Days turned into weeks, and Alec's life became a waking nightmare. He barely ate, barely slept, and felt constantly on edge. Lila's presence haunted him at every turn. Even at school, where he once found solace among his friends, he now felt exposed, vulnerable. Lila had become a shadow in his life—always there, just out of sight, her presence unmistakable even when unseen.
The notes continued, slipped into his locker, left on his desk, or tucked inside his textbooks. Each message was a reminder that she was watching him, waiting for him to come back. He stopped using his phone—every time he tried, a text or a missed call from a blocked number would send him spiraling into paranoia.
His friends grew distant, confused by his erratic behavior. They didn't understand why he avoided them, why he flinched at the sound of footsteps behind him or panicked at the sight of a simple handwritten note. He tried to explain, tried to make them see the depth of Lila's obsession, but they only looked at him with pity.
Then, one Friday night, his worst fear came true.
He was alone in his house—his parents were away for a business trip, leaving him in silence. The uneasy stillness settled over him like a suffocating blanket, and every creak of the house made his nerves spike. He tried to distract himself, but nothing worked. Then he heard it.
A knock at the door. Soft at first, then louder.
His heart stopped. He knew it was her.
Alec froze, unable to breathe as the knocks continued, relentless and determined. He grabbed the closest object—a kitchen knife—and moved to the living room, his body shaking with dread.
"Go away!" he yelled, his voice cracking.
Silence.
His phone buzzed. He glanced down, and his stomach churned with nausea when he saw the message.
"I just want to talk, Alec. Open the door."
He stood there, knife in hand, as another knock echoed through the empty house. This time, it was followed by a sound that made his blood run cold—a muffled giggle, playful and familiar.
She wasn't going to leave. She was going to force her way in, and he couldn't take it anymore. In a moment of panic, Alec dialed 911, his fingers moving so fast he nearly fumbled the call.
"Help," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "She's here. She's outside my house. Please, send someone."
YOU ARE READING
Tangled Hearts
Mystery / Thriller"Tangled Hearts" is a dark romance that follows Alec, a quiet high school senior, whose world is turned upside down when he meets Lila-a beautiful and mysterious new transfer student. Lila's interest in Alec quickly turns obsessive, and as she tight...
