrating our anniversary with me.

My dad noticed my expression and asked, "By the way, I expected you to be home late. Isn't today your anniversary?"

I just looked at the cake box, feeling a lump form in my throat. How could William forget?

I shook my head, trying to clear the tears that were welling up. "Yeah... happy anniversary to me."

I turned and headed to my bedroom, the cake box still clutched in my hand. As I closed the door behind me, I felt the tears begin to fall.

I opened the cake box and dipped my finger into the frosting. The sweet, strawberry flavor was a brief distraction from my disappointment. I took another bite, savoring the taste.

Just as I was starting to feel a little better, I heard a knock at the door. "Honey? Are you okay?" my dad asked, concern etched in his voice.

I quickly wiped away my tears, not wanting my dad to worry. "Yeah, Dad, I'm fine. Please go away."

There was a pause, and then my dad said, "You sure, kiddo? There's someone here to see you."

I felt a surge of irritation. Who could be visiting at a time like this? "I'm not seeing anyone till tomorrow, please tell the person to leave, Dad."

But my dad didn't respond. Instead, the door creaked open, and William stood in the doorway, a sheepish expression on his face.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met. I felt a mix of emotions: anger, hurt, and relief.

"Please leave," I said, my voice firm and cold. I didn't even give him a chance to enter the room fully before ordering him to leave.

But William didn't budge. Instead, he took a step forward, his eyes pleading with me. "Please, I can explain," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "William, leave right now!" I shouted, trying to keep my emotions in check.

But William didn't listen. He took another step closer, his eyes locked on mine. "Please, common," he begged, his voice cracking with emotion.

Before I knew it, William had gripped my arm, pulling me out of my room. I tried to shake him off, but he held tight. "I'm not leaving with you," I shouted, struggling to break free.

My dad, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, simply stood there, a smile on his face. Really, Dad?! I thought, feeling a surge of frustration.

"Let go!" I shouted again, trying to wriggle free from William's grasp.

But William didn't let go. Instead, he picked up my shoes and then lifted me up, swinging me over his shoulder. I screamed and struggled, but William just chuckled and headed out the door.

"Ahhhh! Drop me!" I screamed, pounding on his back.

But William just kept walking, carrying me effortlessly out of the house and to the car. He opened the door and dropped me inside, closing the door behind me.

I was still fuming as William got into the driver's seat and started the car. "You're going to regret this," I muttered, my eyes flashing with anger.

William just chuckled and started driving. We drove in silence for a few minutes, the tension between us palpable.

Finally, William spoke up. "You're not going to say anything?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I turned away from him, my eyes welling up with tears. "I'm not talking to you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

But then I realized that I had just spoken to him.

"Starting now!" I added, turning away from him.

William just chuckled and continued driving. I had no idea where we were going, but I was determined not to speak to him.

But as the minutes ticked by, I found myself growing more and more curious. Where were we going? And why had William gone to so much trouble to surprise me?

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, William announced, "We're here."

I woke up from my nap, rubbing my eyes. How long had we been driving? I looked around, taking in our surroundings. We were parked outside a fancy restaurant.

"Where are we?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

William smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Paradise," he said, his voice low and husky.

I felt a surge of emotion as I realized where we were. This was the restaurant where we had had our first date. I had been so nervous that night, but William had put me at ease with his charming smile and easy conversation.

As the memories came flooding back, I felt my eyes welling up with tears.

"Happy third anniversary, baby," William said, his voice filled with emotion.

He hugged me and gave me a peck on the lips. I felt a surge of love and affection for him, despite my earlier anger.

"You sick, you know that," I said, chuckling.

William grinned.

"I know I'm sorry. I didn't pick up your calls earlier. I wanted to surprise you."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, this surprise sucks," I said, laughing.

William chuckled.

"No kidding," he said, holding my hand.

As we walked into the restaurant, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.

What other surprises did William have in store for me?

"Come on, let's have dinner," William said, leading me to our table.

"There's more surprise where that came from."