Chapter 1: Introduction
The city sprawled before me. I leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window and watched buildings glimmer like gold under the setting sun. Beyond, the ocean waved on, a single drop of its vast expanse touching on an endless shore. Tiny figures ambled along the edge, stopping and starting in some random dance under a clear cerulean sky.
My eyes wandered up from the sandy beach to the cliff where I could barely make out our destination. Luxury high-rise. Private party. Urban sanctuary.
You couldn't help but marvel at the contrast of steel and glass surrounded by nature, a sight I intended to enjoy for the rest of the day.
The moment Ari invited me, I knew I would accept. After all, a private gathering was hard to come by these days, so why not take advantage? A new beginning, or perhaps a continuation of a journey, to find someone true to myself and adventurous at heart.
As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open with an elegant whisper, releasing me from its intimate hold.