CHAPTER 1

A Fairytale Beginning

The ballroom was like a dream. Golden lights shone from huge chandeliers, making the marble floor sparkle. Soft music played in the background, and the air smelled like roses and expensive wine. Everyone looked elegant, dressed in the finest clothes.

I ran my hand over my green satin dress, feeling its smoothness. As an art curator, I was used to admiring beauty—from paintings to sculptures—but tonight, I was part of it.

Then I saw him.

Alex Blackwood.

He stood near the grand staircase, looking calm and confident. He wore a black suit that fit him perfectly. His dark hair was styled just right, and his sharp eyes seemed to notice everything. He had the presence of someone important, someone who always got what he wanted.

He caught me looking at him.

A small smile appeared on his lips. Before I could look away, he started walking toward me.

One step. Then another.

The crowd seemed to move aside as if he controlled the space around him. My heart beat faster. I wasn't easily impressed, but something about him was different.

He stopped in front of me. I smelled his cologne—deep, warm, and inviting.

"You know," he said smoothly, "I've bought a few of the art pieces you curated." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "But I think the real masterpiece is standing right in front of me."

A warm feeling spread through my chest. People at these events always used fancy words and compliments, but this felt real.

I raised an eyebrow. "Flattery won't get you anywhere… unless you mean it."

He leaned in slightly, his voice softer. "Then I guess I'll have to prove it."

My heart skipped a beat.

This felt dangerous. Exciting. Different.

For years, I had kept my life organized—focusing on my career, making careful choices, and avoiding distractions. But Alex Blackwood didn't seem like someone I could ignore.

Just then, the lights flickered for a second. It was so quick that most people didn't notice. The music continued, and the guests kept talking, but I felt something change.

Alex's expression tightened for a brief moment. His fingers curled slightly, as if ready for something.

"Are you okay?" I asked, surprised at my own concern.

His smile returned, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course."

I wasn't sure I believed him, but before I could ask more, a waiter passed by with champagne. Alex took two glasses, handing one to me. Our fingers touched for a brief second.

A strange feeling rushed through me, quick and electric.

He noticed.

His lips curved into a knowing smile. He raised his glass. "To unexpected meetings."

I tapped my glass against his. "To surprises."

We sipped, but my mind was somewhere else.

Something about Alex Blackwood felt like a beginning.

Or maybe, a warning.

***

The night passed in a blur of conversation and soft laughter. Alex was charming, smart, and funny, but I could tell he was hiding something.

I wanted to ask. I wanted to know more. But before I could, he spoke first.

"Come with me."

I blinked. "Where?"

His smile was slow, mysterious. "You'll see."

A thrill ran through me. I hesitated for a second, then placed my hand in his. He led me through the ballroom, past the glittering chandeliers and elegantly dressed guests. Every step felt like I was stepping into something unknown.

We walked onto a private balcony. The city stretched below us, glowing with thousands of lights. A cool breeze touched my skin, making me shiver slightly.

Alex turned to me. His eyes searched mine. "Tell me something."

I tilted my head. "What?"

"Are you happy?"

The question surprised me.

I opened my mouth to say yes. My life was good—successful and stable. But for some reason, I couldn't say the words.

"I think…" I hesitated. Then sighed. "I don't know."

His gaze didn't leave mine. "Honest. I like that."

For a moment, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of us. The city below faded. The sounds of the party disappeared.

Then, suddenly, the door behind us burst open.

A man rushed in, looking worried. He barely glanced at me before turning to Alex. "We have a problem."

Alex's whole body tensed. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by something sharp and serious.

I felt my stomach tighten.

"What's going on?" I asked.

Alex looked at me. For the first time that night, I saw something dangerous in his expression.

"I'm sorry, Sophia," he said softly.

Then he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

And just like that, my fairytale beginning took a dark turn.