At airport.
"I shouldn't be making a scene. The paparazzi are scrambling to get a piece of you after you dumped the Gideon Clemonte at the altar. Do you really have to go? Are you going to leave everything behind?" says Trinity while crying her eyes out.
" I need to find out the truth about what happened that day. And yes, I'd like to go away for a while. Away from all this."
" It just feels like yesterday when you started off as an intern in the agency. Then you became my boss with your capabilities and arguably via nepotism. Yet I'm the only one you called to the airport before your dramatic departure! I can't believe we're actually best friends now!" she hug's her.
" I had to tell you because you wouldn't stop freaking out about Black's and your job over the phone. Probably wouldn't have told you I'd you weren't preg - "
" I'll scream your name out loud and the paparazzi would stalk you all the way to Easthaven if you break my bubble." says Trinity.
" I can't thank you for coming! You're my best friend in the entire world!" says Cara and leaves.
Trinity waves her goodbye.
CARA'S POV
I know it's cowardly of me to run away, but even lion's have their bad days.
We can't always be brave.
Especially when the weight of everything is suffocating you to the point where escape is the only way to breath again; when it feels better to leave all the pain behind.
If I had said yes to you, I would only be lying. There are too many unanswered questions, too many lies between us. It feels like everytime I take step towards you, you would give me a reason to take ten backwards.
That is why I've chosen to go there.
I'm tried of people using that day as some sort of leverage over me. I'm tired of having pretend that my past doesn't bother me.
If it's anything I've learned in this life? I can only trust myself.
And for once, I'm going to be selfish and put myself first.
At hospital, where Ian works.
"I cut believe she would run away like that!" says a nurse.
" It's so scandalous! It's the talk of the city!" says the other nurse and they both leave.
Ian had heard all of this conversation.
FLASHBACK
At hospital, when Cara hits Sana Takahashi.
After Ian says he will give Gideon and Cara some time alone.
He leaves and, "I didn't knew doctors are allowed to hug their patient's.....?" says Adrianna.
They both come to park.
" So what you're saying is, that you and Cara have history together?"
" I wouldn't call it history, it's just we're best friends." says Ian.
" Oh come on, don't be shy! I have that with Gideon too! It's not that uncommon."
" What now?"
" It's been an on-off thing."
" But it's off now right? CARA'S about to get married to him."
" I cant say for sure, it's Gideon. Besides you know that their marriage is a sham, right? It wouldn't matter if they had partners on side!"
" No! That's disrespectful! Cara doesn't deserve that! She deserves better! She deserves someone who will treasure her, someone - "
" Someone like you?" Adrianna asks.
" Look I've a plan to keep Gideon away from Cara....." and she whispers something to Ian.
....
IAN'S POV
I did the right thing, didn't I? That was my wedding gift to you - an out. I might now deserve you, Cara. But someone like Gideon sure as hell doesn't.
So why do I feel like I just committed the most heinous, unforgivable crime?
.....
On television.
Some gossip show.
"Was Gideon Clemonte actually left at the altar? We're still reeling in shock! Exclusive footage of the Clemonte's disastrous wedding!" says the talkshow host.
" I can't believe my agent would just up and leave someone like Gideon on the day of their wedding." says Hailey to reporter. I mean, it's Gideon freaking Clemonte! She must have been out of her mind! Although..... It's a good news for us ladies because this just means he is back on the market. Gideon! If you're watching this, I'm single and - "
News show.
" On business news tonight, the stock prices for Clemonte Enterprises took a hit following shocking news of a runaway bride at what was hailed to be the wedding of the century." says the Newscaster.
Back on gossip show.
"I don't know, man. Maybe she's into some dark fifty shades shit. Like hang her from the ceiling while he....you know. Wait! Is this going to be on national television? My grandma watches this...!" says a random dude.
Back to the news
•" Exclusive interview with Donovan Clemonte!"•
" It is most unfortunate that Miss Cara has decided to back out of the wedding with my beloved son. We'd like to allow some privacy for the young couple. In the meantime, we'd like to assure everyone that this will have impact on any of our operations. We draw a clear line between business and personal affairs. Infact, out of respect and love for his ex-fiancee, my son has decided to acquire Black's Artiste Agency after Miss Black's reckless desertion."
At Clemonte Mansion.
Gideon is at pool,
He is staring at the float.
It is drowning.
One month later.
Driftwood Beach, Easthaven.
At bar,
Cara serving drinks to customers.
She gives a Lea a drink.
"F*ck! this is good! I know you've been here for less than a month but shit, it feels like you've been here forever. Those drinks are crazy good."
At CARA'S home.
Cara is face timing Trinity, while she is giving birth at hospital.
"Is that Cara on the screen!?!?" Trinity shouts.
" Oh my god, Trinity! Are you in labor!?!?"
" It's just the contractions!!!"
" What happened to bringing your beautiful baby into the world of full positive vibes?"
