Chapter 3

A chill ran down my spine when I realized someone was trying to unlock my apartment.

This couldn't be happening.

I had only taken over the lease from a young woman two days ago.

It was in a newly built development, so there weren't many neighbors either.

I never expected the security to be this poor.

The lock kept beeping to indicate that the password was wrong, and the man outside seemed to grow agitated.

"You think changing the lock will keep you safe? Hahaha. I have plenty of ways to make you open the door."

The voice of an unfamiliar man came from outside, vicious and threatening.

A moment later, something heavy slammed against the door.

I trembled and quickly called the police from my phone before dialing my emergency contact.

"Jojo, a stranger is trying to break down my door. I'm so scared."

The moment I called the police, my composure completely fell apart..

My voice shook with fear, and I spoke through tears.

The person on the other end paused before replying quickly.

"Lock yourself in the bedroom and grab something to protect yourself. I'll be there soon."

It was Stephen's voice.

He didn't hang up. I could hear a car speeding through the streets.

The police arrived soon after and took away the man who tried to break in.

Stephen arrived as well.

I curled up under the covers, trembling.

He hurried over, pulled me into his arms, and comforted me in a gentle voice.

The cold cedar scent surrounded me, and my heartbeat gradually calmed.

"It's all right. I'm here," Stephen whispered tenderly.

I only learned the truth after giving my statement.

The man who tried to break in was the boyfriend of the woman I rented the apartment from.

They had a major fight, and she ended the relationship without mentioning that she had already rented out the apartment.

He thought she still lived there and wanted to teach her a lesson.

I no longer dared to return to the apartment I rented.

Stephen took me back to his home.

He lived in an apartment too, except his was a luxurious residence in the city center with an enormous living room, a private elevator, and understated, minimalist decor.

Stephen handed me a strawberry milkshake.

It was my favorite, but I only paused for a moment before accepting it.

What a surreal day.

I had somehow experienced every possible twist and turn.

Stephen led me to the master bedroom.

"You sleep here."

"What about you?"

"I'll sleep on the sofa outside. Call me if you need anything."

I closed my eyes, then quickly opened them again. I was still a little frightened.

I remembered how, during the first few years after my father fell into debt, debt collectors had constantly shouted and pounded on our door.

My mother had covered my ears and hidden with me in a corner, telling me not to make a sound. She said they would leave once they grew tired of knocking.

Waiting was the only thing I could do.

The scene that night had dragged me back into that nightmare.

I grabbed Stephen's arm.

"Can you not sleep outside?"

I asked in a small voice.

"Okay."

Without the slightest hesitation, Stephen sat down on the sofa so I could sleep peacefully.

I didn't have a single nightmare that night. I slept soundly.

The next morning, I woke to warm sunlight shining on me.

"Are you awake?"

Stephen looked slightly tired, perhaps because he hadn't slept well.

He made me breakfast—a sandwich.

"How did my call end up reaching you yesterday?"

"I used your phone to add my number as your emergency contact."

His tone made it sound completely natural.

Right. Of course he had.

"What? Something like this happened to you? That was so dangerous!"

Jojo looked shocked when she heard what had happened.

"Where did you stay last night? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I called Stephen yesterday and stayed at his place."

"I knew it! Did you use the opportunity to make a move on him?"

"……"