The Secret Symphony of Love

Part - 20

Siya's Apartment, Afternoon

Siya sat curled up on her couch, her phone trembling in her hands as she stared at the anonymous messages flashing across the screen. Images of herself-candid, taken without her knowledge-were accompanied by a chilling message: "Sweety, Meet me at sharp 7. I'll be waiting."

A location was listed, deep in the city, away from the usual bustling crowds. She felt her heart race with fear and confusion, her mind spinning as she considered her options. There was a part of her that wanted to ignore it, but another part-the one that refused to let fear control her-urged her to go. She needed answers. Whoever this was, she wouldn't let them have power over her.

Steeling herself, Siya grabbed her jacket and headed out into the evening.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Abandoned Garden, City Outskirts

The location turned out to be a quiet, secluded garden surrounded by trees and dimly lit by strings of fairy lights. Despite the serene ambiance, Sia's heart pounded, her unease growing with every step. The soft glow of candles lined the path ahead, and a faint aroma of fresh flowers filled the air. It might have seemed romantic if it weren't for the dread that knotted her stomach.

As she approached the center of the garden, she stopped, her breath catching in her throat as she recognized the figure waiting for her-Ethan.

Siya: "Ethan? This was... you?"

Siya's voice shook with a mix of shock and anger.

Ethan turned around, his face breaking into an unsettling smile.

Ethan: "I knew you'd come. I knew you couldn't resist."

Sia clenched her fists, struggling to contain her fury.

Siya: "Is this your idea of a joke? Do you even realize how terrifying this is?"

But Ethan's smile faded, replaced by a bitter expression.

Ethan: "I didn't know any other way to get you to come, Sia. I needed to show you what we could have. I know you're too afraid to admit it, but I know you feel something for me!"

Siya: "Ethan, we've talked about this,"

she said, her voice trembling.

Siya: "I've never seen you as more than a friend. This... this is wrong!"

Ethan's face contorted with rage.

Ethan: "Wrong?"

He stepped closer, his voice rising.

Ethan: "You keep saying I'm just a friend, but I see the way you look at Alex. Why him and not me? What does he have that I don't?"

Sia stepped back, fear tightening her throat.

Siya: "Ethan, you're scaring me. This isn't the person I know."

But her words only seemed to enrage him further. In a sudden, desperate motion, he grabbed her wrists, pulling her close.

Ethan: "I've given you so much, Siya. I deserve your love! Why can't you understand that?"

Siya: "Let me go!"

Siya struggled against his grip, tears forming in her eyes as his fingers dug into her skin.

But Ethan's hold only tightened.

Ethan: "I'm not letting you go, not until you understand how I feel."

His voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes clouded with obsession.