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A Ghost at the Door

ผู้เขียน: Feli_love
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-06-21 23:31:07

Sunlight cascaded through the lofty glass panes of Amelia’s office, enveloping the space in a warm, golden embrace. The gentle illumination danced across the polished wooden floors, making them shimmer like liquid gold, while the elegant furniture gleamed. Yet, Amelia Hayes remained oblivious to this radiant spectacle.

Her gaze was riveted to the envelope lying ominously on her desk.

It bore no return address, no branding—only her name, inscribed in bold black ink that churned her stomach.

She studied it intently, paralyzed by trepidation. Her fingers hovered uncertainly above the flap, her heartbeat echoing in her ears, drowning out the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. At last, after a deep, trembling breath, she unveiled the contents.

Inside, a photograph awaited—an unguarded moment captured—of her and Nora.

They were sauntering home from school, Nora's backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder while Amelia held her tiny hand. The smile plastered on her face was slight, wearied, yet genuine. This snapshot had been taken just days ago.

On the reverse side of the picture was a hastily scrawled note, the handwriting slanted and chaotic.

Do you really believe he can shield you?

Amelia’s hands trembled uncontrollably.

Her surroundings felt constricting, as if the very walls were inching closer. Her throat went dry, her palms clammy, and a cold, heavy weight sank into her stomach.

With meticulous care, she returned the photo and note to the envelope, burying it deep within a drawer before securing it with a lock.

Yet the shadow of fear lingered.

For the remainder of the morning, her breath remained shallow, an unseen tide. Her team sensed her unusual quietude, but no one dared to address it. Amelia was often a fortress of solitude—this merely seemed to be an extension of that.

Inside, however, a tempest brewed.

Her first impulse was to reach out to Adrian. But then the image of his face flashed in her mind—his jaw tightening with fury, his tone constricting whenever she found herself in peril. He would unravel, slipping into protector mode.

And that was precisely what she wanted to avoid.

This burden belonged to her.

Later that night, she lay curled up in bed, feigning interest in her book when a soft whimper from Nora drifted down the hallway like a ghostly whisper.

Amelia sprang to her feet.

She dashed to Nora's room, gently swinging the door open, and found her daughter upright in bed, tears glistening on her cheeks like morning dew.

"Darling, what’s wrong?"

Nora rubbed her sleepy eyes. “I saw a man. In the garden.”

Amelia's heart stopped.

Frantic, she rushed to the window, peering out into the stillness of the backyard, where the motion lights had surrendered to darkness. All was quiet.

Yet Nora trembled like a leaf in the wind.

“Was it a nightmare?” Amelia asked softly, though her pulse thundered in her ears.

Nora nodded but then murmured, “I wasn’t asleep.”

Amelia enveloped her daughter in a tight embrace, wrapping her warmth around them both.

“There’s no one out there,” she whispered, a soothing lie. “You’re safe. I swear.”

Yet doubt clawed at her heart.

That night, sleep eluded her. Each creak of the house sent jolts through her body, and every gust of wind made her jump. She kept her phone within reach, torn between calling someone—perhaps the police? Or Adrian?

No.

She couldn't risk this becoming known. Not with the custody hearing looming just weeks away. If anyone believed Nora was unsafe in her care, she’d lose everything.

The following morning, Amelia moved through her routine like a well-oiled machine. She prepared Nora for school, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and sent her off with the driver. Then she dove into her work at the office, trying to concentrate.

But her focus was nowhere to be found.

Her phone buzzed, causing her to flinch.

It was an email from her assistant.

Just a quick reminder: You're expected at the charity gala next weekend. Should I confirm Adrian’s RSVP as well?

Without a second thought, she replied with a yes. Then, she found herself staring blankly at the screen.

Adrian.

He had been nothing but gentle since that night—never prying, never demanding. He observed her like an unsolvable puzzle but never pressed for answers.

Until now.

That evening, upon returning home, she found him in the living room, tie discarded, shirt sleeves rolled up, a book in hand. Yet his gaze locked onto her as soon as she entered.

“You seem off lately,” he remarked.

Amelia kept her coat on. “Just work. It’s nothing.”

“Amelia.”

His voice halted her in her tracks.

It wasn’t demanding or harsh; it resonated quietly—carefully—authentic.

She hated how that made her heart ache.

“What’s the matter?” he inquired.

“Nothing,” she replied too quickly.

He stood up slowly, bridging the gap between them.

“Don’t deceive me.”

Her heart fluttered—not with affection, but with anxiety. She feared that if she spoke, everything would tumble out into the open.

He stepped closer, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Is someone threatening you?”

She blinked, fighting back tears.

“No,” she fibbed again. “I’m just exhausted. I didn’t sleep well.”

He scrutinized her face, and she could feel his disbelief, yet he didn’t pry further.

Instead, he said, “Let me help you, Amelia. Whatever the issue may be. You don’t have to bear this burden alone.”

Those words nearly shattered her.

But she couldn’t afford to break.

Accepting his help would jeopardize Nora, and that was a risk she would never take.

That night, she retrieved the photo from her drawer once more.

Her gaze lingered on it, her fingers tracing the outline of Nora's tiny face.

Then she unearthed an old photo album, one that hadn’t seen the light of day in years.

Within, images from her first marriage emerged—of a man with a cruel smile, bruises concealed beneath silk dresses, and fear masquerading as elegance.

She quickly snapped the album shut.

The past was closing in.

And she couldn’t shake the feeling that she might soon be unable to outrun it.

