Lilah's POV :The next morning, the air in the apartment feels heavier, as if the walls themselves are closing in. I barely sleep, tossing and turning until the first rays of dawn seep through the curtains. The note lies on the nightstand, its message burning into my mind.You can’t hide forever.The words feel like a noose around my neck.By the time Robert comes home from the bakery, I’ve managed to convince myself to stay calm. He sets a box of leftover pastries on the counter and eyes me suspiciously.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he says, brushing flour from his hands.I force a smile. “Just a rough night.”“Rough how?”“It’s nothing, Robert. Drop it,” I snap, sharper than I intended.He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push further. Instead, he grabs a cup of coffee and retreats to his room, leaving me alone in the kitchen.Lucy stumbles in later, her shift at the bar clearly taking its toll. She flops onto the couch with a groan, her red hair sticking out in all directions.
Lilah's POV : Lilah woke up early, the faint sunlight filtering through the thin curtains of their small rented apartment. The quiet hum of village life outside the window felt worlds away from the chaos she’d fled. She shook off the lingering remnants of her restless night, determined to make today productive. She’d been staying here with Robert and Lucy for weeks now, grateful for their support but restless with the feeling of being a burden. Her search for work had been disheartening—every shop and stall in the village market either didn’t need help or couldn’t afford to hire anyone new. But today, she was determined to try again. Pulling on her worn coat and tying her hair back, Lilah grabbed her small purse and slipped out the door, leaving Lucy and Robert to their morning routines. The market was bustling by the time she arrived, the aroma of fresh produce, baked goods, and spices mingling in the crisp morning air. She wandered past the stalls, scanning for any signs of
Lilah's POV :I wake up to the first slivers of dawn creeping through the curtains. The quiet hum of the village surrounds me, and for a moment, I let the peace of it settle over my restless heart. It’s strange, living somewhere so far removed from the chaos of my past. But no matter how much I try, I can’t seem to leave the shadows behind.I slip out of bed, careful not to wake Lucy or Robert. The last thing I want is another argument about how I shouldn’t be working. They mean well, but I can’t keep relying on them. I need to pull my weight.The walk to the bakery is quiet, the cobblestone streets damp with morning dew. As I step into Linda’s shop, the warmth of freshly baked bread envelops me.“Good morning, Lilah,” Linda greets me with her usual smile, handing me a cup of tea.“Morning,” I reply, already tying on my apron.Linda has been nothing but kind since I started working here. She’s patient when I fumble a recipe, quick to praise when I get something right. I’m learning mor
Lilah's POV :The next morning dawns cold and gray, the sky heavy with the threat of rain. I stare at the ceiling, trying to ignore the gnawing unease lodged in my chest. The events of last night replay in my mind, each detail sharp and unrelenting.I roll out of bed with a groan, determined not to let my nerves get the better of me. I have work today, and Linda is counting on me.By the time I leave the apartment, the streets are alive with the bustle of village life. The familiar chatter of vendors and the scent of freshly baked bread fill the air, grounding me in the present.Still, as I weave through the market toward Linda’s bakery, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder every few steps.---Work starts as it always does, with Linda greeting me warmly and handing me a cup of tea.“Morning, Lilah,” she says, her voice cheerful despite the gloomy weather.“Morning,” I reply, managing a small smile.We fall into our usual routine, and for a while, the steady rhythm of baking sooth
♪♪ Lily - Alan Walker, K-391, Emelie Hollow ✿✿✿ Los Angeles, USA, 2019 NIGHTS are so peaceful but mysterious. People take the opportunity of killing, kidnapping, smuggling and doing so many illegal things at night because it's not tumultuous at all. Also people throw most of the parties and peaceful events at night. Every night holds a mystery because of its darkness and opaqueness. I love nights for its mysterious but so clam ambience. No tumultus, no noise, no yelling, no beating and no fear. It's just so tranquil. But when sudden stormy wind starts blowing and dark blue sky turns dark grey, the night never stays calm. It becomes dangerous and more subtle. I love it more because it's just like my life. I was staring at the unremitting elaspe of the dark clouds and the scratches made by the lightning on the thorax of the sky. There's a storm coming in the city. Thinking of a storm, my bedroom door bursts open like the storm hits directly on it. "Robbie!
