The next day arrives almost too quickly.
I'm worried. I barely slept last night.
I scrunch my face away from the bright light flooding through my window. Everything feels quiet—at least in my room. The most isolated and secluded room in this manor.
I stretch on my bed, my body slowly adjusting to the new day, then place my feet on the cold floor. The chill seeps through me, grounding me.
I sigh heavily.
The serenity of this room feels almost… eerie.
I walk toward the glass balcony and look down. It's a very long drop. But if I were to fall, the odds of my stalker catching me would still be too high.
I swallow hard.
I drink a glass of water, my throat dry and itching for more. I chug more until my stomach aches slightly.
My eyes drift to the dressing mirror.
His letter is still there.
White. Clean. Innocent-looking.
Too innocent for something that feels like poison.
I wonder how much insanity is written on that paper.
I reach for it.
Rip it open.
I don't know how I ended up with a dangerous, hopeless romantic—if I can even call him that. The worst part is that I see something in him… and that alone makes me feel like I'm losing my mind.
How he sneaks in and out of here every night remains my biggest mystery.
I'm too angry to tell my family. In fact, I don't even trust them enough to protect me. I would've told Oliver, but I'm scared for him too.
This is a battle I have to fight alone.
But can I?
My eyes move across the letter.
"You smiled today.
Not the polite one you give strangers. Not the one you wear like armor.
No… this one was real.
And I almost hated it.
Because it wasn't for me.
Do you know what it does to me—watching you give pieces of yourself away so carelessly?
Laughing with them. Standing too close. Letting them exist in spaces that should only belong to me.
You don't understand yet… but you will.
Every glance you give someone else feels like betrayal you don't even realize you're committing. And I forgive you for it… because you don't know better.
Not yet.
I'm patient.
I watch. I learn. I wait.
And when the world disappoints you—because it will—I'll be right here.
Always right here.
Closer than you think.
Loving you in ways they never could.
So smile again tomorrow.
But maybe… just maybe…
think of me when you do.
— Yours, whether you accept it or not, Afràtos."**
The audacity.
The guts to decide I don't even have a say.
I can be very dangerous when I'm pushed the wrong way.
And deep down… I didn't even care if those men were slaughtered like goats. I just wanted my freedom.
Somehow, I've indirectly latched onto my stalker—but as the days go on, he's becoming more possessive, more certain that I belong to him.
I throw the letter onto the table and storm out of my room.
The moment I step outside, it's like the soundproof silence disappears.
Shuffling feet. Voices. Commands.
The preparations for the birthday must have already begun.
I should go and wish him a happy birthday.
But I don't care.
And I intentionally didn't buy a gift.
I've already missed too many university duties because of this family.
My lazy feet carry me down the stairs, and I walk into the ballroom to see the decoration theme.
"The flowers should be more at his seat, for crying out loud! It is his birthday!" the planner scolds.
I walk up to her.
The room is already taking shape.
Gold, black, and burgundy wrap the ballroom in heavy elegance.
"Miss Sarima, is there anything you'd like to add?" she asks politely.
"Nope."
My eyes scan the large space before I turn away.
I step out and call the girls.
"Gurlll… how are youuu?" Lora says.
"I'm good, my love," I reply.
"Sweetheart, you haven't taken your bath yet," Havi jumps in with her usual mom voice.
"Leave her alone," Somy says. "It's her dad's birthday today."
I smile faintly. My best friend always has my back.
"Everyone's busy because of the birthday, guys. And I don't want you all to miss it," I say, closing my room door behind me.
"You know I'm too far away to attend," my best friend says sadly.
"I know, my love. It's fine."
"My parents are attending the Washingtons' manor opening," Lora adds.
"The Washingtons finally finalized their manor?" I ask, keeping the conversation alive.
"Mm-hmm… I think a week ago," she replies.
I nod slowly.
"Well, I guess I'm the only one coming—and I'm coming with my babe," Havi says.
I smile.
"Be serious. Don't lie to me."
"I'm definitely coming," she insists.
I laugh softly.
At least I won't be completely alone… even if she's busy with her boyfriend.
"Well then, I'm going to shower, loves."
We laugh and I end the call.
I rush into the bathroom.
It's already afternoon, and the party is set for night.
After my shower, I cream my body and slip into something comfortable.
I lie on my bed.
And then—
I drift off again.
A tap on my shoulder.
My eyes snap open.
The room is dark.
Completely dark.
I can't see my hands.
It feels like I've been dropped into an abyss.
I move forward slowly, hands stretched out.
I hit something.
A figure.
My hand rises… higher… until I feel a face.
I flinch backward—but I'm caught.
Strong arms pull me in.
Panic erupts inside me.
I struggle, thrashing, but the grip only tightens.
Closer.
Too close.
My vision blurs with tears.
"Please… please… please let me go," I whisper, trembling.
I can smell him now.
That familiar spicy scent.
"No… no, please leave me alone," I cry out louder.
My strength starts to fail.
And then—
Warm breath brushes my neck.
A pause.
A slow inhale.
Then his voice—low, certain, right against me:
"You don't want me to leave, Afràtos… and you know that."