CHAPTER 21

Sophia’s POV

I woke up with a start, my body tense. I had just drifted into a light sleep when the knock on the door jolted me awake. I glanced at the clock — past midnight.

For a moment, I lay still, listening intently, trying to make sense of the late-night disturbance. Burglar? Visitor? Or just a mistake?

I grabbed my phone, its soft glow illuminating the dark room, and dialed the police’s number. But I didn’t tap on the call button yet.

Slowly I tiptoed to the door, my heart pounding. The knock came again, louder this time, echoing through the silent apartment. I hesitated, unsure whether to answer. But a burglar wouldn't knock, right?

I looked through the peephole and saw the man standing there outside my door. “Elijah!” I gasped in surprise. What the hell is he doing here again, and at this time of the night?!

Taking a few deep breaths, I was about to walk away and go back to sleep when I heard him call my name. For a while, I’d wanted to pretend it was just some bad dream. But