Harper POVThe days settled into a quiet ritual of shared meals with Adrian, culminating in goodnights exchanged at the third-floor elevator landing. Two weeks slipped by in that strange calm.In truth, we didn't talk much. Most of the time, he would simply watch me in silence while I kept my head down, deliberately avoiding his gaze.One day, I suggested to Adrian that I wanted to go out. He readily agreed and arranged for a driver.In the department store, I walked through several floors and lingered in front of mirrors for a long time. It seemed no one was following me. Makes sense. On Adrian's turf, a single word from him, and no one stayed lost.As I walked down a secluded hallway, a hand suddenly grabbed my arm, and I was dragged abruptly into a family restroom. The man clapped a hand over my mouth, voice shaking."Harper, don't scream, it's me—"I froze, instantly stopping my struggle.Joseph.He released his grip, his eyes bloodshot and raw."Harper, I finally found you."
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