A whole week had passed.

Since that incident with that masked guy, Sofi had become even more silent.

She didn’t talk to anyone. College became her escape, but even that didn’t help. She had no choice but to keep going.

She sat in class, taking notes diligently as the lecturer explained the topic. The scratch of pens against paper filled the room, the murmurs of students occasionally breaking the silence.

But his eyes were on her.

Sofi felt it. Again.

The weight of his stare never left her, not for a second. Ever since their first interaction, she had noticed it. Whether in class, the library, or the park—he was always there. Never approaching. Never speaking. Just watching.

A sudden thud snapped everyone’s attention.

The lecturer had thrown a piece of chalk—right at his head.

"Stop staring at sofi and focus on the class, Kavin!" the lecturer scolded, irritation clear in his voice.

The entire class turned toward him.

Her heart pounded.

Slowly, she glanced up—only to find him still looking at her.

"Stop talking," the lecturer added, shaking his head.

Kavin leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed.

He tilted his head slightly. "I was just looking."

A few students chuckled. Sofi felt her face heat up.

The lecturer let out an exasperated sigh. "You can continue your love story outside the class."

The chuckles turned into laughter. Sofi tightened her grip on her pen.

And then, Kavin spoke again—his voice laced with something unreadable.

"You think so?" he asked, sounding almost entertained.

Sofi’s stomach twisted.

She refused to look at him, forcing herself to focus on her notes.

This had been happening for days now. Every time she entered college, she found his eyes on her. She thought ignoring him would make him stop. But he never did.

Wherever she sat, he would find a way to be nearby. He never spoke. Never disturbed her. Just watched.

It was unnerving.

"Alright, class, that’s enough for today," the lecturer announced, shutting his book. "I’ll take my leave now."

"Thank you, sir," the students responded in unison as they began packing their things.

Sofi hurriedly gathered her books, eager to leave.

As she stepped out, her friend turned to her. "Coming to the canteen?"

She shook her head. "No. I’ll be sitting in the park."

Her friend raised a brow but didn’t question her.

As Sofi walked toward the park, she had a feeling.

A feeling that when she sat down… he would be there again.

Watching.

Waiting.

***

As Sofi reached the park, her steps slowed. He was already there.

Kevin.

He stood near a bench, scanning the area as if searching for someone. The moment his gaze landed on her, he stopped looking. His entire focus shifted to her.

She exhaled, steadying herself.

She walked toward him with purpose.

---
Why is she coming toward me? He tensed, bracing himself. Is she going to be mad at me again?

The memory of their last interaction flickered in his mind—her sharp words, the way she always avoided his gaze. But this time, she was walking straight to him.

He swallowed hard, watching as she stopped right in front of him.

---

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice firm.

Kevin blinked. “What?”

“Why do you keep staring at me?” Her eyes searched his face. “Why do you keep following me?”

His lips parted as if to say something, but she didn’t give him the chance.

“You’ve seen girls better than me, right?” she pressed. “You even said it yourself.”

Kevin’s brows furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you watching me all the time.” Her voice was tight. “Just stop it.”

She turned to leave.

But his voice stopped her.

“I want to be your friend.”

She froze. Slowly, she turned back to him, eyes narrowing.

Kevin inhaled deeply, stepping forward. “I… I can’t help it. I keep looking at you because I’m drawn to you.” His tone was raw, unfiltered. “That first day we met? Whatever I said was a lie. I’ve never seen a girl like you before. That’s why I held you the way I did—because for a moment, I got lost in you.”

Sofi stiffened.

“Don’t take it the wrong way,” he added quickly. “I wasn’t just staring at you—I was worried about you.”

She scoffed. “And why would you worry about me?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. His voice softened. “But from the day I saw you, I’ve never seen you smile.” He hesitated. “Is… is something wrong?”

Her jaw clenched. “That’s none of your business.”

She turned to walk away again.

Kevin instinctively reached out, grabbing her wrist. “Wait—”

Sofi yanked back violently, stumbling away from him.

His heart clenched at the look in her eyes—pure fear.

The way she recoiled…

The way her breath hitched…

It wasn’t normal.

Realization hit him like a brick. Someone had hurt her ?

“I’m sorry,” he said immediately, raising his hands as if to prove he meant no harm.

She didn’t respond. Her arms wrapped around herself protectively.

Kevin took a step back. “My name is Kevin,” he said, trying to ease the tension. Slowly, he extended his hand for a handshake. “Would you mind being my friend?”

Sofi’s gaze flickered between his face and his outstretched hand.

For a moment, she looked like she was going to say something.

