Xavier's P.O.V

It has been exactly one month since she declared her love for me and that too in front of everyone. After Sapphire, Erica is the only one that matters to me. I know most of you guys will think that I am tarnishing my first loves memory by moving on and finding someone else, but think of it from my perspective.

When you lose someone so special, you feel broken and shattered. Suddenly, everything reminds you of that person you held so dear to your heart. Trying to hide those memories every day, you soon realize is exhausting. You have to try and find an excuse to keep living because if you don't, there is no one there to keep you sane and to stop you from going off the wagon. You try and find something to keep you busy and most times it work, but then night falls and you feel lonely with only the moon to keep you company. You fall victim to your thoughts and only you can barricade them. Night strikes and all you want is for that person to be beside you, you want them to hug you and to tell you that everything will be okay. You fall asleep with tear-stricken eyes, a wet pillow, and a hallucination only to be awakened in the morning ready to do it all again. You yearn with everything you have for them to come back. You want them to love you just like they used to. You want things to never have changed. You want to turn back time.

It takes a toll on someone, constantly hitting rock bottom every day and trying to pick yourself back up again is not an easy task. Trying to pull yourself back from the deep ends of your misery so that you don't worry others. Finding someone who loves you just as much as you love them is a blessing. You can't carry those scars for the rest of your life and what makes it easy is that I know Sapphire would be happy for me to move on. I don't have to feel guilty. She will always be in my heart as the first girl who captured my heart, but it is time for me to move on and begin another chapter with Erica.

It's true that time heals everything; life gives you a second chance to be happy, to be loved, we are just too blind to see it so that we can grab the opportunity. They don't come all the time so you have to make the most of it when they do come by. Grab the second chance to live, grab that second chance to love because it is a blessing in disguise.

And I did grab that opportunity. Just because I love Erica it doesn't mean that I will forget Sapphire. She will always be there, inside my heart. Always.

Tomorrow's a big day – our wedding.

Erica will finally become Erica Manhattan. My wife and most importantly mine.

Hectic does not begin to describe these past 2 months. Who would have thought it would have been so arduous. On pen and paper, inviting guests, getting her mom's approval and taking care of what she wants seems like pretty straightforward tasks. But they are far from that.

I want this day to be about her, so everything needs to be one in her favourite colours and brands. I want this to be perfect for her. Apparently she doesn't have a favorite brand but she always dreamed of Gucci. But when I suggested purchasing items from there, she immediately rejected that notion. She wanted the wedding simple, but it's not really that easy to have a simple wedding, especially if you're a Manhattan. But that's what my girl want so that's what she's going to get. Today, she has gone dress shopping with her mom, my mom, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Alisha.

And I'm standing outside the shop waiting for Luke with Conner and Zayn. He's late because of some work. I didn't want to invite Conner but Erica said that it would raise suspicions so she insisted that we invited him. She didn't want anything to spoil her wedding. According to her, the past can be left in the past, and I agree with her.

''Hey!'' I heard Luke's voice from the end of the road.

''You're late man.'' Conner frowned.

''Sorry, had some work.'' Luke gave me an apologetic look.

''It's okay brother, I want to be as late as possible, I've heard marriage's a trap... I'm not ready to be trapped just yet.'' I said making everyone laugh. But in reality, I'm dying to get married to Erica.

''Let's go,'' Luke said and we entered the shop.

ERICA P.O.V

''Oh God!''

''This looks perfect!''

''Oh God! Oh my God!''

''Erica you look like a Barbie! A real life Barbie!''

''Xavier's going to faint!''

Alison, Alisha, my mom, Olivia and Liz yelled in excitement, jumping up and down. They were jumping with joy as I stared in admiration.

''Really?'' I asked. This dress really did look beautiful. I think I have found the one. It looks elegant, it fits me perfectly and I feel gorgeous in it. I am sure that Xavier would love it. Well now that I think about it, will he?

''Yes!'' They all cheered in agreement.

''Well I guess it's this one, excuse me?'' I called out for the manager who came running, happy that Alison Manhattan is in her store.

''We'll take this one,''

''Of course, I'll pack it right away and you look very beautiful in it.'' she complimented, making me blush. You would think that I would be used to it by now but it still affects me.

After I got changed and gazed at the dress a little more, Alisha and I decided we needed a break. We were not made for shopping at all. We both said our goodbyes to Elizabeth and Olivia who decided to continue shopping and my mother and mother in law who were deciding what to wear. I felt relieved that they were getting along.

