The Stranger You Know: Stranger Than Fiction, #1

By The Blacksword

Debbie Elliot found herself jumping from fire to frying pan, when it comes to love. She finally found love when she was at her wits end. Nicholas Thompson was the answer to her silent prayers; the happily ever after she craved for. In Debbie and Nicholas's happily ever after, they were blessed with triplets. That was when all hell broke loose.

Mary Thompson wouldn't let her son be caught in the webs of the devil. Debbie Elliot was being punished. And Mary would stop at nothing to eradicate the evil in her son's home.
Was Mary able to get her way? Was Debbie and Nicholas able to withstand the storm? Were they able to live happily ever after, after all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Blacksword
• Release date: Sep 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393591559

The Blacksword

New Author. Just having fun getting my ideas out. Hope you enjoy my books.

Book preview

The Stranger You Know

Stranger Than Fiction, Volume 1

The Blacksword

Published by The Blacksword, 2020.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE STRANGER YOU KNOW

First edition. September 21, 2020.

Copyright © 2020 The Blacksword.

ISBN: 978-1393591559

Written by The Blacksword.

Chapter 1: The first meeting

Debbie Elliot smiled absentmindedly at something someone was saying. She didn't know what and didn't care. She looked around her, everyone was smiling band chatting in their fancy outfits and shiny hairs. She felt suffocated. 

Are you ok, Debbie? Her best friend, Dora Williams, whispered to her. 

I'm fine. She forced a smile and took a sip of her champagne. 

Debbie knew she wasn't fine. She was jumpy and unsettled. Dora knew this too, which was why she made her come to this wedding. 

Their love story is a dream, Amelia, a friend in their group said with a dream smile. She was referring to the newlyweds. 

It all starts that way, said Angela sarcastically. Angela was recently divorced. Until it all goes downhill. Angela downed her 5th glass of champagne in the last five minutes. 

Angela! Don't jinx it. Dora scolded And stop drinking. You're getting drunk. 

It's the truth, though, Angela retorted. 

Debbie zoned out of the conversation. She couldn't care less about the newlyweds or whatever the future holds for them. She had personal demons to fight. She shifted her gaze to the entrance as she considered the excuse she was going to make for leaving early. 'He couldn't possibly come to make a scene here's she thought to herself. 'He doesn't know I'm here. She shook her head violently. She wasn't going to think about him. Not today. Not here. 

Are you sure you are fine? Dora's voice was so near that Debbie almost jumped out of her skin. The other women at the table were also looking at her weirdly. 

Yes. Yes. I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be? It's a great party she said with a nervous laugh. Excuse me, ladies, I have to use the restroom. She and stood up ignoring the concerned look her best friend was giving her and walked to the restroom as fast as her legs could carry her.

She checked everywhere in the restroom to make sure she was alone. When she was certain she was, she crumbled against the wall and sobbed. She felt her chest tightening against her heart. She felt as if life was being squeezed out of her. Her pain was so great that she would have preferred death. I don't deserve this, she said on a heart-wrenching sob. I don't deserve this shitty life. 

She stood upright and composed herself. It wouldn't do for anyone to come in in her present condition. Debbie studied her face in the mirror, she looked almost normal. 

She was about to leave the restroom when the door opened. Her heart slammed against her chest. 

What... what are you doing here Greg? It was Greg Greyman, her stalker ex-boyfriend. 

Greg laughed bitterly. What Debbie? You think I wouldn't find you? Here of all places? 

Stay away from me, she said shakily. She backed away from him slowly. 

Greg advanced towards her menacingly. Or what Debbie? 

Her back touched the wall. Greg stood over with his signature smirk. Debbie couldn’t believe she used to think that his smirk was sexy. Now, she thought it was scary. 

Greg placed his hands on either side of her head so she was trapped. We belong together after all. For life Debbie 

Greg, please let me go, Debbie said in a shaky voice. 

I can't. Come back to me, Debbie. We can make this work. You know I love you. 

Please Greg she rolled her eyes. You say the same thing each time I catch you with another woman. And the last one? She tried to stab me. In your bed! 

Debbie I said I was sorry. Give me a last chance, Greg pleaded. 

Never, Greg. Just let me go please. 

Greg looked at her for a long time and stepped back. I'll get you back. If it's the last thing I do, he said, and with that, he stalked out of the restroom. 

Debbie smoothed her hair with a shaky hand and rushed out of the restroom. She felt a pressing need to get out of the building. 

Debbie ran into someone and reeled back with the force of the impact. She watched in horror as a champagne glasses flew up and landed on its owner’s chest. The content immediately soaked his expensive-looking shirt. Then, the wineglasses landed on the ground and shattered. This all happened in a second. 

Oh my God! I'm so sorry! Debbie brought a hand to the stranger’s chest to clean off the stains but realized she was only intensifying her embarrassment. Oh God! I... 

It's alright. The stranger's voice was amused and surprisingly gentle. 

Debbie looked up and felt her stomach twist. She realized it had nothing to do with her previous unsettled state but more to do with the stranger's endless deep blue eyes. His magnetic eyes were outstanding on his handsome face. One could look into those eyes forever and never get to the end. They were fascinating. 

Are you ok, Miss? His voice brought her out of her reverie. 

Debbie felt an embarrassed blush creep up her face. I... yes of course. I'm really sorry about your shirt. If I can get your contact info, I'll take care of the laundry fee. The stranger laughed and she found herself drawn to his lips. She licked hers nervously. 

It's fine Miss. These things happen. He said pleasantly. Excuse me." With that, he left in the opposite direction. 

Debbie watched him go and shrugged. There were still nice people, after all. She walked back to their table at a slower pace, careful not to ram into someone else. 

You've been gone for a while, Dora's voice was laced with concern. 

Debbie smiled nervously, then leaned in and whispered desperately to Dora, Greg is here, Dora. We need to leave. 

Dora's eyes widened, Where is he? she said, looking around. She clenched her fists