But then, something shifted in her expression.

Her hand went to her stomach, fingers clutching the fabric of her dress.

Her other hand flew to her mouth.

“Sofi?” Kevin’s brows knitted in concern.

Without answering, she suddenly turned and ran.

His heart jumped. “Sofi!”

Panic surged through him as he rushed after her.

***

Ella sat in her room, exhaustion weighing on her like a heavy chain.

She had returned home after making sure Sofi was recovering. That was the only thing keeping her sane. Now, as she sat in front of the mirror, she slowly removed her jewelry, placing each piece back into its box with delicate precision. The faint clinking of metal filled the quiet room, the only sound breaking the silence.

Her hands moved unfastening her necklace, slipping off her rings. She barely registered the motions. Today had been long, draining. She just wanted to breathe.

Reaching for her purse, she began taking out her belongings—her phone, some money, a few scattered receipts. But then, her fingers brushed against something sharp and cold.

The broken piece of a pendant.

Her brows knitted together as she pulled it out, turning it over in her palm.

Why does this feel so familiar?

A strange sensation prickled at the back of her mind. She had seen this before. She was sure of it. But the memory was frustratingly out of reach, like a shadow just beyond her grasp.

Her grip tightened around the fragment.

Has everything truly ended? Nothing strange has happened for a while. Maybe… he’s dropped the act. Maybe Sofi is safe now.

A deep breath.

I hope it stays that way.

But just as she let herself believe it, a violent twist shot through her stomach.

A searing, unbearable ache.

Her eyes widened in horror as nausea crashed over her like a tidal wave. Her body folded forward, hands clutching her abdomen as a stabbing pain spread through her insides. A cold sweat broke out along her spine.

She barely made it to the washroom.

Her knees hit the cold tiles as she lurched over the sink, her body convulsing with force. And then—

Blood.

Not bile. Not simple nausea.

Dark crimson splattered against the white porcelain, thick and wrong. The metallic tang filled her mouth, sharp and suffocating. A ragged gasp tore from her throat.

Her fingers trembled as she gripped the edge of the sink, her entire body shaking. Her vision blurred for a second, spots dancing in her eyes. Her breath came in ragged pants, chest tightening with panic.

Something was wrong.

***

Lucifer stood in the kitchen, the faint hum of the coffee machine filling the air.

He had just brought Ella home, playing his role to perfection—the devoted, caring husband. His hands moved with practiced ease, preparing coffee as if this were any ordinary evening. As if he weren’t hiding something far more sinister beneath his carefully crafted smile.

The coffee was almost ready.

How long do I have to keep up this act?

His fingers drummed against the counter, impatience flickering in his cold eyes. Once Ella is gone… once she’s out of the way… Sofi will be mine.

A twisted satisfaction curled in his chest at the thought.

Grabbing two cups, he poured the steaming coffee—one for himself, the other for her. The rich aroma filled the air, but his focus remained on the small glass bottle he pulled from his pocket.

He turned it over in his palm, reading the label.

I wish I could just givr it to her all at once.

That would be easier. Faster. No waiting, no pretending. But i couldn’t. Not unless i wanted to drop the act too soon.

With a shake of his head, he uncapped the bottle and tipped it over Ella’s cup. A single drop, then another. The liquid disappeared into the dark coffee, leaving no trace.

Then, just as he was about to stop—

A smirk curled his lips.

A little extra today.

His hand tilted ever so slightly, letting more of the poison drip into the cup.

He set the bottle down, watching the liquid swirl into the coffee as if nothing had happened.

Sofi, Sofi… look what you’re making me do.

He exhaled a small chuckle, shaking his head.

If only she knew.

If only she knew how far I am  willing to go to make her mine .

***

Ella stepped out of the washroom, her body still weak, her breaths uneven. She dragged herself toward the bed and sat down, pressing a hand to her stomach. The pain had dulled, but a lingering discomfort remained—a sharp reminder that something was terribly wrong.

What is happening to me?

Her mind raced with questions, but no answers came. A cold unease settled in her chest, making it hard to think clearly.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Her body tensed.

Lucifer.

In an instant, she forced herself to straighten up, wiping away any trace of distress from her face. She couldn’t let him see her like this. He was already burdened with worry over Sofi. The last thing she wanted was to add to it.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself just as the door opened.

---

Lucifer stepped inside, a warm smile painted across his face as he carried two steaming cups of coffee.

“Here’s your coffee, Ella,” he said, his voice smooth, effortless.

To be continued…

Author's Note: Who wants one more update? Me! 🙋‍♀️😅😅 Lol. But I can't write right now. See you next time! 🥲