2

“ that’s it, the last order for tonight” I said as I cleared the shop of the last customer and I had

only taken a step forward when I was hauled off my feet onto a chair with both my best pads hovering around me, like I was their dinner for tonight.

“Guys I’m seriously tried and I’m not ready for games, let’s just end it here for today ok”

They stared at me like I was out of my mind

“ we weren’t the ones, looking at that guy form the monaron family like we were some bees with no happy to neck over” Nathal was the first to speak

"Hey, what's going on?" Nathal asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "You looked like you'd seen a ghost when that guy came in."

Kaya nodded vigorously, her eyes scanning mine for any sign of distress. "Yeah, you were totally spaced out. Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile, trying to brush off their concerns, but my lips trembled betraying my calm facade. "I'm fine, guys. Just tired, that's all."

Nathal's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You're sure? You seemed really shaken up."

I shrugged, attempting nonchalance despite my racing heart. "Maybe I just needed a caffeine boost. Let's just call it a day, okay?"

Kaya exchanged a skeptical glance with Nathal, her brow furrowed. "We're worried about you. You can tell us if something's bothering you."

I appreciated their concern, but I couldn't explain the unease settling within me.

"I'm positive, Kaya. Just need some rest," I reassured, trying to sound convincing.

Nathal's expression softened, but his eyes still held a hint of doubt. "Alright, let's head home. We can catch up tomorrow."

As we walked out of the parlor, the evening air enveloped me, heavy with unspoken questions, and yet I knew some of the answers, was he really after to harm me or was there some else, I wasn’t going to allow myself to even think, he wanted marriage and yet I pray not.

, fell into step beside me, her arm brushing mine.

"You're sure you're okay? You can tell me anything," she whispered.

I squeezed her hand, grateful for her loyalty. "I'm positive, Kaya. Just need some rest."

We parted ways outside, Nathal's wave and Kaya's hug providing a fleeting sense of normalcy.

As I walked home, the shadows seemed to lengthen, darkness pooling in every alleyway. I quickened my pace, my heart beating faster with each step.

Suddenly, I felt it – a prickling sensation on the back of my neck. Someone was watching me.

I spun around, scanning the deserted street, but saw nothing.

Shrugging it off as paranoia, I continued walking. Yet, the feeling persisted.

Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made me jump. I was being followed; I was certain.

My breath came in short gasps as I hastened toward the safety of my apartment.

Finally, I burst through the door, locking it behind me. Leaning against the wood, I tried to calm my racing heart.

Why did I feel so uneasy? Was it Alessandro's unexpected visit or something more sinister?

I couldn't shake off the feeling that tonight was only the beginning.

I settled into bed, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. Alessandro's unexpected visit to the ice cream parlor lingered in my thoughts, like an unfinished puzzle.

As I drifted off to sleep, the darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel vulnerable. The city's sounds – car horns, laughter, and distant sirens – created a familiar symphony, yet tonight, it felt discordant.

My phone lay silent on the nightstand, but my gaze kept drifting to it, anticipating a message that might never come.

Sleep eluded me, and I found myself tossing and turning, lost in thoughts of the mysterious stranger and Alessandro's piercing gaze.

What did they want from me?

Why did I feel like my life was about to take a drastic turn?

The clock ticked away, each passing hour marking the stillness of the night.

Finally, exhaustion took hold, and I slipped into a restless slumber.

My dreams were fragmented, filled with fleeting images of the stranger's face and Alessandro's imposing figure.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring, the morning light streaming through the window. The unease from the previous night lingered, like a shadow.

I got out of bed, going through the motions of getting ready for work. My mind, however, remained stuck on the events of the previous day.

As I walked to the ice cream parlor, the city seemed different, its vibrant colors muted by my growing anxiety.

Nathal and Kaya greeted me warmly, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

The day unfolded slowly, each customer's smile and laughter a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.

And then, just as the lunch rush subsided, I saw him – Alessandro – standing outside the parlor, his eyes fixed intently on me.

I suddenly jolted up and I realized it was just a dream, if I was afraid of Alessandro this much, what could happen to me if I met him again, the one who seemed to have done more damage than good.

It had been one year since it happened why couldn’t they just forget it like I had done and now they are just coming into my life just for what now. I thought as I changed my style of sleeping.

What had happened was a mistake right not like anything bad could happen later, I just need to rest abit and continue my job at the ice cream shop and hope they never show up again, i tried convincing myself and I knew I was but then I had no choice.

This is all just too overwhelming for even me. When did my life get untangled with those people and what do they want from me. These are questions I knew the answers half way but not fully. My mind raised on till I fell into a deep sleep.

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