The person holds me in place, refusing to let go for once. My stomach churns again, and this time, I can't control my body or my emotions. I release all the contents from my stomach, vomiting on his body and his clean shoes. “You did not—” the familiar voice says, unable to believe it. I look up to see the very familiar face of the Hawthorne guy. Could my day get any worse? And with that, I pass out. ********** FLASHBACK BEGINS “What do you mean you killed someone?” Nate semi-yells in shock, unable to hide his shock. “I… We… they…” I mutter a lot of nothing, just speaking in gibberish. He sighs and lifts me to my feet, setting me on the couch. All the while, my hands and feet keep trembling in fright. I can still remember that night etched into my brain. “Calm down, baby, drink up.” Nate hands me a glass of water and draws lazy circles on my back without saying a word. He stares at the TV screen, but his mind isn’t there. As I begin to calm down, I break the silence.
FLASHBACK CONTINUES TRIGGER WARNING, PROCEED WITH CAUTION I wrapped my hand around his throat, pouring every ounce of strength into the grip as if my very life depended on it. This was a matter of survival; I couldn’t allow myself to be defeated by a low scum. I refused to back down. He slapped me multiple times but that only fueled me, to give him a taste of his own medicine. Then he held me down with one hand choking me and the other at my intimate area. He fit his entire fist inside causing an agonizing pain to my already wounded organ. I claw at him, telling myself it was either me or him. One has to make it alive today and dying isn’t an option for me. So, I release his neck and poke his eyes, using my sharp fingernails to pluck and jab. He shrieks and the pain made him release me instantly, ‘Little bitch, he can't even handle the littlest pain of what he dishes out.’ Having no time to think, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, with him chasing after me. Reach
It’s been four days since the last incident, and there hasn’t been much progress. Now, I’m left with only nine cents—not enough to afford anything. Hope is slipping away, and as I sit here, I wonder, ‘What was I thinking, coming to a big city like LA?’Right now, I’m knocking on doors, asking if anyone needs help with something—anything. I feel drained, exhausted, and utterly worn out, and it’s not fair to my baby. My health has worsened; I’m constantly fatigued and always hungry, but food is becoming harder to find.At the moment, I’m sitting in the alley where I usually rest. It’s a small refuge for me, a place I retreat to when the weight of everything becomes too much. And the sun is beginning to set.I hear someone coughing, but I ignore it, focusing on my own troubles. However, the coughing becomes more frequent and desperate, like the person is struggling to breathe. My conscience won’t allow me to ignore it any longer, so I decide to check, just in case it’s an emergency.I ap
I looked at her with a puzzled expression on my face. “How are you, dear?”“I’m… fine,” I replied. “ Oh, How’s.. your health?”“Oh, I’m feeling great now. It was just an asthma attack. Thank you so much for yesterday.”“Oh no, it was my pleasure. You needed help, and anyone would have done the same.” She stood up, and we chatted for several minutes before waving goodbye. I settled back into my spot when she returned.“I don’t mean to pry, but I’ve noticed you every time I pass this spot and looking a bit lost these past few days. Is something wrong at home?”I scoff. “Home? When there isn’t ?” For some reason, I began to open up to this stranger. “Life in LA is tough, I won't lie. I’ve been searching for a job since I got here, but luck hasn’t been on my side. Giving up isn’t an option, especially since life has given me a second chance.”She places her hand on my shoulder and says, “I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can tell it’s a lot. Fortunately, we have a vacancy at ou
As early as dawn, I suddenly wake up feeling nervous, crossing my heart and wishing to get this position. If I don’t, my life will be crushed, and I’ll return to square one.I keep thinking, if I don’t get this job, then what’s next? What’s the next plan? I’ve spent months here with no clue about Liv, and I don’t have enough cash to return to Anne and Andrew. Even if I did, I wouldn’t go back—just not yet. I feel like I owe them success. I need to prove to them that their effort and sacrifices didn’t just go down the drain.I know they’re worried because I said the first thing I would do upon arriving in LA is call them. So after not hearing from me, I know they’ll contact Liv, and she’ll tell them that I never called her. They must be wondering what the heck has happened to me.The first thing I plan to do after securing a job and finding stability is go on a trip to see them. I want to show them I’m alive and doing great. I also need to buy a phone since it’s important in case of th
It’s been two months since I started working at Café Luxe, a global chain with over 700 branches scattered across the world. The café was famous not just for its quality coffee and elegant atmosphere, but for being owned by a man so rich, people said "rich" twice when describing him. He wasn't just wealthy; he lived in luxury few could even imagine. The pay here was more than decent, and for someone like me, working in such a place felt like an achievement. But I have to think strategically, save up, and focus only on the bare necessities. Every penny I tucked away wasn't just for me—it was for my child, for our future.The symptoms of the first trimester have become frequent . Morning sickness, fatigue, and frequent bathroom trips—it is hell, and I can barely fathom how the next few months would be. Kudos to all the mothers out there; this journey is no joke.Pulling out the phone I bought last week, It wasn’t a fancy smartphone, just a basic one that got the job done. I unlock it
