Ties of Betrayal

A Chance Encounter

Victoria Carter stood in her small, sunlit studio, surrounded by swatches of fabric and sketches that danced with vibrant colors. She adjusted the hem of a delicate dress, her hands moving with the precision of someone who had spent years perfecting her craft. The fashion industry was demanding, but Victoria thrived on the energy of her workplace. Her colleagues often praised her creativity, and her designs were a hit at the annual fashion show.

"Hey, Vic! You’re a genius!" shouted Mia, a fellow designer, as she entered the room, her arms filled with accessories for the upcoming presentation. "You have to come see how we’re styling your dress!"

Victoria beamed with pride. “I’ll be right there!”

After a long day of fittings and meetings, Victoria grabbed her bag and headed out, the city bustling with life as the sun began to set. She loved this time of day—the golden hour when the world seemed to glow. As she walked down the sidewalk, lost in her thoughts about the upcoming show, she noticed an elderly man struggling to cross the street.

“Sir, are you okay?” she called out, rushing to his side.

The man looked pale and unsteady, clutching his chest. Panic surged through her. “I think he’s having a heart attack!” she thought. Without hesitation, she slipped her arm around his waist and guided him to a nearby bench.

“Stay with me, sir! I’m calling for help!” she said, fumbling for her phone. As she dialed, she watched the man’s eyes flutter, fear etched across his face.

“Please, hold on,” she urged, her voice steady despite her racing heart. Within moments, an ambulance arrived, and the paramedics quickly took over. Victoria stayed by the man’s side until they wheeled him into the hospital, her mind racing with concern.

Hours later, after what felt like an eternity, she received a call from the hospital. The man had survived, thanks to her quick thinking. Overjoyed, she smiled to herself, feeling a warm sense of fulfillment. Little did she know, this chance encounter would change her life forever.

Weeks passed, and Victoria formed a friendship with the old man, who she learned was named Henry Grant. They often spoke over the phone, and he shared stories of his life, filled with wisdom and laughter. Victoria cherished these conversations, feeling a deep connection to him.

“Victoria, my dear, you have a gift,” Henry told her one afternoon. “You should showcase your work more. The world needs to see your talent.”

“I appreciate that, Henry. Your support means everything to me,” she replied, feeling a glow of pride.

As her birthday approached, Victoria planned a celebration at a luxurious hotel, inviting her closest friends to join her. She wanted to make this day special, to forget about the pressures of work and simply enjoy herself.

The night of her birthday arrived, and Victoria stepped into the hotel ballroom, dressed in a stunning dress of her design. Laughter and music filled the air as her friends surrounded her, toasting her success and happiness.

“Happy birthday, Vic!” Mia exclaimed, handing her a beautifully wrapped gift. “You deserve all the joy in the world!”

Victoria felt cherished as the night went on, but as the drinks flowed and the music pulsed, she lost track of time. Excited and a bit tipsy, she decided to step outside for some fresh air.

That’s when everything went wrong.

As she wandered the hotel hallways, her head spinning with joy and a touch of alcohol, she stumbled upon a door slightly ajar. Curiosity piqued, she pushed it open, thinking it might lead to a balcony. Instead, she found herself in a dimly lit hotel room.