Prologue

Serena Weston paced the floor tensely while she wrung her hands in anticipation. Her movements were hasty while her sky blue eyes darted around in panic. She raked a hand through her blonde tresses in an effort to calm her nerves, while one question kept running through her head.

'Where the hell was that woman?'

The usually cheerful, calm fashion designer was a nervous wreck. Serena had done numerous shows yet she had never had a dilemma like this one before. She quickly checked her watch again for the nth time. Since she had five minutes to spare, Serena made one last go-around to make sure the other models were getting ready and that they had all the outfits that they were presenting tonight.

After helping one of the models in to a ridiculously tight ensemble, Serena returned to the front of the stage. Peeking out through the sidewall, she scanned the audience for a particular red head. Everything was in its rightful place and everyone was ready to start the show, however; the only dilemma was that one of her top models, one Ms. Beryl Clanton, was no where to be found.

No one had seen Beryl arrive or had heard from her all day.

Hearing her name called, Serena turned around to see the stage manager running in her direction. The thin, scrawny looking man looked to have some urgent news, she prayed it was good news, as he came to a halt in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Weston, but if your model does not arrive soon, then we while have to start without her."

"But we cannot afford to neglect the major designs of the whole line up. Beryl will be here, I'm sure she's just running late."

The man looked at her skeptically. It was a lie and they both knew it. After all, Beryl's outrageous reputation for being prima donna was her claim to fame. Serena sighed in defeat,

"Just give me a little time to get a new model."

There was no possible way that they could start without another model. Beryl was going to help present some of the most crucial outfits of the fall line up. With the most anticipated fashion show of the year weighing heavily on her shoulders, Serena could not afford to disappoint the critics or else it may cost her her status and career.

"Well I suggest you hurry. We don't have a lot of time. Either you get another model or you don't go on at all."

Serena's initial panic was quickly fading only to be replaced by anger and irritation. She fisted her hands to her side in an effort not to lash out and strangle the stupid manager. For God's sake, this was her show! If she wanted to start the show a little late then that was her decision. This tacky little man didn't need to tell her what to do.

She was seeing red and was about to take it out on the hapless stage manager. First, she had a missing model and now she faced not going on at all. She was fuming and was ready to murder somebody, particularly the man in front of her. This show was going on even if she had to drag a manikin across the catwalk in place of Beryl.

Just as she was about to open her mouth and yell at the meager excuse for a man until she was blue in the face, she felt a hand clamp down upon her left shoulder and a booming voice speak.

"I believe Ms. Weston requested some more time. I will take care of it. Now go make sure the rest of the crew doesn't need assistance."

The man had the look of a deer caught in headlights as he numbly nodded his head and quickly retreated behind the nearest curtain. Serena smirked at the way the man had run off so abruptly, thanks to her secret weapon in the form of a 6-foot tall daunting man.

Serena felt the hand retract from her shoulder and gently pat her back in a fatherly manner, her anger immediately subsiding at the kind gesture that could only come from one person. Feeling a little more relaxed but still tense, she turned around to find her long time friend and colleague, Charles Peterson, staring at her with concern and compassion.

"I'll stall for a while but no longer than five minutes. You know how restless an audience can get, especially New York critics." His voice held both humor and truth.

Charles was a professional fashion consultant with remarkable celebrity status, famed for all his work with rich and famous fashion designers. Having been in this business for twenty-nine years, he knew exactly how brutal critics and the media could be. However, Serena didn't want him to risk his good name just to save her from some idiotic critics who could find reasons to hate Bugs Bunny, plus any and all celebrities.

"Thank you, Charles. I really do appreciate it but I can handle it."

"Nonsense, if I am to host this show than I will but there is no harm in delaying. Perhaps I can do a monologue like that Jay Leno fellow."

Serena laughed for the first time that night and shook her head. The man would never change. At the age of 50, he was still the hardheaded, caring man she had met when she was still unknown.

"Now you hurry along now and find yourself a model. I'll see you later."

