The Man I Met On Christmas

Chapter 4

Serene Dawson's Point Of View.

I woke up before my alarm, the clock on my nightstand showed, 5:47 AM. I lay there for exactly thirty seconds, staring at the ceiling, then gave up and dragged myself to the bathroom.

The second the hot water hit my skin, my mind swirled around him, the one who used to sneak into my dorm at two in the morning just to kiss me with passion and whisper that I was his whole world, the one who got down on one knee in the snow and promised me forever with tears in his eyes.

There were endless questions in my mind, and I knew the answers would come only the moment I walk into that office and look him into his eyes.

I shut off the water, wrapped a towel tight around myself, and stepped onto the cold tile. The mirror was fogged, I wiped a circle with my hand and stared at the woman looking back at me, drops of water slid from my hair and down my collarbone.

I looked like the girl who ran away but I was not her anymore. No matter what, I had to face him, I ran away once and I don’t get to run again.

I walked out of the bathroom, dripping on the floorboards, and stopped at the foot of my bed. A black dress lay there, neat, simple, and elegant.

Last night, after dinner, Monica scrolled through options for almost an hour, and then ordered it for me with an option of express delivery. It had shown up thirty minutes later in a sleek black box.

I sighed, dropped the towel, and stepped into it. The fabric slid over my skin like it was made for me, hugging my waist and hips exactly right.

I stood in front of the mirror again. I dried my hair and left it open, letting the waves fall down. I applied light makeup, a touch of mascara, a little blush, nude lipstick, just enough to look awake, not enough to pretend confidence I did not have.

I stepped in front of the full-length mirror on my closet door and froze.

For a second the black dress blurred into white satin and lace. I saw the veil. I saw the church. I saw myself at twenty-two, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt, believing Caleb Winters was the safest place in the world.

For one heartbreaking second, the black dress blurred into white satin and lace with veil floating behind me, and bouquet trembling in my hands. My throat tightened at the memory, and I quickly shook my head. “No,” I whispered. “Not today.”

I grabbed my coat, my purse, my last shred of courage, and left the apartment.

Outside, the city felt colder than usual, wrapped in christmas. I opened my phone, requested a ride and two minutes later a silver sedan pulled up. I slid into the back seat and stared out the window as Chicago woke up.

The city looked magical, twinkling lights still up from last night, wreaths on every door, kids wearing santa caps. I saw a couple kissing under mistletoe outside a bakery and a dad lifted his little girl so she could see the giant tree in the plaza.

People looked happy, as in genuinely happy. Couples held hands, families laughed, strangers smiled at each other. I felt like the only person on earth who had ever ruined Christmas forever, a strange envy settled in my chest.

My phone buzzed, and pulled me back into the sickest reality. It was a message from Monica, "Kill it today, babe. You are a badass. Also, if he is hot, send pictures. For science." I chuckled, typed back a single heart and put the phone away.

Thirty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the glass tower. I paid, stepped out, and stared up. The Winters & Associates empire towered over the whole street. I took the deepest breath I could manage, squared my shoulders, and walked inside through the revolving doors.

The lobby was almost empty, other than two security guards behind the desk, who were sipping coffee and watching a tiny TV show playing, It’s a Wonderful Life.

“Hi,” I said, my voice was steadier than I felt. “I am starting today. Serene Dawson, for Mr. Winters.”

The older guard looked up, checked his tablet, and nodded. “Thirty-third floor, ma’am. Elevator’s right there. It's an holiday week, you will probably have the whole place to yourself for a bit."

“Thank you,” I replied, while giving him a tight smile.

I walked to the elevator, pressed the button, and stepped inside the second the doors opened. The moment they were about to close, I heard a voice, and caught the glimpse of a woman, in a white pant coat, a high heels. I quickly pressed the stop button twice, and the doors slid open again. She rushed in, a little out of breath.

“Thank you,” She said with a polite smile. I nodded, stepping back as she straightened her coat. I, on the other hand shifted my weight from one foot to the other, stared at the closed elevator doors and willed myself not to run.

“Thirty-three?” She asked, her eyes narrowed at me slightly, before her eyes went to the lit button on the panel “I have not seen you around before." My stomach twisted hard, as I watched the numbers climb slowly, closer to him but still, I managed to keep my composure intact.

“Yes, I am Serene Dawson. It's my first day, here.” I replied, while my voice was steady even though my stomach tightened. “And you are?” My pulse pounded in my ears as I smoothed my dress, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Elaine. Elaine Carter. I am the one who called you last night.” She said, with a warm and cheerful smile. “Well, I must say, I am impressed. You are before time." Before I could respond, the elevator doors opened with a soft ding.

“Thank you,” I said in a calm tone as I stepped out in a quite reception area, clutching my purse like a shield. She walked beside me, glancing down the hallway,

“He’s here already,” She said, and pointed toward the far end where a soft light glowed from one of the cabins. “Looks like Mr. Winters has arrived too. Come, follow me.”

My steps felt heavier with every foot I moved, while following Elaine. Every breath felt tight in my chest, as if the air itself did not want to go in. We reached a large glass door with a neat silver plate that read Caleb Winters and the sight of his name alone made me anxious.

Elaine knocked, on the door and a familiar voice answered from inside, “Come in.” My heartbeat jumped to my throat.

She cracked the door open and peeked in, “Caleb, Serene is here. Is it the right time to let her in?” My throat felt dry, my fingers slightly trembled as I stared at that door.

“Sure.” He replied, his voice was calm and cold, enough to send a small shiver down my spine.

Elaine stepped back, smoothing her white coat as she did, and turned toward me with a small encouraging smile. “You can go in,” She said gently, tilting her head toward the door.

I nodded, my fingers curled slightly at my sides and my pulse thudded in my ears. Seven years, seven long, messy years of guilt, shame, regret, and fear all boiled down to this moment, I was about to stand face to face with the devil I once promised to love forever.