The Stolen Bride

Book 2 Prologue

First of all, I would like to apologise profusely for the years it took me just to write the book and then start on the second one - there is really no excuse for how long it took. But I have started to write again and have begun to write book 2 - The Missing Child - I have uploaded chapter one and wanted to give you a little sneak-peek/prologue for the sequel. 

Again, I apologise for the ridiculous wait and hope you like The Missing Child.

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Sofia sighed as she put the last plate away in the cupboard. The house was now completely clean and tidy and ready to be set up for the party. Lucy and Maddi were coming over in twenty minutes to help blow up balloons and hang up streamers.

It was Luke's birthday, so Sofia decided to throw him a surprise party and invite all his friends. Even though it was only his 27th, Sofia knew that he needed a break from the stressful year he had at work; he had been working extra hard to earn a promotion, only to have the company hire someone else for the position. And after everything that happened with Will... well, she felt as though he deserved a break.

It had been two years since everything happened and Sofia was trying to move on; she had a little girl to take care of now. Everyone pretended it never happened, it was only for a few days. But Sofia still couldn't remember everything she could before; her first car, a few birthdays, getting engaged. Sometimes she would wake up and forget that she married Luke, not Will and she would forget to not be in love with him.

"Let us in! We have full hands!" Maddi yelled from the front door, "Hurry up!"

Sofia shook her head, Maybe I'm just getting older. She hurried to the door and opened it for Maddi and Lucy.

"Finally!" Maddi dumped four giant bags of party supplies on the table, "My arms were getting tired."

Sofia smiled and hugged her, "I'm sorry, but it's for a good cause!"

Lucy stumbled through the door after her with two more bags and a cake box, giving Sofia a small smile, "We would do anything for Luke. I mean, because you and he are... you know. And you're..."

"Our best friend!" Maddi jumped in and smiled at Sofia happily, "We would do anything for you."

Lucy laughed nervously and started walking towards the kitchen, "You should see the cake we got for Luke. It was custom-made!"

Maddi grinned at Sofia and grabbed her hands, "You're going to love it! It's perfect for Luke!"

Sofia followed Lucy into the kitchen and opened the cake box. The cake looked like a football field, complete with little players made of icing that looked like Luke and his friends. The cake was obviously made by a professional because, despite the simplicity, the design was flawless and everything looked almost real.

"Wow, you guys must've paid a lot for this. It's amazing," Sofia smiled at the girls, "Thankyou."

"Don't thank me! It was all Lucy," Maddi grinned, "I just bought the balloons."

Sofia closed the cake box and smiled softly at Lucy. She seemed to be doing a lot for Luke since Sofia's bridal shower. Luke even had coffee with her every month to 'catch up'. Sofia knew Luke wouldn't do anything to hurt her, but she wasn't so sure about Lucy.

"What are we waiting for?" Maddi pulled Sofia out of her thoughts, "we need to get this all set up before Luke gets here!"

Sofia grinned, "Alright. He'll be here in three hours, so that should be plenty of time to get set up. Maddi, you blow up the balloons."

"Of course milady," Maddi laughed and grabbed a bag.

"Lucy, you can hang up the other decorations and I'll make sure all the food is ready."

Lucy nodded and opened another bag, "Is there a specific place you want them?"

Sofia bit her lip and looked at the decorations, "Just do whatever you think looks good."

"Okay, will do."

Sofia headed back into the kitchen and turned on the oven. Hopefully it would all be done before the guests arrive.

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I hope you all liked this little preview - the second book is a lot more focused on the other characters, as well as Sofia and Luke with their new baby Hope. Hope is a recurring theme in the sequel - not just the baby, but the word too - as Luke and Sofia are facing troubles in their relationship, Lucy and Maddi are on the rocks and Will just keeps interrupting their happily ever after.