She tensed, feeling slightly offended at his helpful suggestion. Knowing that he was just the ready-to-lend-a-hand type of person still didn't soften the blow to her self-esteem.

"But you can't.."

"I will hear no more buts. Now go!"

Before she could say another word, he pushed her towards the back room where all the models were being fit for their clothes while he headed for the front of the stage.

She tried her best to protest but it was to no avail. Serena felt powerless. This was her first headlining show and she wanted to do it on her own. She had worked so long and hard for this yet people were still making decisions for her. It was getting to a point where she never did anything for herself; there was always someone there to help her.

And things were beginning to get out of hand because of it. She hardly had any control of anything and her fashions didn't seem like hers anymore. She felt as if she had compromised herself in many ways.

The large, commotion filled room was getting claustrophobic with so many people clustering together. There had to be a spare model somewhere. Looking around was useless as Serena could barely see two feet in front of her.

All of the sudden, the throng of people parted like the Red Sea as a mass of blond hair threw itself at Serena.

"SERENA!"

Mina Lovett, Serena's best friend and leading model, had run at full speed and embraced the designer in a tight hug. Practically losing balance, Serena managed to sway a little but stayed on two feet. She tried to use her flailing arms to pry Mina off but had no success. Its not like Serena didn't enjoy the unexpected hug but her friend was squishing the life out of her.

".... Can't...breath..."

"Oops, sorry Sere."

Mina let go of her so fast that Serena fell directly to the ground with a grunt. Mina giggled at her own excitement and the sight of the Serena that was before her, flat on her back and rubbing a sore backside.

"Didn't mean to suffocate you. So has that sleaze Beryl shown up yet?"

Gracefully getting up and dusting herself off, Serena shot Mina a look that said what-do you-think. Mina shrugged and said,

"Well, what do you expect when you deal with a model that acts like a diva? As far as she's concerned, the world revolves around her."

"Well, she can kiss a rat's ass for all I care but that's not the point. Right now, I got to find another model to take her place and fast."

Serena was thinking about all the ways she could tactfully kill Beryl but she thought better of it; now was not the time to daydream.

While Serena kept grumbling about the lack of models, Mina gave her the once over with a careful eye. As Serena's ranting continued, she was oblivious to Mina's unusually quiet behavior.

"...And the worst part is that if this was any other model, I could probably get someone to fill their spot easily. But since Beryl is very curvaceous, it's hard to find anybody who can fit her clothes."

"I GOT IT!", Mina cried out in triumph.

Serena jumped at least a good three feet from the ground at the sudden outburst. She put a hand to her heart, trying to calm the erratic beating beneath her ribcage while trying to catch her breath.

Mina, not noticing Serena, seemed to be pleased with her new discovery.

'At least someone is...', thought Serena sarcastically.

"I remember you told me that you used to be an amateur model and had even posed for some photos both in your teenage and college years."

Alarms went off in Serena's head.

'Warning! Danger! Danger! Hyper blonde about to make humiliating suggestion! Do not let her complete next train of thought.'

"NO!", Serena flat out told her the answer to her unspoken question.

"Oh come on, Serena. You are about the same size as Beryl and you can fit into the clothes."

"Are you kidding? The woman has more curves than an hourglass and she's about as tall as a giraffe." Surely, Mina wasn't serious about this idea of hers.

"You have a great curvy figure that looks fantastic in the right clothes. True, you're a bit short but your long legs make you appear to be taller. Plus, Beryl likes clothes to be extra tight and short. So, you can go in her place."

"Mina, first of all, I will ignore the short crack this time and second, those were small time shows. That was years ago. Not to mention, the most prestigious names in the fashion world are here tonight. Don't you think I would be coming off a little vain if I wore my own clothes at my show?"

"Than you better make a fast decision on a new model. Look over there."

Mina pointed at the stage manager, which was signaling to Serena to line up the models near the runway. In a panic, Serena grabbed Mina by the hand and dragged her over towards a rack full of tight pants and "barely there" tops.

"Don't just stand there; help me put this thing on", said an agitated Serena.

