Chapter 3 ONE REALIZATION

CLARA

The elevator makes a soft sound as I step out onto the last floor with Elena. I look around with a dropping jaw that shows how much I admire the luxurious estate…a very beautiful building with high security gates, CCTVs mounted in every corner and modern fingerprint locks on every door.

The whole place feels like a dream.

I am supposed to show some signs of happiness as the real estate agent shows us the luxury apartment, but instead of that, my stomach ties itself to knots in an inexplicable way.

“This is way too cheap, Elena.” I whisper, dragging her into the room while the agent sits somewhere outside. “You know how expensive the houses in Thompson's estate are. Why is this one different? We really need to go home and think this over…” 

I haven’t completed my statement before noticing the change in Elena’s countenance.

“Don’t ruin this for yourself, little miss know-it-all.” She mutters with a rigid voice. “The owner probably just wants someone to fill up the space. I actually don’t know why you are being paranoid.”

I scratch my head confusingly. Well, Elena has always known what’s best for me, but I really hope she isn’t making a mistake this time.

Immediately, the door across the hallway opens and our breath literally stops at the sight of the man who has just stepped out from the opposite direction. He is  undoubtedly handsome, exceptionally and incredibly tall, putting on a tight suit that reveals his broad shoulders. He has a sharp jawline with the darkest eyes I have ever seen. 

Elena rushes over him immediately before I can utter any word.

“Hello? I’m very sorry to bother you… actually, uhm…we are considering getting this apartment opposite yours… so I… uhm… we want to know if the building is safe and…”

Elena stutters like someone who lost her senses for a while. The man must have swept her off her feet like he did to me.

“You have nothing to worry about. It’s totally safe.” His voice,low and soothing. He goes ahead to tell us about the top-tier security of the apartment and how no one gets in except they belong here.

He doesn’t say much words of conviction before I make up my mind to sign the lease with the agent.

Moving day happens four days later. I pant for breath while dragging my heavy box of equipment up the stairs but in a few seconds, the pain disappears from my arms.

“Let me help you with this.” A voice says from behind as I look up. 

My handsome neighbor.

I watch him lift the box effortlessly, his dense muscles flexing in the process. He doesn’t stop until he carries every single one of them into my apartment safely.

“Thank you won’t be enough for this kind gesture… I ordered some food and I would like you to have lunch with me.” I tell him as he turns to leave. “Please, don’t say No.”

“Okayyy…” He agrees with a smile which I return..

“You haven’t told me your name yet.” I try to start a conversation as we eat.

“Oh… I’m Julian…”

“Julian… Nice name for a nice guy… Well, I’m…

“Clara.” 

My jaw drops in disbelief. How does he know my name?

“I heard your friend call you that some days ago.” He responds , like he knew what I was about asking him.

That response clears my doubt immediately as I reach out to adjust the camera bag beside me while eating, pulling it closer.

“You’ve been so careful with the camera.” He mumbles, sipping his drink. “Are you a photographer?”

My cheek turns red from pride as I smile. “Yes, I am.” I respond, dropping my gaze on him afterward. His facial structure, nose bridge and his commanding stature, then my artistic brain takes over immediately.  “You do have an incredible look and you will be the perfect model for my new gallery project.”

He let out a small laugh that sends cold shivers down my spine while he locks his eyes on mine.

“You can ask me to be your model anytime. I won’t refuse. Afterall, we are good neighbors now…” He mumbles, his voice filled with intentionality. “Or are we not?”

I raise my head immediately in a bid to assure him that we are indeed good neighbors.

“Why not?” I ask rhetorically.

I mean… who wouldn’t want to be a good neighbor to the ever handsome Julian?

My heart suddenly flips violently as I snap myself back into reality. My eyes on the food before me. 

What is wrong with me? Why am I being drawn to a stranger?

He waves goodbye softly and walks back into his apartment after the meal while I lock my door and lean against it, letting out a sigh of relief and satisfaction.

I walk over to where I had dropped my phone in order to see if my newest post on instagram has gotten massive views as usual and the smile on my face while I scroll through it tells everything—the intriguing comments and reactions that won’t stop flooding in.

But I freeze at the realization of something unbelievable…

No mysterious private message all day.

The creepy anonymous stalker who doesn’t fail to send me terrifying messages every single hour in a whole month, hasn’t done that today.