KEIRA’s POVI wished it was not real. Somewhere, at the back of my mind, I hoped that this photo I was staring at was completely fake and a prank to scare me. I desperately wished for that. But I was very well aware of the reality. The photo was real.My hands trembled as I stared at the phone, owl-eyed, in shock and disbelief. My eyes trailed to the number that had sent me the photo. It was an unknown number, and I could not trace back to it or even text a reply.I stared at the photo, trying to make out the contents.The photo was taken from a distance, but it was still clear enough to reveal my features. I wore my favorite blue hoodie, a checkered skirt, and black leggings. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and I had a large tote bag slung over my shoulder. This was the outfit I had worn to Clint's office today. There was no mistaking it. In the background, I could see the entrance to my apartment building. The time stamp on the photo showed that it was taken just a few hours ag
CLINT’s POVWhen I returned to the hospital, I was swarmed with work. My secretary had not informed me of my busy schedule, and I suffered dearly.I had cleared most of my schedule when I relaxed on the chair and slid my phone out of my pocket. Even though I had seen Keira a few hours ago, I still craved her presence. I knew it was selfish of me, but I wanted her to spend the night in my house, on my bed. I lazily tapped on my phone screen as I decided to call Keira, but my heart sank at what I saw when the screen came to life. There were approximately sixty-eight missed calls from one person. Keira.I frowned as I gazed at my screen. Why would Keira call so many times? Was everything okay? The last question hit me like a blow. She would not spam me with so many calls if everything was fine.Knowing Keira, something was definitely wrong. Whenever Keira was distressed, I was the first person she contacted. Anxiety struck me like an arrow, and fear dawned on me.Keira had called me so
KEIRA’s POV"Would you like tea? Or coffee?"Clint asked from his kitchen.I shook my head at him and wrapped the blanket tighter than ever. I was seated on Clint's comfy sofa, my knees raised to my chest. Clint had picked me out of my room and taken me to his place after he discerned that it was unsafe for me to be there.I could still remember vividly how everything played out. I could faintly recall crying myself to sleep, like a baby, when I saw that Clint was not answering my calls.When I heard his voice calling out my name, I thought I was in a lucid dream, and because of how desperately I wanted him, I imagined he was here. But when I looked up and saw his face, I knew it was not some lucid dream.It was as clear as day. Clint was right there, in front of me. At that moment, he looked like an angel, shining brightly as he came to my rescue. When he wrapped his hands around me, I felt myself relax. Clint really was the only emotional support I had.I rubbed my puffy eyes and sun
KEIRA"And these are the charts for the last financial predictions made by..."I sat in my business class, trying to focus on what the professor was saying. Still, my mind kept reverting to the threats my stepbrother had sent me. The last text message, in particular, stood out. It made me feel vulnerable and scared, but Clint reassured me, and since James was on the case, it offered me a bit of relief. But something else probed my mind. It was Natasha.We had left the apartment without saying a word to each other, but the pang in my chest was enough proof that we needed to sort things out as soon as possible.As the professor discussed financial statements and analysis, I felt further away from the present. I could not shake the feeling that someone was watching me, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me.My mind doubled back to the breathing exercises Clint had taught me. As I sat in my chair, I breathed in and out silently. It was the only thing I could do to stop myself from ha
KEIRA’s POVI sat in my car, exhausted after a long day at school, waiting for Natasha to join me. After we made up, Natasha still had a class to attend, so I decided to wait for her.We had decided to go out for dinner together. It was the perfect way for us to bond and catch up. I was craving some Chinese while Natasha wanted to try out a new sushi place she had heard about."Hey, Keira! So sorry I am late. I had to finish some work with a professor in my department," Natasha said, sliding into the passenger seat beside me."No worries, let us get going!" I replied, revving the engine and driving out of the school parking lot.We chatted about our day, discussing the projects each of us had been given in our classes. Natasha giggled as I described how boring my last lecture was. She told me everyone in her class dozed off to Mrs. Carter's teaching.I chuckled lightly. My heart filled with warmth. When was the last time I talked to a friend like this? I just realized how much I misse
KEIRA’s POVI lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling with my phone clutched in my good hand. I took a deep breath and hit the call button, praying that Clint would answer. After a few rings, he picked up."Hey, Keira," Clint's smooth voice came through the line, and I felt my heart rate slow a little. "What's up?"I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Clint, there was an accident. I was in a car with Natasha and lost control of the steering. I do not know how, but I could not control the car again, and because of that, we hit a pole on the side of the road.""What? Are you okay?" Clint's voice was concerned, and I could hear him rustling around, probably looking for his keys."I am okay, but my arm is messed up. I think I broke it." I winced as I moved my arm slightly, feeling the pain shoot through it."I'm coming over," Clint said firmly. "I need to check on you and ensure you are doing okay. Where are you?""I am home. Natasha is too.""Okay, I am on my way now."I hung up, f
KEIRAA sense of comfort washed over me when I stepped into Clint's living room. I no longer felt scared or worried that someone was watching my every move. Clint led me to his sofa and made me settle down on it."Have you had dinner?"I shook my head and frowned when I recalled the dinner plans Natasha and I had. Clint kissed my forehead softly and smiled at me. "I will order us some pizza. What would you like?"I shrugged. "As long as there is no pineapple on top."Clint nodded and pulled out his phone. While he ordered the pizza, my eyes drifted away from him and towards the unlit fireplace. A sense of guilt began to prick my heart. What if leaving Natasha alone in that apartment was not a good idea? What if Calvin gets to her and uses her as a hostage to threaten me?My heart sank at these scenarios I played out in my head. No matter how much I tried, I wanted to stop thinking about all of this, even if it was for a second. Still, my mind said otherwise. Instances played in my he
KEIRA’s POVI woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. I slowly stretched my good arm and realized I was in Clint's cozy king-sized bed. It wasn't the first time I stayed over, but it still felt like home. I smiled as I recalled last night's pillow talk and his soft kisses on my neck.The birds chirping and the curtain fluttering as the wind passed filled me with calmness. I turned to my side, hoping to be face-to-face with Clint, but to my disappointment, the other side of the bed was empty. I frowned and cocked an eyebrow.Where did Clint go?I carefully got up from the bed and wrapped myself in Clint's shirt, which was too big for me but comfortable nonetheless. I winced as my injured arm reminded me of the accident from yesterday. The injury was a nuisance, but I was glad it was not fatal.I stretched out my right hand and groaned at the slight pain that ran through it. I could tell that the arm was healing because the pain had subsided to an extent. I mu