One thing I respect about him is that he never pushes—he respects boundaries. I think he must’ve noticed the hesitation on my face because he didn’t press me further. “Th… thank you,” I murmur, watching him stand up, his broad back retreating toward the desk. Cocky bastard. He doesn’t even bother turning around as he waves me off dismissively. Why is he even here today? He hardly shows up. God knows what might’ve happened if Mr. Hawthorne hadn’t walked in when he did. I shudder at the thought. The rumors would’ve been endless—my haters would’ve had a field day. At least I was validated this time, but it still feels like I narrowly dodged something worse.As I walk out of the office, I head straight for my usual spot. Geez, I’ve got so much to tell Maryam about her so-called "MCM." That’s what she calls him. Every time I complain about Thorn, she brushes me off, saying, “But he’s hot, so everything he does is valid,” As if good looks justify everything.Her favorite line? “There’s a
Upon reaching the camp, there wasn’t much to do, so I stretched my limbs and decided to sort through my clothes. I rampaged through the mess, folding and rearranging, though it was more of an excuse to keep my hands busy. The thing about being alone is that unwanted thoughts start creeping in, uninvited. The memories I claim to have buried, the people I say I’ve forgotten—none of it is true. They always crawl back into my mind, haunting me like shadows that refuse to disappear.I thought about the first day I returned home. Richard, the butler, had opened the door. His eyes had widened with shock, his lips parting as though he was unsure if he was seeing a ghost. Maybe he recognized me, but at that moment, I didn’t recognize him. His face was a blur, a distant piece of a life I had long abandoned. He scurried away, most likely to inform them that their long-lost daughter had returned.“My God, Claire!” my mother gasped when she saw me. Her hand flew to her chest, tears spilling from
It is Monday already. I was heading to work, the weight of the weekend still heavy on my shoulders. The agent had shown us places way outside our budget, and it was a struggle—honestly, a draining, frustrating struggle. We wanted a decent place, something that didn’t look like it would fall apart with one strong breeze. But our budget had us cornered, leaving us at the mercy of what little we could afford.We had to settle for something in a lower-class neighborhood—a ghetto, really. But it wasn’t too bad, considering the other places we were shown. It was decent enough, and that’s all we could ask for. Two bedrooms, small but comfortable. At least Maryam and I would have our own spaces. It wasn’t much, but it was something. We’ll move in completely tonight, scraping by with just mattresses. Sofas, home décor, and the little touches would come later, once we could save up again. One step at a time."Good morning," I greeted the watchman as I entered work. His smile was warm as he ans
Sebastian’s POV:After my time with Ella, I decided it was best to freshen up before bed. I entered my room, pulling off my black shirt, when something—or rather, someone—caught my attention. There she was, on the CCTV feed connected to my iPad. I’d tuned in earlier to check on things, a habit I developed to ensure my branches ran smoothly when I wasn’t there.I’d forgotten to exit the feed.Something about her always felt off. Sketchy. And I couldn’t figure it out. Daphne had a habit of being the last to leave the café, always staying after hours when no one else was around. It was just her and the security outside, and I’d noticed this pattern more than once. That day, when that sick bastard laid his hands on her, something inside me snapped. The rage I felt was enough to ignite the world. I despised men who acted like animals, treating women as if they were property. I imagined how I’d react if someone touched my little girl that way. Daphne may not be my daughter, but she was som
Daphne’s POV“Wh... what if—”“Shhh, nothing is happening,”Maryam says, projecting a calmness I didn’t know she possessed. “Nothing will happen to you, as long as I’m here. No one can hurt you.” The weight of those words hung in the air, but the truth was that my heart raced with uncertainty and insecurity. “But Nate… he saw me. He knows I’m alive.” Maryam’s hands trembled as she handed me a glass of water, the liquid sloshing slightly as she passed it to me. We sat on the cold, empty floor of our new apartment, the chill seeping through my clothes and into my bones. I had looked forward to this day, the promise of a fresh start, a chance to escape the shadows of my past. But now, as I surveyed the barren walls and the unadorned space, it felt like none of it mattered. The excitement I had envisioned seemed to evaporate, replaced by an overwhelming sense of loss. I couldn’t shake the feeling that joy had slipped through my fingers like sand.I had dreamed of this moment—of new begi
Slowly opening my eyes, I found myself in my room, lying on the mattress. My body felt as if a train had wrecked through me, each muscle protesting in agony. A dull ache pulsed through my head, and as I glanced at the window, I realized it was well into the afternoon. My stomach growled in hunger. My lips felt cracked and dry, a parched desert in desperate need of relief.As I attempt to sit up, Maryam walks in, her expression a mix of concern and relief. “Hey, easy there,” she says, gently supporting my back. “W… what happened?” I mumble, my voice raspy as I glance around, disoriented.“Here.” She hands me a glass of water, the cool liquid feeling heavenly against my throat. I gulped it down like a hungry lion as if I hadn’t seen water in years. Just as the haze began to lift from my mind, panic coursed through my mind. “My baby, Alex!” I shouted, my heart racing as the gravity of everything that happened hit me.“Jeez, calm down! Baby Alex is fine,” Maryam reassures me, and I let o
“I…I don’t understand.” My voice quivers, barely audible as I fight to hold back tears. “Don’t make me repeat myself.” His voice is cold, almost cruel. “Pack all of your things and leave. Now.” The sharpness in his was like a dagger aimed directly at my heart. This wasn’t the Mr. Hawthorne I thought I knew. No warmth, no familiarity. Just a stranger—a boss with no empathy.“I… I can explain,” I stammer, my voice cracking under the weight of my desperation. My hands tremble as I clutch the fabric of my dress, pleading silently in my mind. Please, don't do this. I couldn’t afford to lose this job. My life,—everything—depended on it. This opportunity, though a miracle by chance, had been my only lifeline. No qualifications, no experience—just pure, undeserved grace. “Save it,” he snaps, cutting through my words like a whip. “I don’t want to hear your excuses.”I fall to my knees, my pride crumbling with me. “Please… I won’t go. I need this job. Please.” My voice cracks, heck it, this i
After several more hours of waiting, my stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten all day. I’m on medication and neglecting the one thing I should be doing to keep going. And then there’s little Alex, I sigh. It’s unfair how poorly I’ve been treating him, too.Just as I finish the last bite of my sandwich, Paula steps out of the café, her eyes widening in surprise. I can tell she hadn’t expected me to still be here. But the look in her eyes spoke louder than the words she was trying to convey. Even without saying anything, I knew what the answer was. So I just nodded, tears pooling my eyes.“Don’t lose hope, okay?” Paula says softly, her voice filled with empathy. “I’ll keep trying. You know how difficult he can be.”I manage a weak smile. “I know. Thank you for trying, Paula.”She pulls me into a hug, her warmth a temporary shield against the storm raging inside me. “If you ever need anything—anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Advice, a shoulder, anything. I’m here, oka
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