Chapter 24: The knock that changed everything

When Sean said he wanted us to move to his other apartment, I didn’t imagine it would be like this. The place was breathtaking, high ceilings, gold accents, soft beige tones, and the kind of quiet that came with expensive walls. I stood in awe, my bag still in hand. The large windows overlooked the city, glimmering with night lights like scattered diamonds.

He watched me with that faint smile he always had when he knew I was impressed. “You like it?” he asked softly.

“Like it?” I turned to him, almost laughing. “Sean, this place looks like it’s out of a magazine.”

He chuckled and walked me toward the bedroom. When he opened the walk-in closet, I froze. Rows of clothes, every color, every style. Shelves lined with new shoes, handbags still in their boxes, even accessories carefully placed in drawers.

“Sean,” I whispered, stunned. “What is this?”

“They’re yours,” he said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I blinked at him, words failing me. “You can’t just”

He stopped me by placing a finger to my lips. “Shh. Let me do this for you.”

He leaned down, pressing his forehead against mine. “I love you, Rose. And I want you to be careful. I will be too. I don’t ever want to lose you.”

My chest tightened. His tone was serious, almost pleading. “I promise,” I said quietly.

He smiled and kissed me, slow and deep, until the sound of his phone buzzing cut through the moment. He sighed, taking it out. The name flashing on the screen made him frown.

“Connor,” he muttered.

I moved aside as he answered.

“Yeah?” he said flatly.

There was a pause.

“No, I haven’t forgotten about the reports.”

Another pause.

“I’m not neglecting anything.” His tone sharpened. “I can handle both the business and my personal life.”

He looked away, his jaw tightening. “You know about that? Who told you?”

My stomach twisted. He knows. Connor knew about us.

“Only Mrs. Miller knew,” I murmured quietly, almost to myself.

Sean’s voice dropped to a low, irritated tone. “That’s none of your business, Connor. Just handle your end. I’ll take care of mine.”

He ended the call and set his phone on the counter, running a hand through his hair.

“Sean?” I asked carefully. “What’s going on?”

He turned to me and forced a small smile. “Nothing you need to worry about. Just Connor being his usual controlling self.”

I didn’t press him. The tension in his face said enough.

He kissed my temple. “I have to go handle something for a few hours. Stay here, okay? Don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know.”

I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

After he left, the silence settled thickly. I changed into workout clothes and decided to explore the gym downstairs to clear my head. Maybe working out would help me focus.

The gym was spotless, empty except for the hum of air conditioning and soft background music. I was about to step onto the treadmill when someone came in from the hallway.

“Michael?” I blinked.

He smiled faintly, dressed in black joggers and a hoodie. “Hey, Rose. I didn’t know you lived here too.”

“Oh,” I said, forcing a polite smile. “Yeah, I just moved in with Sean.”

He tilted his head, like he was studying me. “Of course. You two seem… close.”

I gave a small, uneasy laugh. “Something like that. I just came to unwind, nothing serious.”

“Sure,” he said, still smiling but not really smiling.

As I walked away to stretch, I could feel his gaze on me, steady, heavy, and unsettling. Even as I started jogging, it didn’t fade.

When I finished, I grabbed my towel and hurried back upstairs. I didn’t even stop for water. My instincts were buzzing.

Once inside, I locked the door and texted Sean.

Me: “Sean, I think Michael’s the one who’s been watching me from the opposite building. The height, the build, it’s identical.”

His response came immediately.

Sean: “Stay inside. Don’t open the door. I’ll handle it.”

I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. But not five minutes later, there was a knock.

My stomach dropped.

I went to the door, quiet as I could, and peered through the peephole. Michael.

I hesitated, then opened it just enough to keep the safety chain on. “Michael?”

He smiled, but his eyes didn’t match it. “Hey. Why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you,” I said carefully. “We just don’t know each other that well.”

He tilted his head, his tone playful but cold underneath. “You used to smile at me. Talk to me. Now, you barely make eye contact. Did Sean tell you to stay away?”

I stiffened. “No one told me anything.”

He took a slow step closer, the chain tightening slightly. “You don’t have to lie to me, Rose. I know how you feel.”

“Michael, I think you should go.”

He leaned closer, his voice soft but unnerving. “You look at me differently. I can see it. You love me.”

I blinked, confused and alarmed. “Michael, that’s not true.”

His eyes darkened. “Don’t lie. You’re scared because of him. He doesn’t love you. He’s using you. That’s what Sean does, he plays with people until he’s bored.”

I swallowed hard, keeping my tone calm. “You’re wrong. Please leave.”

He didn’t move. His jaw tightened, and for a second, his expression shifted, the warmth gone, replaced by something sharper. “You think he’ll keep you forever? You think you’re safe with him?”

“you need to go,” I said, firmer this time.

For a moment, he just stared at me, breathing heavily. Then his tone softened again, like flipping a switch. “I don’t want to stress you, Rose. I just wanted you to know how I feel.”

He smiled faintly, almost tender. “I love you. You’re my everything. You’ll understand one day.”

And with that, he stepped back, hands in his pockets, and walked away down the hall.

I stood there, frozen. When he turned the corner and disappeared, I quickly shut the door and locked every bolt. My hands were trembling as I texted Sean again.

Me: “He came to the door.”

A second later, the reply appeared.

Sean: “I’m coming home. Don’t open the door again.”

I sank onto the couch, every muscle in my body tense. The apartment was quiet, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone, maybe even Michael, was still watching from somewhere outside.

When Sean arrived, I could already hear his hurried footsteps from the hallway. The second he saw my face, his expression darkened.

“What happened?” he demanded, his hand immediately reaching for mine.

I told him everything. Sean’s jaw tightened with every word. “He said he loves you?”

I nodded.

Sean cursed under his breath, pacing. “He’s crossed the line.”

“Sean, I don’t think he’s well,” I said quietly. “His eyes… they looked empty. He said I’m his everything.”

Sean stopped pacing and turned to me, his face unreadable. “We’re moving. Tomorrow. I’m leasing this apartment to someone else. I’m not letting you stay here another night.”

I didn’t argue.

He pulled me close, his hand steady on my back. “You’re safe now, alright? I won’t let anyone touch you.”

I nodded against his chest, hearing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, strong, protective, but tense beneath the surface.

“Whoever he is,” Sean said softly but firmly, “he’s made a mistake thinking he can come near you again.”That night, even as I lay in Sean’s arms, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Michael’s face, that strange, hollow smile, the way his voice cracked when he said you’re my everything.

And even though I wanted to believe Sean could protect me, a quiet fear had already settled deep inside me, a fear that this was only the beginning.