26
New York, Mia
I sat in the car, with Sophia behind the wheel, driving me back home. The turmoil of the day and the distressing events with the stalker were still fresh in my mind. Sophia’s presence provided some comfort, a respite from the storm that had been brewing in my life.
“How did the conversation with your ex go?” she inquired, breaking the silence that had settled between us. Her concern was evident in her voice.
I grumbled in annoyance, recalling the encounter with Gavin. “I just cursed him out,” I admitted with a touch of frustration. “He seemed to enjoy it.”
Sophia didn’t mince her words. “He’s such a loser,” she declared, echoing my sentiments precisely. Gavin’s actions and demeanor had long since worn thin, and it was clear that he reveled in causing trouble.
I leaned back in the car seat and massaged my temples, attempting to alleviate the persistent headache that had plagued me all day. Sophia’s words provided some consolation, but the weight of the situation still hung heavily over me.
As we pulled up to my apartment building, my eyes fell upon the imposing figure of the security guard stationed outside. He was the same burly security guard that Sebastian had assigned to keep an eye on me, a reassuring presence in these troubled times.
Sophia glanced at him and asked, “Is that the security guard Sebastian assigned to you?”
I chuckled, nodding in affirmation. “Yup, that’s him.”
“Damn,” Sophia muttered, her concern evident. The presence of a security guard at my doorstep was a stark reminder of the very real danger that lurked in the shadows.
Before I exited the car, I turned to Sophia. “Hey, I’ll take the note with me, okay? Patrick wants to analyze it for fingerprints.”
She nodded understandingly. “Okay, keep me updated,” she urged, her worry for my safety palpable.
“I will,” I assured her. “And please, keep me updated too, okay?”
With a brief hug, I parted ways with Sophia and made my way to my apartment. As I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of Bella, who had already returned home.
“Hey,” she greeted me, her concern evident in her eyes. “How was the office?”
I sighed deeply, the weight of the day’s events heavy on my shoulders. “It was… eventful,” I replied, realizing that I had much to share with her about the latest developments in my life.
After I told Bella about the stalker, the disturbing letter, and Gavin’s unsettling call, all she could do was shake her head in disbelief. Her response was laced with a mix of sympathy and incredulity.
“Your life turned into a real-life Turkish drama,” she said with a hint of exasperation.
I chuckled wryly, despite the heaviness of the situation. “I know, right? It’s like me and the baby are constantly thrown into drama land.”
Bella, always the practical and reassuring friend, offered some fried chicken that she had prepared. I gratefully accepted the plate and began munching on the crispy, comforting morsels. It was a small comfort in the midst of the chaos.
“Just keep on going,” Bella encouraged me, her voice filled with determination. “Everything will get better eventually.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
I sighed, realizing that her words echoed the sentiments of so many others who had tried to console me during this turbulent time. “That’s what everyone tells me,” I admitted. “But it’s kind of hard, you know?”
My once-peaceful life had been turned upside down, transformed into a whirlwind of uncertainty and fear. The weight of it all bore down on me, and I couldn’t help but wonder when the storm would finally subside.
After devouring the last of the fried chicken, I decided to retreat to the bathroom for a long, soothing shower. It was a chance to wash away the day’s stress, both physical and emotional. I started with my skincare routine, taking the time to pamper myself with each step, and then stepped into the steamy embrace of the shower.
The hot water was a balm for my tired muscles, and I let the tension wash away as I closed my eyes and simply stood under the soothing cascade. Thoughts swirled in my mind, the unresolved issues and the looming threats, but for a brief moment, I allowed myself to find solace in the simple act of showering.
Afterward, I dried off and made my way to my bedroom, the exhaustion of the day catching up with me. I settled into the comfort of my bed, hoping to find some much-needed rest. The events of the day had taken a toll on my spirit, and I yearned for the oblivion of sleep.
As I drifted into the edges of slumber, the events of the day continued to play in my mind like a haunting reel. The ominous messages, the intrusion into my home, and Gavin’s menacing call all left me feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Just when I thought I could finally surrender to sleep’s embrace, I was jerked upright by the sound of gunshots, sharp and menacing. My heart thundered in my chest as fear gripped me, the adrenaline surging through my veins. The room was bathed in darkness, and my senses were on high alert as I strained to identify the source of the alarming noise.
The seconds dragged on, and the echoes of the gunshots seemed to dissipate into the night. I reached for my phone, my hands trembling, and quickly dialed the number for the security guard stationed outside my apartment.
“Something happened,” I said urgently, my voice barely above a whisper. “Gunshots. I heard gunshots.”
“It’s me.” He coughed. “I got shot.”