Stealing The Devil's Heart

Prologue

Elena Meier

“Relax, Ellie! We’ll reach your home in an hour.” My friend, Noah, chuckled at my restless state.

I hardly glanced his way as I stared at the fleeting scenery through the car window. It had been almost four years since I had been here. This trip from New York to Beacon would be etched in my memory forever. It was the first time I had met Damien Sylvester four years ago. He had driven miles to pick us up from the airport with my cousin, Alex.

Even his name made my heart ache – a dull throbbing that just wouldn’t go away.

“How can I relax, Noah? I’m going to meet my mom after four long years.” I couldn’t tell him the actual cause of my excitement, though. Maybe he knew it already.

Thankfully, he didn’t tease me as I had expected him to. “I can understand.”

I was indebted to him for accompanying me all the way from my father’s house in Bern, Switzerland, to New York. He didn’t need to. Yet he was here with me to support me. I didn’t know what I would have done without him. I was already a nervous wreck. Maybe coming here was a mistake. How would I face Damien again?

He would definitely be there to attend his best friend’s wedding. In fact, four years ago, he used to almost live in my grandpa’s house in Beacon with Alex, his best friend, and us. After my parents’ divorce, my mom, Jessica Seeger, and I moved into my grandpa’s house in Beacon four years ago. Those had been the best days of my life, living with Damien until he shattered my heart and I returned to Bern.

I closed my eyes to ease the dull ache that had started again. No, I wouldn’t go through that all over again. I had moved on from Damien Sylvester. I wouldn’t let him affect me the way he used to.

“Gosh, I’m exhausted. Are we there yet?” Noah’s voice brought me back to reality.

“Yes, almost. Here, you can munch on these cookies in the meantime.” I handed him his favorite pack. I couldn’t eat anything. My stomach felt knotted. Why hadn’t Damien come to the airport to pick me up? Surely he knew I was coming home!

‘Why would he? He’s not into you, Elena. Get a grip on yourself!’ My inner mind prodded me. Of course! How could I forget that night when I had sneaked away without informing him? He still didn’t know I had seen him that night with my arch nemesis, Veronica James. Every minute of that moment was engraved on my soul.

“I’ve finished this pack. Do you have more?” Noah’s voice brought me out of my reverie.

“No. That was the last one. We’ve reached anyway.” Mom’s trusted chauffeur, Frederick Stewart, drove us down the familiar Beacon Main Street towards Seeger Mansion overlooking the Hudson River. It was where my grandparents, Carl and Rose Seeger, lived. My mom’s family was enormous, and I had bonded with them on my last visit.

I felt guilty for not keeping in touch with them. It was all because of one arrogant, reckless and moody guy – Damien Sylvester.

“Welcome home, miss. I hope you won’t leave your mom again so abruptly.” The kind, old chauffeur smiled at me through the rearview mirror.

I smiled back stiffly, unable to make fake promises. “Let’s see. How have you been, Frederick? It feels so good to come home.” I got out of the car and looked around at the five-acre sprawling property. Nothing had changed here, it seemed.

“I’m fine, miss, but your mother fell ill after you left. Even Mr. Sylvester...” He could hardly complete his sentence when Noah gasped aloud.

“Wow! This is a castle, Ellie!” Noah gaped at the mansion – a living testament of 19th-century craftsmanship and timeless elegance. A wedding arch was being constructed on the manicured lawn. It took my breath away. Everything was so romantic! Only my life was black and white with no romance in it whatsoever!

I shrugged, eager to hear Frederick’s update. But he walked away with a smile. What was he about to tell me about Damien?

My gaze searched for someone who had been a permanent houseguest four years ago. His family lived in Manhattan while he lived with my cousin, Alex, and us. Didn’t he live here anymore?

The door opened, and Nora, Granny’s trusted housekeeper, came rushing out. “Miss Elena, there you are! Oh my! You’ve grown up into a fine young lady!” She hugged me to her ample bosom, and I clung to her. “How have you been?”

I smiled at her, releasing her at last. “I’ve been good. What about you, Nora?” She was pleased that I asked her and updated me on all about herself. We walked into the house with Noah following me.

