The flight was only four hours, but having to spend that long around other people already had me on edge. The sooner I could escape to my island paradise, the better.

The last two weeks had taken its toll on me and I simply did not have the energy to 'people' right now - but if I was to be completely honest, my social aspirations were ordinarily minimal.

I promised myself that I would leave the heartbroken Elena Gilbert back in the departure lounge, and be open to the next ten days of relaxation that the Island Resort website promised.

Yes - no family, no work, and especially no ex-fiancés...

I awoke to the pilots speech announcing our descent (that sleeping pill I popped before takeoff worked a treat!) and checked my seatbelt was fastened. No matter how many times I flew, planes always made me nervous. I checked my phone, and realized it was still on airplane mode. I'd have to remember to check again when we landed. Not that I was eager to see the barrage of messages and missed calls I imagined awaited me. Caroline, my younger sister, was the only person who knew the whole story and knew the real reason for my sudden getaway. And I trusted her to keep my secret, for now at least. The thought of having to face my parents...ugh!

I assured myself that I wasn't running away, I just needed time to think, to remove myself from the painful memory of recent events. I blamed myself, although not entirely, but this getaway wasn't meant for wallowing in self pity. No, I planned to erase my aching heart through hot stone massages, long walks on the beach and copious amounts of tequila sunrises.

ELENA GILBERT. The driver from the resort held a cardboard sign with my name in bold print. He looked to be a few years younger than me, maybe 18 or 19, with a pale complexion and an extremely nervous disposition. The expensive black suit was a strange choice for the tropical climate, but I suppose this was a high end resort. I spared no expense when booking this trip, not that money was an issue for me, or my family. My father was lucky in business at a young age, and has dedicated his life, and most of my childhood, to building upon that success. Status was at the top of my parents priority list when it came to most facets of my life, and I mostly lived up to their expectations, having followed in my father's footsteps with an uncanny mind for business and a solid understanding of managing people well. Those expectations flowed into my romantic pursuits also, and it was an unspoken understanding that I would marry into another influential family. It was the done thing, of course, that the elite only mix with their own kind. And that's what led me to my current predicament. You see a common trait amongst potential partners of this particular breed is a giant ego, narcissistic tendencies and an appetite for other woman. And also the expectation that actions don't have consequences.

I smiled at the driver and he wordlessly motioned for me to follow him to the waiting car. He opened the door, then returned to the baggage area to collect my luggage. While waiting, I switched my phone back to its regular settings, and waited for notifications to begin. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath in to calm my nerves. What was I doing? Did I really think disappearing on my own was the smartest idea? Panic started to fog my rational thoughts, and I wondered what the hell I was thinking last week when I booked this getaway.

Elena! Get a grip! I chastised myself silently, and the sound of buzzing brought me back to the present. Twenty-two missed calls. Mostly from my mother. One from Caroline. A couple work related. None from HIM. Why did that surprise me?

A text also from Caroline.

Hey sis. Trying to put out flames here, doing my best. Hope you had a safe flight. Call me. Love you. C.

I reply:

Hey C. Just landed. Will call you later tonight. I owe you. Love you too. E.

That will have to do for now. I knew this would be tough on Caroline, because my parents... well, it's complicated. I love them, but they have not made it easy. My father I always understood better, I suppose we are more alike, and I suspect our relationship often made my mother jealous. Not that he didn't love her, but because of the time we spent together over the years in his business, time my mother wasn't afforded. She enjoyed the privileges and lifestyle attached to my father's wealth, however, so she distracted herself with shopping, charity events, tennis and finding my sister and I eligible husbands.

As the car pulled into the circular drive at the resort's entrance, I was taken aback by the tall dense forest surrounding the grounds. Private. A little Halloween movie-ish. But secluded. Nice. The driver, who still hadn't uttered a word, opened my door then proceeded to load my luggage onto a brass baggage cart and wheeled it into the foyer. Following his lead, I entered the main building and smiled at the stunning young woman sitting at the reception desk.

"Good afternoon, Ms Gilbert. I hope you had an enjoyable trip to Mystic Falls Island."

"Yes, thank you," I replied.

She smiled sweetly, obviously pleased. "I am delighted to inform you that you have been given a complimentary upgrade to our most premium suite."

The amount I paid for my former suite was on the higher end, so I was intrigued as to what their premium accommodations afforded me.

"Well that is most kind, thank you."

"You are welcome Ms Gilbert. And as one of our premium guests, the owner of Mystic Falls Resort has extended an invitation to dinner at our VIP restaurant tonight. Shall I say that you will be attending?"

Ugh. The last thing I wanted to do was socialize. During the car ride to the resort, I dreamt of sushi in bed, cocktail in hand, mud mask on my face, fluffy bath robe hugging my body, but I don't ever remember snobby dinner and boring conversation being a part of that dream. Unfortunately, my upper class breeding and good manners kicked in, or maybe it was my mother's voice shrilling in my head, telling me that it would be impolite to refuse.

So I answered, "Oh how lovely. I would be delighted. Thank you."

"Perfect. I'll have Matt call to your suite at 7:45pm to escort you to our VIP lounge," she said pointing to my silent driver. "Black tie, of course."

"Of course", I answered somewhat begrudgingly.

And with that my driver, Matt, guided me to my upgraded suite.