LOVE PAINTED IN LIES

Mila packed quickly, throwing clothes into a small travel bag with shaky hands. Every sound in her apartment felt louder than usual, like the walls were listening. She couldn't stop replaying that voice in her mind. Calm, steady, confident. Someone who knew her name. Someone who wanted her to hear them.

‎She zipped the bag and stepped back into the living room where Adrian stood completely still, his eyes fixed on the floor as if trying to solve a puzzle he already feared the answer to.

‎I'm ready she said quietly.

‎He lifted his head. The tension in his shoulders loosened just a little when he saw her. Good. Let's go.

‎But the moment he touched the doorknob, he stopped. Mila watched his fingers freeze around the metal. He pressed his ear gently against the door.

‎What is it she whispered.

‎He didn't reply. Instead he stepped back and motioned for her to move behind him again. Mila's heart thudded painfully as he opened the door a crack and looked out.

‎Empty hallway.

‎He opened it wider and stepped outside first. Mila followed him, gripping her bag tightly. The hallway looked normal but too silent. Their footsteps echoed as they walked to the elevator. Adrian kept glancing behind them like he expected someone to appear.

‎As they reached the ground floor, he took her hand. Not gently. Not romantically. More like he was afraid she would vanish if he let go.

‎Stay close he said.

‎She didn't argue.

‎Outside, the night felt colder than before. The street was empty except for a single black car parked across the road, engine off, windows dark. Mila felt her body stiffen when she saw it.

‎Adrian noticed too.

‎Get in my car he said quietly.

‎As they approached his car, Mila looked back one last time. The black car still hadn't moved, but something about it made her skin crawl. Her instincts whispered that someone was inside watching.

‎The moment Adrian started his car, the black one's headlights snapped on.

‎Mila gasped. Adrian cursed under his breath and pulled out quickly.

‎The car followed.

‎Mila's heart pounded as the two cars moved through the quiet streets. Adrian took sharp turns, trying to lose them, but the black car stayed behind them. It didn't speed. It didn't honk. It followed with calm control, as if it knew exactly what Adrian was trying to do.

‎Who is that she whispered gripping the seat.

‎Adrian didn't answer. His jaw tightened as he turned left again. When he looked into the rear mirror, his expression changed.

‎It's only one person he said. That means they want to be seen.

‎What does that mean Mila asked.

‎It means this isn't an attack he said. It's a warning.

‎She swallowed. Adrian's tone wasn't fearful. It was annoyed. Worried. Angry.

‎And that scared her even more.

‎Finally he managed to lose the car by taking a narrow road through an old neighborhood. He didn't slow down until they reached his building, a taller apartment complex with security lights and guards posted outside.

‎Mila stepped out, her legs trembling.

‎Adrian placed a hand gently on her back. Come on. You'll be safe here.

‎She followed him into the building, still shaken but trying to hide it. The elevator ride felt too quiet. She studied Adrian's face, hoping he would finally explain. But he stayed silent, staring straight ahead.

‎His apartment was clean, simple, filled with art supplies and sketches pinned on the walls. She had been there only once before, but it felt different now. Heavy. Tense. Like the walls held secrets.

‎You can stay in the guest room tonight Adrian said. I'll take the couch.

‎She looked at him. Adrian sit down for a minute. We need to talk.

‎He hesitated before lowering himself onto the couch. Mila sat across from him, her hands clasped together.

‎That voice at my door she said. You looked like you knew them.

‎Adrian's eyes flickered. I didn't say that.

‎You didn't have to she replied. Your face told me.

‎He sighed and leaned back. Mila if I tell you everything right now, you might panic. But I promise you what happened is connected to something from my past. Something I tried to leave behind.

‎Her pulse quickened. Are you in danger

‎He shook his head. I'm not worried about me.

‎Then who are you worried about

‎His silence was answer enough.

‎Mila felt her throat tighten. Why would someone be watching me

‎Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. Because you're close to me. They think hurting you will hurt me. And they're right.

‎Her breath hitched a little. She didn't know how to respond to that.

‎Adrian stood and walked to a desk drawer. After a moment he pulled out a small folded piece of paper and handed it to her.

‎This came a week ago he said. Before everything started.

‎Mila unfolded it. The paper shook in her hands when she saw the message.

‎She deserves to know what you did.

‎Her breath caught. Adrian looked away.

‎What did you do she whispered.

‎He closed his eyes for a moment, like he was fighting the urge to tell her everything or nothing at all.

‎I broke someone's trust he said. Someone who doesn't forgive easily.

‎Mila stepped closer. Adrian that doesn't explain why they're watching my apartment. Why they know my name.

‎He met her eyes slowly. Mila this person... they don't hurt people physically. They destroy people emotionally. They take what you love and twist it until it turns into fear.

‎Mila felt a cold shiver run through her.

‎What is their name she asked.

‎Adrian looked at her for a long moment. Then he answered.

‎Rylan.

‎The name hit the air like a drop of ink falling into water, spreading tension instantly.

‎Who is Rylan she asked.

‎Adrian looked away again. Someone who used to know me too well.

‎Mila's stomach flipped. Friend. Ex. Business partner. She didn't know. And Adrian wasn't explaining.

‎Can we trust the police she asked.

‎He shook his head. Rylan is careful. Smart. Nothing they do is illegal. It's psychological. They appear in shadows and disappear before anyone can react.

‎Mila felt her chest tighten. So what do we do

‎Adrian's eyes hardened with something she had never seen in him before. Determination mixed with fear.

‎We stay alert. We don't play into their games. And Mila...

‎He stepped closer. His voice softened.

‎I won't let anything happen to you. Not now. Not ever.

‎Before she could answer, there was a soft thud at the door.

‎Both of them froze.

‎Adrian approached the door slowly and opened it a crack.

‎A single white envelope lay on the floor.

‎No footsteps. No whisper. No person in sight.

‎He picked it up and handed it to her.

‎Mila opened it with trembling fingers.

‎Inside was just one line.

‎You should ask him who he used to be.

‎

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