Chapter 4 SHADOWS THAT FOLLOW

‎ The night air carried a strange stillness as Mila walked home from the gallery. Every footstep echoed louder than it should, as if the street itself was warning her to turn back. The glow of the streetlights stretched across the quiet road, but she still felt a prickle of unease crawling across her skin. She kept glancing behind her, certain someone was there, hidden just out of sight.

‎She tried distracting herself by replaying the conversation she had with Adrian earlier, he had been distant again, hiding something, his eyes shifted too quickly, his smile a little too forced. It reminded her too much of the time she caught him lying the first time. The memory pressed down on her chest and she still wondered why she gave him another chance. Maybe because she wanted to believe in the version of him she first fell for, the quiet artist who painted emotion like it was a language only they shared.

‎But tonight felt different.

‎When she unlocked her apartment door and stepped inside, something felt wrong. The room was exactly as she left it, but the air felt heavy, as if someone had been there recently. She hesitated before turning on the light, her fingers trembling.

‎Nothing looked touched.

‎Nothing looked out of place.

‎But her instincts refused to settle.

‎She dropped her keys on the small wooden table, took a breath, and walked toward her studio area. The canvas she had been working on stood half-finished, her paints were arranged the same way she left them, yet she felt a chill run through her as she moved closer. Someone had shifted her brush cup just slightly. She always placed it facing the window, but now the opening pointed the opposite direction.

‎It was a tiny detail. Something most people would dismiss.

‎But Mila never dismissed details.

‎She stepped back, her heartbeat picking up. Someone had been in her apartment. Not a thief. Not someone searching for valuables. No drawers were opened. No items missing.

‎Someone came just to look.

‎She heard a knock at the door and nearly jumped. She rushed to the peephole, her breath coming fast. Her chest tightened when she saw who stood outside.

‎Adrian.

‎She hesitated before opening the door. His expression held something unreadable. Something sharper than usual.

‎Mila stepped aside and let him in. She watched him carefully as he moved into the room, his eyes scanning everything like he was checking for something. Or confirming something.

‎He looked tired, his hair a little messy, his shirt wrinkled as if he hadn't been home. When he finally looked at her, she couldn't decide if she felt relieved or more afraid.

‎You came late she said quietly not wanting her voice to shake.

‎He sighed running a hand through his hair. I needed to see you Mila. Today was... difficult.

‎Difficult how she asked.

‎He hesitated but then forced a small smile. You wouldn't believe me.

‎Try me she said crossing her arms.

‎Adrian walked past her toward the studio area. His eyes slid over her unfinished painting. He stared at it a little too long and she felt that uneasy feeling rise again.

‎It's beautiful he said softly.

‎She didn't answer.

‎He turned back to her slowly. Mila was there someone here before I came

‎Her breath caught. She hadn't told him anything yet.

‎Why would you ask that she said.

‎Because the room feels disturbed he said simply. And because earlier I received a message from a blocked number. It said she's beginning to remember.

‎Mila's stomach dropped. Remember what she whispered.

‎He shook his head. That's the problem. I don't know.

‎Before she could say anything the lights flickered. Adrian's head snapped up. Mila felt her heart hammering against her ribs. The room went dark for a split second then came back on.

‎Adrian moved closer to her his protective instinct showing in the set of his jaw even though she wasn't sure she wanted protection from him.

‎This place doesn't feel right anymore he said quietly.

‎You think I don't know that she answered.

‎He moved toward the window scanning the street outside. When he turned back there was something determined in his eyes. Come stay with me tonight Mila.

‎She froze.

‎No she said too fast.

‎Why not he asked voice steady but eyes sharp.

‎Because I don't trust you she said. Not fully.

‎The words hung in the air like a blade.

‎Adrian's expression tightened. Then trust your instincts he said. If you feel unsafe here let me help.

‎She didn't know what to say. Her mind raced. Was this genuine concern or manipulation. She couldn't tell anymore.

‎Before she could answer Adrian's phone buzzed. He pulled it out looked at the screen and his entire expression shifted. Not to fear but to anger.

‎Who is it she asked.

‎He didn't answer. He clicked the message open. Mila leaned closer trying to see but he stepped slightly away.

‎What did it say she asked again.

‎He slid the phone into his pocket. Nothing important he said.

‎She felt frustration spark. Adrian you're hiding things from me.

‎He ran a hand down his face. Mila if I tell you everything right now it could put you in more danger. I need time.

‎She stepped back from him. Danger where is all this coming from

‎He met her eyes and the fear she saw in his made her chest go tight. Because someone is watching you Mila. Watching us.

‎The room felt suddenly colder.

‎Adrian took her hand gently. I need you to trust that I'm trying to protect you. Please.

‎She swallowed hard. Her heartbeat filled her ears. A part of her wanted to pull away. Another part wanted to stay close because of the strange comfort he always gave her even when she didn't want it.

‎The knock on the door made both of them jump.

‎Three slow knocks.

‎Not hurried. Not random.

‎Adrian's hand tightened around hers. Stay behind me he whispered.

‎She froze where she stood as he approached the door. He didn't open it. He didn't even look through the peephole.

‎He simply stood there listening.

‎Silence followed.

‎Then a voice came from the other side. Soft. Calm. Almost taunting.

‎You're running out of time Mila.

‎Her breath caught.

‎Adrian pulled her back from the doorway quickly. His face pale now. He mouthed don't move.

‎The person outside didn't knock again.

‎They just walked away.

‎Footsteps faded down the hall.

‎Mila's entire body shook. Adrian turned to her gripping her shoulders gently. Pack your things he said. You're not staying here tonight.

‎She stared at him torn between fear and confusion. Who was the voice. How did they know her name. Why did Adrian look like he expected this.

‎Mila nodded slowly even though her mind was a storm.

‎As she walked toward her room to pack she didn't see Adrian's expression shift behind her. His jaw clenched. His eyes sharpened. Like he recognized the voice.

‎And like he knew exactly what was coming next.

‎