Someone was watching me.
Not the kind of feeling you ignore.
Not the kind you laugh off and blame on your imagination.
This was different.
It was constant.
Heavy.
Like a pair of unseen eyes glued to my every move.
At first, it was small things.
Things I could explain away.
My bedroom window slightly open when I knew I had locked it.
My phone lighting up in the middle of the night… with no notifications.
The faint sound of footsteps behind me when I walked home only to disappear when I turned.
I told myself I was overthinking.
That I was tired.
That it was nothing.
Until the messages started.
My phone buzzed as I stepped out of the shower, steam still clinging to my skin.
Unknown Number.
I frowned.
For a moment, I hesitated.
Then I opened it.
You looked beautiful today.
My breath caught.
A cold chill slid down my spine.
I stared at the message, my fingers suddenly unsteady.
I hadn't given my number to anyone.
Not recently.
Not anyone new.
Slowly, I typed back.
Who is this?
The reply came instantly.
Someone who sees everything.
My heart slammed against my chest.
I turned slowly, scanning my apartment.
The door was locked.
The curtains were drawn.
Everything looked normal.
But it didn't feel normal.
I backed away, gripping my phone tighter.
Stop texting me.
Three dots appeared.
Disappeared.
Then appeared again.
Like he was thinking.
Watching.
Waiting.
You shouldn't talk to other men.
My stomach dropped.
My mind raced back.
Earlier that day
The cashier who smiled at me.
The stranger who held the door.
The guy who asked for directions.
Nothing more.
Nothing important.
So how
I swallowed hard.
You're sick. Leave me alone.
The reply came slower this time.
Deliberate.
You won't be alone for long.
The lights flickered.
I froze.
My breath caught in my throat as darkness swallowed the room for a split second.
Then the lights came back on.
Silence.
Too much silence.
I forced myself to move, my legs shaky as I walked toward the window.
My fingers trembled as I pulled the curtain back slightly.
Outside
The city looked normal.
Cars passing.
Lights glowing.
People moving.
But then
Across the street…
Standing near a streetlight…
A figure.
Still.
Watching.
I couldn't see his face.
Only the outline.
Tall.
Unmoving.
My heart started pounding violently.
I blinked.
And
He was gone.
I stumbled back, pulling the curtain shut immediately.
My breathing turned uneven.
Fast.
Panicked.
This wasn't normal.
This wasn't a joke.
I grabbed my bag without thinking.
I couldn't stay here.
Not tonight.
I needed somewhere safe.
Somewhere public.
Somewhere
My phone buzzed again.
I froze.
Slowly… slowly… I looked down at the screen.
Unknown Number.
My hands shook as I opened it.
Run if you want.
A pause.
Then another message came in.
I'll still find you.
My chest tightened painfully.
I didn't wait.
I rushed out of the apartment, locking the door behind me with trembling hands.
I didn't notice the black car parked across the street.
Didn't notice the man inside it.
Watching.
Waiting.
The next morning, I told myself I was being paranoid.
I had barely slept.
Every sound had felt like a threat.
Every shadow had looked wrong.
But I couldn't afford to fall apart.
Not today.
Today was important.
Blackwood Enterprises.
The interview.
I stood in front of the massive glass building, my reflection staring back at me.
Tired eyes.
Tense expression.
A feeling I couldn't shake.
Like I was walking into something dangerous.
I almost turned back.
Almost.
But I didn't.
Inside, everything was sleek.
Cold.
Perfect.
Too perfect.
"Miss Voss?"
I turned quickly.
A receptionist smiled politely.
"Mr. Blackwood is expecting you."
Expecting me?
A strange feeling settled in my chest.
I followed her anyway.
Down the hallway.
Into the elevator.
Up to the top floor.
Each second felt heavier than the last.
Until the doors opened.
"Right this way."
She led me to a large office.
Then stopped.
Knocked once.
And opened the door.
"Come in."
The voice was low.
Calm.
Controlled.
I stepped inside.
And froze.
He was already watching me.
Sitting behind a large desk like he owned the world.
Dark suit.
Sharp features.
Cold, unreadable eyes locked directly on mine.
Adrian Blackwood.
Power radiated off him.
Heavy.
Unshakable.
My pulse quickened.
Something about the way he looked at me…
Was wrong.
Like this wasn't the first time he had seen me.
"Miss Voss," he said slowly.
My name sounded different coming from him.
Deeper.
Possessive.
"Yes, sir," I managed.
Silence stretched between us.
Then
"Tell me something."
His voice dropped slightly.
"Has he contacted you yet?"
My heart stopped.
"…What?"
He leaned back slightly, studying my face.
Watching every reaction.
"Your stalker."
The word hit me like a slap.
My hands went cold.
"How do you know about that?" I whispered.
A slow, dangerous smile touched his lips.
Then he stood up.
And walked toward me.
Each step measured.
Controlled.
Terrifying.
He stopped right in front of me.
Too close.
My breath caught.
He reached out
And tilted my chin up gently.
Forcing me to meet his eyes.
"Because…" he said softly.
His thumb brushed against my skin.
Slow.
Deliberate.
"I've been watching you too."