The Parasite [Yandere x Reader]

Chapter 8 - (The Trip Back)

After our relaxing evening enjoying the rare vintage wine from the manor's cellar, Maia announced that she needed to head back home for a few days. Her sister was having a baby, and Maia wanted to be there to support her and meet her new niece or nephew.

"Are you sure you'll be okay here alone for a bit?" Maia asked with a concerned look as she finished packing her bag. "I can try to change my flight if you'd rather I stay."

I waved her off, trying to seem nonchalant. "Don't be silly, I'll be just fine. This place is so peaceful, I could use a few days to myself to really soak it all in."

Maia didn't look entirely convinced, but she gave me a quick hug goodbye before heading out the door. As soon as she left, I'll admit I felt a pang of loneliness and apprehension about being alone in this giant manor. But I pushed those feelings aside, determined to make the most of my solo time.

I spent the first day exploring more of the expansive grounds and gardens surrounding the manor. I marveled at the meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant flower beds, feeling like I had stepped into a different world far away from my usual urban life.

On the second day, I decided to venture into town again to pick up some supplies. As I wandered the quaint shops and chatted with the friendly locals, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Perhaps it was just my imagination running wild in this unfamiliar place.

I hurried back towards the manor, my arms laden with shopping bags. That's when I heard a twig snap behind me on the wooded path. I froze, holding my breath as I slowly turned around.

There stood Damien, an unreadable expression on his face as he emerged from between the trees. My heart pounded in my chest from the surprise.

"Damien! You startled me," I exclaimed, trying to recover my composure. "What are you doing out here?"

He gave me an easy smile, though I detected something almost predatory lurking behind his eyes. "I saw you walking alone and wanted to make sure you made it back safely. These woods can be dangerous for someone unfamiliar with them."

A shiver ran down my spine, though I couldn't pinpoint why his presence made me so uneasy. Damien was our neighbor and had seemed perfectly friendly so far. Still, something about the way he watched me made me want to get back behind the manor's secure walls as soon as possible.

"How...considerate of you," I replied slowly, forcing a polite smile. "But I can take it from here. Thank you for your concern."

He shook his head, walking beside me without invitation. "Just being neighborly. How's staying here with you and your friend?"

"Oh, my friend actually had to leave for a few weeks for something," I replied, watching him carefully for any reaction.

"So it's just you in this big house...all alone?" Damien's eyes seemed to light up with interest.

There was an undercurrent to his tone that made me shift uncomfortably "Yeah, but it's fine. I'm quite enjoying the solitude actually."

He gave a low chuckle. "If you say so. Dreadful big place to rattle around in all by yourself though, isn't it? Surely you must get...lonely?"

I bristled at his insinuation. "I assure you, I'm perfectly content here alone for now. But thank you for your...concern."

Damien held up his hands in mock surrender. "My apologies, I didn't mean to overstep. Just looking out for a neighbor, that's all."

As he strolled away, I couldn't shake the feeling that his interest in my solo status was more than just friendly concern.

Why was he so fixated on me being alone here?

The thought made my skin crawl.