“What are you doing here?” I whisper, glancing around nervously. My heart raced. Of all places, why did he have to show up here? The last thing I needed was for him to make a scene, especially after I’d run off without so much as a thank-you or paying back what I owed him.“Please, just leave. I don’t want any trouble. What do you want?” My voice trembles as I speak. He wasn’t here as a customer—that much was clear. My pulse quickened as I tried to figure out his angle. Was he here to humiliate me? To remind me of my debt?His eyes lock on mine, and I freeze. “I… I don’t even know you,” I stammer, desperate to make him leave. But his stare—cold, calculating, and filled with something darker—made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. Was that hatred? He looked like he was one step away from strangling me to death, right here in the café.My mind was racing. What if he causes a ruckus? What if he demands that I pay him back, right in front of everyone? My nerves were frayed, and the silenc
Sebastian's POVShe didn’t deserve a place in my company—of that much I was sure. The mere thought of giving her a second chance had me bristling, but the confidence in Paula’s eyes kept me from dismissing her on the spot. I trusted her. Begrudgingly.But “HER”? I despised her. From the moment she walked into my life, she proved to be a loudmouth, incompetent, and ungrateful. I don’t even know her last name, but I know enough—she’s trouble wrapped in an annoying package. Something about her was a constant irritant.Running a global business is exhausting. Demanding. But with a solid team like mine, everything stayed intact. Some of them had been working at Café Luxe for more than a decade—efficient, reliable, the kind of people you could trust to keep things running smoothly. So, there was no reason for me to worry. Yet… here I am. Back at this branch after three months, unable to shake the feeling that something is off. Paula’s report is solid, but that girl—Daphne—is an enigma. I c
Daphne’s POVI watched him slowly as I revealed the biggest truth of my life. A mountain I had carried all alone, weighing me down at every turn. But Sebastian didn’t flinch at all. Instead, he pressed my hand tightly, as though what I’d just said was nothing.“I… I…” I stammered, unsure where to even begin. “My stalker is connected to Matthew, I saw the mark. We’re all tied to him, and I’m terrified he’s here to exact revenge on me for killing him.” My heart raced as I lifted the veil of my past, the words tearing free like a dam breaking.Sebastian remained calm, his thumb drawing lazy circles on my palm. He didn’t interrupt or judge. He simply listened. I searched his eyes, to find nothing. That silent acceptance was more than I deserved.“I know you, Daphne,” he said softly, steadying his voice. “I know you had your reasons.”His eyes held mine, offering a safe space in which to release the poison I’d been holding for years. For the first time, I didn't convince myself but “belie
Sebastian’s POVI furrowed my brows, following the direction of her trembling finger. She tried to form words, but her voice failed her. I could feel a pang of panic crawling slowly through my chest. “Him? Who?” I asked with worry. I scanned the hallway, but it was empty. There was no one there. What was she so terrified of?“Shh.” I cupped her face gently. “You’re safe with me. I promise.”Her wide, panicked eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt her relax, her body leaning into mine. I guided her to a nearby chair, holding her close until her breathing steadied.“Take me home,” she whispered, her voice hollow as she stared at the wall, unblinking.“Home? But we’re here for an appointment—”Before I could finish, she erupted, slamming her fists against my chest. “Take me home! Fucking take me home right now!”Her outburst stunned me. I had never seen her act this way—so violent, so unhinged. Something was deeply wrong. Her fear wasn’t just fear; it was terror.“Daphne, please.” I r
Sebastian’s POVI watched her out of the corner of my eye during the ride. She was uneasy, fidgeting with her fingers, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery as though it could save her from something. It didn’t take much to see the storm swirling in her mind. She hadn’t expected me to come with her. That much was clear. But what wasn’t clear were the secrets she carried. The more I tried to dig, the deeper I fell into it with no answers. But I wasn't done, not yet.There was so much she wasn’t telling me, and I had sworn to uncover each of them. One by one.She was doing something to me, something I wasn’t prepared for. I had built my walls high over the years, fortified them with every scar and betrayal. Yet here I was, letting them crumble for her. And the irony? She wasn’t even trying.If anything, I was the one clawing to climb over her walls instead. And I didn’t mind. I didn’t need her to lower them for me. I’d scale them, brick by brick, no matter how long it took.The silence
