Page 1 of Committed to You

Prologue

Eight years ago

The catalystof our choices is often people or situations we wish we could forget. These become moments in life that shape and guide our decisions going forward. Good or bad, the new beliefs we hold because of the past allow us to stay stuck or move forward. And if we’re stuck, we lie to ourselves that we’re in control of our lives because the rules we now follow are on our side.

But what happens when we create walls so thick no one can get through? When our new truths become toxic, but we don’t realize it? And the protection we create for our hearts is just a mirage?

For three years, I save my money, work doubles, and invest in companies Noah insists I need to. I’m on a tight budget, but I’m putting money aside in a different account—a bucket meant for her.

Finally, I’ve saved enough. I visit the jeweler and help design a ring. I choose a flawless one-carat, princess-cut diamond. That’s what she is to me—my princess.

Several weeks later, the ring is finished, and I return to the jeweler’s.

“She must be a special woman,” he says.

“She is the most special woman.”

The jeweler chuckles. “Well, she will be crazy not to love this.” He opens the box that is on the glass counter and shows me the finished ring.

I grab the ring out of the box. “It’s perfect.”

“I wish you many happy years,” the jeweler says.

“Thank you. I have no doubt we will have them.” I pay the remaining balance and head back to my house. Jennifer is working today. We live together, and I need to hide the ring until Saturday. That’s when I will propose, and I have everything all planned out.

As I’m approaching my house, I see Matt and Jennifer’s cars in the driveway.Why is Matt here at two in the afternoon? Why is Jennifer not at work?

Matt’s been my friend since grade school. I’ve had two friends who have been through everything with me—Matt and Jamison. I trust them with my life and would die for them.

I pull into the driveway behind Matt’s car. Putting the ring box in my coat pocket, I go to open the door, but it’s locked.That’s strange.

Fishing my keys out of my pocket, I quickly unlock the door and expect to see Jennifer and Matt in the living area or the kitchen that opens up to that room, but they aren’t there.

Where are they?The only other room in our house is the bedroom or bathroom. I’m about to call out their names, but something in my gut tells me not to.

Maybe they’re in the backyard?It’s cold out, but anything is possible.

I’m heading toward the back door when I hear it.

“Oh God.” Jennifer’s voice comes through the door.

“Yeah, baby,” Matt’s voice follows.

The hair on my neck stands up, and, for a brief moment, I stare at the door to the bedroom, paralyzed.Surely I heard that wrong?

“Faster,” Jennifer calls out.

Anger fills every cell of my body as I open the door and see Matt, naked on top of Jennifer. Her legs are around him, and she’s digging her nails into his back and moaning.

I don’t say anything. As quickly as I can move, I’m ripping Matt off her.

“Chase!” Jennifer cries out.

Surprise fills Matt’s face before I land several punches on him.

“Chase, stop!” Jennifer screams as I continue to pummel him.

He recovers and defends himself by punching me back and lands one on my cheek.

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