Fate's Design

Chapter 31

SAM POV

The past few days had been a blur of lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions. I buried myself in my university work, hoping it would keep my mind off Nick and the mess we were in. His text had given me a little comfort, but the unease of our unresolved issues still gnawed at me. And then, there was the terrifying thought of someone stalking me, making everything worse.

Today was supposed to be different, though. My childhood friends Varshini, Tyler, and Sumi had finally arranged to meet up after what felt like ages. Despite being in California, our universities were spread far apart, so getting together wasn't easy. But today, we had managed to carve out some time.

Varshini was her usual self, chattering away about her new crush at university, while Tyler and Sumi were as inseparable as ever, their relationship growing stronger every day. It was comforting to be around them, even if just for a little while, and I found myself laughing and catching up, the weight on my shoulders lifting slightly.

At one point, I excused myself to go to the restroom. As I was walking back, my phone buzzed with a message. I glanced at the screen and froze.

Unknown Number: "Did you enjoy the flowers? You look beautiful in that dress today."

My heart pounded in my chest as I looked around me, those words sent a chill down my spine. How did they know what I was wearing? I stopped in the hallway, the noise of the restaurant fading as my anxiety took over. My thumb hovered over the screen as I debated whether to respond.

Finally, I typed, "Who are you?" and hit send.

There was no reply. Just when I thought the person might have backed off, another message came through a single black hoodie emoji.

The unease crept in, wrapping around me like a cold blanket. I needed air. I stepped outside for a moment, trying to calm my racing heart before rejoining my friends. They couldn't know. Not yet. I needed to figure out what was going on first.

After the unsettling message, I tried my best to act normal. When I rejoined Varshini, Tyler, and Sumi, they were still deep in conversation.

"Sam, you've been quiet," Varshini said, raising an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

"Just tired," I lied, forcing a smile. "So, Varshini, tell us more about this new crush of yours."

Varshini rolled her eyes but smiled, launching into a detailed account of her latest romantic interest. Tyler and Sumi teased her, and the conversation shifted back to lighter topics. I laughed along, but my mind kept drifting back to the strange message and the growing fear that someone was watching me.
As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, Sumi squeezed my hand. "Take care of yourself, Sam. You seem a bit off today."

"I will," I assured her, giving her a tight smile. "You guys too."

We all said our goodbyes, and I headed towards the subway alone. The journey was uneventful, but the unease from earlier still lingered. As I exited the subway, the familiar route home stretched out before me. Normally, I'd Walk past Andrew's Café and cross the road to reach my apartment, but tonight, it was getting dark, and I was tired. The alley to the right would be a faster route.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing around. The streets were nearly empty, with only a few people scattered about. I decided to take the alley.

The alley was dimly lit, and the shadows seemed to stretch out, making the space feel narrower than it was. I walked quickly, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the walls. Halfway through, I felt it a presence behind me. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickened my pace, but the footsteps behind me matched mine, growing closer.

I glanced over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of someone a figure in a black hoodie. Panic surged through me, and I started to walk faster, my breath coming in short gasps. Just as I was about to break into a run, the figure darted in front of me, blocking my path.

I froze.

Before I could scream, the man stepped closer, his face hidden in the shadows of the hood. He leaned in, and I felt his breath on my neck as he whispered, "You look tempting sweetheart"

He tucked a black flower into my hair, his fingers brushing against my skin. I shuddered, the fear paralyzing me. He leaned in closer, inhaling the scent of my hair, and I struggled against him, trying to push him away. But he was strong, too strong.

His hands started to roam, and I felt a wave of disgust and terror wash over me. I tried to scream, but the sound caught in my throat. Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore; I heard footsteps approaching rapidly.

"Get your hands off her!" A familiar voice thundered, and the man jerked away from me.

I looked up, my vision blurry with tears, to see Nick charging towards us. The stalker took one last look at me before he turned and bolted down the alley, disappearing into the darkness. Nick chased after him for a few steps but stopped when he realized the man had gotten away.

He turned back to me, his eyes wide with concern as he rushed to my side. "Sam, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with panic as he gently placed his hands on my shoulders.

I was trembling, unable to find my voice. The shock and fear had left me numb. Nick pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as I finally broke down, sobbing into his chest.

"I'm here, Sammy. You're safe now," he whispered, his voice soothing as he stroked my hair.

I clung to him, my body shaking with fear. Nick's presence was the only thing keeping me grounded, the only thing that felt real in that terrifying moment.

After what felt like an eternity, Nick gently pulled back, looking into my eyes. "Let's get you home," he said softly.

I nodded, still unable to speak, and Nick led me out of the alley. As we walked towards his car, he kept a protective arm around me, glancing around to ensure we weren't being followed.

Once we reached the car, Nick helped me into the passenger seat and closed the door. He walked around to the driver's side, got in, and started the engine.

If we were in different situation, I would say he is like those novel men. The café was still in view, and I noticed the cup of coffee and the small cake he had bought for me.

He noticed my gaze and gave me a small, reassuring smile. "I was planning on surprising you with these, but..." His voice trailed off as the reality of what had just happened sank in.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice shaky.

"Don't be," Nick replied firmly, taking my hand in his. "None of this is your fault, Sam. I'm just glad I got here in time."

As he drove towards my apartment, I stared out the window, my mind racing. The fear and anxiety were still there, but with Nick by my side, I felt a little safer. But the thought of the stalker still out there, watching, sent a shiver down my spine. I knew things were far from over.