Book To Read
40
New York, Mia
The busy day at my office had finally come to a close. Sebastian, having visited me during his brief stay in New York, had left my office after a delightful lunch together. He had brought me a delicious tuna sandwich with crispy fries and a refreshing iced caramel latte. His thoughtful gesture never ceased to warm my heart.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Today had been a day filled with meetings and client consultations, but the thought of the evening ahead buoyed my spirits. With just two clients left on my schedule, I knew I would be able to leave the office early and enjoy a quiet evening.
As I attended to my last client, ensuring that all their concerns were addressed, my phone chimed with a text message. I glanced at the screen, and it was Bella, who had sent the message. She informed me that she wouldn’t be returning home tonight as her parents were hosting a barbecue, and she planned to stay over at their place.
With Bella’s absence, I realized I would have the entire apartment to myself for the night. It was a rare opportunity for solitude and relaxation, a chance to unwind after a long day at work.
Two days ago, after our memorable dinner date, Sebastian had taken me to his new mansion in New York. He had expressed his desire for it to be the place where our baby would grow up, a gesture that had touched my heart deeply. Although we had yet to discuss the finer details of where our child would ultimately call home, for now, New York was where my career thrived, and it seemed like the logical choice.
However, we both understood that compromise and flexibility would be essential as we navigated this new chapter in our lives. Our conversations about the future were ongoing, and we knew that we had a lifetime to address all the complexities and nuances.
For the moment, we were content to savor the honeymoon stage of our relationship. Considering how swiftly our love had blossomed and how life had propelled us forward, it felt like a precious luxury to take things slow and enjoy every moment together.
As I wrapped up with my final client, ensuring that they left my office with smiles of satisfaction, I tidied up my workspace. The soft glow of evening light filtered through my office windows, casting a warm ambiance that signaled the end of the workday.
With my office now in order, I gathered my belongings and headed out. The streets of New York City were bustling with the energy of the evening rush, and I joined the flow of people making their way home.
With my stomach gently reminding me that it was dinner time, I decided to stop at Chipotle, a familiar and comforting choice. I ordered a delicious bowl filled with my favorite ingredients, savoring the flavors as I made my way back to the apartment.
The walk home was a peaceful one, the city’s familiar sights and sounds offering a sense of comfort and belonging. As I approached my apartment building, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the quiet evening that lay ahead.
Inside the apartment, I enjoyed my dinner at a leisurely pace, taking the time to savor each bite. With Bella away for the night, I had the luxury of solitude, and I relished the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s events.
After finishing dinner and enjoying the solitude of my apartment, I decided to tackle the household chores. With a sense of purpose, I began by doing the dishes, the warm water and soap suds offering a comforting routine that helped clear my mind.
Once the kitchen was spotless, I headed toward the bathroom, ready for a relaxing shower. The steamy water cascaded over me, washing away the stresses of the day. I indulged in a bit of self-care, applying my favorite skincare products, scrubbing my body, and taking my time to ensure I felt refreshed.
With my skin feeling invigorated and my body rejuvenated, I turned my attention to dental hygiene, diligently brushing my teeth until they felt clean and fresh. The bathroom was filled with the soft hum of my own contented humming as I pampered myself.
As I emerged from the shower, wrapped in a plush towel, I selected a comfortable set of pajamas and plucked a book from my drawer. Reading has always been a cherished pastime, a way to escape into different worlds and stories. Tonight, I was in the mood for a good book.
I settled into my cozy bed, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting a warm pool of light on the pages of my chosen novel. The story began to weave its magic, drawing me in with its characters and adventures. As I read, time seemed to slip away, and I lost myself in the narrative.
Gradually, a pleasant sense of fatigue began to wash over me, a sign that it was time to bid farewell to the fictional world and embrace the realm of dreams. I closed the book, gently placing it on my nightstand, and sent a quick goodnight message to Sebastian, my heart fluttering with affection for him.
However, just as I settled under the covers, seeking the solace of slumber, a sudden disturbance shattered the peaceful stillness of the night. A loud bang echoed through the apartment, jolting me from my drowsy state.
My heart raced as I listened intently, my senses on high alert. There were unmistakable footsteps, someone moving through the apartment. Panic welled up within me as I considered the chilling possibility that the intruder could be the stalker who had haunted my thoughts.
The room was cast in darkness, and the realization that someone had invaded my sanctuary filled me with a sense of vulnerability. My heart thudded in my chest, and my mind raced as I tried to assess the situation. What if it was the person who had been tormenting me?
Summoning every ounce of courage, I reached for the nearest object, ready to defend myself if necessary. My footsteps were as quiet as a whisper as I crept out of my room, determined not to be a victim in my own home.
In the living room, the illumination of a light startled me. I distinctly remembered turning it off before retiring to bed. A shiver ran down my spine, and I ruled out the possibility of Bella being the source of the noise she wouldn’t have made such a commotion.
With my heart pounding, I stealthily made my way toward the living room, my senses honed for any sign of the intruder’s presence. My apprehension grew, but my resolve remain unshaken. No one was going to violate my safety, especially not in my own home.
As I reached the entrance to the living room, my nerves taut with anticipation, I mustered all the courage within me and sprang into action. In a burst of adrenaline-fueled bravery, I jumped out and let out a piercing scream, confronting the intruder with unyielding determination.