For Love *ON HOLD FOR SCHOOL*

Chapter Two

8:55 PM

Jessica Pov

She experienced a sense of relief after every appointment with Dr. Crown. Initially, opening up and expressing herself had been challenging, and there were moments when she regretted reacting strongly to his probing questions. However, as time went on, it became easier, and now she eagerly anticipated their sessions. While using her key fob to enter the apartment building, thoughts of Dr. Crown's smile crossed her mind. She adored the kindness it conveyed. As their discussions delved deeper into her underlying issues, she relied on his guidance, yet still empowered to make her own choices. Jessica let out a small groan upon discovering that the elevator was once again out of order. Resigned to the situation, she ascended the stairs to the tenth floor, carrying her work bag. Her apartment, situated at the far end of the hallway, awaited her. Due to her demanding job and lingering trust issues, she hadn't mustered the courage to seek companionship. Consequently, she returned home each day to an empty space, save for her beloved plants. She greeted them, following the advice she had read somewhere that it was beneficial to talk to plants. Perhaps she was simply losing her mind.

She tossed her keys onto the kitchen counter, flicking on the lights to illuminate the room. The entrance led directly into the open-concept kitchen, seamlessly merging with the dining and living areas. The living room had ample sunlight streaming through its large windows most days, creating a pleasant ambiance for her collection of hanging plants and bookshelves. Releasing her hair from its clip, she reached for her wine rack and selected a suitable glass. Pouring herself a moderate serving, she took a sip before settling at the kitchen counter to complete her paperwork, which she would soon finish and send off to her boss. Already feeling a headache forming after just half an hour of staring at the screen, she finally submitted to Dr. Crown's advice to relax and take a bath. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was only 9 PM, her mind still racing from the demands of the day. She dimmed the lights, ensuring privacy from the outside world, a minor inconvenience of living in an apartment with expansive windows in every room. Undeterred, she unbuttoned her blouse with one hand while gracefully balancing her wine glass in the other. Transitioning from the living room to her spacious, tastefully decorated bedroom, her attention was drawn to the captivating feature that had captivated her a decade earlier—an oversized acrylic freestanding clawfoot tub positioned in the corner, offering a breathtaking view of the city. It was a stunning addition that sealed the deal on this apartment.

She placed her wine glass on a table beside the tub, alongside a collection of Epsom salts and bubble baths she had gathered from various holiday parties over the years. Being one of the few women in her department made the men less creative with their Secret Santa gifts. She casually slipped off her blouse, allowing it to gracefully fall to the floor. Then, she walked to the linen closet in her bathroom, grabbed a towel and a bath mat, and returned to the tub. Turning on the tap, she laid down the towel and mat, unzipped her skirt, and let it drop as well kicking the two articles of clothing toward her hamper. Pouring in some lavender-scented Epsom salt and Dr. Teals' lavender bubble bath, a delightful fragrance filled the room, as the water began to foam and bubble. She removed her panties and bra, stepping over the ledge of the bath. The steamy hot water enveloped her, soothing her tired muscles, as she gradually lowered herself, allowing her head to rest comfortably against the back of the tub. With a lazy gesture, she used her foot to turn off the flow of water. Her gaze wandered to the dark skies and the flickering lights of the city beyond the window.

She tried to clear her mind, but as she looked out at the moving cars and the distant figures of people, her thoughts involuntarily drifted towards the person responsible for the recent murders. She speculated that he might believe he was acting for a just cause, but in her view, murder could never be justified. He was simply another disturbed individual who needed to be apprehended and stopped.