Chapter 3
The night feels endless.
Every creak of the floorboards, every gust of wind against the windowpane, sets my nerves alight. I don't sleep, not even for a second. I can't. My mind spins in circles, alternating between panicked certainty that someone was here and crippling doubt that maybe I'm losing my grip on reality. The phantom touch on my cheek burns in my memory, taunting me.
I keep the lights on, my knees hugged to my chest as I sit on the couch, staring at the locked window as if it might suddenly swing open again. I try to rationalize it maybe I left the window unlocked. Maybe the breeze stirred the curtains. But no matter how I twist it, the feeling doesn't go away. someone was here.
When the sun finally rises, pale light streaming through the curtains, I feel no relief. My body aches with exhaustion, and my mind is heavy with worry, but I can't stay here. This place doesn't feel safe anymore.
I force myself to move, to go through the motions of getting ready for the day. The shower helps, if only a little, washing away the cold sweat that clings to my skin. I towel my hair dry and pull on a simple black skirt that falls to my knees, pairing it with a crisp white blouse. The dainty pearl earrings and matching necklace feel like armor, their delicate gleam a reminder to myself that I need to look presentable, polished professional.
As I glance in the mirror, I can't help but notice the faint shadows under my eyes. My skin looks pale, drawn, and my smile feels strained. But there's no time to dwell on it. Grown Brilliance expects its employees to embody the luxury and poise of the jewelry they sell, and I can't afford to falter.
The jewelry store is only fifteen minutes from my apartment, but the walk feels longer today. Every step is accompanied by a growing unease, a sense of being watched that I can't seem to shake. I keep glancing over my shoulder, scanning the faces of strangers passing by, but none of them linger.
By the time I arrive at work, the store's pristine glass doors and glittering displays should feel like a refuge. Instead, they feel like a thin barrier, something fragile and temporary. I push those thoughts aside and paste on the best smile I can muster as I step behind the counter.
The day is slow at first, the usual customers trickling in and out. I greet them with polite smiles, answering questions and helping them pick out gifts they'll probably forget the meaning of in a year.
Then she walks in.
The redhead catches my eye immediately. She's striking, sharp cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and an air of quiet confidence that makes her stand out. She's dressed simply, but there's something about the way she carries herself that commands attention.
She approaches the counter with a measured, graceful stride, her gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, I feel pinned in place, like she can see through every layer I've carefully constructed this morning.
"Good morning" I say, my voice soft but steady as I force a shy smile. "How can I help you today?"
Her lips quirk into a faint smile, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm looking for advice" she says, her voice low and smooth. "I need a gift. Something meaningful."
I nod quickly, glancing at the nearest display. "Of course. We have a wide selection of pieces that would make beautiful gifts. Is there a particular occasion?"
She tilts her head slightly, her gaze never leaving mine. "No occasion. Just... something that would leave an impression."
I swallow, a little unnerved by her intensity, but I push through it. I gesture toward a section of necklaces, each one glittering under the soft overhead lights. "These are some of our most popular pieces. The designs are elegant but timeless. Perfect if you're looking for something memorable."
She steps closer, her eyes flicking to the necklaces before returning to my face. "You seem to know a lot about this. Which one would you choose?"
The question catches me off guard. Most customers don't ask for my personal opinion. "Oh" I stammer, my cheeks flushing faintly. "Well, um... I suppose this one." I point to a delicate pendant, a small diamond encased in a teardrop-shaped setting. "It's simple but striking. It draws attention without being too flashy."
Her lips curve into a real smile this time, and for some reason, it makes my stomach flip. "Good choice" she murmurs. "You have an eye for these things."
I smile nervously, trying to ignore the way her gaze feels like it's peeling back my layers. "Would you like to see it up close?"
"Please."
I carefully retrieve the necklace from the display, laying it out on the counter for her to inspect. She leans in slightly, her fingers brushing against mine as she picks it up. The touch is brief but electric, sending a jolt through me.
"This is perfect" she says, her voice soft but certain. "I'll take it."
As I wrap up the necklace, she watches me in silence. Her presence feels heavier than it should, like she's taking up more space than the other customers ever do. When I hand her the neatly wrapped box, her fingers linger against mine for just a second too long.
"Thank you" she says, her gaze locking onto mine again. "You've been very helpful."
I smile, though my heart is racing. "It's my pleasure. Have a wonderful day."
Her smile lingers as she turns and walks out, her movements as smooth and deliberate as when she entered.
I exhale, my shoulders sagging with relief. But as I glance toward the door, I can't shake the feeling that something about her was... off.
If only I knew how right I was.