Chapter Three

In shock, Ayva coughed and tried to back away from him, her fear consuming her.

"Ayva," Justin called out, concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay? Would you like me to get you something to drink? Coffee, perhaps?"

"No!" Ayva's reply came out harsher and quicker than she intended. Fear gripped her, making it difficult to think clearly. She had so many questions she wanted to ask him, but the fear of the unknown held her back.

What if he denies everything? What if uncovering the truth angers him? What if he's not the one?

Though the cologne was distinct, Ayva knew it wasn't definitive proof. Others could wear it too.

Her head spun as a whirlwind of thoughts collided within her. Nervously, she stepped into her office and locked the door behind her. With a trembling hand, she picked up the remote and pressed a button, instantly turning the glass walls of her office opaque.

As Ayva sank to the floor, overwhelmed by sobs and the weight of her emotions, she instinctively hugged her legs close to her body. The tears flowed freely, like a torrent of anguish and confusion. In the midst of her despair, the shrill ring of the telephone shattered the silence, causing her to flinch from the sudden intrusion.

With great effort, Ayva mustered the strength to crawl across the floor towards the ringing phone. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she picked up the receiver and pressed it against her ear, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

"Ayva Wesley speaking," she said, her words betraying none of the inner emotions that threatened to consume her.

There was a brief moment of silence on the other end, stretching out like an eternity. Ayva's heart pounded in her chest as she waited for a response, her grip on the phone tightening. Just as she was about to give up and end the call, a voice finally spoke, its tone distorted and unrecognizable.

"You're having a baby," the voice said, causing Ayva's heart to leap in her chest. She could sense that it was a man speaking, though the distortion made it difficult to discern his identity. "With another man, tsk tsk tsk."

Fear and anger surged within Ayva, her hands trembling as she held onto the phone. Her breath came in staggered gasps as she mustered the courage to confront the mysterious caller.

"What do you want from me? WHO ARE YOU?" she screamed, her fear and anger palpable.

A low, chilling voice responded, filled with a disturbing blend of fascination and menace. "Hmm, you could say... I'm a fan of what you do." The voice lingered, sending shivers down Ayva's spine.

Determined not to let fear overpower her, Ayva's voice grew stronger. "Listen here, you coward," she spat, her fiery resolve shining through. "I won't let you toy with me. Why don't we cut this crap and show yourself to me like a real man?"

The caller chuckled darkly, the sound echoing through the receiver. "Oh, Ayva, you're so predictable. But I must say, your determination is quite admirable. It's what drew me to you in the first place."

Ayva's hands trembled from fear, her heart pounding in her chest. Tears of terror filled her eyes as she struggled to make sense of the situation. Frustration, confusion, and anxiety consumed her well-being, but she refused to let it break her spirit.

Taking a deep breath, Ayva mustered her courage. "You won't win. I’m not afraid of you!”

The caller's tone shifted slightly, a hint of amusement evident. "Ah, well, good luck with your presentation today. I'll be rooting for you from the background." And with that, he abruptly hung up the call, leaving Ayva with a mix of relief and lingering unease.

Goodluck with your presentation, I'll be rooting for you from the background.

The caller's words echoed in her mind - he was close, watching her every move. She couldn't help but wonder who it could be. Her eyes scanned the employees outside her office, trying to gauge who might be capable of such behavior.

Who could it be?

Is it really Justin? Is it really him? But why?

Why was the stalker calling again after many months?

She had almost forgotten about his existence but now, how could she go in living knowing he was back.

The uncertainty was driving her to the edge. It was barely 9 am and already the day had taken a dramatic turn.

Ayva couldn't help but question if she should have listened to Zion's advice and stayed home.

"But till when! Till when do I have to live in hiding!" Feeling overwhelmed, she slammed her hands on her desk, frustration taking hold. She knew she couldn't let this situation consume her.

"Take a deep breath, you can't let this affect you Ayva, you can't let this affect your baby." She murmured to herself as if reciting her personal mantra.

Reaching for the small plastic container in her desk drawer, Ayva retrieved her medication and swallowed two pills.

