Silent Eyes

13, Unseen Eyes

Monica leaned her head against Andreas, who was engrossed in his phone while they watched television. As she munched on some chips, a sudden recollection brought a frown to her face. "I completely forgot to tell you, but something strange happened last week," she said. Andreas lowered his phone and looked down at her. "What happened, baby?"

Sitting up, Monica placed the chips on the coffee table and drew her legs closer. "I bumped into this really odd guy at the supermarket," she recounted, the memory vivid in her mind.

She had been shopping, pushing her cart through the store when it collided with a man as she turned into an aisle. Monica immediately halted and gasped, apologizing, "I'm sorry!" The man raised a hand and chuckled. "No need to worry," he said. "It's my fault. I should've moved out of the way."

Continuing her shopping, Monica passed by him, but she felt his eyes linger on her, making her uncomfortable. "Can I help you with something?" she asked, facing him with unease. The man, with his droopy eyes and decaying teeth, licked his lips and shook his head. "No, I'm fine, ma'am." Monica quickly moved away, but his watchful gaze stayed fixed on her.

Eventually, Monica finished her shopping and headed to the checkout counter, placing her items on the scanner. That's when she noticed the man reappear. She paused, watching as he approached and pulled out his wallet. "Would you like me to pay for you?" he offered. The cashier stopped to witness the scene, leaving Monica perplexed and flustered. With an anxious chuckle, she politely declined the man's offer.

After packing her bags, Monica left the store, but she couldn't shake the feeling of being followed. Glancing in her rearview mirror, she saw the man still staring at her. It sent shivers down her spine, and she yearned to leave as soon as possible. Hastily, she slammed the car door shut, locked it, and felt a wave of relief wash over her.

While driving home, she had intended to tell Andreas about the incident, but upon entering her apartment, she received a call from her mom, completely forgetting about the strange encounter until now.

Andreas listened attentively, nodding his head as Monica recounted the story. When she finished, she looked at him, asking, "Do you think I overreacted?" Though his smile seemed forced, Andreas remained calm and composed. "No, Monica. I'm glad you got out of there safely. From now on, you should go shopping with me."

Monica chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Come on, it was just one incident. Besides, thinking about it now, that guy was probably drunk or something. It's not normal for people to behave like that." Lost in her thoughts, Monica noticed Andreas staring into space, his expression turning furious.

"Are you okay?" she asked with concern. Andreas turned to face her, forcing a grin. "Yeah, just a little concerned, that's all." He got up from the couch, and Monica blinked up at him. "Aw, you're leaving already?" Monica pouted, hugging a pillow close, and Andreas chuckled down at her. He leaned in for a kiss while slipping into his jacket. "I'm sorry," he smiled. "It's work, but I'll be back another time, okay?"

Monica dropped the pillow with a sigh. "Okay." Andreas headed toward the door, and right before leaving, Monica called out to him. "Andreas!" He stopped and turned his head. "Yes?" He looked back at Monica, who was beaming at him cutely. "Drive safe," she said. Her affectionate words warmed his heart, and he smiled back at her before departing. "I will," he replied as he walked out.

Once Andreas stepped outside, his smile faded. His hands twitched angrily, and he immediately dialed Emil's number. Emil, who was lying in bed with two women, answered the phone groggily. "What?" he grumbled. Hearing Andreas' urgent tone, Emil furrowed his eyebrows and sat up, covering himself with a sheet. "What's the matter?"

"Just get here!" Andreas hissed. "And don't waste my time!" The call ended abruptly, leaving Emil alone in the silent, hazy room with the sleeping women. He got up and one of the women rolled over in bed. "Where are you going?" she sleepily asked. Emil frowned at her, grabbing her dress from the floor and tossing it carelessly. "Get some rest, wake your friend, and leave," he instructed. "I can't have my wife witnessing this." With that, he walked away.

Emil parked outside an isolated warehouse, hidden behind lush green trees and shrubs. It appeared to be a worn-down manufacturing facility to anyone passing by, unaware that it served as a meeting place for mafia groups.

He slammed the car door and adjusted his blazer jacket. Passing the two intimidating guards at the entrance, Emil asked someone, "Where is that bastard?" The men inside pointed upstairs, and Emil ascended the stairs. Turning a corner, he approached a door and made a dramatic entrance. "Thanks for interrupting my fun," Emil snorted. "I had to kick them out."

Andreas' blue eyes glared at him, and Emil sensed that something was wrong. "What happened?" Emil's expression grew serious. "Are those Italians causing trouble again?" He walked over to Andreas and took a seat on one of the worn-out chairs. Andreas sat hunched over, his hands bound together, his angry gaze fixed on the floor. "I don't know," he growled. "It could be anyone at this point."

Andreas proceeded to recount everything to Emil-how Monica bumped into the strange man, his attempt to pay for her groceries, and the man following her out of the store. As he finished, Emil crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah, someone is definitely watching us."

"I want to find out who," Andreas declared. His intense blue eyes locked with Emil's dark brown ones as he spoke firmly. "I'm going to the store to review the security footage. While I'm gone, I need you to assemble a reliable team. Those men are targeting Monica, and we can't take any chances." Andreas stood up, and Emil looked up at him. "But what if he was just drunk?" Emil questioned. "Perhaps we're blowing this out of proportion, aren't we?"

His words seemed feeble and weak in the face of Andreas' intense glare. The air turned heavy, suffocating Emil in its oppressive grip. Swallowing hard, Emil straightened his posture and forced himself to speak. "I'm sorry, that was a foolish thought. Someone is watching us, targeting Monica. I'll assemble the best men, the ones who won't flinch in danger."

With that, Andreas turned around and left the room. He gathered a few guards on his way out, and they all climbed into a large jeep. Emil watched as someone approached him from the side. "Is the boss alright?" they asked. Emil turned to face the person-it was one of their new guys, a young kid with innocent eyes. Emil maintained a stoic expression and ruffled the kid's hair. "Yeah, he's just in one of his usual cranky moods, as always."

Afterward, Emil slipped away, a newfound determination etched on his face. However, as he moved forward, his phone chimed, breaking his focus. He glanced down at the message and saw a sweet note from Irene. It read, "I love you." Despite his unfaithful ways, a bittersweet smile formed on Emil's lips. "And I love you too," he whispered softly, the weight of his guilt lingering in his voice.