The Man of My Dreams

Chapter Seventeen: Confrontation in the Park

Mia had been seeing the therapist for a few weeks now, each session peeling back layers of confusion and fear that Ethan had woven around her mind. With each visit, she learned more about the manipulation she had endured, about the insidious ways he had entered her life—both in dreams and in reality.

Sitting on a park bench beside Neal, she felt a flicker of empowerment. The sunlight was warm on her skin, a stark contrast to the cold grip of Ethan's presence. She had taken the therapist's advice to heart: she would no longer allow Ethan's shadow to loom over her, and she felt fortified by Neal's unwavering support.

But just as the warmth began to seep into her bones, she spotted Ethan across the park. He stood there, the late afternoon light framing him like a dark omen. Something inside her tensed as he approached, a twisted smile stretching across his face.

"Mia," he called, his voice smooth yet tainted with an undercurrent of menace. "I've missed you."

Neal instinctively positioned himself between Mia and Ethan, his protective stance unwavering. "What do you want, Ethan?" Neal's voice was firm, filled with a mixture of authority and concern.

Ethan's smile faltered slightly, and Mia could sense the tension crackling in the air. "I wanted to talk," he said, his tone shifting, darkening. "I hear you've been seeing someone."

Mia felt a chill run down her spine. "You know about my therapist?"

"Of course," he replied, stepping closer. "I've always known. You think I wouldn't pay attention? It's adorable that you think you can escape me."

Mia's heart raced as she realized the depth of his intrusion. He had not only followed her in her dreams but had also monitored her waking life. "You think this is adorable? You're sick, Ethan."

He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Sick? Or just deeply in love? I did what I had to do to help you understand our connection."

Neal stepped forward, fists clenched. "You're not going to manipulate her anymore."

Ethan turned his gaze toward Neal, dismissing him with a wave. "You're a distraction, nothing more. I know Mia better than you ever could. I watched her, studied her—what she eats, what she likes. I learned her name before we even met."

Mia's stomach twisted at his words, realization dawning on her. "You watched me? You invaded my life like some... some stalker!"

Ethan's smirk faltered for a moment, revealing the cracks in his composure. "It's not stalking if it's for love, Mia. You needed guidance, and I was there, waiting. I slipped into your dreams to show you what could be. But you're pushing me away. It's a shame you chose to trust someone else."

His admission hung heavily in the air, each word a reminder of the control he had exerted over her life. "You manipulated me!" she yelled, anger and fear rising within her. "You made me question my reality, and now you're losing control of it. You're the one who's scared."

Ethan's eyes darkened, fury bubbling beneath the surface. "Scared? I'm not scared of anything. You think a therapist can help you? They're just playing games with your mind, Mia! You're letting them dictate your life, and I can't let that happen."

Mia took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. "You've already lost, Ethan. I'm done living in your shadows. You may have thought you could control everything, but I'm taking my life back. You have no power over me anymore."

His facade cracked, revealing the desperation lurking beneath. "You don't know what you're saying. I've been there for you when no one else was. I've shown you things no one else could. You owe me!"

Mia felt a surge of courage. "Owe you? You owe me an apology. You owe me the truth about what you've done. And I'll make sure everyone knows how dangerous you really are."

In that moment, the power shifted. Ethan's expression twisted, confusion mixing with anger as he realized she was no longer the puppet he could control. She was breaking free, and he was losing his grip.

Mia turned to Neal, who stood resolute beside her, his presence a comforting anchor. "Let's go," she said firmly, not daring to look back at Ethan as she walked away.

"You'll regret this, Mia!" he called after her, his voice laced with rage. "You'll come crawling back!"

Mia didn't respond, but the echo of his words lingered in the air. The wind whipped around them as they walked away, leaving Ethan standing alone in his fury, a dangerous man stripped of his illusion of control.

As they reached the edge of the park, Mia felt the weight of fear lift slightly. She was no longer a victim; she was a survivor, ready to reclaim her life.