Relaxing in the sugary white sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Ashley allowed the cool, salty waves to lick playfully at her toes. She loved this place with its crystal-clear emerald waters and snow-white beaches, fast in her belief that it was the closest place to heaven that earth had to offer. Destin had always been a haven for her.

She had spent many summers on this beach, beginning in early childhood and continuing, even now, into adulthood. As a child, she had come here to play, to splash in the warm aquamarine waves and build castles in the sugary sand. Later, she journeyed to Destin for refuge, seeking sanctuary from the chaos reigning over her life. The events of the past decade had ended the untroubled existence she had previously known and she had resolved many a crisis sitting along this shore, gazing pensively out over the waters of the gulf.

And now, she came here simply for the feeling of peace that washed over her the moment her feet sank into the cool, silky sand. It was only fitting that she returned to Destin to reflect on her life, seeing once again each joy, each loss, and each brutal mistake, contemplating, if she had to do it all again, what would she change?

At the sound of shrill laughter, Ashley turned her head, smiling at the young couple strolling past her, hand in hand, obviously head-over-heels in love. She was filled with nostalgia, reflecting back to a time when she had been so completely captivated by another. To recall him from the depths of her memory was bittersweet at best; a warm reminiscence mingled with wondering what if? Cries of anguish and tears of pain also came to mind, causing the once familiar ache to stir deeply within her heart.

Losing him had been a turning point in her life. She had done foolish things, made terrible choices and spent years suffering the consequences of her actions. She leaned back, pressing her palms deeply into the sand, closing her eyes and cringing as images from her past fought their way into the present.

She had pushed away the one who loved her most, choosing instead another. It was with greater reluctance that she remembered him. He had caused her more grief and pain than anyone she’d ever known. Getting involved with him had almost cost her life. Tormented, her conscience was filled with shouts of anger and screams of terror, the image of a taunting, distorted face, suppressed for years, suddenly clear before her eyes.

She flinched, remembering it all perfectly, yet not wanting to see.

Had it all been worth it? It was a tough question with no good answer. She never looked back. To do so only opened places in her heart and mind that she had closed off long before. She had successfully avoided facing the old ghosts for quite a few years, but now the memories refused to be repressed and she was forced to let them resurface.

On to Chapter One

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