Mina tried not to smile while she helped the reluctant blonde into a skimpy shirt and leather pants. Serena was cursing under her breath and was sending death glares at anyone who dared to even glance at her while she was changing. Mina was tempted to laugh but knew she'd risk certain death if she did so. Don't you just hate it when you want to laugh at the most inappropriate moments.

Besides the little missing model problem, the show had been a great success. Though the critics were a bit peeved about waiting, they thought it clever that the designer herself was in her own show. It was a shock to nobody but Serena that the show had received such praised reviews.

At the after party, Serena was schmoozing with celebrities and taking pictures with some of her models. The normal, meaningless chit-chat that famous people usually chatter circulated throughout the large, expensive room while the paparazzi meandered around hoping to get a glimpse of a celebrity.

During an interview given by a handful of reporters, Serena set the record straight on a few rumors that were circulating such as was she really a lesbian, did she have an affair with an actor, and was it true that her boyfriend had proposed to her. (The answers to the questions were no, no, and she wished was true but no.)

After the Chinese-water-torture method of an interview was over, she went in search of Charles. A smile curved her lips when she found the sly devil charming a beautiful woman who looked only a few years younger than he did. He was obviously telling one of his infamous laugh-so-hard-you'll-cry stories because both were chuckling and Charles was making odd gestures with his hands. Serena wanted to introduce herself and even watch the interaction between the cute couple but she needed to relay a message to Charles right away.

Charles was having himself a grand time thanks to the company of the woman named Annabelle. He was right in the middle of asking her for a date when he felt a tug on his arm. Seeing the mop of blonde hair, he grumbled under his breath. Serena excused both of them and dragged a very grouchy Charles off to the side. The look on his face clearly told Serena she better have a damn good reason for interrupting him. She gave him a devious look.

"I should have known you would be a hound dog with the ladies, Charles."

"If that remark is reason you dragged me away from that lovely lady's company, than I may have to kill you."

Charles gave her a stern look. Serena put a hand to her chest and feigned being hurt by his comment.

"You think I am not a lovely lady and that I dragged you away to be your personal dating coach."

Charles casually crossed his arms and gave her a dubious look.

"I have no comment."

"You really know how to boost a person's ego don't you ,Charles?", she lightening up the mood.

"What I really wanted to tell you is that I'm leaving in about 3 minutes and I need you to cover for me. You can just tell anyone who asks that it was an emergency and I had to leave immediately."

Charles just smirked at her. "Do I look like your personal messenger?"

"Not really but you are for tonight. And I expect a full report about you and your lady friend over there when I get back" She laughed, gingerly patting him on the back when he groaned in dismay.

With her stomach tied in knots, Serena clutched the wheel of her silver Lexus in a death grip as she neared her destination, nervous and excited all at the same time. She knew she probably shouldn't be doing this but that just seemed to make her all the more determined to make it work. The half-baked plan had originated after she had a tad too much to drink last night. It had seemed like an ingenious plan at the time -like all things do when you're drunk- but now she was beginning to have second thoughts.

'No Serena, you are going to do this if not for anyone else than for you.'

She chided herself.

She was quite pleased with her unexpected courage. Never had she been this brave when it came to doing surprises for her boyfriend, Diamond. He didn't like surprises at all and would be even more displeased that she was the one doing it.

Tonight she was going to Diamond's penthouse to set up a surprise dinner for two and hopefully spend some quality time with him. In the distance, the large building and bright lights of Diamond's inheritance, The Jewel Hotel, could be seen.

Usually they would go to Serena's apartment or Diamond's private house near the beach when they were together. True, Diamond was the sole heir to the chain of infamous Jewel Hotels, the most expensive and classy hotels around, but they had never actually gone to his penthouse before. Now, Serena wondered why he never bothered to suggest they go to his penthouse. However, she didn't dwell much on the thought. Who knows what goes through that man's head or any man's head for that matter?

If it weren't for the darkly tinted windows of the Lexus', the flashing lights from outside the hotel would have been blinding. Thousands of cars were weaving through the driveway entrance, dropping off the guests. At the end of the red carpet, escorts were waiting to greet guests and lead them up to the large swinging doors. She turned into the parking lot, parked her car and eagerly headed towards the doors.

