chapter three
1355 Words
“Hurry up and come in,” Janet whispered sharply, grabbing my arm and pulling me into her apartment. She peeked outside nervously before shutting the door behind us with a soft click.
“Chill out, nobody saw me,” I said with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.
She let out a sigh of relief, leaning her back against the door. “The media has been crazy these days. I hate how far they go to get details of my life. It’s exhausting.”
“I know,” I murmured, stepping forward and kissing her forehead gently before handing her the bouquet of flowers I had brought. “These are for you.”
Her face softened as she smiled, taking the flowers with a little gasp. “Laurent, you’re so sweet.” She raised them to her nose and inhaled their scent deeply, the smile lingering as she glanced back at me.
I followed her into the kitchen, where she filled a jug with water and began arranging the flowers. She handled them so delicately, her movements gentle, precise—like everything she did. I couldn’t help but stare. I fell deeper in love with her every day.
She caught me watching her and tilted her head, smirking playfully. “What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head with a grin. “I’m just thinking about how much I love you.” I reached out to pinch her cheek softly.
She beamed, her eyes glinting with warmth, before leaning in and giving me a soft kiss. “The popcorn is almost ready.”
“Popcorn?” I asked, feigning confusion.
She folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you forgot. I told you we were watching a movie the next time you came over.” She pouted, giving me her best “sad” face.
I chuckled, shaking my head. “I’m just messing with you. I remember.”
“Good,” she said, her smile returning. “Pick a movie while I go upstairs to change. I’ll be right back.” She gave me a quick wink before disappearing up the stairs.
Left alone, I walked to the living room and sank into the plush couch. Janet’s apartment was as serene and inviting as ever—minimal but warm, like her. The faint scent of lavender floated through the air, soothing my nerves. I picked up the remote and scrolled through her Netflix queue, indecisive about what to choose.
Moments later, I heard soft footsteps. Janet appeared in the doorway, now wearing an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, her hair gathered loosely into a bun. She looked effortlessly beautiful, her natural glow undeniable. She carried the popcorn bowl into the room and dropped onto the couch beside me, so close that her head naturally found its place on my shoulder.
I patted her silky black hair absentmindedly, but as I glanced down, I noticed something. Janet’s shoulders were tense, her expression distant, as if her mind were a million miles away.
“What’s wrong?” I asked softly.
She sighed, her breath shaky. “Nothing. I’m just tired of all the attention.”
I waited, letting her continue.
“I just want to be able to walk outside without someone recognizing me,” she muttered, her voice quiet. “I’m not even that famous yet, but the fame is already suffocating. Everywhere I go, people are there, taking pictures, recording videos without asking. And the next thing I know, my life is all over the internet. It’s like I don’t even have a say in it.”
Her words were laced with frustration, but there was something deeper too—sadness. I held her closer, letting her lean into me.
“People don’t get it,” she continued. “They intrude into someone’s life for a few clicks and likes, and then they move on to the next scandal. I’m just so fed up, Laurent.”
“I know, babe,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “We’ll find a way to sort this out. I promise.”
She nodded faintly before shifting to look up at me. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?” I asked, suddenly feeling a little uneasy.
“If everyone finds out about us… how will you feel?”
I froze for a moment, the question hanging heavy in the air. I knew how much she valued her privacy, and the idea of us becoming fodder for tabloids wasn’t something I had considered—at least, not fully. I chose my words carefully.
“I don’t really know,” I admitted. “I don’t like the attention either, but if it happens, it won’t change how I feel about you. I’ll be here every step of the way.” I kissed the top of her head, pulling her closer.
“I love you, Laurent,” she whispered, holding onto my hands as if they were her lifeline.
“I love you too, Janet,” I replied, my voice steady. We let the movie play on, though neither of us was paying attention.
---
I couldn’t get Janet out of my head. Even now, it didn’t feel real—her death, the cold stillness of her body, the emptiness that surrounded me every time I thought of her. I’d tried to stop her that night, begged her not to go, but Janet had always been stubborn. She trusted the wrong people, and it cost her everything.
The anger gnawed at me, sharp and relentless. I couldn’t stop imagining her fear in those final moments. Had she pleaded for her life? Had she cried?
I swore then and there, clenching my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms—I’ll find whoever did this to you, Janet. I’ll make them pay. They’ll rot behind bars for the rest of their miserable life.
A vibrating sound pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced at my phone to see multiple missed calls from Detective Layla.
I dialed her back, the call ringing only once before she picked up. “Laurent, you finally called back.”
“Hi, Layla,” I said flatly.
“I know it’s been difficult coping,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Janet didn’t deserve to die. She was one of the good ones.”
Her words sent an involuntary shiver through me.
“You guys really kept your relationship quiet,” she added after a moment. “But the internet’s buzzing with news about you two.”
I frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Someone posted a video,” she explained, sounding cautious. “It’s of your outburst at Janet’s house yesterday. The whole internet’s going crazy over it.”
“What?” I snapped, feeling my blood boil.
“Laurent, calm down,” Layla said quickly, trying to steady me. “Just take a deep breath. You need to focus.”
I hung up without another word and pulled up my phone, searching frantically to confirm what she’d said. My heart dropped as I saw the headlines.
“Mystery Lover Exposed: Laurent’s Emotional Outburst at Janet’s House”
I scrolled through the videos, feeling rage bubble up inside me. She’s dead, and they still won’t leave her alone! Janet’s words came back to me—the suffocating fame, the intrusions, the feeling of being stripped bare for everyone to gawk at. Even in death, she had no peace.
But I couldn’t wallow. Not anymore. I had to fight for her. I had to get justice.
I dialed Layla’s number again.
“Laurent?” she answered quickly.
“ where are you?” I said, grabbing my coat and car keys.
"Janet's apartment" she said
"I'm on my way" I said unlocking my apartment door
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked.
“I don’t have a choice,” I replied, storming out of my apartment.
Janet’s killer was out there, walking free. I wouldn’t stop until I found them.
- Writer
