The Girl They Don't know

Chapter Seven

The Truth Slips Out

Lila barely slept after seeing the driver of the black SUV. She knew that face. Not his name, not where he lived, but she knew exactly who had sent him. Victoria Hart. The realization followed her into the next morning like a shadow. Every time the café door opened, she expected another stranger to walk in. Every time her phone vibrated, she feared it would be another threat. She had spent years hiding from her family's world, but that world had finally caught up with her. By noon, Ethan arrived as usual. The moment he saw her, he frowned. "You look worse than yesterday." Lila forced a smile. "Thanks." "That wasn't a compliment." He sat at the counter and studied her face. "Something happened." She looked away. "Nothing happened." "Lila." "Drop it, Ethan." Instead of arguing, he surprised her by staying quiet. The silence lasted several seconds before he finally spoke. "You know, I used to think you were just stubborn." She glanced at him. "Used to?" "Now I know you're stubborn and terrible at hiding things." Despite everything weighing on her mind, she laughed. Ethan smiled, pleased with himself. For a moment, things almost felt normal again. Then her phone buzzed. A new message appeared from an unknown number. Her heart immediately began pounding. She opened it and felt the blood drain from her face. You can't hide forever, Lila. She quickly locked the screen, but Ethan had already noticed her reaction. "What is it?" She stood abruptly. "I need some air." Without waiting for a response, she hurried outside. Her hands trembled as she stared at the message. Whoever was sending these texts knew her real name. They knew where she lived. They knew she was here. Footsteps approached behind her. Ethan. "Talk to me." She shook her head. "I can't." "Why?" The frustration in his voice caught her off guard. "Because every time something happens, you push everyone away." Lila turned toward him. "You don't understand." "Then help me understand." His eyes held hers, refusing to let her escape this time. She wanted to tell him the truth. She wanted to explain everything. But years of fear stopped her. "There are things about me you don't know." Ethan's expression softened. "Then tell me." Lila looked away. Across the street, she noticed the black SUV parked once again. The same vehicle. The same dark windows. Watching. Waiting. Panic surged through her. Without thinking, she grabbed Ethan's arm. "We need to leave." Ethan looked confused. "What?" "Now." The urgency in her voice made him stop asking questions. Together they walked away from the café and headed toward the park. Only when they were far enough away did Lila finally slow down. Her breathing was uneven. Ethan watched her carefully. "Who's following you?" The question hit like a hammer. She froze. Ethan had noticed. Of course he had. "Nobody." "Stop lying." She remained silent. Ethan stepped closer. "You're scared all the time now. Strange people keep showing up. You're getting threatening messages. And somehow I'm supposed to believe everything is normal?" Lila felt trapped. She couldn't keep pretending forever. Not anymore. "My name isn't really Lila Hart." The words escaped before she could stop them. Ethan blinked. "What?" Her heart pounded violently. There was no taking it back now. "The life I told everyone about isn't real." Ethan stared at her. "Then who are you?" She opened her mouth but couldn't answer. The truth felt too dangerous. Too big. Too terrifying. Before she could decide what to say, her phone rang. Daniel. She answered immediately. "What is it?" His voice sounded urgent. "Listen carefully. I just found out who broke into my hotel room." Fear tightened in her chest. "Who?" "Someone connected to the Hart Corporation." Lila's stomach dropped. Ethan's eyes widened at the name. Daniel continued, "Victoria isn't the only one looking for you anymore. Someone else knows you're alive." "Who?" she whispered. There was a pause. "I don't know yet. But whoever it is, they're powerful enough to access sealed company records. You need to leave Riverside." Lila felt sick. Leave Riverside? Leave the only home she had known for years? Leave Ethan? "I can't." "You may not have a choice." The call ended. For several moments she stood frozen. Ethan was still staring at her. "Hart Corporation?" he asked quietly. Her eyes filled with panic. The secret she had protected for years was falling apart piece by piece. Ethan took a slow breath. "Lila... who are you?" Before she could answer, a black SUV pulled up beside the park. The rear door opened. A woman stepped out wearing an elegant black dress and dark sunglasses. Even from a distance, Lila recognized her instantly. Victoria Hart. Her aunt had finally come to Riverside herself.