People bustled in and out of the hotel, all wearing name-brand designer clothing and jewelry that looked enough to cost an arm and a leg. Serena felt out of place wearing simple khaki shorts and black tank top. She was further embarrassed when some guests had the gall to stare at her. She wanted to yell at them to mind their own business but was to giddy to let them spoil her mood.

She made her way to a private elevator that lead straight to the penthouse on the top floor. On the way up, Serena was thinking about how she would set the atmosphere of the room in order to get the right effect she wanted. Looking at her watch, she knew Diamond was still at his meeting and he wouldn't be home for at least another hour. He had told her it was an urgent meeting that he had to attend and that he would more than likely miss her show and the after party. By buying dinner and apologizing, he promised her he would come to her next show. It was just another empty promise like all the rest. Every time she wanted him to go somewhere with her, he always had an excuse to get out of it. Serena didn't want to seem selfish but for once she would like to have Diamond all to herself.

She pondered more on her relationship with her boyfriend until the resounding ping of the elevator indicated she had arrived at the top floor. At the door of the penthouse, Serena quickly rummaged through her purse for the key she had borrowed from Diamond. Ok, so she really stole it from his key chain but thankfully, he had yet to notice.

The search for the missing key came to a halt as Serena heard a noise come from inside the penthouse. Serena's eyebrows knitted together in confusion and for a moment she thought the noise had been a figment of her imagination. However, the possibility was ruled when she heard the noise again.

A strange, uneasy feeling coursed its way through her body and before she knew it, she had turned the knob to open the unlocked door. Her heart started to beat faster in dread as she entered the penthouse. The noises were gradually getting louder and they were coming from upstairs.

'This is ridiculous. There is no reason to be alarmed. The noise is probably the maid cleaning upstairs in the bedroom,' she tried to reassure herself

Ignoring the two wine glasses and discarded clothes that littered the living room, she made her way towards the stairs that lead to the bedroom. Grabbing the banister to keep herself steady, she anxiously climbed up the stairs on trembling legs. Reaching the top, Serena found the door ajar and realized the noises were voices of a man and woman.

She could hear the rapid beat of her heart loudly in her ears. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Serena cracked the door open wider. The scene in front of her would haunt her for months. Before her very eyes, Diamond was in bed with another woman. To add insult to injury, the other woman was none other than her missing model Beryl Clanton.

She stepped back; clenching her chest as if she had been dealt a blow. Her lungs constricted to the point of pain, forcing her to draw in shuddering breaths. She could barely comprehend the situation at hand. A feeling of nausea took over as she looked away in revulsion. If she didn't get out of there she was going to toss her cookies. Diamond must have heard her because he turned around and Serena saw his eyes. She did the only thing she knew how to do well, run. As she barreled down the stairs and out of the penthouse, Serena tripped. She struggled to pick herself up off the floor in time to reach the elevator.

Tears gathered in Serena's eyes proof of her boyfriend's betrayal sank in. This couldn't be real; it had to be a dream. He had told her that she was the only one for him. He promised he would never hurt her. She remembered Mina telling her once that she had suspected Diamond of cheating and even went as far as to suggest they follow him around town. It led to a heated argument where Serena had said that Mina had no proof.

She laughed bitterly to herself, trying to keep the tears at bay. How could she have been so blind?

She remembered the look in his eyes and shivered involuntarily. His eyes had been cold and indifferent, holding no kind of remorse or embarrassment of his actions. After what seemed like an eternity trapped inside the closet space with horrible music, she reached the lobby. Tears were blinding her vision as she scurried in the direction of the swinging doors, trying to escape her now ex-boyfriend and her own shame.

How she did it was beyond her however Serena managed to make it out the doors and into the parking lot without further injury. Serena rapidly wiped away tears she had shed and started the car. She needed time to think about things. She needed to get away from this place and go somewhere to disappear for a while. After thinking it over, she had the perfect place in mind.