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  • What the Heart didn't Know   The man in the shadows

    Adrian's POVThe storm had blown over, but you could still feel its vibe hanging around.The fireplace still had a hint of woodsmoke in the air. The wine glasses were left untouched from the night before, half-filled and still warm to the touch. Adrian hadn’t really moved for hours. He was perched on the edge of the couch, one hand casually resting across his lap while the other was close to Amelia's head as she curled up beside him. He knew she hadn’t meant to doze off, especially not in his arms, but she did, and it felt right.Amelia hadn’t meant to fall asleep. He could sense the tension still hanging onto her even in her sleep. Her fingers would twitch every now and then, and her breathing was shallow and a bit uneasy. Not a word was exchanged after the kiss—not when she pulled away, and not when he quietly pulled her back so she wouldn’t have to be alone.He didn’t bother trying to analyze what had just happened. Some moments were just too raw for logic. It was all about the hea

  • What the Heart didn't Know   You want me to stay

    The storm blew in fast, thick clouds swallowing the sky while thunder rumbled overhead. The penthouse windows shook in the wind, and the lights flickered once, twice, before settling back into a cozy glow. Amelia stood in the living room, hugging herself tight as the wild weather matched her tumultuous feelings—chaotic, loud, and impossible to ignore.Adrian had just tucked Nora into bed when he heard his own soft footsteps approaching. He didn’t say anything as he walked in—just glanced at her with a quiet, unreadable look before heading to the kitchen. "Want anything?" he asked softly. "I'll have what you're having," Amelia replied. She watched him move through the shadows, calm and steady, and it made her chest tighten. The way he moved, how his long-sleeve shirt hugged his arms—what would it feel like to be wrapped up in those arms? But as soon as that thought crossed her mind, she shook it off. She can’t be thinking about him... Not like that. He came back with two gl

  • What the Heart didn't Know   Feels like home

    Adrian wasn’t really accustomed to this kind of quiet. It wasn’t the heavy kind that felt like a warning; instead, it wrapped around the room like a cozy blanket. It was the first time Amelia had left him alone with Nora for more than an hour. She had to go meet her lawyers to finalize some stuff for the custody case, barely making eye contact as she handed him Nora’s lunch schedule and allergy notes.“She likes her crusts cut off,” Amelia had said flatly, steering clear of his gaze. “And broccoli? Absolutely not. Don’t let her convince you to give her candy.”He nodded, taking the paper from her, feeling that invisible barrier still looming between them after their last chat. He had offered to go with her, but as usual, she shot him down and stormed out after dropping off the instructions for feeding Nora.He was getting tired of this back and forth, but he got that she needed her space. Still, how long could he hold on? She was pulling away once more, and he couldn’t really blame he

  • What the Heart didn't Know   The Way He Looks At Me

    Amelia was trying to focus on work after getting back from the office, loaded with paperwork. "Here," Adrian said, plopping a plate of food and a glass of milk right in front of her. "Milk's for kids," she grumbled, taking a bite of the round, tasty treats. "And look who's been sulking around the house all week," he shot back before leaving. Almost half an hour later, she couldn’t shake off his little jab. Did he really suggest she was acting like a child? It all started with just a glance.Not the kind she was used to—those careful, calculated looks in boardrooms or courtrooms. This was different. She found herself watching Adrian.He was in the kitchen, helping Nora stir pancake batter, his sleeves rolled up and a soft smile on his face that he didn’t even realize he had. There was flour on his cheek, and Nora couldn't help but giggle every time he pulled a funny face. It was so ordinary, so homey, and for some reason, it made her heart ache.Amelia took a slow sip of her milk from

  • What the Heart didn't Know   One step forward

    It's been what? Three days since that night, and Amelia is dodging Adrian like he’s the plague. He doesn’t even mind, he’s used to her moving one step forward and ten steps back. This morning, he woke up earlier than usual and decided to hang out with a long-time friend, Justin. “So, you’ve ditched boxing, dating, and jumped straight into married life, huh?” Justin chuckled, downing a glass of alcohol. Adrian forced a smile, regretting he even opened his mouth, but the news was everywhere, after all. “Come on, man. Spill the beans! Have you cracked the ice queen yet?” Justin laughed, but to be honest, that was getting under Adrian’s skin. He just wanted to hang out, not discuss her. “Can we just drop it?” he muttered, taking a swig of his drink. “Ouuu, someone’s got secrets!” Adrian shot him a glare, the urge to punch Justin rising with every moment. “I think I’m going to head out; this was a mistake,” he grumbled, setting down his glass. “Oh come on, man, it was just a joke!”

  • What the Heart didn't Know   The illusion of control

    The sunlight poured in through the tall windows as Amelia leaned against the entrance to the penthouse, arms crossed, watching them. Adrian fixed Nora’s cap before tossing a small backpack over his shoulder.“You sure you don’t want to come?” he called back to her.“I’m sure,” she replied, flashing a smile that didn’t quite light up her eyes.Nora pouted, hugging her stuffed bear tightly. “I’ll bring you something! Something sweet!”“I’ll hold you to that,” Amelia said, kneeling down to kiss her forehead. “Don’t forget the sprinkles.”Once the door clicked shut behind them, the silence rushed in like an unwelcome guest.She wandered through the still house like a ghost, stopping in front of the glass wall with a view of the city. Her reflection looked composed—perfect makeup, neatly styled hair, sharp slacks—but inside, she was falling apart. Nora’s growing distance stung more than she liked to admit. The little girl used to run right into her arms, and now she barely glanced back. Am

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