They Vowed: 'Til Death Do Us Part?

Chapter 1: Southern Bound

Every great love starts with a great story... - Nicholas Sparks

Jaxon

As I stepped off the plane, out into the humid air of North Carolina, I couldn't help but stare at my new surroundings.

North Carolina...

Who would have thought I would be so far from home. The Southern state, where I was born, seemed like a distant memory. The city was alive and thriving, but something about it felt so rural.

"Mr. Sylvester, your vehicle awaits you."

My bodyguard spoke so professionally I almost forgot where I was. I mentally shook myself and descended the stairs, to my Audi.

"Thank you, Ryan."

I told him as I climbed into my car. He followed suit, to the passenger side. I've never been one to let my bodyguards drive me around.  The protection is necessary when you are wealthy however. With money comes power, and somebody would always be trying to take that away.

I started to drive away from the private airport. I had to switch on the GPS. I had no idea where I was going. Charlotte was a massive city. It was breathtaking. So much more beautiful than Indianapolis, my hometown.

I tapped on the touchscreen in the middle of the console typing "Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge" into the search bar. Ryan had already called ahead of time to reserve the Presidential suite.

I would be staying there until I found the house I wanted to buy. Well, I guess I should say until Mel found the house she wanted us to buy. My wife was staying back in Indy until our new house was bought. She refused to leave our home, saying that she wouldn't stay in a hotel all day while I got my business back in order. She despised hotels anyway.

Mel is very high class. Her morals hold no bounds. She wants the best or nothing. Not that this hotel isn't the best. It's a five star hotel. One of the best in the city. She is stubborn though, so I didn't fight her wishes. I just packed up, kissed her good-bye, and told her I would call her. And that was that.
I pulled up to the mansion of a hotel in front of me. It was massive, white, and elegant. There was a fountain in front of the doors and a golf course to the side of it.

A young man opened my car door for me as Ryan stepped out of the car.

"Sir, would you like me to park your car?" He looked intimidated.

I simply smiled and told him
"Yes, thank you."

Then I gave him the keys and a 100 dollar bill for a tip. He was clearly valet.

I walked into the hotel, with Ryan following close behind. When I reached the front desk, a petite, young blonde was there talking on the phone. Her eyes landed on me and immediately widened at the sight of me. She hurriedly wrapped up the call. She looked at me blushing, then smiled.

" Mr. Sylvester good evening, Sir. We have been awaiting your arrival. Can I get you anything besides your hotel key?"

I returned the smile, wanting nothing else but to go to my room to relax some.

"My key is all I need at the moment. Thank you."

"Y-yes of course," she stuttered a bit.

And then grabbed my key from behind the desk and slid it to me.

"I hope you have a wonderful stay Mr. Sylvester. If you need anything please ring the front desk."

I nodded, then followed the bellboy who was holding my briefcases. We got into the elevator and took it to the top floor. He showed me to the suite. I swiped the card and entered.

Once I generously tipped the bell boy, he left. With Ryan in his own room next door I was finally alone. I scanned the room. It was more like a small, classy apartment than a hotel room.  It had it's own kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms. The view from the living room window was unbelievable. The city below was buzzing.

I flopped on the white couch stretching out closing my eyes. But my mind wouldn't shut off. Mel's voice ran through my head.

"We need something bigger and better! If we are moving there, then that's what I want!"

"Jaxon, I don't see why we have to go there! Your business is doing just fine here."

"Just because your father wanted you to, doesn't mean you should."

"You have to think about what's best for us. Don't you want to start a family?"

Why won't her words stop invading my mind? All I want is just a little bit of peace. I love Mel but sometimes she can be so self-centered. My father passed away not even 6 months ago. I came here to continue my father's business in North Carolina. My father's last wish was for me to come here and run the business. I  can't just push it aside like it's nothing.

I promise myself I won't, no matter what she says. She will just have to adjust to North Carolina, just like I am going to. This is my father's birthplace. If my father's dying wish was for me to be here- then damn it!- that's what is going to happen, end of story.

I know the real reason she wouldn't come here is because she wasn't getting her way. Right now I could careless. I just want to have some alone time. But with her voice popping into my head every second, how am I supposed to do that?

Whiskey... Yes some good ol' whiskey as my dad would say. It is just what I need. Maybe call some up? Or maybe find a nice local bar? Yes I think so. What's the point of being alone if I can't enjoy it. Maybe the noise will drown out these thoughts.

Grabbing my phone I find list of bars. I click on one that looks decent and put it on my GPS. It's called Roman's.

I go down to the parking lot and ask the valet to get my car, not bothering to tell Ryan until I'm gone. I know he would follow me and I don't want that. Within a matter of minutes, I'm driving towards my destination...