♪♪ Espresso • by Sabrina Carpenter ✿✿✿ LILAH New York, USA, 2024 I expected the smell of coffee beans and fresh chocolate croissants as every evening, my mouth watering just at the thought of it. But the mixed smell of alcohol, weed and tobacco hit my olfactory nerves through the nostrils, making my head spin and face shirnk. It's been twenty fucking minutes. I'm forcefully staring at some prick for twenty fucking minutes and feeling his nasty irritating glare all over my body. The creature known as men, are so fucking annoying. They don't know how to keep their eyes and the thing into their pants where they belong to. They'd run toward you like dogs if you give them a single positive glance. So fucking ludicrous. But here everyone thinks women are fragile and weak. Trust me, a woman can bring a man to fall on his knees with a single glance whether he's dangerous, inhumane or vicious; from a mighty king to a relentless warrior. And history is its biggest testimon
♪♪ Cruel Summer • by Taylor Swift ✿✿✿ LILAH "What the fuck you think you're doing?" The half-dead body wakes up and growls in anger. "What a pleasurable surprise! Mummy's awake." I chirp out and grin. He tries to move but fails. His head snaps to where I tied him up as his eyes glimmer in rage. "Tell me one thing, dude. Do you brush your teeth regularly?" I cringe, thinking about the bad smell. "Of course you didn't tie me up for that." He grits his yellow teeth and blurts out. "Of course I didn't. You're very smart." I smile cheekily making his horrible face redden. "You disgusting slut! Untie me before I kill you." He booms and fusses menacingly. "If I were you, I wouldn't make a move while tied up in front of my predator." I laugh and pull out my dagger from the garter belt on my thigh. "You don't know whom you're messing with." He hisses with an angry glare. "Exactly! I want to know everything about you, your business and your motherfucking boss." I cli
♪♪ Demons • by Imagine Dragons ✿✿✿ LILAH These nightmares would never stop chasing after me. They're too vicious and glutinous to leave me alone. Every night whenever I fix my eyes close, I see demons chasing after me. They'd laugh at me because I'm so pathetic and unwieldy. I scream at them again and again that I'm not but they'd keep making fun of me. Sometimes I question myself, what I did to deserve this abhorrent life. I could've lived like other kids out there. I could've gotten very loving and careful parents who would nourish and protect us. But we got monsters. Who'd beat me and my brother to death instead of protecting us. They almost killed me for money but Robbie sacrificed himself and now they're liable for his evanescence. That night when Robbie left, I thought he'd come back. But the next morning, I came face-to-face with an angry dad who beat me with his belt because Robbie was gone and they won't get the money anymore for the opium and cocaine supply. B
Lilah's POV :The next morning dawns cold and gray, the sky heavy with the threat of rain. I stare at the ceiling, trying to ignore the gnawing unease lodged in my chest. The events of last night replay in my mind, each detail sharp and unrelenting.I roll out of bed with a groan, determined not to let my nerves get the better of me. I have work today, and Linda is counting on me.By the time I leave the apartment, the streets are alive with the bustle of village life. The familiar chatter of vendors and the scent of freshly baked bread fill the air, grounding me in the present.Still, as I weave through the market toward Linda’s bakery, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder every few steps.---Work starts as it always does, with Linda greeting me warmly and handing me a cup of tea.“Morning, Lilah,” she says, her voice cheerful despite the gloomy weather.“Morning,” I reply, managing a small smile.We fall into our usual routine, and for a while, the steady rhythm of baking sooth
Lilah's POV :I wake up to the first slivers of dawn creeping through the curtains. The quiet hum of the village surrounds me, and for a moment, I let the peace of it settle over my restless heart. It’s strange, living somewhere so far removed from the chaos of my past. But no matter how much I try, I can’t seem to leave the shadows behind.I slip out of bed, careful not to wake Lucy or Robert. The last thing I want is another argument about how I shouldn’t be working. They mean well, but I can’t keep relying on them. I need to pull my weight.The walk to the bakery is quiet, the cobblestone streets damp with morning dew. As I step into Linda’s shop, the warmth of freshly baked bread envelops me.“Good morning, Lilah,” Linda greets me with her usual smile, handing me a cup of tea.“Morning,” I reply, already tying on my apron.Linda has been nothing but kind since I started working here. She’s patient when I fumble a recipe, quick to praise when I get something right. I’m learning mor
Lilah's POV : Lilah woke up early, the faint sunlight filtering through the thin curtains of their small rented apartment. The quiet hum of village life outside the window felt worlds away from the chaos she’d fled. She shook off the lingering remnants of her restless night, determined to make today productive. She’d been staying here with Robert and Lucy for weeks now, grateful for their support but restless with the feeling of being a burden. Her search for work had been disheartening—every shop and stall in the village market either didn’t need help or couldn’t afford to hire anyone new. But today, she was determined to try again. Pulling on her worn coat and tying her hair back, Lilah grabbed her small purse and slipped out the door, leaving Lucy and Robert to their morning routines. The market was bustling by the time she arrived, the aroma of fresh produce, baked goods, and spices mingling in the crisp morning air. She wandered past the stalls, scanning for any signs of
Lilah's POV :The next morning, the air in the apartment feels heavier, as if the walls themselves are closing in. I barely sleep, tossing and turning until the first rays of dawn seep through the curtains. The note lies on the nightstand, its message burning into my mind.You can’t hide forever.The words feel like a noose around my neck.By the time Robert comes home from the bakery, I’ve managed to convince myself to stay calm. He sets a box of leftover pastries on the counter and eyes me suspiciously.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he says, brushing flour from his hands.I force a smile. “Just a rough night.”“Rough how?”“It’s nothing, Robert. Drop it,” I snap, sharper than I intended.He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push further. Instead, he grabs a cup of coffee and retreats to his room, leaving me alone in the kitchen.Lucy stumbles in later, her shift at the bar clearly taking its toll. She flops onto the couch with a groan, her red hair sticking out in all directions.
