Chapter Seven - The Things We Hide
4046 Words
Elena knew something was wrong the moment she entered her apartment.
She couldn't explain it.
Nothing looked different.
The door was locked.
The lights were off.
The curtains were exactly the way she had left them that morning.
Still, something felt wrong.
She stood with her hand still wrapped around the handle of the door.
The apartment was too quiet.
“Elena?”
She almost screamed.
Her hand immediately went to her chest.
Then she realized it was only the television.
She had left it on before leaving.
She let out a slow breath.
“Get yourself together,” she whispered.
She locked the door.
Then checked it again.
She hated that she was becoming this person.
A person who checked behind her before entering a room.
A person who looked through windows before opening curtains.
A person who wondered if every stranger on the street was watching her.
She dropped her bag on the sofa.
Then remembered the missing photograph.
Her heart began to beat faster.
She walked to her bedroom.
The drawer was still closed.
She pulled it open.
The photograph was still missing.
Elena stared at the empty space.
She had searched for it before leaving.
Maybe she had misplaced it.
Maybe Daniel had taken it.
Maybe she had put it somewhere else.
She tried to convince herself of that.
But she couldn't.
She knew where she had kept the photograph.
And she knew she had not moved it.
Her phone rang.
Elena jumped.
She looked at the screen.
Noah.
She answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey.”
His voice sounded normal.
Too normal.
“Hi.”
“You got home?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
There was a pause.
Elena sat on the edge of her bed.
“I went to see Alexander.”
Another pause.
“Oh.”
The single word made her frown.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Noah.”
“What?”
“You sound strange.”
“I don't.”
“You do.”
He sighed.
“I just don't like you going to see him.”
“You told me to go.”
“I told you to be careful.”
“You said maybe he knew something about Daniel.”
“He does?”
“He found inconsistencies in the case.”
Noah went quiet.
Elena noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“You said that yesterday too.”
“I don't know what you want me to say.”
“The truth would be a good start.”
She heard him exhale.
“Are you accusing me of something?”
“No.”
“Because it sounds like you are.”
Elena looked down at her hands.
She didn't want to fight with him.
Not now.
Not when everything else in her life already felt so complicated.
“I don't know what I'm doing anymore.”
Her voice softened.
Noah became quiet.
“I'm sorry.”
“For what?”
“For making things harder for you.”
“You don't.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, Elena.”
“You're going to marry someone else.”
She closed her eyes.
The words hurt more when he said them.
“I don't want to.”
“But you will.”
“I don't know.”
“You already agreed.”
“I know.”
“And you're wearing his ring.”
Elena looked down.
The ring Alexander had given her sat on her finger.
She had barely noticed it since she left his office.
She twisted it.
“I don't love him.”
“I know.”
“I love you.”
Noah didn't answer immediately.
Elena's heart began to ache.
Then he said quietly, “I know.”
She swallowed.
“But you still don't trust me.”
“I trust you.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
“Then why do you keep looking at me like you think I'm going to disappear?”
Elena didn't answer.
Because she had noticed it too.
The way Noah looked at her lately.
As if he was afraid she would leave.
As if he knew something she didn't.
“I'm just scared,” he said.
“Of what?”
“Losing you.”
Elena closed her eyes.
“You're not going to lose me.”
He didn't respond.
She knew he didn't believe her.
And she didn't blame him.
Because she didn't believe it either.
The next morning, Elena woke up to a missed call.
She had no idea when she had fallen asleep.
The number was unknown.
She stared at it.
Her first instinct was to delete it.
Then she remembered the messages.
She opened her phone.
There was a voicemail.
Elena hesitated before playing it.
For a few seconds, there was only silence.
Then a man's voice.
“Stop asking questions.”
The message ended.
Elena sat up.
Her heart was pounding.
She played it again.
The voice was calm.
Almost emotionless.
She didn't recognize it.
She looked at the number.
Then called it.
The number was unavailable.
Elena immediately called Alexander.
He answered after two rings.
“What happened?”
She frowned.
“How did you know something happened?”
“You don't call me this early.”
She looked at the clock.
It was barely seven in the morning.
“Someone left me a voicemail.”
“Send it to me.”
She did.
Alexander listened to it.
“Where did you get this?”
“On my phone.”
“I mean where were you when they called?”
“I was asleep.”
“Did you receive any other message?”
“No.”
“Did anyone contact you yesterday after you left my office?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Check your phone.”
“I just did.”
“Check again.”
Elena sighed.
“You're being ridiculous.”
“Check it.”
She rolled her eyes.
But did as he said.
There were no other messages.
“Nothing.”
Alexander was silent.
Then asked, “Are you alone?”
“Yes.”
