Chapter 1 A Spark In The Shadows

• The Miami skyline glittered like a constellation of earthbound stars as Kenneth Cole adjusted his tie, surveying the opulent ballroom. Champagne flutes clinked, laughter bubbled, and the air hummed with anticipation. Tonight was supposed to be his moment of triumph—the official announcement of his engagement to Fiona Taylor.
• "There you are, darling," Fiona purred, sliding her arm through his. Her diamond ring caught the light, winking like a silent promise. "Ready to share our news?"
• Kenneth's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course."
• As Fiona led him toward the center of the room, Kenneth's gaze swept across the sea of faces. He froze, his heart lurching painfully in his chest. There, by the bar, stood a ghost from his past.
• Lisa Maddock.
• She looked different—older, more refined—but those emerald eyes were unmistakable. Kenneth's world tilted on its axis.
• "Kenneth?" Fiona's voice cut through his daze. "What's wrong?"
• He blinked, forcing himself to look away from Lisa. "Nothing. Just... thought I saw someone I knew."
• Fiona's eyes narrowed, following his line of sight. Her grip on his arm tightened imperceptibly.
• Across the room, Lisa felt the weight of Kenneth's stare. She turned, their eyes locking in a moment that stretched into eternity. A thousand unspoken words passed between them, years of longing and regret condensed into a single, electric instant.
• Elena, noticing Lisa's sudden tension, leaned in. "You okay?"
• Lisa nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from Kenneth. "I didn't know he'd be here."
• "Ladies and gentlemen," a voice boomed over the speakers. "If I could have your attention, please."
• The crowd hushed, all eyes turning to the stage where Fiona now stood, radiant in her designer gown. Kenneth joined her, his movements stiff, his smile plastered on like a mask.
• "We have a very special announcement to make," Fiona continued, beaming. "Kenneth and I are engaged!"
• Applause erupted, but Lisa heard it as if from underwater. She watched, numb, as Kenneth raised Fiona's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
• At that moment, Kenneth's eyes found Lisa's again. The raw emotion in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
• Fiona, hyperaware of Kenneth's distraction, scanned the crowd. Her gaze landed on Lisa, recognition dawning like a storm cloud on the horizon.
• As the couple descended from the stage, accepting congratulations, Lisa turned to Elena. "I need some air."
• She pushed through the crowd, desperate for escape. Just as she reached the terrace doors, a hand caught her wrist. Lisa spun, coming face to face with Kenneth.
• "Lisa," he breathed, his voice a mixture of shock and longing.
• "Congratulations," Lisa managed, trying to pull away.
• Kenneth's grip tightened. "Wait, please. I need to—"
• "There you are!" Fiona's voice cut through the moment like a knife. She appeared at Kenneth's side, her smile sharp as broken glass. "And who might this be?"
• Kenneth dropped Lisa's wrist as if burned. "Fiona, this is Lisa. An old... friend."
• Fiona's eyes glittered dangerously. "How lovely to meet you, Lisa. I don't believe Kenneth's ever mentioned you before."
• The tension crackled between the three of them, thick enough to choke on. Lisa opened her mouth to respond, but movement in the shadows behind Fiona caught her eye. A man with tattoos snaking up his neck watched the exchange intently, his hand hovering near his jacket pocket.
• Lisa's blood ran cold. She knew that stance, that barely concealed threat of violence.
• "I should go," Lisa said quickly, her eyes darting between Kenneth and the mysterious man.
• As she turned to leave, Lisa heard Fiona's honeyed voice: "Oh, but you must stay for a drink. I insist."
• The words sent a chill down Lisa's spine. She glanced back, catching a glimpse of Kenneth's conflicted expression and Fiona's triumphant smirk.
• Behind them, the tattooed man melted back into the shadows, a predator lying in wait.
• Lisa's heart raced. She had walked into something far more dangerous than a chance encounter with an old flame. And now, she feared, there might be no easy way out.