SUPRISE?! WHY BOTHER?

UNEXPECTED

Eva's heart was racing as Ryder grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the door. She struggled against him, but his grip was like a vice.

Just as they reached the door, it swung open, and a figure walked in. Eva's eyes widened as she took in the sight of her best friend, Sarah, standing in the doorway, looking confused.

"Eva, what's going on?" Sarah asked, her eyes darting from Eva to Ryder.

Ryder's expression darkened, and he took a step back, his grip on Eva loosening. "This doesn't concern you, Sarah," he growled.

But Sarah wasn't one to back down. She stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "It does concern me when someone's manhandling my friend," she said, her voice firm.

Eva took advantage of the distraction to pull her arm free from Ryder's grip. She moved to stand beside Sarah, her heart still racing.

Ryder's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "This isn't over, Eva," he warned, before turning and storming out of the apartment.

As the door slammed shut, Eva let out a shaky breath. "Thanks, Sarah," she said, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.

Sarah turned to her, her expression concerned. "What's going on, Eva? Who was that guy?"

Eva hesitated, unsure of how to explain. But before she could say anything, Eva's phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening.

"Oh my god, sarah. I think you need to see this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

sarah's heart skipped a beat as she took the phone from eva. The message on the screen made her blood run cold.

"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone."

Eva's eyes scanned the message, her mind racing. Who could be sending this? And what did they want?

Sarah's voice broke the silence. "Eva, what does it mean? Who's making you meet them?"

Eva shook her head, trying to process. "I don't know, but I have to go."

Sarah's expression turned determined. "You're not going alone. I'm coming with you."

Eva started to argue, but Sarah cut her off. "Don't even think about it, Eva. We're in this together."

As they started making plans, Eva's phone buzzed in her hand. Another message, from an unknown number.

"Don't bother bringing anyone else. We know you're with Sarah."

Eva's blood ran cold. How did they know?

Sarah's eyes met hers, her expression grim. "Looks like we've got a problem."

They decided to stick to the plan, but with a twist. They'd go to the warehouse, but they'd be prepared.

As midnight approached, Eva and Sarah made their way to the old warehouse, their hearts racing with anticipation and fear.

When they arrived, the warehouse was dark and quiet. But as they stepped inside, a figure emerged from the shadows.

"Hello, Eva," he said, his voice low and familiar.

Eva's eyes adjusted to the dim light, and her heart skipped a beat. It was Max.

"Max?" Eva asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on?"

Max's expression was unreadable. "I'm here to help you, Eva. But we need to talk."