♥ Chapter 9♥

Asher Bennett.

I let out a long, exhausted sigh, trying to push away the thoughts that kept suffocating me.

Standing still, drowning in fear and confusion, wouldn’t help. I needed to keep moving. It was Wednesday, and at least today, I had the luxury of going into work a little later.

I got up and headed to the bathroom.

The moment I faced the mirror, my expression twisted.

Dark circles hung deep beneath my eyes, my skin looked paler than ever, and the usual life in my gaze was gone.

"How the hell am I supposed to keep fooling Nick?" I muttered, shaking my head.

I grabbed my toothbrush, brushing automatically, as if the simple routine could somehow sort out my messy thoughts. When I finished, I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water run down my body.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, wishing the heat could wash away more than just sweat—wishing it could take the fear too.

For a few precious seconds, it worked.

I stepped out feeling a little less wrecked, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around my waist before heading back to my room.

Pulling open my wardrobe, I grabbed a clean pair of boxers before throwing on a plain black T-shirt and a comfortable pair of jeans.

After dressing, I ran my fingers through my hair, sprayed a light mist of cologne, and took one last glance at my backpack in the corner. I double-checked everything, making sure I had what I needed for work.

As I stepped into the hallway, I noticed Nick was already gone—probably rushing to avoid being late.

On Saturday, after coming back from the club, he’d asked me a million questions about the guy I’d supposedly left with.

I made up a quick excuse, telling him the date was a bust and I left early. Before he could press any further, I turned the conversation toward him and Sophia—a perfect distraction.

He dropped the subject instantly.

At the front door, I double-checked the locks twice.

It had become a compulsion now.

A necessary ritual to keep myself sane.

I took a deep breath, adjusted my backpack over my shoulder, and stepped out, heading toward the elevator.

Inside, I pressed the ground floor button and leaned against the cool metal wall, closing my eyes for a few seconds.

The anxiety was already creeping in.

"It’s fine. It’s just another day."

I murmured the words to myself.

The doors slid open, and I stepped out into the lobby.

The doorman gave me a polite nod, but I barely managed to return the gesture.

The unease coiled tighter in my chest.

Once outside, I paused, scanning the street before moving forward.

Every corner. Every unfamiliar face. Every shadow.

It all felt like a threat.

This wasn’t just paranoia.

This was instinct.

A creeping sense of imminent danger that I couldn’t shake.

"Just walk, Asher." I whispered to myself, forcing my feet to move.

I picked up the pace, stealing quick glances around me, desperately trying to convince myself that no one was following me.

The walk to work felt longer than usual.

The weight on my chest grew heavier, but I kept going.

Kept pushing forward.

When I finally reached the diner, I hesitated before stepping inside.

My heart was still racing, but I forced a smile, like I could somehow mask the chaos inside.

A well-practiced facade, designed so no one would notice what was really going on.

I pushed the door open, greeting my coworkers with the same energy as always.

9:00 AM – Diner – Castellano City.

"Morning, guys!" I called out, waving at Liam and Jack, who were chatting near the counter.

"About time, Asher! Thought you were gonna call in today."

Liam smirked, grinning as he crossed his arms.

"I wish. But someone’s gotta actually work around here," I shot back, forcing a lighthearted tone.

"Finally, huh, Mr. Late?"

Jack chuckled, giving me a playful smack on the shoulder.

"We thought you were gonna pull a disappearing act today."

"I’m here, aren’t I?" I said, shrugging. "Just needed a little time to breathe."

Jack laughed loudly, as always.

"Well, I hope you got enough air, ‘cause today’s gonna be hell!" He winked.

I kept greeting the others, just as Sophia rushed past with a tray full of orders.

"Morning, Asher! Sleep well?" she asked, not even slowing down.

"Like an angel!" I lied automatically.

Jack leaned in, grinning mischievously.

"Like an angel, huh? Judging by your face, looks like you spent the night running from the devil."

"Exactly."

Liam burst into laughter, while Jack pulled a mock-horrified expression, making the scene even more ridiculous.

And for a brief second, I laughed too.

Not because of the joke.

But because Liam’s laugh was contagious.

Because Jack’s exaggerated reaction was stupidly funny.

They were like that—always lighthearted, always joking—making everything seem easier, even when I felt like a complete mess inside.

I moved away from the counter, heading toward the staff room, relieved to have a moment alone.

The second I shut the door behind me, the fake smile vanished.

The pressure in my chest came crashing back.

I walked to my locker, grabbing my uniform and hanging it over the chair.

I took a few deep breaths, trying to steady myself.

"He hasn’t come for me."

The words left my lips before I could stop them.

It was true.

Five days had passed since that night.

And nothing had happened.

Maybe that terrifying man had forgotten about me.

"Yeah… that has to be it."

I whispered the thought aloud, as if saying it would make it real.

I breathed in deeply, closing my eyes.

"Think positive, Asher."

If he hadn’t shown up by now, maybe I was overreacting.

Maybe that night was nothing to him.

A simple mistake that meant absolutely nothing.

I put on my uniform, straightening every piece carefully—as if that could give me even a tiny sense of control over the day.

I took one last glance at the mirror by the locker.

"Everything’s going to be fine."

I murmured, trying to convince myself.

Squaring my shoulders, forcing a practiced smile—I stepped out of the staff room, ready to face another day.

Ready to pretend that everything was normal.

Because if I kept worrying, my friends would notice.

And I didn’t want them involved in this.