CONFESS

~Kelsey

The rain was light but cold as I walked, my sweater barely shielding me from the damp night air. I didn’t know where I was going—I just needed to move.

My stalker hadn’t shown up in weeks. My ankle had healed, but my mind was wrecked. I should’ve felt relief, but instead, I felt restless. On edge like something was coming.

I clenched my fists and kept walking, the city buzzing around me.

By the time I looked up, I was standing in front of the police station.

The neon glow from the sign reflected in the puddles at my feet.

This was it. My way out and the solution to all my problems.

All I had to do was walk inside.

My fingers twitched in my pockets.

Would they even believe me?

I had nothing to prove that I was the one that killed Marcus. And reporting myself would be rather odd since his own family has been very silent for months.

Well, except Mr. Stalker who was his cousin and was now after my life.

What if even the prison could not keep me safe from him? He was a psycho who would stop at nothing until he gets revenge.

I stood there, frozen, rain dripping down my face.

I was slowly losing my mind and this is supposed to be my one shot at freedom but at what cost?

The buzzing of my phone snapped me back to reality.

I pulled it out, barely glancing at the screen before noticing the bright pink notification flashing repeatedly.

"Baby Camilla is due today! I hope you are prepared!"

My heart stopped.

I had forgotten to delete this stupid pregnancy app after my miscarriage.

My throat tightened as I stared at the notification.

I unlocked the app, scrolling through old entries from five months ago. Doctor's notes, check-ups and even pictures of my positive test.

I could barely breathe.

I quickly closed the app and pressed delete.

The app vanished from my screen, along with the memories of my girl that I never got to hold.

I swallowed hard, turned away from the station, and stepped back onto the sidewalk.

I walked in complete silence until a sleek black Mercedes pulled up beside me.

The windows were tinted and the license plate was covered.

My first instinct was to run but before I could, the door swung open and a neatly dressed man stepped out.

I sighed in relief as I realized it wasn't my stalker or anybody I was avoiding.

It was just the man I had danced with at Mr Alessandro’s party.

I exhaled shakily, my entire body still on high alert.

“Cold night for a pretty girl to be wandering alone,” Alphonso murmured, slipping off his coat and draping it over my shoulders before I could protest.

"Get in before you catch a cold."

I hesitated. I didn’t know him. Not really. But compared to the alternative? A sleek car with heated seats and a polite stranger seemed like a much better option.

I climbed in, tugging his coat tighter around my freezing body.

As he pulled away from the curb, his gaze flicked to me.

“What were you doing outside a police station?”

My pulse spiked. The road was completely empty, how had he seen me?

“Oh… just passing by," I lied smoothly.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but shrugged it off.

“Where were you headed?”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Nowhere in particular.”

He studied me for a second before nodding. “Join me for coffee then.”

It wasn’t a question, it was more like a command. But I didn't mind. I desperately needed the change of scenery.

“Sure," I smiled.

~

It didn't take us too long to arrive at the coffee shop.

From the entrance, I knew I didn't belong here unless I was waiting tables or washing dishes.

It was one of those high end places that you needed to look your best to visit.

Alphonso led me inside, holding tightly unto my hand like I was a toddler.

I wanted to shrink into myself. The place was all sleek wood, soft jazz, and the kind of clientele that looked like they belonged in luxury fashion ads.

I on the other hand, looked like a drowned stray cat in an oversized coat.

I wrapped it tighter around me and stayed close behind Alphonso, my heart hammering as we passed by sharply dressed businessmen and women busy on their phones or discussing.

We reached a corner booth, which kept us perfectly tucked away from prying eyes.

The second we sat, a waiter appeared, setting down two menus. He barely glanced at me before turning to Alphonso.

“The usual, sir?”

“Yes,” Alphonso said smoothly.

"What about you, miss?" The waiter asked me.

I glanced through the menu, my eyes scanning for the cheapest item.

“She’ll have a black coffee," Alphonso cut in.

I blinked. “Oh, I—”

The waiter nodded and walked away briskly.

I pressed my lips together. Who just orders for people like that?

But Alphonso was watching me with mild amusement, like he was daring me to argue.

I forced a smile. “Black coffee is just perfect."

Alphonso leaned forward slightly. “So, tell me, Kelsey…”

His voice was smooth, but there was something about the way he said my name that made my spine stiffen.

“…What’s your story?”

I felt my pulse quicken.

If he was connected to Alessandro’s circle, I couldn’t afford to be honest. Mr Alessandro can never find out that he had bought a home from a wanted murderer.

“I’m Canadian,” I lied casually. “I am just here for school.”

He tilted his head. “And what are you studying?”

I swallowed hard. I had no idea what college majors were about and if I said the most common, he might just see through my lies.

“Psychology," I blurted.

A slow smirk played at his lips, like he knew I was lying but found it entertaining.

Before I could redirect the conversation, the waiter returned with our drinks.

I picked up my cup and took a small sip.

My throat seized.

Bitter. Burnt. Awfully disgusting.

I forced myself to swallow, smiling through the nausea.

Alphonso’s gaze didn’t waver. “Do you like it?”

I nodded quickly. “Yeah. Great.”

His lips curled at the corners. “Then drink more, you need it.”

Something about the way he said it made my skin prickle.

I lifted the cup and took a bigger gulp, wincing as the rancid liquid hit my tongue.

I set down my half empty cup and my eyes immediately diverted to a table at the far end of the store.

Sitting alone with a small cup in his hand and a murderous look in his eyes, was my stalker.

My breath seized.

His posture was relaxed, but his eyes, those cold, unreadable eyes were locked onto mine with a murderous intensity.

How did he find me?

Panic exploded in my chest.

I shot to my feet, nearly knocking over the table.

“I—I have to go.”

Alphonso frowned. “What? Why?"

“I'm so sorry!” I blurted, turning so fast I almost tripped over myself.

"Kelsey!" Alphonso yelled after me but I didn’t stop.

I put my head down, shielding my face with Alphonso’s coat as I scurried out of the store.