Alexa looked at herself in the rearview mirror and quickly fixed her sleek, dark hair. A big smile spread across her face as she checked how she looked. She was dressed nicely in a blazer and a pencil skirt, feeling confident while driving smoothly through the busy morning traffic. Next to her was Valle, who looked very handsome in his well-fitted suit. His blue eyes sparkled with warmth as they exchanged light jokes and laughter.In the backseat, baby Rahilla was safely strapped in her car seat, making sweet cooing sounds. Her round cheeks moved into dimples as she babbled happily, her little voice mixing perfectly with her parents' laughter. Valle couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming love for his little family. Watching Rahilla’s joy filled him with pride and a protective instinct."Oh, come on, Myra," Valle said, rolling his eyes playfully. "You wouldn't stand a chance against me even if you trained hard for a whole year."Alexa laughed, and her laughter was bright and cheerful.
Augustine sat alone in a dimly lit room, the weak light from a single bulb casting long shadows on the walls. The air felt thick with tension as he stared at the monitor in front of him. His expression was hard to read, but the anticipation in the room was unmistakable, like the stillness before a storm.For a moment, everything was quiet, but inside, Augustine's anger boiled. He couldn’t contain it any longer. With a sudden roar, he erupted, his voice echoing off the walls. Frustration took over as he kicked a nearby chair, sending it crashing across the room. His fist slammed into the cold wall, the pain a sharp contrast to the fury raging in his mind."You coward!" he shouted, his voice thick with rage. "If you were here, I'd tear you apart and put you back together just to tear you apart again!"Augustine had put everything in place carefully. He had a man watching Alexa from a distance, someone who never knew he was working for him directly. Augustine had used the nanny as a midd
Valle stood in front of Alexa with a playful glint in his eyes, holding a silky black blindfold in his hand. "Are you ready for today's training session?" he asked, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.Alexa raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but cautious. "What kind of training are we doing today?" she asked, curiosity creeping into her voice.Valle chuckled and lightly ran his fingers over the blindfold. "Trust and awareness," he replied, leaving his answer intentionally vague. "I want to test your ability to listen and react based only on your instincts."Intrigued, Alexa nodded, willing to take on the challenge. "Alright, I’m in. What do I have to do?""Stand in the middle of the room," Valle instructed, motioning for her to move. "Close your eyes, and I’ll put the blindfold on you." Alexa obeyed, closing her eyes as the soft fabric wrapped around her head, plunging her into darkness.Once she was blindfolded, Valle’s voice took on a more serious tone. "Now, I want you to fi
Valle walked quickly down the street, his heart light and a grin on his face. He felt an unexpected rush of happiness, a sense of joy bubbling up inside him like a newly opened bottle of soda. He couldn’t quite figure out what had made him so cheerful, but he didn’t mind. Maybe it was because Alexa had been showing him more affection lately. She had been more attentive, making him feel wanted and cared for. Baby Rahilla, too, had started to giggle whenever Valle was nearby, reaching out her tiny hands as if she couldn’t wait to be held by him. Or perhaps it was the steady progress he was making toward his goal. Whatever the reason, Valle embraced the moment, enjoying the warmth of it all.As he rounded a corner, Valle’s mood suddenly shifted. Two men stood in the middle of the path ahead of him. They were dressed in black from head to toe, their faces hidden in shadow. A sense of unease crept over Valle, and his excitement quickly faded, replaced by caution. He knew that men who appea
Valle stood nervously at Alexa's door, his hand trembling as he knocked. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his mind raced with thoughts of worry and doubt. He had no idea how Alexa would react to seeing him in such a state. The door creaked open, and he was greeted by Alexa’s shocked expression. Her wide eyes took in his battered appearance—his torn clothes, bruised face, and the exhaustion that weighed on his every move. This wasn’t the confident, composed Valle she was used to seeing.“Valle! What happened?” Alexa's voice trembled with concern as she quickly ushered him inside. Her eyes scanned his injuries, filled with alarm.Valle collapsed into a chair, breathing heavily, trying to collect himself. Alexa stood by his side, her face filled with worry as she pleaded, “Please, tell me what happened.”Valle looked up at her, his eyes full of pain and desperation. “I was attacked,” he said, his voice strained.Alexa’s face paled with disbelief. “Attacked? By who? Who would dare
Alexa and Valle sat in the car, ready to head home after what had been a long, eventful day. Alexa gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles whitening slightly. The day had drained her, and she was eager to be home. Just as she was about to start the engine, her phone rang, breaking the silence. She glanced at the screen, noticing it was an unknown number. Her brow furrowed in confusion, but she answered it anyway, a bit hesitant."Hello?""Hi, is this Alexa?" a female voice asked from the other end of the line.Alexa hesitated. "Who’s asking?""My name is Eve, from Lights Bar."Alexa raised an eyebrow. "Okay...?""There's a man here, Leonard. He’s really drunk, and he gave us your number as his emergency contact."Alexa sighed heavily, rubbing her temples in frustration. Of course, it was Leonard again. "Fine," she said, trying to contain her annoyance. "Send me the address, and I’ll come pick him up."The call ended, and Alexa leaned back in her seat, exhaling deeply. Valle,
