As spring blossomed into summer, Emily hoped to spend more time with her boyfriend, but all he seemed to think about was work.Merging their two companies had done the trick. The financial crisis was mostly behind him, but he couldn't relax. He was up at all hours, and then wake up at six in the morning and head to work again, his handsome face marred by under-eye puffiness.This had to stop. When they had dinner, one of the few times of the day when Byron was not buried in work, she brought up the issue."Are there some other financial troubles I don't know about?" she asked."Huh?" he said, his mind obviously not focused on the present."I read the reports," Emily said, "I read the business news even though it's really boring. Everything says we're doing well. Why are you working so hard?""I'm not," he objected, "this is how much I normally work."Emily gave him a look to indicate he wasn't fooling anyone. "Are you still worried about the company?""A little bit," he said,

What Byron had not told anybody was that he had received a direct message from Christine. It came from a phone number he didn't recognize, probably so no one could trace it back to her. It said:This was just part one of Pollock's offensive against you. Part two is coming, and sadly we might have to destroy your girlfriend's company along with yours. Of course, if you cooperate with me, part two won't be necessary... Your choice.CFor a few days, Byron was completely and utterly furious and didn't respond. His company was on more solid ground now, and he wasn't sure whether Christine really had the power to ruin him again. But he knew he couldn't afford to take another financial beating, especially now that Emily's company was involved.It was time to formulate a plan of his own. It was what Emily had suggested to him before, but he had always thought it was too risky. A few days later, everything was ready. Byron arranged a meeting with Christine. It was only on the day of the

When Emily got back to Vancouver, Byron still refused to tell her what the surprise was, other than it involved a trip. She packed a few outdoorsy outfits and something for a night out, just in case. They set out the next morning in the BMW, and she still had very little idea of where they were going.At last, when she saw Byron taking the turn-off for one of the highways leading out of town, she was pretty sure they were heading for the mountains."This is exciting," she said, "I still don't know exactly where we're going, but looks like you've picked a good direction to travel.""It's one of the many things I love about you," Byron replied, "You find our spontaneous trips exciting rather than annoying.""Well, of course I do." She definitely enjoyed a little mystery and adventure. And she was always flattered and grateful that her boyfriend took the time to plan these special trips for the two of them to experience together.They drove on for a couple of hours, and then Byron ma

The next day, Emily was completely spoiled at the spa. She got a massage and a facial treatment with mineral masks made of local clays. Byron joined her as they wrapped up the session by relaxing in a scented steam room followed by herbal tea and a selection of chocolates.They went for another hike in the afternoon, and every single moment was magical. The natural scenery delighted their senses. All the people they met seemed sweet and friendly. The promise of a future together was more amazing than Emily had ever dreamed.When Emily headed back to work, it was as an engaged woman. Even the most boring tasks seemed to have an extra sparkle to them in the days following the special proposal. She made a few videos as Anita had advised, where she talked about the inspiration for her designs. She already had dozens of viewers from the beginning, people who were fans of the clothing. It soon turned into hundreds. Emily was concerned that somehow this would provoke Josh to come out of h

"You're just saying that!" Josh yelled. "You're trying to make me jealous.""No, I'm not," Emily said, trying to project a calmness in her voice that she didn't truly feel.There was no one around. Emily had hoped at least the presence of a bystander might make Josh lower his gun for fear of attracting attention, but no people came.She reached for her phone, this time more decisively."Don't do it!" Josh warned.She pulled the phone out of her handbag. "I don't believe you'll shoot me," she said with more confidence than she felt. But she was tired of being the victim. This had to end now. "I'm calling the police.""No!"Emily half expected him to shoot her, but instead Josh pointed the gun at his own temple.She was about to dial the number, but she paused, not wanting to set him off."Josh, don't do that," she said, "You're freaking me out.""What do you care if I live or die?" he shouted.Finally a couple of people showed up in a distant row of the parkade. Emily hoped t