Prologue
Life is full of surprises, some beautiful and some less so.
They say that the heart isn’t commanded, and often the choices it makes are not quite the right ones, but you have to learn to live with them and accept them.
There are happy families, devastated families—and then there’s mine.
Jeremy and I have known each other for over a year. We met at a party and never left. Finally, after a ruthless, almost obsessive courtship, we have taken the big step.
We came back two months ago from our honeymoon. Three weeks in the Maldives was a dream.
I couldn’t be happier.
But, you know, happiness is just a mirage. And sooner or later, you have to face reality.
When we found this magnificent villa on the beach, facing Catalina Island, we fell in love with it.
Its huge windows, large spaces, the dream rooms—and, above all, the private beach—were just some of its charms. With it being our primary residence, Jeremy made the house as safe as possible.
I never imagined my life would change so quickly.
Hailey
I’ve always loved the day before a new book is released.
But when the author calls you at five in the morning, telling you that he no longer likes the cover that will go to print in two hours, you start thinking about why you chose that job.
I’ve been working in publishing for the past eight years. I have also specialized as a graphic designer, but I have never worked with such a stress-inducing writer.
“Hailey, it doesn’t work. It’s going to be a complete disaster. The colors, then... “
“Jack, do you realize its 5 am? What about the colors?” I ask him, going to my home office and opening the file of his cover. I had spent a week creating it, and it’s fabulous.
“I printed a copy at home, and I don’t like how it looks.”
I’m not sure I can be diplomatic without caffeine in me. “Jack, the colors are different on the cover paper. Trust me, it will be wondrous.”
“What time do you go to the office?”
“I should be there at 8 am but come there at 7 am. We can go to the printer together, and you calm down.”
“Okay, see you later.”
“Bye!” I end the conversation and go to the kitchen.
I find an irritated Jeremy. He’s preparing the coffee.
“Who was on the phone?” he asks me sharply.
“Jack. He thinks his cover will be a disaster. Typical writer’s anxiety,” I reply, taking the cups.
“That’s not a reason to call you at 5.”
I laugh nervously. “You have no idea the pressure one feels at that moment. Unfortunately, it happens.”
“And he calls you. Why not you’re assistant? Not as beautiful as you are? Or is he attracted to married women?”
I burst out laughing. “Don’t be silly. Jack called me because I designed it.” I had thought he was joking, but at this point, I would say he’s not.
