1 Prologue

"Finally he proposed" Anna squealed, staring at the princess cut diamond ring on her finger and enjoyed the excited screams of her best friends.

"Oh, I am so glad all that hard work paid off. You are going to be filthy rich soon." Jessica squealed.

"Ah, think of all the luxury" Milly quipped letting out a delighted sigh and sinking into the memory mattress in Anna's room.

Anna frowned a little, It's true she had initially targeted Micheal Russell for his money but she actually liked the guy, he treated her well and actually cared about her, she dared say she might have fallen in love with him. But that was better because now she would have the love and the money. She finally had a shot at happily ever after. The thought made her smile. She might actually have a wonderful life, have kids and all,even perhaps be a dutiful housewife. Anna snapped herself out of that thought, if her friends found out what was going on in her head at the moment they would probably disown her after skinning her alive.

For Jessica and Milly it was all about hitting up the rich guys, milking them dry and hanging them out to dry. At twenty- five, Jessica had gotten a divorced twice and had recently gotten married again to some rich guy who owned a string of luxury hotels around the world. Jessica came from a privileged family and she expected to die a privileged woman. Anna never understood how her husbands couldn't see the snake she was before they married her, but then again with a body and face like that of Jessica's, she could probably get away with murder just by batting her eyelashes.

Milly on the other hand just wanted to party till "thy kingdom come" she dated men the way one would change a newborn's diapers.

But Anna did not want that life she wanted to settle down, she was tired of the shallow existence, she wanted to really live and she knew she would get that with Micheal.

Anna looked at her friends who were still squealing and screaming, as though Christmas came early.

"Let's go out and celebrate." Anna suggested. She was in a good mood.

"YEAH!!" Jessica and Milly chorused

Anna was a bit drunk but she did not care. She giggled as she struggled to slot her key in to her door lock.

"OK, chill Anna," she slurred and giggled again. After what seemed like ages she was finally able to open the door. She did a weird little dance as she entered her apartment.

She knew it was cold outside but how was it possible for her apartment to be even colder. She shivered as she turned on the heating system full blast, but she still felt a shiver run down her spine. She tried to ignore it and head to bed but the closer she got the colder it was and the faster her heart beat. The atmosphere was ominous as she twisted the knob and entered her bedroom, when she entered she wanted to scream but she could not, it was as though she was glued to the spot. Sitting on her bed with a smile that could melt your heart was someone who was supposed to be dead. It had to be her imagination, she drunk too much, but then again it felt so real.

"Like a deer in headlights."

" No, sweetheart you are not dreaming."

Dropping her smile the intruder slowly approached Anna.

"I thought you would be happy to see me, I did tell you to expect me when all is is fine and dandy, when the festival is on and the parade begins "

The intruder laughed. Her voice had been soft and raspy but had a compelling tone that demanded your attention . And her laugh though enchanting chilled Anna to the bone.

" This is not possible", Anna finally managed to eek out.

The intruder laughed again and smiled, a haunting smile if that was even possible but then again for someone who was supposed to be dead, she guessed not

"Anna-Elise Morgan, remember me"

The intruder inquired softly, an innocent look on her face as she stroked Anna's cheek. The contact set Anna's body aquiver and filled her with dread.

"Remember the promise I made, the intruder continued, eyes darkening and voice hardening , well, it's time. I'm here to make it rain, sweet Anna, I'm here to make it pour."

The intruder smiled. And then laughed. It was dark and nothing like the sweet facade she had adopted earlier.

"Don't do this. Please. Delight... Please, I'm so sorry " Anna pleaded, on the verge of tears.

"Oh but the wheels have already begun turning, hush now child, I have no use for your apologies or your tears now. It's time for me to, Rain. On. Your. Parade." Delight stated coldly, she smiled and begun to hum as she retreated from Anna's shaking body and as she moved away she disappeared, just like that.

But her laughter still echoed in Anna's mind and the tune she had been humming consumed her. She knew the tune, it was very familiar but at the moment she couldn't remember. She fell to the ground her body racked with sobs as she cried for the things that had happened and the things that were yet to happen and the role she played and eventually it all faded into darkness.