The next few days passed, but nothing felt normal anymore.
Anna tried to focus on work, but the uneasiness refused to leave. Every email, every call, every unfamiliar face in the office made her more alert than usual. It was as if someone was always just… watching.
And Oliver—
He had changed.
He was still calm on the outside, still the same confident man everyone respected. But with her, his behavior had shifted. He stayed closer. His calls were quieter. His eyes sharper, constantly observing everything around them.
That night, Anna stepped out of her office later than usual. The building was almost empty, the silence echoing in the hallway.
As she walked toward the elevator, she suddenly felt it.
That strange feeling again.
Like someone was behind her.
She stopped.
Slowly turned.
Nothing.
The corridor was empty.
Anna let out a quiet breath, shaking her head slightly. "You're overthinking," she whispered to herself.
The elevator doors opened with a soft sound. She stepped inside quickly and pressed the button.
Just as the doors were about to close—
A hand stopped them.
Anna's heart skipped.
The doors slid open again.
Ethan Mitchell stepped inside.
Her breath caught.
"Late night?" he asked casually, as if running into her alone like this meant nothing.
Anna straightened slightly. "Work doesn't stop."
Ethan smirked faintly. "I remember. You were always like this."
The elevator doors closed.
Silence filled the space.
Anna could feel his gaze on her, but she kept her eyes forward.
"You shouldn't stay alone this late," Ethan said after a moment.
Anna turned her head slightly. "Why? Should I be worried?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Maybe."
The word sent a quiet chill through her.
Before she could respond, the elevator stopped. The doors opened.
Anna stepped out immediately.
Ethan followed.
As they reached the parking area, Anna's phone buzzed.
She froze.
Slowly, she opened the message.
Turn around.
Her heartbeat spiked.
For a second, she didn't move.
Then—
She turned.
Standing a few steps away, Ethan watched her calmly.
Her breath caught. "Was this you?"
Ethan tilted his head slightly, a faint smile forming. "What are you talking about?"
Anna held up her phone. "The messages."
Ethan glanced at the screen, then back at her.
"If I wanted to send you a message," he said slowly, stepping a little closer, "I wouldn't hide."
Anna studied his face carefully.
He didn't look like he was lying.
Which made it worse.
Because that meant—
Someone else was watching.
Before the tension could build further, a car door slammed nearby.
Anna turned.
Oliver.
He walked toward them, his presence instantly shifting the atmosphere. His eyes moved from Anna to Ethan, dark and unreadable.
"Step away from her," Oliver said calmly.
Ethan let out a soft chuckle. "Relax. We were just talking."
"I'm not asking," Oliver replied.
The air turned sharp.
For a moment, it felt like neither of them would back down.
Then Ethan raised his hands slightly in mock surrender.
"Fine," he said. "See you around… Anna."
His eyes lingered on her for a second longer before he turned and walked away.
Anna exhaled slowly, not realizing she had been holding her breath.
Oliver stepped closer immediately. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "I got another message."
His expression hardened. "What did it say?"
"Turn around."
Oliver's jaw clenched.
His hand gently but firmly held her arm, pulling her closer to him.
"You're not going anywhere alone from now on," he said quietly.
Anna looked up at him. "Oliver… this is getting serious."
His eyes met hers, dark and intense.
"It already is."
Somewhere in the shadows of the parking lot, unseen by both of them—
A figure stood quietly, watching everything.
Waiting.
And planning the next move.