It was late into the night when Alexa and Valle dragged Leonard into Alexa's small living room, struggling under his heavy weight. Leonard had passed out cold after drinking too much, his usually sharp features softened by the stupor of alcohol. His head lolled back as they managed to hoist him onto the couch, his body slumping awkwardly as they stepped back, both breathing heavily from the effort. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that made the air feel thick and suffocating. Alexa stood back, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she glanced nervously at Leonard’s unconscious form. Valle, standing on the other side of the room, leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. The silence between them was palpable, thick with unspoken tension. Alexa couldn’t meet Valle’s eyes, and he didn’t seem interested in offering any comforting words. They had been friends for years, but something felt different tonight. Something was shifting, and neither of them knew how to handle
Valle walked quickly toward Alexa’s house, his heart pounding and his mind swirling with confusion and fear. His steps echoed in the quiet street as a storm of questions raged in his head. Who was Leonard really? How could he have been at his house and at Alexa’s place at the same time? Something was very wrong, and he needed answers.As he reached Alexa’s front door, he didn’t bother to knock. The urgency of the situation pushed him to act without thinking. His hand moved instinctively to push the door open, and it swung wide with a soft creak. Valle stepped inside, his eyes immediately searching for Alexa. She was in the living room, sitting on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands, clearly startled by his abrupt entrance. Valle wasted no time, his words rushing out before he could stop them. “Alexa, you have to listen to me. Leonard is not who you think he is. I just came from his house, and something is very wrong. He’s dangerous.”Alexa blinked at him, confused and caught off
Alexa sat cross-legged on the plush carpet of her living room. The late afternoon sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm glow on the array of colorful blocks and stuffed animals scattered around her. Rahilla, her baby, sat snugly in her lap, his bright eyes fixed on the animated characters dancing across the television screen. His giggles, paired with the occasional babble, filled the room with joy, a melody that softened Alexa’s heart. "Look at that, Rahilla!" Alexa pointed to the screen, mimicking the exaggerated expressions of the cartoon characters. Rahilla clapped his tiny hands and squealed in delight, making Alexa chuckle softly. Moments like these were her haven—simple, peaceful, and filled with the innocence of her son’s laughter.However, that tranquility was short-lived. The vibrant cartoon flickered off, replaced by the serious face of a news anchor. The sudden shift jarred Alexa, and her heart thudded in her chest as the grave voice filled the room. "We nee
Alexa’s new home was a small, charming cottage at the far edge of a quiet neighborhood. It had an inviting appearance, with soft beige walls and a pastel blue door that seemed to brighten the entire street. A neatly trimmed garden led up to the entrance, filled with colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze. As Alexa stepped inside, a wave of warmth and comfort washed over her. The living room was cozy, painted in soothing shades of cream and brown. A soft sofa rested near the fireplace, and a rocking chair sat in the corner, its rhythmic creak promising peaceful evenings. Sunlight filtered through lace curtains, casting a golden glow over the polished hardwood floor. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, a touch Alexa had added to make the house feel like home. Carrying her baby, Rahilla, in her arms, Alexa made her way to the nursery. The room was bright and cheerful, with walls painted in soft pastel colors. A cradle adorned with delicate patterns stood by the wi
In the dim glow of the underground lab, Leonard stood before Valle, his cruel laughter echoing against the cold, sterile walls. Valle, shackled to the metal chair, looked up at Leonard with defiant eyes, though his body was battered and weak. Leonard took a step closer, his grin stretching across his face like a predator savoring its prey. "Oh, Valle," he began mockingly, "you should see how happy I am today." He leaned forward slightly, waiting for a reaction, but Valle remained silent, his expression stoic. Leonard arched a brow, feigning surprise. "What? Aren't you curious why I'm in such a good mood?" He laughed bitterly, shrugging. "No matter. I'll tell you anyway." He stepped back, spreading his arms theatrically. "Alexa hates you now," he said with relish, watching Valle's face closely for any flicker of emotion. "Do you know what she said to me? She swore she'd never forgive you." Leonard began pacing around Valle like a predator circling its prey. His footsteps echoed
