Chapter 20

As I drove still in shock of what I had seen I noticed a peculiar van behind me and the feeling of me being watched overwhelmed me.

I shake off the feeling trying to focus on the road and I made a swift turn home.

But they followed.

Fear gripped me as I noticed the black van tailing me in the rearview mirror. At first, I assumed they were just reporters, looking for a juicy story to exploit from my recent troubles. But the way they relentlessly followed me, weaving through traffic made my heart sink with a gut-wrenching realization.

My heart pounded loudly in my chest, drowning out all other sounds. I couldn't believe they had found me again, and this time, there was no room for doubts. My hands trembled on the steering wheel as I tried to keep my composure, but panic was overwhelming.

It wasn't the press; it was my stalkers.

The memories of the threatening messages and mysterious incidents flooded my mind. The sinister notes, the unsettling feeling of being watched, and now, this dangerous pursuit.

My hands tightened on the steering wheel, and I felt the tremor spread through my body. Panic surged within me, but I couldn't let them see my fear. I needed to act fast, to lose them somehow. Taking a deep breath, I focused on the road ahead, trying to think of a plan.

They were relentless, following me even when I purposely took wrong turns to throw them off.

In a moment of desperation, I accelerated, hoping to shake them off. But to my dismay, they matched my speed effortlessly, their dark intentions clear as day.

"No, no, no," I muttered to myself, trying to stay composed.

A memory flashed before my eyes—the little girl's lifeless body in the photographs they had sent me earlier. The image burned in my mind, fueling my determination to escape them. I couldn't end up like that girl. I had to survive this ordeal.

I took a sharp turn, hoping it would catch them off guard, but they were too skilled, too relentless. They stayed right on my tail, closing in with each passing second. Panic threatened to consume me, but I knew I had to keep my wits about me.

The realization hit me—they were professionals. This wasn't just some random attack; it was a well-coordinated effort to terrorize me. But who were they working for, and why were they after me?

In a desperate attempt to shake them, I took a series of unpredictable turns, trying to lose them in the labyrinth of the city streets. But they were one step ahead, anticipating my moves. It was as if they knew my every thought.

"Think, Julliette, think!" I urged myself, trying to come up with a plan.

My mind raced, recalling the self-defense lessons I had taken ages ago. But that seemed like a lifetime ago now, and I had never imagined I would actually need to use those skills.

I decided to take a risk, pushing my foot down on the accelerator, and the engine roared to life as I sped up, hoping they would follow suit. Unfortunately, my suspicion was confirmed when the van matched my speed, closing in on me with every second that passed. My heart sank, and my thoughts became muddled with fear and desperation.

In a desperate gamble, I veered into a narrow alley, hoping to throw them off my trail. The tight space made it difficult to maneuver, but I pushed on, the sound of screeching tires echoing around me.

As I emerged from the alley, my heart sank. They were still there, following me as if they were ghosts haunting my every move. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt trapped and helpless.

And then, in a moment that seemed like divine intervention, a familiar black sports car pulled up beside me—Raphael's car. I couldn't believe my eyes, and for a moment, I hesitated, unsure if I could trust him.

But I was out of options, and desperation overpowered my doubts. With a surge of courage, I swerved closer to his car, and he immediately understood my intent. Without a word, he sped up, effectively blocking the van from pursuing me any further.

"Are you okay?" he shouted over the engine's roar.

I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. Relief washed over me as I realized I was no longer alone in this terrifying ordeal. Raphael had come to my rescue, despite our complicated past.

But why?

He intercepts between them and me creating dust in their car he speeds off and I follow scared to be left behind

He continued to drive with determination, making sure we weren't being followed anymore. For a moment, I felt a flicker of trust toward him, but the fear and confusion still lingered.

Finally, we arrived at a seemingly abandoned warehouse. Raphael parked the car in a hidden spot, away from the main road, and turned off the engine.

"Mind telling me what this is about?"he asks out of the blue once we're safe hiding behind a corner of the warehouse

I turn my gaze to him but I can't say anything

How do you tell someone you're being stalked for murder?

I get up and start walking away trying to recollect my thoughts.

This is all happening too fast.I think I'm going to puke

I clutch my stomach and he starts to yell about me giving him a thank you speech

Oh my gosh what is his deal?

I burst out yelling and him and he tells back

Irritated I walk away and out of nowhere he grips my shoulder

His touch felt like thorns to my skin

Without thinking I turn and slap him

Who dare he touch me?!

He stands there like a broken manikin with surprise on his face

I get into my car and drive away

I've been in too much contact with him,it's beginning to affect me badly.

"But he saved me though" a thought comes to mind

"Yes and?"the other counters

I push that to the side not really knowing how I should feel

I just want to go home