" Oh you think you're real funny right now? Wait till you have a watermelon ready to pop right of your vagina!!"
" I gather this is a bad time.....?"
Trinity deep breaths.
" Okay, it's slightly better now. How is it at Easthaven? Are you settling well into your new job? Have you found out what you needed to find?" asks Trinity.
" Not really....."
Again Trinity deep breaths.
" OKAY, YUP, NOPE! GET THE DAMN NURSE IN HERE!" and she cuts the call.
" Have a safe delivery!" says Cara to Trinity.
CARA'S POV
It's been a. month since moved to the quiet, coastal, small town of Easthaven - home to Driftwood beach, the very waters that consumed me.
Save for the occasional curious glance thrown in my way, it's nice how most of the people here are disconnected with Hollywood news.
I've always wanted to see what it's really like beyond my fragmented memories. But it never seemed like the right time.
Or maybe a part of me just knew I wasn't ready to face my demons.
Not that home is not what it used to be, this place is actually beginning to feel like safe haven. I'm starting to understand why my parents chose to bring me here eight years ago.
Nobody expect Trinity knows about my whereabouts, and nobody, I mean nobody, would guess that I'm hiding here -. the birth of my nightmares.
Of course I have other intentions.
The truth.
" So Mr Smith, you've been living I'm Easthaven all your life? A street away from Driftwood? Have you heard about a drowing incident eight years ago?"
Over here, I was just plain old Cara. No Black or Clemonte. Just a newly hired bartender who moved to Easthaven recently.
Being a bartender at local beach bar was an added plus. You can fish for information without being too suspicious. I mean it's technically a part of the job requirement to have small talk.
"Oh yes, I was there when it happened. Poor girl."
" W - well do you remember what happened? How did she fall in? Who saved her?"
" Nobody. They say she sunk into the coldest parts of the water. And if you take a stroll along the beach at night, you can still hear her cries for help. Everyone in the town knows about that story."
And in between familiarising myself with town folklore, I actually accomplished something.
Cara jumps into the water and holds her breath.
She comes up, "Five minutes! I lasted five minutes this time!"
It's probably ironic that I got closer to facing my fear here that I ever got anywhere else. But with a private pool right outside, determination, a need for distraction, and too much free time on your hands, it's a miracle!
"Yup, nope. I'm getting out now."
A slow but baby - stepped miracle.
.....
On a plane,
Gideon's private jet.
Gideon and Smith are alone.
"Run me through the schedule for today again. "
" As a part of Clemonte's group diversification plans, we've invested rather heavily in the new Beach resort managed by Jasmine's family. I've already sent you the details on your email."
" Why in the world would they open a resort there?" asks Gideon.
" Here's the interesting part - the exclusive Beach resort has a very specific list of clientele. Only VIPs are allowed there. Very, very, very Rich VIPs who are in a need of a little privacy."
" In short, those looking for a tryst."
" You'll be surprised how much they are willing to pay."
" So we will stop by to check on it's opening and get back in time for our meeting with Shanghai?"
" Actually I might have booked you presidential suite and some massage packages. For you to take a few days off, if you know what I mean."
" And why would you do that? We have work to do."
" I know we've been avoiding this, but you can't bury yourself in your work, Gideon. When was the last time you took a break in the past month? You're in the office 24/7."
" I don't need a break."
" You don't but I do."
" Cancel whatever plans you made with them. We're coming back here once the pleasantries have been exchanged. There's no need for us to stay there. Especially not a place like DRIFTWOOD."
Easthaven.
At bar.
" Is it me, or is it really empty today? Even Mr. Smith isn't here."
" Yeah everyone is flocking over to catch a glimpse of the Drift Bay Resort opening." says Lea.
" Unfortunately for them, we here it's really exclusive. They'll be crawling to our bar in no time. I will go and check on the profiteroles." says Kai.
" Even our bosses aren't worried about it. We have nothing to fear!" says Lea.
" That's Kai for you. Always looking on the bright side of things. I, on other side, have missing for you girls. I'm going to sneak the two of you into that snotty resort and have you two scout there bar to see what they offer." says Naia, Kai's girlfriend.
" Sneak us in?" asks Lea.
Naia nods at her response.
Cara and Lea both look at each other.
Lea bursts into laughter.
"It's funny how one of them is so level-headed while the other is always on her toes. They're perfect for each other! I want to meet the love of my life on the beach and open a dessert bar together after retirement too - total couple goals." says Lea.
'Is it just me, or do you look a little too excited about Naia's idea?"
" Well, you heard her. The club is really expensive so we'll probably meet lots of rich people. Maybe I'll meet a rich man, fall in live and he'll whisk me away from this dead end lifeguard job." after Lea says Cara burst into an open laughter.
"Don't you want to meet someone too?"
"I think I've had my fair share of rich men in this life." deep breaths and says.
...
" This is Drift Bay Resort! Welcome to Driftwood Beach, gentleman!" says Chauffeur to Smith and Gideon.