SAM POV
Every time I go out, whether for work or to see my grandfather at the pineapple plantation, anxiety hits me hard. It's like I'm being chased by someone I can't see, always there and never stopping. Even though I follow all the sender's requests, they keep texting, reminding me they're always watching.
Kent, my reliable companion lately, has been a comforting presence during this tough time. His reassurance gives me a sense of safety that I really need when I'm alone. But now, as I get ready to go back to work and Kent is far away looking after his sick mother, a new wave of anxiety hits me hard. Without him here, I feel even more exposed.
As I stand in front of the mirror, fixing my tie and standing up straight, I try to feel confident. But anxiety eats at me, threatening to make me lose control. Every move I make is filled with fear of what the sender might do.
I take a deep breath, telling myself I've been careful, I've done all I can to stay safe. But the unknown scares me, making me feel like I'm always watching my back, waiting for an attack.
I stood still by my bedroom door, my hand hesitating near the knob. Without warning, the door opened from the outside, showing my grandmother's worried expression.
"Oh, sweetie, it's good you're ready. Go ahead, someone's waiting for you in the living room," she said, sounding puzzled.
"Someone's waiting for me? Who?" I had asked, my heart pounding in my chest.
"He said he's your boyfriend," she had said, looking puzzled.
"My boyfriend? Who could that be?" I had asked, feeling confused.
"He said he's your boyfriend," she had repeated, looking even more puzzled.
"My boyfriend? Who could that be..."
And then I understood, a sudden realization that sent a shiver down my spine. Xander. It had to be him. That sneaky, cheater guy who always seemed to find new ways to disrupt my life. But how had he found me here, hidden in my grandmother's house, far from the chaos and trouble he had brought into my life?
"Oh, crap!" I muttered quietly, my hands balling into fists as anger and frustration boiled within me.
"Why, dear, what's wrong?" my grandmother asked, sounding worried.
I forced a small smile, hiding the turmoil I felt inside as I looked at my grandmother's worried expression. "No worries, grandma, everything's okay. I'll go get our visitor," I said, trying to sound calm despite the nervousness I felt.
Her worried expression eased slightly, though a hint of concern lingered in her eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine care.
I shook my head, waving away her concerns. "No worries, just a surprise guest," I said, smiling reassuringly as i fixed my hair.
"Oh, grandma, when did he get arrive?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the chaos in my mind.
"Oh, he arrived around six this morning, dear," my grandmother replied, sounding a bit puzzled. "I was surprised he came so early, but he mentioned he wanted to have a chat with you."
My grandmother nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Be careful, dear. You never know what people are capable of these days," she warned, her voice laden with motherly concern.
My grandmother nodded, her face showing both interest and worry. "Just be cautious, dear. You never know what people might do these days," she advised, her voice filled with motherly care.
I gave her a weak smile, appreciating her warning even as my thoughts raced with a thousand different possibilities, each one scarier than the previous.
My head filled with countless questions, each more urgent than the last. What did Xander want from me now? How did he find me? And, most importantly, how could I get rid of him before he caused more trouble?
Taking a deep breath, I opened my bedroom door and walked into the hallway, preparing myself for the confrontation in the living room. As I walked down the corridor, my footsteps echoed loudly on the wooden floor, sounding like a warning in the quiet house.
"Xander?" I called out, my voice filled with surprise as I assumed that my stupid ex was the guy standing with his back to me. The idea of seeing him again made me feel a combination of anger and fear, but I straightened my posture, getting ready to confront him.
The man slowly turned to look at me, and suddenly, my knees felt weak, and my heart raced as I saw the unexpected visitor my grandmother had mentioned. What on earth?! What is this guy doing here? My mind was spinning with confusion as I tried to understand what was happening.
"And who the hell is Xander?" he raised an eyebrow and asked me coldly, his voice breaking the stunned silence in the room.
I blinked, trying to understand his words as I looked at him in surprise. "Tristan..." I whispered, his name slipping out softly.
His expression softened a bit when he heard his name, but there was still tension in his face. "Yes, it's me. Your Tristan," he said gently, his voice carrying a hint of happiness.
I just stood there, the surprise and confusion evident in my eyes. What is this guy doing here?! The person I wanted to avoid and the reason why I'm here in the first place! And now he's right in front of me.
Jesus Christ!