Alexa sat in her small but cozy living room, watching the clock as it ticked past midnight. The soft glow of the lamp gave the room a warm, comforting feel, and she let out a tired sigh, ready to call it a night. It had been a long day, and she was looking forward to a few hours of peaceful sleep. Just as she reached for the lamp to switch it off, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence of the apartment.Her heart skipped a beat. At this hour, who could it be? Alexa hesitated, listening carefully, but the bell rang again, louder this time. Slowly, she got up and tiptoed to the door, her pulse quickening. “Who’s there?” she asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.“It’s me,” came the reply. The voice was familiar.Alexa’s tension eased slightly. She unlocked the door and opened it to see Leonard standing there. But the sight of him made her gasp. His face was bruised, his shirt torn, and he looked like he’d been through a fight.“Leonard! What happened to you?” she exclaimed
Alexa stood in the heart of a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees whose branches stretched endlessly toward the sky. The earthy scent of moss and damp leaves filled the air, and a growing sense of unease settled over her as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. She had no recollection of how she had come to be in this strange place, and the silence of the forest only deepened her confusion.“Where am I? How did I get here?” Alexa murmured, her voice trembling as she turned in circles, searching for answers. The forest felt alive, its shadows shifting and whispering secrets she could not understand. Anxiety clawed at her chest as she took tentative steps forward, trying to orient herself.The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and then she heard it—a faint whisper, so soft it could have been the wind. Alexa froze, her heart pounding. She strained to listen, her pulse quickening as the whisper grew louder, carrying her name. “Alexa…” Her breath caught. The voice was fa
The golden light of sunset bathed the bustling city in a warm glow, casting long shadows on the sidewalks. Leonard strolled confidently down the crowded streets, holding little Rahilla in his arms. Her small hands rested on his shoulder as she nestled against him, completely at ease. Alexa walked beside him, her expression calm and peaceful, though her thoughts were distant. She glanced occasionally at Rahilla, ensuring the baby was content, while the hum of city life buzzed around them. The trio seemed like a picture-perfect family, cocooned in their little world amidst the chaos. But as they turned the corner, Alexa froze. Across the street, she spotted Valle, walking hand in hand with a striking woman. Her heart clenched involuntarily at the sight. She looked away, determined to ignore him, and urged Leonard to keep walking. However, Valle had already noticed them. His eyes locked onto Alexa with a sharp glare, and within moments, he was in their path. “Well, if it isn’t the
The hum of machinery filled the air in Leonard's lab. He entered with a jubilant spring in his step and an elated expression, his face glowing with triumph as if he'd uncovered a treasure trove. His eyes sparkled as he turned toward Valle, bound to the chair, weakened and vulnerable. "I've struck gold," Leonard declared, his voice dripping with satisfaction. Valle, his once formidable demeanor now reduced to a shadow of its former self, remained silent. He stared at a distant point, attempting to disconnect from the nightmare that surrounded him. Leonard's smirk widened as he approached, his excitement turning into something darker. "Don’t you want to know what I’m talking about?" Valle didn’t even flinch. "Why would I care about anything you say?" he replied, his voice a mere whisper. Leonard's chuckle echoed sinisterly. "Oh, but you will care. It’s about Alexa." At the mention of her name, Valle’s stoic mask cracked. His eyes narrowed, a flicker of concern visible. "What
“Valle! Valle, can you hear me?” Alexa’s voice cracked as she shouted into the empty room. The walls absorbed her cries, leaving nothing but an aching silence. “I know you’re out there, Valle. Was it true? What you said? Were you really only here to kill Rahilla?” Her voice trembled, breaking under the weight of her words. “Did none of it mean anything to you? Did you... Did you even love me?” Her breath hitched as tears spilled freely down her cheeks, her words dissolving into heartbroken sobs. She clung to the desperate hope that this was some cruel joke, a nightmare she’d wake from any second. Surely, Valle would burst in with his teasing grin and say, *“Gotcha!”* But no one came. The weight of the silence was unbearable. Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the air, dragging Alexa out of her despair. Her heart leaped into her throat. She froze, straining her ears. The sound didn’t come again, but a chilling unease crept over her. Panic surged through Alexa as she glance
How long had it been? Alexa couldn’t tell anymore. The days had blurred together, stretching endlessly in her mind. She had spent all that time in the same spot, not eating, not drinking, not bathing—just existing in a haze of pain and disbelief. How could Valle have left her so suddenly? How could he have claimed to love her only to reveal it was all a lie? Everything she thought she knew about him had crumbled into pieces, and she couldn’t make sense of it. As she sat alone in her dimly lit room, memories of their time together played in her mind like a cruel movie she couldn’t turn off. She saw them laughing, sharing quiet moments, and holding each other close. She heard the whispered promises that once gave her hope. Now, those same memories felt like jagged shards, cutting deeper with every thought. Her phone lay beside her, the screen dark except for one picture she couldn’t delete. It was a snapshot she had taken of Valle and Rahilla one afternoon. Valle had been asleep w