Chapter 20 – Public Face

Chapter 20 – Public Face
The days crawled by with unbearable weight. Sarah tried to go about her routine as if life had not tilted off its axis, but the rose on her pillow haunted them both. It was not just Emily anymore someone else had seen it, someone else had proof that she was not imagining things. And yet, nothing happened afterward. No calls.... No more texts... Only silence.

Emily hated the silence more than the threats.

At least the texts reminded her she was not crazy.

At least the buzzing phone meant there was a pattern... a warning.... a rhythm to follow.

Now there was nothing. Just her thoughts clawing at her in the dark.

\~~~

When the email came, Sarah practically sighed with relief.

“It’s a charity gala,” Sarah said, her voice brighter than Emily had heard it in weeks. She held her phone up like a prize. “My firm is hosting it this year. I got an invite this morning.”

Emily looked up from the couch where she’d been curled, blanket wrapped tight around her. “A gala?”

“Yes.” Sarah sat beside her, nudging her shoulder gently. “Fancy dresses, champagne, schmoozing with people who like the sound of their own voices. It’s boring, but it is safe. We would be in public, and it would be crowded.” She hesitated, watching Emily’s face carefully. “I think it would do you good to come with me. Just for one night.”

Emily shook her head immediately. “No. Crowds would not stop him, Sarah. He is everywhere. He could be anyone.”

Sarah leaned in, lowering her voice. “And that is exactly why you should come. Because if you hide in here forever, he wins. At least there, you will be with me. You will see for yourself that not every shadow is following you. Besides staying in this lonely house and being in public with lights and flashing cameras, where do you think the killer would most likely be able to harm us.”

Emily’s throat tightened. It was a good argument... too good. She did not want to go. The thought of dressing up and stepping into another cab, pretending she was normal for even a second it felt impossible.

But Sarah’s eyes softened, almost pleading. “Please, Em. For me? I can not stand seeing you like this. Just one night. If it’s awful, we will leave.”

Emily swallowed hard, her nails digging into her palms beneath the blanket. For Sarah. That was the only reason.

“Fine,” she whispered. “One night.”

Sarah smiled, relief flooding her face.

\~~~

The night of the gala came too fast.

Sarah twirled in front of the mirror, smoothing the deep emerald fabric of her gown. Emily stood stiffly behind her, tugging at the straps of the black dress Sarah had loaned her. She barely recognized herself in the reflection her hair pinned neatly makeup soft and understated.

“You look beautiful,” Sarah said warmly.

Emily tried to smile, but it faltered. “I feel like bait.”

“Then let’s hope no one’s fishing.” Sarah squeezed her hand, and for a moment, Emily almost believed her.

\~~~

The cab ride was torture.

Emily hesitated at the curb, staring at the plate number like it might morph before her eyes. She glanced at the driver, memorizing his features, middle-aged, thinning hair, polite nod. Nothing suspicious. But her chest still tightened as she slid into the backseat beside Sarah.

Sarah chatted lightly with the driver about the venue, the traffic, anything to fill the silence. Emily sat rigid, eyes darting to the windows, her phone clutched in her lap.

This time, nothing happened. No wrong turns. No chilling words from the front seat. Just a straight, uneventful ride.

When they arrived, Sarah gave her a knowing look. “See?”

Emily forced a nod, but her heart was still thundering.

\~~~

The venue glittered with chandeliers and gold-trimmed walls. Women in sequined gowns laughed over champagne, men in tuxedos shook hands, cameras flashed as donors posed.

It was everything Emily hated... loud, polished and suffocating.

She stuck close to Sarah, clutching her glass of champagne like a shield. Maybe if she blended into the crowd, the shadows would not notice her.

And then she saw him.

Alex.

Standing near the stage, surrounded by people, his dark suit perfectly tailored, his smile easy and magnetic. He shook hands with city officials, laughed at someone’s joke, even bent to kiss an elderly woman’s cheek.

He looked flawless and untouchable.

Emily’s blood ran cold.

“What the hell is he doing here?” she hissed, tugging Sarah’s arm.

Sarah blinked. “Who?”

“Alex! Right there!” Emily pointed, her hand trembling.

Sarah’s brows knitted. “He is… one of the donors. His company sponsors events like this. It is not unusual.”

“Not unusual?” Emily’s voice shook. “He is the reason Lisa’s dead, Sarah. And now he is here, acting like some kind of prince?”

Heads turned toward them, curious at Emily’s raised tone. Sarah quickly pulled her aside. “Keep your voice down. Do you want people staring?”

Emily’s chest heaved. Her eyes darted back to Alex. He was laughing with a group of young women, charming and graceful. He looked untouchable.

And then Emily froze.

One of the women he danced with had Lisa’s hair.... Lisa’s smile. The tilt of her head was identical, uncanny.

Emily’s fingers dug into Sarah’s arm. “Do you see her? Tell me you see her.”

Sarah frowned. “Who?”

“The woman! The one who looks like.... like... ” Emily’s voice cracked. “Lisa.”

Sarah turned, following her gaze, but her expression remained blank. “Em… I don’t see anyone like that.”

But Emily did. She saw Alex spin her across the dance floor, her laughter bubbling up, her face a haunting echo of the friend they had buried.

Emily’s breath came in ragged bursts. “It is her. I swear it is her.”

She shoved through the crowd, desperate to get closer, desperate to prove she was not imagining it. Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she pushed between dancing couples.

The woman’s red dress swirled as Alex twirled her again. Emily reached out, her fingers almost brushing the fabric

And then the woman was gone.

One moment, she was in Alex’s arms, smiling at him like she had always belonged there. The next, the space was empty, Alex standing alone, adjusting his cufflink as if nothing had happened.

Emily stumbled back, her glass in her hand. The music swelled, the crowd moved, and no one else seemed to notice that a woman had just disappeared before their eyes.

Her breath hitched, panic clawing up her throat.

Sarah caught her arm, hissing, “Emily! What’s wrong with you?”

Emily’s voice trembled as she whispered, “She was right there, Sarah.... Lisa. And then she was gone.”​