Chapter 41
Rachel woke early the next morning, sunlight spilling through the curtains like a gentle reminder that the world still turned, that life still moved forward—even when the past felt like a heavy stone in her chest.
She stretched and found Ethan already awake, sitting at the small kitchen table with a cup of coffee in his hands. His eyes caught hers, calm and steady, and for a moment, the weight she carried seemed lighter.
“Good morning,” he said softly.
“Morning,” she replied, managing a small smile.
They shared a quiet breakfast, the kind that didn’t need words—just the comfort of being together.
After Ethan left for work, Rachel stood by the window watching him go. His figure disappeared around the corner, but the feeling he left stayed with her—a faint warmth, like the last ember in a dying fire.
But peace was fragile.
That afternoon, as Rachel walked through the park, her phone vibrated. A message popped up on the screen—no name, just a number.
“You can run, but you can’t hide.”
Her heart skipped. The familiar chill crept back, shadows reaching for her soul.
She looked around. People passed by, unaware. The world carried on, but for Rachel, the past was never far behind.
She tucked the phone away and quickened her pace, the rain beginning to fall in soft drops, as if the sky was mourning with her.
When she reached home, she locked every door and window, but the feeling of being watched didn’t leave.
Later that night, Ethan came by, concern etched into his features the moment he saw her pale face.
“Rachel? What’s wrong?”
She hesitated, then showed him the message.
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t over.”
“No,” Rachel whispered. “It never really is.”
But this time, she wasn’t alone. She had someone who believed her, who would fight by her side.
Together, they sat in the dim light, hands clasped tightly, ready to face whatever darkness still lingered.
Because running was no longer an option. Rachel was done hiding.