Lilah's POV :The streets seem quieter than usual, but maybe that’s just me. Every step I take feels heavier, as if the weight of someone else’s gaze is pinned to my back. I glance over my shoulder again, my heart skipping a beat, but the sidewalk behind me is empty. Just a woman walking her dog, a cyclist pedaling lazily, and the occasional honk of a car. Normal. Too normal.I pull my coat tighter, the brisk December air biting through the fabric. My doctor said I was fine, perfectly healthy, yet I feel anything but. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or the constant ache in my chest that has nothing to do with my health and everything to do with him—Ivan.He doesn’t want me. Worse, he probably wants me dead. I remind myself of this every time my thoughts drift to the way his voice dipped when he was angry or the rare moments when his icy exterior thawed. Foolish. There’s no going back, no undoing what’s already been done.I shake the thoughts away and focus on the walk home. Robert and Lu
Lilah’s POV :The village was small, nestled in the lush countryside of southern France. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, dotted with vineyards, olive trees, and cottages that seemed untouched by time. It was picturesque, serene—everything we needed after the chaos we’d escaped. But no matter how beautiful it was, I couldn’t shake the heaviness that lingered in my chest.Robert had found the village through a contact of his, someone who knew how to keep secrets. The house he rented for us was small but cozy, with pale stone walls and a thatched roof. It sat at the edge of the village, overlooking a field of sunflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. For most people, this would be paradise. For me, it was a hiding place.Lucy and Robert were already settling in, unloading the few belongings we had from the car. I stood in the doorway, staring out at the quiet street, my hand resting on my stomach. The thought of the life growing inside me still felt surreal, l
Lilah’s POVThe night was dark, the only sounds around us the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the woods. Lucy and I moved swiftly through the trees, our breaths shallow, hearts pounding in our chests. Robert had made the call earlier, securing tickets for a flight to France, away from everything. Away from Ivan and the terror that had crept into our lives.I glanced over at Lucy, her face pale in the moonlight, eyes wide with fear. “You really think this is the best idea?” I whispered, the words heavy on my lips.Lucy nodded, her voice low and determined. “It’s the only way, Lilah. We can’t stay here. Not with him still looking for us.”I bit my lip, glancing back at the small cabin we’d called home for the past few weeks. It felt like we were abandoning it, running away like criminals in the dead of night. But there was no other choice. Not if we wanted to survive.Robert had arranged everything, a taxi waiting for us at the edge of the woods. We hurried toward it, th
Lilah’s POV :The days that followed were like a haze, a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty. Lucy and I had found a tiny, isolated cabin deep in the woods, a place where we could hide and regroup. But even here, the weight of what we’d escaped from lingered heavy in the air.I avoided Ivan’s calls and texts, turning away from the messages that popped up on my phone, pretending I didn’t see them. It was a survival tactic, a way to protect myself from the pain of knowing he was out there, hunting us. Every time his name flashed on the screen, my heart clenched, a sharp, agonizing twist of emotion that I couldn’t bear to confront.The truth was, I was scared of him. Not just scared—terrified. Terrified of what he’d do if he found us, of what he’d become if he ever caught up with us. And more than that, I was terrified of the darkness that seemed to swirl around him, a darkness that had already claimed my brother and threatened to take everything from me.Lucy tried to comfort me,
Lilah’s POV :The air felt heavy with unspoken words as Ivan stood there, his intense blue eyes fixed on mine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the lingering intensity of his presence. The silence stretched out between us, thick with memories and unshed tears.I tightened my grip on Lucy’s hand, finding strength in the warmth of her touch. She stood beside me, her expression a mixture of fear and determination. “Lilah, we should go,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He’s dangerous.”I shook my head, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “I can’t run forever, Lucy. I can’t hide from him forever.”Ivan’s expression darkened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “You shouldn’t have left,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You should have trusted me.”“Trusted you?” I spat, the bitterness in my voice surprising even me. “You were going to kill me, Ivan. Just like you killed my brother.”His face paled, the flash of pain in his eyes only fueling my anger. “Robert was a liability,”