The Visitor in the Dark The house was too quiet

Even with the lights on and the hum of the air conditioner, something felt off. Like the air had shifted—heavier, colder.

Adrian had left for a late meeting, and I was alone in the mansion again. I tried to tell myself I was safe. That nothing could happen behind the high gates, the security cameras, and the team of staff watching over the property.

But deep down, I knew better.

Julian Monroe had money. Power. And no regard for boundaries. He always found a way in—through people, places, even minds. And the more Adrian dug into him, the more I feared what Julian would do next.

I sat on the edge of the bed, clutching the flash drive like it was my last lifeline. My fingers trembled as I turned it over and over, thinking of everything it held. Evidence, yes. But also my past. My shame. My secrets.

A loud thump echoed from downstairs.

I jumped to my feet.

At first, I thought it might be Elena—or one of the house staff closing a door—but the sound had been sharp. Heavy. Like something fell or was pushed.

I waited.

Nothing.

Then, another sound. Softer this time—a creak. Like slow, deliberate footsteps on wood.

My heart began to pound.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand. No missed calls. No messages. I considered calling Adrian, but I didn’t want to seem paranoid.

Instead, I tiptoed toward the door and pressed my ear against it.

Silence again.

I opened the door slowly and peeked out into the hallway. Dim lights lit the corridor, and everything looked normal—but that didn’t settle my nerves.

Holding my breath, I crept down the stairs, each step creaking louder than I wanted. I reached the bottom and scanned the open living room.

Empty.

I took a few steps toward the kitchen. That’s when I saw it.

The back door—usually locked and sealed tight—was slightly ajar. Not wide open, but just enough to send a chill down my spine.

I froze.

Had someone been here?

Had I forgotten to lock it?

No—I hadn’t touched that door since I arrived.

I turned on the light.

Nothing looked disturbed. Nothing broken or stolen. But that only made it worse. Whoever opened the door wasn’t looking to steal. They were sending a message.

I shut the door quickly and locked it, heart thudding so loud it echoed in my ears.

Then I saw something tucked beneath the doormat.

I knelt down and pulled out a small, folded note. Plain white paper. No envelope.

There were only four words written in bold, black ink:

"You’re not safe here."

I stumbled back, the note slipping from my fingers.

My skin prickled. My mouth went dry. I stared at the words as if they could change if I blinked hard enough.

They didn’t.

A noise behind me made me spin around.

Elena stood in the hallway, holding a towel and looking alarmed. “Ivy? What are you doing down here?”

I quickly picked up the note and crumpled it in my hand. “Did you leave the back door open?”

Her brows furrowed. “No, I always lock it before bed.”

I didn’t want to scare her, but my voice cracked anyway. “Someone was inside. Or… they were trying to be.”

She looked shaken. “We need to call Mr. Knight.”

I nodded.

We both moved quickly to the sitting room. Elena dialed Adrian and put it on speaker. He picked up on the second ring.

“Elena?”

“It’s Ivy,” I said. “Someone was in the house. Or close. The back door was open. And… they left a note.”

Silence.

“I’m coming home,” Adrian said, voice tense. “Stay inside. Lock every door. Don’t open anything. Don’t leave each other.”

The line cut off.

I turned to Elena. “I need to show you something.”

She followed me upstairs to my room. I opened the drawer where I’d hidden the flash drive and pulled it out, then handed her the crumpled note.

She read it slowly, her face pale.

“Elena… what if they already know I’m here? What if they’ve known all along?”

Elena sat beside me, her voice trembling. “Then we don’t wait for them to come again. We fight back.”

I looked at her, surprised. “You’d help me?”

She smiled faintly. “I’ve seen what men like Monroe do to women like you. But I’ve also seen what strength looks like. And Ivy, you’ve survived him before—you can do it again.”

I swallowed hard. “Not without Adrian.”

As if summoned by my words, the front door slammed downstairs.

We rushed down to find Adrian storming into the foyer, his coat still on, eyes burning with fury.

“Where’s the note?” he demanded.

I handed it to him.

He read it, crushed it in his fist, and muttered, “He’s getting bolder.”

“What do we do now?” I asked, voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up at me, something dangerous flickering in his eyes. “We stop playing defense. Tomorrow, I’m calling in my team. Private security, digital surveillance, everything. If Julian Monroe wants a war—he’s got one.”

My heart skipped.

Adrian stepped closer and, for the first time since I returned, touched my hand gently.

“I should’ve protected you before,” he said, voice raw. “I won’t fail this time.”

And in that moment, I believed him.

But in the shadows outside, someone was already watching.

And the real game was just beginning.