“Lock your door.”
“It is locked.”
“Check it.”
“Alexander.”
“Elena.”
She rubbed her forehead.
“I checked it.”
“Good.”
She heard movement on his end.
“I'm sending someone to your apartment.”
“No.”
“I didn't ask.”
“I don't want someone following me.”
“You need protection.”
“I don't need a bodyguard.”
“Then call it something else.”
“What?”
“Someone who will make sure you don't get kidnapped.”
Elena froze.
The words struck her strangely.
“Don't say that.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't want to hear it.”
“Then don't give anyone a reason to do it.”
She frowned.
“What does that mean?”
“It means be careful.”
“I'm tired of hearing that.”
“Then stop putting yourself in situations where I have to say it.”
Elena became quiet.
Alexander sighed.
“I'll send someone.”
“I said no.”
“Elena.”
“No.”
“Fine.”
She blinked.
That had been easier than expected.
“Fine?”
“Yes.”
“That's it?”
“Yes.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“You're planning something.”
“I don't need to plan anything.”
“Alexander.”
“I'll see you later.”
“Why?”
“We need to discuss the wedding.”
Her stomach tightened.
“I thought we had already discussed it.”
“Things have changed.”
“What things?”
“Your brother's case.”
Elena sat up straighter.
“What about it?”
“I'll tell you when I see you.”
She hated that sentence.
“You really enjoy keeping me in suspense.”
“No.”
“Then tell me now.”
“I said I'll tell you later.”
She ended the call.
Then stared at the phone.
Alexander was infuriating.
He knew exactly how to make her curious.
And she hated that she wanted to know what he had discovered.
Alexander sat behind his desk, listening to the voicemail again.
The voice was unfamiliar.
But there was something about it.
The tone.
The confidence.
The lack of fear.
It wasn't a random person trying to scare Elena.
This person knew what they were doing.
His assistant entered the office.
“Sir.”
Alexander paused the recording.
“What did you find?”
“The man from the restaurant.”
Alexander turned.
“Who is he?”
“We're not completely sure.”
His expression hardened.
“You're telling me you still don't know?”
“We found a possible identity.”
“Possible?”
“Yes.”
“Name.”
“Marcus Vale.”
Alexander stared at him.
The name was familiar.
“Where have I heard that?”
“He was connected to several private security firms.”
“Was?”
“He disappeared from the business world about two years ago.”
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
“Disappeared?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“We don't know.”
“Find out.”
His assistant hesitated.
“There is something else.”
Alexander looked at him.
“What?”
“Marcus Vale was seen near the prison several times.”
“When?”
“Over the last few months.”
Alexander stood.
“Why?”
“We don't know.”
“Find out.”
“Yes, sir.”
His assistant placed another file on the desk.
“There is also this.”
Alexander opened it.
His eyes immediately hardened.
“What is this?”
“A list of people who had access to the warehouse.”
He scanned the names.
Then stopped.
His fingers tightened around the paper.
“Where did you get this?”
“From an old employee.”
Alexander looked at the name.
He knew the man.
The employee had worked for him for almost six years.
Then resigned shortly after the money disappeared.
“Why was he never questioned?”
“He was.”
“What did he say?”
“That he knew nothing.”
Alexander looked at the file again.
“Find him.”
Elena spent the rest of the morning thinking about Daniel.
She couldn't stop replaying the conversation.
The way he had looked at her.
The fear in his eyes.
The way he had stopped himself from saying something.
She needed to see him again.
But she knew she couldn't go back to the prison immediately.
She needed a reason.
She needed to understand what was happening first.
Her phone rang.
This time, it was her manager.
“Elena?”
“Yes?”
“Can you come in earlier today?”
She looked at the clock.
“Why?”
“We're short-staffed.”
She sighed.
“Okay.”
“Thank you.”
She ended the call.
Then went to get ready.
She had barely finished dressing when there was a knock on her door.
Elena froze.
She hadn't been expecting anyone.
She slowly walked toward the door.
“Who is it?”
“Delivery.”
She frowned.
“I didn't order anything.”
“There is a package for you.”
Elena looked through the peephole.
A young man stood outside holding a small box.
She didn't recognize him.
“Who sent it?”
“I'm not sure.”
“Then take it back.”
The man looked at the box.
“It's already paid for.”
“By who?”
“I don't know.”
Elena stepped away from the door.
“Leave it there.”
The delivery man hesitated.
“Ma'am—”
“Leave it there.”
He placed the package on the floor.
Then walked away.
Elena waited.
She heard footsteps moving down the corridor.
Then silence.
She opened the door carefully.
The package was small.
Plain.
No sender's name.
Only her name.
ELENA CARTER
She picked it up.
