Sex Addiction ✔

05

Emily's POV.

Hunter blinks and points to the bedroom, indicating I should hide.

"What about you?" I whisper.

He grits his teeth, heads to the door, and grabs the broom behind it.

"Hide quickly!" he urges.

I swallow and lock myself in the bedroom.

The knocking continues, and then the door opens. I press my ear to the door, but can't hear anything. I kneel on a pillow and peek through the keyhole, but the view is limited.

I don't even dare to turn on the light, afraid it will seep through the crack under the door and alert whoever is outside.

The shadows of the trees outside are swaying, and the clouds are so low that I almost feel like they're going to swallow me up. Each heartbeat is more intense than the last. I take a deep breath, searching for a new opportunity.

Outside the bedroom is a small balcony. This is the second floor, directly facing the garden below. I tear off the bed sheet and duvet cover, tying them into tight knots, then secure one end to the iron railing of the balcony.

The next moment, there's a knock on the bedroom door.

My eyes widen, and my hands gripping the bed sheet start to tremble.

"Emily, it's me." Hunter's calm voice sounds.

I freeze for a few seconds, then gather the bed sheet and duvet cover, throwing them onto the bedroom floor. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I walk over to open the door.

Hunter is the only one in the living room now. I look around and ask, "Who was here?"

Hunter is still holding the broom but has a relieved smile. "The new neighbor came over to say hello."

I exhale a sigh of relief.

"From now on, if anyone knocks on the door, don't open it," Hunter reminds me. "I'll strictly monitor Cayden's every move. If there's anything unusual, I'll call you immediately."

I nod. May heaven keep Cayden from finding us. The safety of the baby and me is the most important thing.

After Hunter leaves, the small rental house falls silent again.

The neighbor seems to be moving furniture; footsteps of varying weights can be heard outside. As it gets darker, I curl up on the small sofa, wrapping myself in a blanket.

"Don't be afraid, it's safe here... don't be afraid," I whisper to the baby.

For the next two weeks, I don't go out. I use a delivery app to buy water and food. When the delivery person arrives downstairs, I unlock the downstairs door and have them leave the bags in the hallway. Then I observe the pedestrians from the balcony and only go down to get the items once it's safe.

I dispose of the trash in a similar way.

I feel like I've turned into a sewer rat, but I tell myself to hold on a bit longer. Once the baby is born, I'll be free. I can take the baby to a farther and safer place.

The Christmas atmosphere is getting stronger, and the neighbor's balcony is decorated with lights and Santa Claus dolls. My body feels heavier, and I often wake up suddenly during naps—my legs cramping, as if a rubber band is snapping inside.

I get up, dragging my clumsy body to the kitchen to find calcium tablets. The box feels light. I shake it and open it, finding only a thin layer of powder at the bottom.

Hunter had sent me Cayden's schedule this morning. He should be at Boyd's company annual meeting now.

I'll just go out for a bit, and I'll be back soon. There won't be any problems.