I was relieved to see that there was a small café a short distance away from the bridal shop because it meant that we didn't have to walk a long distance. My mind did a happy dance. Coffee!

As soon as we entered the café, the sweet aroma of coffee surrounded us and it made me drool.

"So I guess you want coffee right?"

"Huh?"

''I can practically see you salivating.'' Alisha giggled

''I know you're salivating too.'' I winked at her making her laugh.

''So...'' Alisha trailed off.

''So?'' I raised my eyebrows.

''Finally, you're getting married!" Alisha squealed with excitement.

"And that too with Xavier Manhattan.'' Alisha had a playful smirk on her face as she looked down at the menu.

''Yes...'' I started blushing as soon as Xavier's name was mentioned. What is wrong with me? It's just a name!

''Aww! Is my tiger blushing?'' She spoke trying to embarrass me.

''Shut up!'' I glared at her playfully.

''Aye Aye captain!" She saluted, "Now what are you getting?'' she suddenly changed the topic.

''Cold coffee with lots and lots of cream'' I beamed at her. My taste buds were tingling with excitement.

"Okay, you wait here and I will go order," I nodded as she got up and walked to the counter.

I was relieved that we were sat at a table stationed near a window. It allowed me to look outside at the busy city, it was soothing seeing people bustling to places in a hurry. Tomorrow is my wedding, and my life is going to change. I'll be Mrs. Manhattan. It felt good to say that. I never imagined that I would be marrying the person I spent a good amount of my life seething. But we all have our fate written above, right? We can't change it and I'm happy with my fate because I have found someone I really love. I cannot wait till tomorrow. The day I get to marry Xavier.

''Excuse me, Madam?'' A young boy with a British accent approached me. I looked around but couldn't see his parents. Is he alone?

''Yes?'' I smiled at him.

''This is for you'' He handed me a plain black envelope.

''For me? Who gave this to you?'' I took it from his small hands as I looked around trying to see who could have given it.

''A young master told me to give this to you''. He spoke and then walked away without another word. That was peculiar.

I sat back in my chair and opened the black envelope containing a letter. Who could've written it? I started reading it....

Dear Erica Dixon,

I've heard so much about you. You're pretty, beautiful and you have a heart of gold. Well, that is what everyone else thinks, but for me, you are a pathetic excuse for a human. How can someone be so stupid? Marrying Xavier Manhattan is not a good idea sweetheart.

Let me put it in simple words, I forbid you to marry Xavier Manhattan. Going against my will is going to cost you dearly. Perhaps your life or maybe Xavier's.

By the way, killing Sapphire was easy. I guess killing you will be easier.

XOXO

You know me too well.

The letter fell from my hands as I sat there in shock. He...he killed Sapphire? But how could that be? She was killed in a car accident. But what if it was planned? Her death wasn't accidental, someone out there wanted her dead and not wants me dead.

My heart pounded as my body began shivering. I was scared to death. Is this happening? Or is this some sick game? It must be, why would anyone have a problem with me marrying Xavier? He hasn't done anything wrong. Does this mean that if I marry him, either I will die or he will die? I can't let this happen. I...I have to do something. I have to talk to Xavier about this!

''Excuse me, ma'am?'' A waiter approached me.

''Y-yes?'' I quickly stood up, folded the letter and kept it aside.

''This is for you'' He said handling me another plain black envelope, it looked the same as the one before. I took it from his hand, muttered a thank you and looked at it. My hands were shivering, my forehead sweating and my breath was getting heavier. With all my willpower I opened it the letter.

Hello again sweetheart,

I know what you are thinking, who is this guy? What does he want? Is this a joke? Why did he kill Sapphire? Did he really kill her?

Well, yes I did kill her. You know hit and run are okay but a planned hit and run is even better.

Oh yes, don't even think of telling this to anyone. You don't want me to do anything to your lovely mother, or your sister Sophia and her family? Or maybe Elizabeth? Olivia? Oh, or maybe, my favourite, Xavier himself.

Do what I want otherwise I will do what I want.

Goodbye.

Ps- You really looked beautiful in that wedding dress.

I didn't know what to do except feel traumatized. I couldn't go to anyone because this person will kill those I love, but I can't not marry Xavier. What am I going to tell him? I cannot hurt him , not after Sapphire. He needs me just as much as I need him.  But I don't know what to do.

I ran out of the shop, leaving Alisha standing there in the middle of the store with my coffee.

What am I going to do now?

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Ohhhhhh!!!!!!
I told you there's going to be a murder! Get ready peeps

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