"Take this to table six, my love," James says, his voice playful as he hands me the plate, eyes gleaming with a flirtatious grin. I wink at him, a light laugh escaping my lips. He always knows how to lighten the mood.James is a crackhead-wild and carefree— but also one of the sweetest souls I've ever met. He's made working here a bright spot in my otherwise complicated life. The pay isn't the best, but it's enough to keep me afloat, and that's what matters for now. James calls me his wife, but the truth is our friendship is completely platonic-very platonic. I have to make that clear, because anyone watching us would think otherwise.The first day I started, I was a bundle of nerves, but James? He saw right through it and made me feel at ease instantly, like I belonged here. I got the job on the spot, and since then, it's become something I look forward to. The pub's not far from the apartment, and every night, James walks me home, chatting the whole way, making me laugh. It's becom
Sebastian's POVI sat at the bar, seething with frustration. I was supposed to meet a business associate from Bali tonight, but I had already inconvenienced him by running late, trying to find a decent babysitter for Ella. None of the candidates fit my criteria. He was leaving tomorrow, and I had no choice but to meet him tonight-he'd picked this hellhole as the location.I fired that last babysitter, another airhead who thought sliding into my bed would keep her job. Pathetic. She couldn't even care for my daughter, loud and incompetent as she was. I regretted hiring her the second I saw her in action.This pub-this cesspit-was an insult to my senses. The stench of alcohol and tobacco clawed at my throat, giving me a piercing headache. I hated the place and the lowlifes inhabiting it, all loud and rowdy, shouting their drunken slurs.Leaning back on the worn leather couch, I stretched out my legs, loosening my tie as I massaged my temple. And then... I saw her.She moved like a storm
Daphne’s POV “What the heck was that?” My heart almost jumped out of my chest. His scent still lingered in the air as he walked away. That arrogant prick—who does he think he is? Still fuming, I stomped back to the pub. Just as I opened the door, "Where the heck have you been? You had me worried!" James barked. I hesitated, not knowing what to say. "I just... needed some fresh air." He sighed, the tension easing. "Alright, but don’t scare me like that. You know you're pregnant." James was a good guy—he knew I was carrying, but not the full, messy story of my life. He thought I was just another girl with a cheating ex, trying to get by. If only he knew the half of it. Closing time rolled around, and James walked me home, like he always did. “Goodnight, take care.” He gave me a quick hug before turning to leave. As I stood on my porch, I felt it. That weird feeling again—the one where it feels like someone’s watching. I squinted into the dark, but there was nothing there. Just sh
With shaky fingers and clammy hands, I stood in front of his door yet again, my thumb lazily hovering over the doorbell. Why am I doing this to myself? My heart raced like a rabbit’s, and every cell in my body screamed at me to run back home, curl up, and pretend I never agreed to this. But Maryam's potential lecture loomed over me. Nope, not dealing with that today."You’ve been standing there for five minutes. Are you coming in, or are you planning to wear out my doorbell with indecision?" came Hawthorne’s deep voice through the intercom.I almost jumped out of my skin. Seriously? Was he watching me this whole time? The nerve! My heart gave an extra thud of irritation as I fumbled with the doorknob, realizing it was already open. Of course, it was. Of course, he knew I’d come. This man... Why is he always so infuriatingly ahead of me?As I stepped in, I regretted it immediately. Coming down the stairs, in nothing but dangerously low-hanging slacks, was Sebastian Hawthorne. Bare-ches
I paced the room, biting my fingers as my eyes flicked to the clock. The minutes dragged, and my stomach twisted in knots. Why was I so nervous for Ella to return? The fridge was stocked—you name it, it was there—but I couldn’t bring myself to heat anything until I knew what she wanted. Something about this evening felt different, as if I was preparing for more than just her company. The front door creaked open, and there she stood. Ella, frowning at me like I was a puzzle she was determined to solve. The tension broke when her eyes widened, and she bolted toward me, jumping into my arms with surprising force. “Daphneeeeee!” She squealed, wrapping her arms around my neck as I spun her around. Her infectious energy pulled me in, and I realized—she actually likes me. All those times she’d come by the café, staring at me with that shy curiosity, made sense now. There was a connection here, and I wasn’t imagining it.I set her down gently, a smile tugging at my lips as I crouched to u
Sebastian’s POVWalking down the hallway, my eyes lock on her. There’s something about her that makes me lose control, as if some unseen force draws me to her, wild and determined. It’s not just possessiveness; it’s something deeper, primal, as though the universe itself carved her just to unravel me. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her step outside dressed like that. Call it jealousy, call it protectiveness—I don’t care. All I know is that she’s mine to look after, even if she doesn’t see it that way.The pub she’s going to is far from safe. Creeps lurk in the shadows, waiting for girls like her—vulnerable, alone. My gut tells me there’s a man stalking her, and if I ever catch him... God help me, it won't end well. She looks up at me, confusion clouding her expression. “Wha... what do you mean?”“You’re not leaving like that,” I say, the finality in my voice certain, emphasizing the ‘Not’. Her irritation rises, thickening the tension between us.“I’m not your responsibility. I c
Daphne’s POVWith tears streaming down my face and my heels dangling from my left hand, I wandered aimlessly. So damn tired, so damn scared. I needed comfort, security—everything good—but nothing good ever seems to happen to me.“Arghhh!” I yelled, replaying what just happened between Hawthorne and me. Why did I have to go off like that, ranting and embarrassing myself? I cringe just thinking about it. I blame you, baby Alex, I really do. You’ve made me overly sensitive! My whole body aches, my feet are numb, and don’t even get me started on my sore nipples. While I should be enjoying pregnancy perks—like snuggling up and watching TV—I’m out here, working my butt off just to survive.Maybe if I start working full-time for Hawthorne, I could take a break and visit Anne and Andrew over the weekend. They deserve to know I’m alive and okay. If only I still had their number… but nope, lost that on the bus.I pushed open the door to the pub and headed to my usual spot when my phone rang, s
I kicked off my shoes with a sigh, feeling the relief as I massaged my sore toes. "Can you believe it?" I gushed to a half-asleep Maryam. After Liv called them, they were so happy to hear from me, but it was weird—they didn’t seem surprised, like they already knew where I was.We exchanged contact info, and I promised to call them often. ‘You can’t forget your Ma and Pa, okay?’ Andrew had said, his voice warm.That reunion had brought some much-needed joy after the disaster with Hawthorne. That arrogant bastard! I wanted to rip his perfect hair out of his perfect head for the way he treated me earlier.I collapsed onto the bed without even bothering to clean up or change, too tired to care. Disgusting, I know, but it was one of those nights.********Morning came too soon, but I didn’t drag myself out of bed until 10 a.m., lazily preparing for work. I hoped by the end of the day, I'd officially have the job. True to his word, Hawthorne had paid me for every hour, though with a smug
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