i-Spy | A Stalker Romance

Chapter 15: Echoes of Guilt

(Trigger Warning: This chapter contains depictions of trauma, including forced violence and emotional coercion. Reader discretion is advised.)

Stella's P.O.V.

I trudged back home in the early morning light, my clothes still damp in the bag I carried them in and my mind racing. I cursed myself for leaving the house without my phone or wallet. How could I have been so careless? And to top it off, I hadn't even locked the doors when I ran away from the stalker. What if someone had broken in?

As I approached my apartment, my heart pounded. But when I reached the door, I was surprised to find it locked. A single black rose sat on the doorknob, a small note attached to its stem. I immediately recognized the handwriting.

"Be grateful I'm a stalker and not a thief."

I couldn't help but let a small smile curve my lips, despite my irritation. Typical. Shaking my head to clear thoughts of him, my eyes fell on a package resting by the door.

It was a beautifully wrapped gift box. The box was sleek and black, tied with a vivid red ribbon that stood out starkly against the dark background. The ribbon was tied in a perfect bow, and the box had an air of sophistication and mystery. There was no note on top, no indication of who it was from.

Using Rei's spare key to unlock the door, I stepped inside, bringing the black rose and the gift box with me. The apartment felt eerily quiet as I closed the door behind me, the sound echoing in the silence.

I placed the rose on the kitchen counter and turned my attention to the box. My hands shook as I reached for the ribbon, my mind racing with possibilities. What could it be this time? Another gruesome reminder of his power? A new threat?

With a shaky breath, I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. But to my surprise, inside was a beautiful black dress. It was simple and elegant, with a sleek design and a daring side slit that added a touch of allure. The fabric looked luxurious, and it shimmered slightly in the light.

There was a note inside, written in elegant handwriting and perfumed with a light, floral scent.

"A beautiful dress for a beautiful enigma. Hope to see you this weekend."

I froze, realization dawning on me. This wasn't from the stalker. It was from Marco. I sighed, a mix of relief and frustration washing over me. Marco was trying to woo me in his own way, but it only added to the complications in my life.

I set the box aside, unsure of what to do. The dress was stunning, and part of me was tempted to wear it. But another part of me felt uneasy. Accepting gifts from Marco meant getting involved with him, and I wasn't sure I wanted that considering I was already on thin ice.

I collapsed onto the couch, staring at the dress and the rose. My life had become a tangled mess of danger and intrigue, and I didn't know how to untangle it. The stalker's words echoed in my mind, and Marco's note added to the confusion.

What did I want? What was my next move?

For now, I needed to rest. My mind was too cluttered to think clearly. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was spiraling out of control. And I had no idea how to stop it.

~~~

I was midway through my shift at the trattoria, the warm, fragrant air filled with the aroma of fresh basil and simmering tomatoes, when I stumbled upon a heated argument between Matteo and Sophia. They stood near the entrance to the kitchen, their voices rising and falling in rapid, passionate Italian. At first, their words were a blur to me, a whirlwind of emotion and frustration. But as I caught bits and pieces, I started to piece together the gist of their conversation with whatever Italian I had caught up.