Then immediately placed it on the table.
She stared at it.
She should not open it.
She knew that.
She should call the police.
Or Alexander.
Or Noah.
Instead, she stood there for several minutes.
Then slowly opened it.
Inside was a photograph.
Elena's fingers went cold.
It was the photograph that had gone missing from her drawer.
The one of her and Daniel.
She turned it over.
There was writing on the back.
He should have told you the truth.
Elena dropped it.
Her heart pounded.
She looked around the apartment.
Whoever had taken the photograph had been inside her home.
And now they had returned it.
She picked up her phone.
This time, she called the police.
The police officer arrived forty minutes later.
He examined the package.
Asked her questions.
Took photographs.
Then asked her if she had any enemies.
Elena almost laughed.
“No.”
The officer looked at her.
“You're sure?”
“Yes.”
“Anyone who might want to frighten you?”
“No.”
“Anyone connected to your brother's case?”
Elena hesitated.
“Maybe.”
“Who?”
She thought of Alexander.
Then Noah.
Then the unknown man.
“I don't know.”
The officer wrote something down.
“Have you received any threats before this?”
Elena looked at him.
“Yes.”
“From who?”
“An unknown number.”
“Do you still have the messages?”
“Yes.”
She showed him.
The officer studied them.
Then looked at her.
“You should be careful.”
Elena almost groaned.
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
“Because you need to listen.”
He handed her back the phone.
“Don't delete anything else you receive.”
“I won't.”
“Keep your doors locked.”
“I do.”
“And if anyone suspicious approaches you, call us.”
Elena nodded.
After he left, she sat down.
The apartment felt even more frightening than before.
She immediately called Alexander.
He answered.
“What happened?”
She froze.
“How did you know?”
“I know you're not calling me because you suddenly missed my voice.”
She ignored the comment.
“Someone sent me something.”
“What?”
She sent him a picture of the photograph.
The silence on the line was immediate.
“Where did you get that?”
“It was delivered to my apartment.”
“Who delivered it?”
“I don't know.”
“Did you see the person?”
“No.”
“Did you call the police?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“I want to know what is happening.”
“So do I.”
“Alexander.”
“I'll come to you.”
“No.”
“Elena.”
“I don't want you here.”
“You don't have a choice.”
“Why?”
“Because whoever is doing this has been inside your apartment.”
She went quiet.
He was right.
That didn't mean she wanted him there.
“Alexander.”
“What?”
“Did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That someone was watching me?”
He said nothing.
Elena's stomach tightened.
“Alexander.”
“I suspected.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I wasn't certain.”
“You should have told me!”
“I didn't want to frighten you.”
She laughed bitterly.
“You're doing a terrible job of protecting me.”
His voice became cold.
“I'm trying.”
She stopped.
The words hung between them.
Then he said, “Open the door.”
“What?”
“I'm downstairs.”
Elena's eyes widened.
“You came here?”
“Yes.”
“Alexander—”
“Open the door.”
She looked toward the entrance.
She didn't want to.
But she walked there anyway.
When she opened the door, Alexander stood outside.
He looked at her.
Then looked past her into the apartment.
His expression immediately changed.
“Where is the package?”
“On the table.”
He entered.
Elena stared at him.
“You could at least ask before walking into my apartment.”
“I did.”
“No, you didn't.”
“I told you to open the door.”
“That isn't the same thing.”
Alexander ignored her.
He walked toward the table.
He picked up the photograph.
His eyes moved over it.
“Who is this?”
“Daniel and me.”
“I know.”
She frowned.
“What?”
“I've seen this picture before.”
Elena stared at him.
“When?”
“Years ago.”
Her heart skipped.
“What do you mean?”
Alexander looked at the photograph.
“Daniel had it.”
“When?”
“Before he started working for me.”
She stared at him.
“How would you know?”
“Because he showed it to me.”
Elena frowned.
“Why?”
Alexander looked at her.
“I don't remember.”
She took the photograph from his hand.
“You're lying.”
His expression hardened.
“I'm not.”
“You remember.”
“I don't.”
“You're hiding something.”
His jaw tightened.
“Not everything is about you, Elena.”
“Then why do I feel like everyone knows something except me?”
Alexander said nothing.
She looked at him.
“Daniel knows something.”
“Yes.”
“You know something.”
“Maybe.”
“And Noah—”
She stopped.
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
“What about Noah?”
“Nothing.”
“You were about to say something.”
“No.”
“What does he know?”
“I don't know.”
“Then why did you say his name?”
Elena looked away.
She didn't know.
She had simply thought of him.
Alexander stepped closer.
“Does he know about the messages?”
“Yes.”
“Does he know about the photograph?”
