Solely Mine

Chapter.5_Surfaces

Chapter 5: Surfaces

The wind outside her window whispered against the glass, but inside Lerato’s room, the world had gone still. She sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand, staring at the message from Kyler. His words lingered in her chest like a slow, steady drumbeat: Hello beautiful… I'm so sorry I had to leave…

It felt surreal. Less than twenty-four hours ago, she had been running for her life, gripped by fear, suspicion, and confusion. Now, there was this stranger—Kyler—who had appeared out of nowhere and saved her. Calm, composed, with a hint of charm that made her heartbeat trip over itself. She couldn’t decide whether to be grateful or cautious.

Her thumb hovered over the keypad before she began typing.

Lerato: Thank you again for helping me. I still don’t understand what happened last night, but I guess I owe you more than I can say.

His response came swiftly.

Kyler: No need for thanks. I was just at the right place at the right time. Are you safe now?

Safe. The word sank into her like a question wrapped in a riddle. Was she safe? With her parents hiding secrets, a stranger messaging her cryptic warnings, and someone clearly following her… what did safety even mean anymore?

Lerato: I don’t know. Honestly, I’m not sure who I can trust anymore.

There was a pause. This time, it took him longer to reply.

Kyler: Then trust me. Just for now. I can help you if you let me.

Her fingers tightened around the phone. Could she trust him? She had no reason to. And yet, something about his presence—even in text—felt like an anchor. Solid. Real.

Before she could overthink it, her bedroom door creaked open. Her mother peeked in, her face tight and unreadable.

"Lerato… can we talk?"

She sighed. “I’m tired.”

"I know, but we need to talk about last night. About why you ran."

Lerato looked up, her eyes dull with exhaustion and anger. "And will you finally tell me the truth? About what’s going on? About why someone was following me?"

Her mother stepped inside slowly, closing the door behind her. For once, she didn’t have that perfectly put-together look. Her shoulders sagged, her expression weighed down by something heavier than worry.

"We were going to tell you when you were ready."

Lerato snorted. "I’m being chased and hospitalized. I think I passed that a long time ago."

Her mother sat on the chair opposite her bed, looking at her with a displeasing look

“There’s a lot you don’t know, Lerato. Your father and I… we are trying to protect you .Would you please lay low and corporate with us.

What do you mean by corporate, mum? Corporate you say,since I got here ,you have totally refused to tell me anything and you want me to corporate, well mum I'm tired ,and I want to rest ,leave me alone,do i look like a child mum ,do i?

It's for your own good “ her mother replied

just then, a massage popped on her screen ,

Kyler:Goodnight, princess

a string of hope lingered in her heart

---

Later that evening...

Kyler waited in the far corner of a quiet coffee shop on the edge of the city. The place was nearly empty, dimly lit with warm tones and faint jazz humming through the speakers.he was still in search of the new girl,he was given 24 hours to report back to the headquarters

Lerato had gone out for an evening stroll when she came across the coffee shop and decided to take one

Immediately, kyler recognised her,he got up from his seat and headed towards her .

“What a pleasure ,I never thought I would see you hear

“oh you got the wrong girl…..i don't know you …really

I know, allow me ,Kyler. I'm Kyler

Lerato hesitated for a while before remembering him ,”from yesterday, oh thank you so much ,I couldn't thank you enough for saving me..

“Oh common, it's fine. I just happened to be there at the right time ,thank goodness you're perfectly fine ,becareful please, those blocks are dangerous

Lerato nodded, just them kyler saw it as an opportunity to invite her to seat.

Kyler gestured for her to sit. He smiled charming and placed an order for the two…

Just when he was about wooing her ,a massage popped on his phone screen….who is she ?she's also new,get me everything you have on her,

His facial expression dampens

“What… is it?” she whispered.

” Kyler responded," Oh no, it's nothing, work related said.

Lerato nodded ..

“I guess I should be going home now. I dont wanna get anyone worried again..

Kyler leaned in. His voice was quiet, work just came in, and it's urgent, I would have really loved to seat more with you and talk

Her breath came shallow,from the way he was leaned in ,she could feel his breath on her

“she immediately stood up and waved him goodbye

Kyler’s eyes met hers. Calm, steady, but intense,he also waved her…

Just as she was about working out of the coffee shop,

She bumped into the ever intimidating arrogant man

Williams Collins

She muttered a quiet sorry,but with the smell of his cologne hitting her nostrils, she couldn’t resist but looking up to see the man,

Williams pov:

“What a petite woman, well I don't have time for this now....,he quietly walked away without saying anything, but something about her made him turn back,the sweet rosemary scent hit his nostrils differently ,it's mield and calm. It reminded him of his favourite spot.... ,he quickly brushed the thought away and was ready to face the days job,

The client he was to meet at the shop wasn't here already

and he hated it when he had to wait for something he knew the next person is to gain from him ,it was a business proposal and the two parties would gain from it ,he thought “ why isn't he here ? He asked his secretary who had seen to the arrangement of the the meeting.

She quickly replied “I will call him immediately, sir.

He replied “I'm running out of patience,such mediocrity isn't to be condoned.

—-