The Stranger

Chapter 32 - Cassandra

Trigger Warning: Attempted SA.

I held back the tears all the way to my apartment. I didn't want to cry, but it felt inevitable, like a dam about to burst. The weight of everything—Alex, the bruises, the lies—was pressing down on me. How could I have let him make me fall for him? He had been so good though, so attentive. Despite everything, even the bruises I had come to strangely accept, he had always been a gentleman, or so I thought.

When I arrived at the front entrance of my building, I saw John sitting on the stairs, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His presence startled me. I hadn't expected anyone, least of all him. He wasn't supposed to know where I lived.

"John. What are you doing here?" My voice wavered slightly, half out of surprise, half out of exhaustion.

"I'm sorry." His face softened, trying to read my expression. "I was worried, so I asked your mum for your address. I hope that's okay."

I paused, processing the information. My heart clenched in annoyance. "I need to have a chat with Mum about privacy," I said, trying to lighten the mood with a half-joke, though I wasn't entirely kidding. I was genuinely irritated, but John didn't pick up on it. He chuckled as if I had been joking entirely.

"I thought you could use a friendly face," he said softly. "After showing you those articles, I figured you might be upset. But if you want me to go, I will."

For a brief moment, I considered telling him to leave. But despite everything, he was right. A friendly face was comforting, even if it wasn't the face I wanted. "No, it's okay. Come up for a coffee." I forced a smile. I wanted to be alone, but I also didn't want to feel completely abandoned. His concern seemed genuine, and I appreciated that, at least.

As we walked toward the lift, his steps next to mine felt heavy, his attempt at small talk clumsy and forced. I was still fuming that Mum had given him my address without telling me. The moment the elevator doors closed, I quickly texted her, the irritation still fresh:

Mum. Can you please ask me next time before you give John my address?

Thank you, Cas.

John fidgeted beside me in the lift. His awkwardness was palpable, and it felt like he was grasping at anything to fill the silence. When we got inside my apartment, he glanced around, visibly impressed by the view of the river through my large windows.

"Wow, Kitty, you have a really nice apartment," he said with enthusiasm.

I shrugged, offering a polite smile. "Thanks. I'll put the kettle on. Coffee or tea?"

He hesitated, then turned to face me. "Do you have something else? A whiskey, perhaps?" His eyes locked onto mine, a serious look creeping across his face. There was something unnerving in his tone.

"I don't actually have any, sorry," I lied, not wanting to share anything stronger than tea with him.

He smiled, a little too easily. "Oh, that's okay. Tea then, please."

I moved toward the kitchen, switching on the kettle. As I did, I heard the soft rustle of John removing his jacket and throwing it casually onto a chair.

"I'm really glad you're doing well for yourself, Kitty." He sounded almost nostalgic. "I'm proud of you. I always was."

"Thanks." I muttered.

There was an awkward pause, and then he shifted his weight slightly. "How are you holding up since I gave you those articles?" He walked closer, his voice tinged with concern.

I stiffened. "Not great, to be honest." I thought about my earlier confrontation with Alex. "I did my own research."

He raised an eyebrow. "Did you?"