“No.”
“Tell him.”
“Why?”
“Because if he is as important to you as you keep saying, he should know what is happening.”
She looked at him.
“Are you jealous?”
His expression became cold.
“No.”
She smiled slightly.
“You are.”
“Don't flatter yourself.”
“You are.”
“I'm not.”
“You're definitely jealous.”
Alexander took a step closer.
His eyes held hers.
“You're marrying me.”
Elena's smile disappeared.
“Because I have to.”
“I know.”
“Then stop acting like I want to.”
His face changed.
For a second, something flashed in his eyes.
Pain?
Anger?
She couldn't tell.
Then it was gone.
“I don't care what you want.”
The words hurt more than they should have.
Elena looked away.
“Good.”
Alexander left after checking every room in her apartment.
Elena hated that she allowed him to do it.
She hated even more that she felt safer after he did.
The moment the door closed behind him, her phone rang.
Noah.
She answered.
“Hey.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
There was a pause.
“Alexander was there?”
Elena froze.
“How do you know?”
“I saw his car.”
She walked toward the window.
She pulled the curtain slightly.
Noah was standing across the street.
Elena's heart skipped.
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to check on you.”
“You could have called.”
“I did.”
She looked at her phone.
She had missed his call.
“Why didn't you come inside?”
Noah looked up at her window.
“I didn't want to interrupt.”
She frowned.
“Interrupt what?”
“Your conversation.”
Elena stared at him.
She had never seen Noah like this.
He looked angry.
Not at her.
At Alexander.
“Come upstairs.”
Noah hesitated.
Then crossed the street.
A few minutes later, he stood outside her apartment.
Elena opened the door.
He walked in.
“Did he find anything?”
“Who?”
“Alexander.”
She frowned.
“Why do you keep asking about him?”
“Because he's involved in this.”
“So are you.”
Noah looked at her.
“What does that mean?”
“You're involved because you're my boyfriend.”
His expression changed.
“Right.”
Elena sighed.
“Noah.”
“What?”
“I'm sorry.”
“For what?”
“For everything.”
He looked away.
She stepped closer.
“Please don't do this.”
“Do what?”
“Become distant.”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
He didn't answer.
Elena studied him.
Then asked softly, “Is there something you want to tell me?”
Noah's eyes met hers.
For a moment, she thought he would.
His lips parted.
Then he shook his head.
“No.”
Elena felt something inside her sink.
“Okay.”
He looked at her.
“Why did you ask me that?”
“Because Daniel is hiding something from me.”
“I know.”
“And Alexander is hiding something from me.”
“I know.”
“And now you are too.”
Noah's face tightened.
“I am not hiding anything.”
“Then why do I feel like you are?”
He looked away.
Elena moved closer.
“Noah.”
He said nothing.
She reached for his hand.
He allowed her to take it.
“I love you,” she whispered.
His eyes closed briefly.
“I love you too.”
“Then please don't lie to me.”
He opened his eyes.
“I won't.”
Elena stared at him.
She wanted to believe him.
She did.
But deep down, a small part of her wondered if she had just made a promise to someone who had already broken it.
That night, the man in the dark room studied the photograph on his desk.
It was an old photograph.
Elena and Daniel.
He had taken it years ago.
Before Elena knew he existed.
Before she knew how close he had always been.
He had watched her smile.
Watched her grow.
Watched her fall in love.
He had waited.
He had told himself he was being patient.
That she was too young.
That there was no need to rush.
But then Alexander Blackwood had entered the picture.
The man looked at the photograph of Elena wearing the ring.
His expression darkened.
Alexander was going to marry her.
No.
He would not allow it.
His phone rang.
He answered.
“She's beginning to suspect everyone.”
“Good.”
“Are you sure this is the right time?”
He looked at the photograph.
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Because she needs to understand that no one around her is telling her the truth.”
“And when she does?”
He smiled.
“Then she'll have nowhere left to turn.”
The call ended.
He leaned back in his chair.
On the wall before him was a large photograph.
Elena.
Standing outside the café.
Elena.
Leaving work.
Elena.
Walking into the prison.
Elena.
Wearing Alexander's ring.
He had watched her for two years.
He knew her habits.
Her fears.
Her favorite places.
The people she loved.
And soon, she would know him.
Not yet.
But soon.
He looked at the calendar.
Three months.
He had waited two years.
Three months was nothing.
But the thought of Elena standing beside Alexander at the altar made something dark twist inside him.
He picked up his phone.
“Move the plan forward.”
The voice on the other end hesitated.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“But the wedding—”
“There may not be a wedding.”
He ended the call.
Then looked at Elena's photograph one more time.
“Not if I get to you first.”
- Writer
