CHAPTER FIVE
THE WATCHER
sleep did not come easily that night. Lena lay In bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying the messages over and over again."Some love stories end in blood." "I am watching you." Each word felt heavier now. More real , More dangerous. She turned onto her side, pulling the blanket closer to her body. Across the room, the faint glow of the street lights filtered through the curtains , Casting long shadows along the walls. Every shadow felt alive. Every sound felt suspicious, the ticking of the clock, The distance hum of passing cars And even the Soft creak of the building settling made her heart jump. She checked her phone, no new messages, but that didn't make her feel better if anything, it made it worse. Because now, she was waiting. Morning came slowly. Lena barely slept.
Dark circles rested under her eyes as she stood in front of a mirror, brushing her hair absentmindedly. "You are fine," She whispered to herself, " You are overthinking." But even she didn't believe it, her phone buzzed , She froze for a second before picking it up. A message. Not from Unknown number this time. Adrian "Stay inside this morning, I am coming over." Lena exhale. "Okay." She didn't argue and didn't question for the first time, she was glad someone else was taking control. Less than 30 minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Lena hurried to open it. Adrian Stepped inside immediately, his eyes scanning the room with sharp focus. "Did anything happen?" He asked. " No.. Nothing new," Lena replied. Adrian nodded slightly, but didn't relax. Instead, he walked towards the window. And carefully pulled the curtain aside Just enough to look outside, his eyes move slowly, calculating, watching. Lena Cross her arms, "You really think someone is out there?" Adrian didn't turn. "I don't think," He said quietly. " I know I know." A chill ran through her, "What do you mean?" Adrian stepped back from the window. "I checked the area early this morning," he said. "There's been a car parked across the street since last night." Lena's breath caught . "A car?" "Black Lamborghini. Tinted windows." Her heart began to race again. "You think it's him?" Adrian jaw tightened, "yes." Lena Felt her knees weaken slightly, and she sat down on the couch. "This is insane," She whispered "Why would he do this?" Adrian Looked at her seriously. "Because he want control." Silence filled the room, Lena shook her head slowly. "I don't even know him." "That doesn't matter." He replied. "People like Victor don't need a reason." Lena wrapped her arms around herself. " So what happens now?" Adrian walked closer. " Now we stay ahead of him." Lena looked up, "and now how do we do that ?" Adrian hesitated. Then said something that surprise her. " I need to check your apartment." Lena blinked. "What?" " I want to make sure there's nothing here he could use to watch you." Her eyes widened, " You mean like cameras?" " It's possible." Lena stood up immediately "okay. check everything."
Adrian moved through the apartment carefully, every corner, every surface, every object. He checked behind pictures frames under tables, near vents , Even inside electrical outlet. Lena Followed him silently , her anxiety grow with every second, finally Adrian Stop near the bookshelf. His expression changed. "What?" Lena asked quickly. Adrian reached behind a small decorative item and pulled something out. A tiny black device, Lena Stared at it. "What is that?" Adrian's voice was cold. "A camera." Her entire body froze. "No.." He held it up slightly, " It's been recording." Lena stepped back shaking her head. " That's not possible I would have noticed." Adrian looked at her. "Not if it was placed carefully." Lena felt tears sting her eyes. " So.. he's been watching me? Inside my own home?" Adrian didn't answer, he didn't need to. The truth was already there. Lena sank onto the couch , her hands trembling . " This is… This is insane.." Adrian crushed the device in his hand. " It's not insane," He said quietly. " It's calculated." Lena looked up at him, fear written all over her face. " what do we do now ?" Adrian's eyes harden. "Now I stop him."
Across the street, Inside the black car, Victor Hale sat calmly. A small screen in front of him flickered. Then went black. His smile faded slightly. " Well," he murmured, " That was quicker than expected." He leaned back in his seat, his expression thoughtful. "Adrian." His fingers tapped slowly against the armrest. "So you have decided to involve yourself." A faint smile returned. "That makes things more interesting." Victor's gaze shifted towards Lena's apartment window. " You won't be able to protect her forever, " he whispered. Back inside the apartment,Lena Stood near the window, but she didn't dare open the curtains. She felt exposed , Vulnerable, like her entire world has been invaded. Adrian stepped closer to her. "You can't stay here he said," Lena turned, "what?" "It's not safe anymore." Her heart dropped, "you mean I have to leave?" "Yes." "Where would I even go?" Adrian hesitated, and said quietly "with me ." Lena stared at him. And for a moment everything changed. She felt like she has found a redeemer.