Kill for Me

Chapter Three: Daffodil

The next morning, Ella woke up and got ready to go out. As she was making breakfast, she quickly checked the app and saw that Zen and Jaehee were already chatting together. Since she had something important to do, she ignored the chat and clicked the call function. She found Seven's number and clicked the call button. The phone rang seven times before he finally picked up. Had he done that on purpose? she wondered.

"Good morning!" he greeted happily. Ella wanted to groan at his cheerfulness. She was not a morning person.

"Good morning," she repeated. "Have you figured out who this unknown person is?" Ella asked.

"No, I've been working on it all night. So far, I haven't been able to find how that person even knew about the app. I'm working on strengthening the security, especially the chat rooms."

"In the commotion of last night, I left my purse there. Is it safe for me to go back to retrieve it?" She didn't like lying about it, but what other excuse did she have for going back when V clearly said she didn't have to be there?

"Everything is fine. My maid and I will keep an eye on you through the CCTVs. Call me again before you leave."

"Sure. Thanks, Seven."

"My pleasure." 

They ended the call and Ella ate her breakfast, then cleaned up the kitchen a bit before she grabbed a clutch purse, shoving necessary cards like her ID and two credit cards and some cash before heading to the apartment door. She slipped on a comfortable pair of sneakers, then grabbed a light jacket and slipped the clutch inside. It was a bit chilly outside this morning. She called Seven and he gave her the okay to leave. Once she stepped outside, he informed her that he could see her clearly. She looked up at the CCTV, smiled, and waved.

After locking the door, she turned around and looked around for the camera as discreetly as she could. Seeing it from the corner of her eye, she smiled and ended their call.

It took a long time for Ella to reach the apartment building. When she was finally there, she waited for Seven to text her before she got on the elevator and took it to the ninth floor, where the apartment was located. She stood in front of the apartment door, staring at the number lock on the door. She remembered the number, she was just so nervous that she had to take a minute to gather her courage. What was she going to find inside the apartment? Why was Seven following her around? Did they think the hacker was going to be waiting for her there?

Steeling herself, she reached her free hand and punched in the code. She heard the lock slide open. She took another deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

The apartment was brightly lit, thanks to a large window letting in the sunlight. The walls were a pale yellow color, which caused the place to almost glow in the sunlight. Everything was neat and tidy, as though someone had cleaned it recently. That or Rika had just been an excessively organized person. The very thought made Ella's blood run cold. Ella ran her hand along the small desk near the door and rubbed her fingers together. No one had been here in a while; there was a buildup of dust on the counter. Thank God.

Continuing into the apartment, she noticed the closet on her right. The bathroom was next to it and she could seethe bedroom straight ahead. The kitchen was on her left and the living room was also straight ahead. The blinds were wide open, which caused Ella to feel slightly uncomfortable. She immediately made her way over to the open window and looked out. Thankfully, Rika's apartment was facing the street; however, there was another apartment complex across the busy street. Ella knew that no one could see inside at the moment, thanks to the blinding sunlight pouring into Rika's apartment. She decided to leave the blinds open, in case someone realized that she was inside.