Prologue
London-Heathrow Airport, England, UK
Roxy watched the endless stream of travelers embarking on journeys to destinations across the globe.
Adults were present, some accompanied by children, some pulling their suitcases, and others without them.
The infuriatingly loud clatter of that darn golf cart echoed with each back-and-forth movement carrying people with reduced mobility.
And still, amidst the turmoil, Roxy located a way to connect with herself.
In contrast, Charles, her boyfriend of the last six years, was excited and absorbed by their new life ahead in Australia. "Imagine, Roxy," he said, "Christmas on Bondi Beach or New Year's Eve at the harbour—my dream! We could invite my parents and sister. What do you think?"
He couldn't contain his excitement about building a new life in Australia with her, where he'd finally be able to achieve his professional goals. Roxy also knew that he intended to propose to her before long and perhaps even hoped to start a family.
"Good idea, Charles," Roxy replied in a tone contrasting with his. "Let's check with the bank to see if they can obtain tickets for them."
Despite his strong self-confidence, Charles was the humblest man Roxy knew.
He worked twice as hard as the others, and his efforts paid off.
He was recruited by a headhunter for an important position at the 'National Bank of Australia,' one of the most renowned private banking institutions in the country.
With Roxy's full support, he was proud to accept the position.
However, Charles couldn't help but notice the way Roxy hadn't seemed quite herself for the past few days. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been quiet lately. Are you having second thoughts about our move to Australia?"
"Don't worry. I am fine. Just exhausted with everything in motion," she lied with a response far too well rehearsed, but just enough to satisfy Charles.
"I understand," he said, placing his hand gently on her knee. "It's quite a big move we're making." And with emotion in his voice, he hammered in the last nail, adding, "Thank you, Roxy, for coming with me. I know I am asking for a huge sacrifice by moving there."
It broke Roxy's heart because the stars hadn't just aligned perfectly by pure chance. The one and only reason they decided to move to Australia was because of her—not him.
But he'd never find out.
Charles would be crushed if he knew someone with influence bent the rules to get him considered for the job and to justify Roxy's transfer to Australia.
They had the perfect story to keep them from suspecting anything.
Among "they" was Roxy, who had been an active participant in this pure manipulation.
Charles thought he got the job because he was competent, which wasn't untrue, but it wasn't entirely accurate either. She thought Charles had a right to know the whole story, but he didn't have the required security clearance, and more importantly, it wasn't her call.
Anyway, Roxy was too absorbed in her thoughts, trying to anticipate which version of herself she would have to embody once they had settled over there.
He stretched his legs in front of him and spoke with a lighter tone. "I understand this is boring, Roxy, but the bank only rented us the apartment for three months. We really need to find our own place to call home. Do you want to be near the beach, or the city centre?"
“As I said before, whatever works for getting to your work and commute,” she replied, knowing full well that she won’t have one.
"Well, I think Paddington could be brilliant for us." He scrolled through listings on his phone, also checking on the map. "Oxford Street runs through the neighbourhood with cafes and restaurants. The area around had parks where running clubs gathered. Perhaps you should attempt it."
Roxy looked up from the spot she'd been staring at for several minutes and turned her head toward Charles. "Seriously, Charles? Can you picture me in a running club?"
"Why not? It could be a good way for you to meet friends."
"Don't get your hopes up too much about that," Roxy replied, amused for the first time since they got to the airport.
Above their heads, the loudspeaker crackled to life, delivering the announcement: "Attention, passengers on flight QF2 to Sydney via Singapore. Please be advised that we are expecting a thirty-minute delay due to weather conditions and air traffic."
Thirty more minutes for Roxy to let her mind wander in silence.
Roxy's gaze returned to Charles. He was responding to an email from someone at the bank. She could almost picture him in his new office, making it his own and impressing the right people. Becoming the version of himself he'd always dreamed of being. All of it is built on a lie.
He looked up and asked, "D'you want anything from Pret? Pretty sure I saw one just after security."
Roxy shook her head. "Naw, I'm good. Thanks."
Charles nodded but watched her a second longer than usual. "You sure?"
"Dead sure."
Charles pressed his lips together, studying her for another beat before letting it go. "Your Scottish accent is gorgeous. I'll be back before you know it."
She forced a smile at him, and once he was gone, she exhaled. This was the part no one talked about in movies or on TV: the way you stopped belonging to your own story.
Charles had just quit when Roxy's work phone vibrated, a sound she knew immediately.
She slightly unzipped her bag's hidden pocket to grab her phone and confirmed everything was secure, though she'd already checked it numerous times since departing their apartment.
She found not only her work phone but also a disposable burner, a crypto wallet cleverly hidden in a USB stick with funds for a quick escape, and six authentic passports from different nations, all bearing false names.
Asset 420432 – Secure - 7:49 AM Have a safe flight to Sydney. I'm so proud of you. Go kick some butt.
Asset 45943 – Secure- 7:51 AM Thanks B. I wish we could be together in LA.
Asset 420432 – Secure - 7:52 AM You know the rules. See you.
The communication channel vanished from her sight as if it had never been there.
Charles came back with his muffin and coffee and looked at Roxy, a playful glint in his eyes, and confessed, "Australia's got me buzzing, but honestly, the real thrill is sharing it with you, you know?"
Roxy's stomach churned with an ache, the bitter taste of guilt bringing on a burning sensation in her chest. She forced a smile. "Of course, and as you know, it's the same for me."
Charles smiled broadly and stepped forward to kiss her. "Flight should not be long to board. We're about 500 people boarding. That's not a five-minute job."
She gave him a small nod before lowering her gaze to her regular passport. The cover still felt foreign, even after all these years. Just like the name: Powell.
A name that was quite common in the UK, simple to spell, and difficult to track down. She neither picked the name nor turned it away. She embraced it without hesitation. The girl she once was, six years prior, would not have been able to endure the hardships that lay ahead.
Charles squeezed her shoulder. "I love you, Roxy Powell."
"I know," she said, forcing another smile. She loved him deeply, but even her love couldn't protect them from the grim fate awaiting them. And she felt terribly guilty for not being able to say the same in return.
Roxy closed her eyes and tried one more time: "Hi, my name is Roxanne Powell, but everyone calls me Roxy. I am a 30-year-old British citizen living in London, originally from Scotland. I am relocating to Sydney to start a new life with my partner, Charles Roberts."
It was the version she would tell the Australian border officer when they landed, in 23 hours. It was the story they would both tell, and by repeating it over and over again, she might even believe it herself.