“Where’s my room, Ellie? I need to pee.” Noah sounded desperate, and I took pity on him.

“Nora, can you show him the guest bedroom on my floor?” Nora grunted in disapproval and walked towards the grand staircase.

“Follow me.” She sounded disgusted already.

I sighed and walked into the enormous formal entertainment room with its tall bay windows and French doors that opened to a sweeping deck. This was the place where my eighteenth birthday was celebrated four years ago.

This was the place I had lost my heart to Damien, confessed my love and had my heart shattered – all in a single night.

Flashback Four Years Ago (Eighteenth Birthday)

“You look like a bombshell, Ellie. I must say, Damien chose the perfect birthday dress for you!” gasped my cousin, Alecia, Alex’s twin.

I twirled around in front of the mirror, admiring the turquoise gown that matched my eyes. It was a birthday gift from Damien and I had to wear it tonight on my special day. With my long, waist-length, dirty blonde tresses left untied, I looked more like a Disney princess than a bombshell.

“I hope he likes my look,” I murmured, almost to myself.

Alecia, two years older, gave me a knowing grin. “I’m sure he will. Let’s find out.”

With my heart thumping wildly in my chest, I followed Alecia out of my bedroom and down the grand staircase. The entertainment room was teeming with guests, and I was the center of attention. I cast a sweeping glance at all, looking for the one my heart was beating for. He wasn’t there!

“Happy birthday, Ellie!” everyone chorused, and the party began.

My mom hugged me, and so did the others. But there was no sign of Damien. I saw Alex dancing with a girl on the dance floor. “Hey, Ellie! Why don’t you join us?” he yelled from there.

Soon I was hijacked by Alecia and taken to the dance floor. I stood in one corner awkwardly, watching them dance. My cousins were too outgoing, while I was the shy one.

“Will you dance with me, princess?” His raspy voice penetrated my ears, making me jump.

I whirled around to find myself face-to-face with my crush and love, Damien Sylvester. “Oh, where were you, Damien? I had been waiting for you. You forgot to wish me!” My heart galloped as I rambled on. “How do I look in this dress?”

“You look nice.” He smiled and grabbed my hand to lead me to the dance floor.

Nice? Just nice? Disappointment washed over my senses.

“Happy birthday, Lena.” He crouched to my level and kissed my forehead briefly

My heart melted into a puddle. I could feel the heat radiating from his body to mine as he held me by the waist. The music was slow, and we swayed to the soft music. “Thank you, Damien. I love this gift. I love being with you.”

He searched my upturned face, his stormy eyes watching every move of mine. “Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Because I love you, Damien.” I knew he was two years older than me, having dropped out of school in between. I knew very little about him, yet I loved him with all my heart and soul.

He stilled and released me abruptly. “You shouldn’t, Elena. I’m not good enough for you.” He walked away abruptly, leaving me shattered and shocked. Who was he to decide who’s good for me? I noticed the way he had called me by my full name. He might be very upset with me. Shouldn’t I be the one to be upset? After all, he had rejected me!

I fumed as I watched him walk over towards my nemesis, Veronica James. She was Alecia’s best friend’s sister and tagged along everywhere with her.

Jealousy coursed through my body as I watched them laugh and walk out of the room. Curiosity forced me to follow them. Damien knew how much she always insulted me. How could he entertain her?

They entered a guest room on the back side of the mansion, and I hid myself behind a pillar. Why did they go into the guest room?

Strange noises echoed from inside, and I peered. My heart constricted and my breath hitched at the sight before me. Damien and Veronica were wrapped tightly in each other’s arms and kissing passionately! So this was why he had rejected me!

Every moan of theirs stabbed my heart like a thousand knives. My feet staggered backwards while my heart shattered into a million pieces.

I felt like ending my wretched life. Why did he play with my feelings for a month? Why did he make me feel so special when he had no feelings for me?

I couldn’t stay here and watch him marry Veronica James. My decision was made. I would leave tonight after the celebration.

End Of Flashback