She strummed her fingers on the desk, contemplating her next steps. She couldn't go on with her day as if nothing had happened when someone was lurking outside her office, stalking her.

Deciding to confide in her husband, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. When he didn't answer, she tried again, nervously biting her fingernails. Still no response. Frustrated, she decided to call the home telephone, hoping to reach him there.

"Zion," she breathed after he picked up on the third ring.

"Morning, ma'am. This is Ruth speaking," Ruth, the help around their house, answered.

"Where's my husband? Please put him on the phone."

"Mr. Jameson isn't home, ma'am. He left for work shortly after I arrived."

He had said he was taking the day off...

"Is everything alright, ma'am? You don't sound too well," Ruth asked.

"I'm fine, there's nothing to worry about," she said before hanging up the call.

Feeling uneasy, she decided to dial Zion's mobile one more time, but he still didn't answer. Strumming her fingers anxiously against the table, Ayva made up her mind to go to her husband's workplace and fill him in on what had happened. She needed his warm embrace and soothing words. She longed to hear him tell her that nothing would happen to her and that he would always be there for her.

Rising to her feet, she grabbed her purse and phone and headed out of her office. She had barely taken two steps when Justin suddenly appeared, obstructing her path.

Startled, she jumped back, creating some distance between them. Her immediate reaction didn't go unnoticed by Justin and the other employees who were watching.

"W-what's wrong?" She cursed her trembling voice inwardly.

Justin looked at her, his expression a mix of caution and confusion.

"Did I...do something wrong?" he asked, seeming puzzled by her reaction to him then and earlier.

"What? No, no. You didn't. I'm just..." she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What is it? Do you need something?" she asked, trying to hide her fear and suspicion of him.

He handed her a bunch of papers stapled together. "This," he said. "It's for the presentation," he clarified when he noticed the confusion on her face.

"Oh...t-thank you," she said, carefully taking the papers from him before cautiously walking past him.

"Are you going somewhere?" Justin suddenly asked, causing Ayva to stop in her tracks.

"Um, yes. I'll be back before the presentation."

"I'll go with you. You don't look like you're in a position to drive. Let me drive you there."

"No, no. I'm fine." she replied, her voice slightly shaky. Taking a quick breath to steady herself, she continued,

"I'm perfectly capable of driving myself."

With determination in her eyes, she walked out of the building, clutching her bag tightly against her chest. She made her way through the office parking lot until she reached her car, parked in the garage.

Unlocking the doors, Ayva settled into the driver's seat, her mind racing with questions and doubts. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, that there was more to this situation than meets the eye. As she started the engine, she couldn't help but glance at her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her eyes, usually full of warmth and joy, now held a glimmer of uncertainty and fear.

The drive to Zion's workplace felt longer than usual, each passing moment amplifying her anxiety. Thoughts swirled in her mind, intertwining with the sound of the radio playing softly in the background. She replayed the events of the morning, the terrifying call, and the encounter with Justin. It all seemed too coincidental, too perfectly orchestrated.

Finally arriving at the building, Ayva parked her car and took a deep breath.

Entering the office building, Ayva's heart raced as she navigated the familiar hallways. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes following her every move.

As Ayva approached Zion's office, she was greeted by the friendly smile of the secretary, whose office was conveniently located just outside Zion's door.

"Good morning, Mrs. Jameson," the lady said warmly, recognizing Ayva from her frequent appearances on TV.

"Good morning. Is my husband in? Can you please let him know I'm here?" Ayva's feet tapped nervously against the tiled floor as she anxiously nibbled on her fingernails.

The secretary looked at Ayva with a puzzled expression, as if she had just witnessed something extraordinary. "I'm sorry, did you say you're here to see Mr. Jameson?" she asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, that's right. I'm here to see him," Ayva replied, her impatience growing by the second. She could have easily barged into his office without talking to the secretary, but being a public figure, she had to maintain a professional image.

"Oh, um," the secretary stammered, struggling to find the right words. "I'm afraid Mr. Jameson no longer works here. He quit his job about six months ago."