Morning had already come by and we have returned to the Hawthorne residence. Sebastian remained skeptical about the situation and suggested getting a new apartment for Maryam and me, saying the area on its own wasn't safe but we turned down his offer. Instead, he stationed security at the front of the house, always on standby. The gesture warmed my heart because it wasn’t just about me; Sebastian genuinely cared about the people in my life as well.Despite the comfort of his concern, things still felt awkward. I hadn’t spoken about what happened the other night, and while Sebastian didn’t push, I could see the unspoken questions lingering on the tip of his tongue.The fact that I had a stalker didn’t sit right with him. He wanted to press charges and dig deeper into the case, but I refused. His anger was evident and after a little heated argument before he left for the office, he gave in, but not without a warning : “This conversation isn’t over, Daphne. I’m done with your bullshit a
That same statement made my body grow cold. He was the anonymous man calling and threatening me, and now he had revealed himself. Why did he wait so long? And what was his aim? My head hurt the more I tried to piece it together. Just then, the door burst open. “Oh my God, Daphne, are you okay?” Maryam rushed to my side, dropping her groceries on the floor as she knelt before me. She pulled me into a hug, rocking me back and forth. I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t move. I just sat there, numb and unresponsive. In fact, at that moment, I couldn’t think of anything. Then the scent of him invaded my nostrils. Sebastian! He was staring at me intently with his jaw clenched as his eyes darted between my phone and me. Fresh tears pooled in my eyes, and before I could stop myself, I started crying again. Sebastian rushed to my side, collapsing beside Maryam. “Hey, Are you okay?” His voice quivered slightly as I shook my head ‘No’ in response. “Shh, it’s okay. You’re safe.” He placed a
“Wh…who are you?” I managed to choke out, with my body trembling but he chuckled darkly. “Oh, my sweet, naive Daphne. Or lest I say… Claire?” He smirked, striding slowly toward me, circling like a predator. I moved back until my spine hit the cold wall. Before I could react further, he lunged forward, grabbing me roughly to stop my retreat. Then it hit me. My eyes widened with realization as my trembling fingers pointed at him. “Y…you’re my stalker,” I gasped, recognizing that same godforsaken hoodie and the unmistakable frame of the man who had been watching me from a distance while I worked at Café Luxe. “What do you want from me? I don’t even know you!” Panic clawed at my chest, making it harder to breathe. “Oh, honey, you don’t know me, but I know you like the back of my hand.” I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, the metallic tang invading my senses. My world began to tilt as nausea crept in, forcing me to place a shaking hand over my stomach for comfort. I wouldn't l
Daphne’s POVWalking down the street, tossing rocks at my feet, I tried to convince myself I was doing better. But then, everything came crashing down yet again. I refused to let it break me, even though everything about Sebastian affected me in ways I didn’t want to admit.I hailed a taxi and got in. I was back in the same cycle I swore I’d moved on from, relying on others to make myself feel worthy. Maybe it was time to seriously reconsider seeing a therapist. “Where to, ma’am?” the taxi driver’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.“District Street,” I said, smiling to myself. For a second, I almost wanted to say, “Just drive.” It would have been such a heroine moment, like something right out of a movie. Instead, I gave him the address and leaned back, letting the scenery blur by.Before long, we arrived, and I thanked him, hopping out in front of the house. How much I missed it. Maybe I would go to the pub and meet up with James and Liv, I hadn’t seen the
Sebastian’s POV “Oh my God, Ella. Come here.” Just then, Daphne runs over to her.“Heyyy!” Maya’s voice pierces through the fog in my mind. The man turns to us, but before I can see his face clearly, he hurries away.They approach us, and Ella rushes to me with so much excitement, unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows. “Daddy!”Maya immediately starts barking at Daphne, whose brows furrow in bitterness. “How could you be so reckless huh? Did you lose your brain cells in whatever hell hole you crawled from?”“Don’t you dare talk to me like that, Maya? Who do you think you are to question me?” Daphne snaps back.“Didn't you see it? How could you let her wander around like that? What if something had happened?” Maya challenged.“But nothing happened, did it? You were clearly putting meaning into things. The man you saw has a daughter Ella’s age and they had been playing together.” Daphne defended, shaking her head in disbelief. But that wasn't it, her attitude was becoming into
Sebastian’s POV“Dang it!” I throw my phone across the couch as the phone rings with no answers yet again, I pace back and forth in the living room, with unease settling at the pit of my stomach.I came home to an empty house, every appliance turned off. I looked everywhere for them, and dread slowly overtook me as I wondered if something had happened to them. It felt like not a single soul lived in the silence of the house.But then, the estate watchman told me he saw Daphne with Ella, hailing a cab but he doesn’t know where they went.“Calm down, Seby. They’re alright,” Maya says, approaching me and placing a freshly manicured finger on my shoulder.I plop onto the couch, nodding, though I am anything but calm. “Did you hear him? A cab? My Ella in a fucking cab?? You don’t get it, Maya. Wait—hold on.” My eyes widen with a terrible realization dawns on me. I’ve completely forgotten about Daphne’s appointment. What if they’re at the hospital? For a split moment, guilt washes through m