You Don’t Get to Find Me
1030 Words
The night felt too quiet.
Bella stood by the large window of the room Ethan had given her, staring out at the city lights below.
Everything looked beautiful from up here.
Calm.
Untouchable.
But inside her—
Nothing was calm.
⸻
A New Space, A New Reality
The room was bigger than her entire apartment.
Soft lights.
Elegant furniture.
A bed that looked like it belonged in a luxury hotel.
It reminded her of the life she once had.
But this time…
It didn’t feel the same.
Because now—
Nothing was guaranteed.
⸻
Her Thoughts
Bella wrapped her arms around herself, her fingers brushing lightly against her stomach.
“He’s going to find out…”
The thought came uninvited.
Unwanted.
But real.
Alexander wasn’t the type to ignore things.
And after tonight—
After the way he looked at her—
She knew.
He would come looking.
⸻
A Quiet Knock
Knock. Knock.
Bella turned slightly.
“Come in.”
The door opened.
Ethan stepped inside.
His presence immediately filled the room.
“You’re not asleep,” he said.
Bella shook her head.
“I couldn’t.”
Ethan walked closer, his eyes studying her carefully.
“You’re thinking about him.”
It wasn’t a question.
Bella didn’t deny it.
“Yes.”
⸻
The Truth Between Them
Silence stretched between them for a moment.
Then—
“He’ll start looking for you,” Ethan said.
Bella let out a quiet breath.
“I know.”
“And when he does,” Ethan continued, “he won’t stop easily.”
Bella turned to face him fully.
“What do you want me to do?”
Ethan’s gaze locked onto hers.
“Stay here.”
Her brows furrowed.
“That’s not an answer.”
“It is,” he said calmly.
⸻
Control vs Choice
Bella took a step forward.
“I don’t want to hide,” she said.
Her voice wasn’t loud.
But it was firm.
“I’ve spent enough time running from things.”
Ethan’s eyes darkened slightly.
“This isn’t about running,” he said.
“It’s about control.”
Bella shook her head.
“No,” she replied.
“It’s about my life.”
⸻
The Tension Rises
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The air between them felt different now.
Heavier.
More personal.
“You think he deserves to know?” Ethan asked suddenly.
Bella froze.
Her heart tightened.
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
Ethan stepped closer.
“Then let me make it simple for you.”
His voice dropped slightly.
“He doesn’t.”
⸻
A Dangerous Statement
Bella looked up at him.
“Why are you so sure?”
Ethan held her gaze.
“Because he already made his decision.”
The words were simple.
But they carried weight.
Truth.
Pain.
Reality.
⸻
Meanwhile…
Across the city—
Alexander’s office lights were still on.
It was past midnight.
But he hadn’t left.
Not once.
The report sat on his desk.
Unread now.
Because he had already memorized every word.
⸻
The Search Begins
“Sir,” his assistant said cautiously, standing near the door.
“We’ve located her last known address.”
Alexander didn’t look up.
“Go on.”
“She moved out,” the assistant continued. “No forwarding details. No trace.”
Alexander’s hand tightened into a fist.
“She didn’t just disappear,” he said coldly.
“She was moved.”
⸻
A Name Appears
The assistant hesitated.
“There is one possible connection…”
Alexander’s eyes lifted.
“Say it.”
“…Ethan Cole.”
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
⸻
The Realization
Alexander let out a low breath.
“So it’s him…”
His jaw tightened.
Of all people—
Ethan Cole.
⸻
Rivalry Ignites
Alexander stood up slowly.
His presence filled the room instantly.
“Prepare the car,” he said.
The assistant blinked.
“Sir? It’s already late—”
“I said prepare the car.”
His voice left no room for argument.
⸻
Back to Bella
Bella sat on the edge of the bed now, her mind still racing.
Ethan hadn’t left.
He stood near the window, watching her.
“You should rest,” he said.
Bella let out a soft laugh.
“Rest?” she repeated. “With everything going on?”
Ethan didn’t respond.
Instead—
He walked closer again.
⸻
A Subtle Shift
“You’re stronger than you think,” he said.
Bella looked up at him.
“And you’re more controlling than you admit.”
For a brief second—
Silence.
Then—
Ethan smiled.
A real one this time.
“Maybe.”
⸻
A New Dynamic
Bella shook her head slightly.
“You can’t decide everything for me.”
“I don’t intend to,” he replied.
“Then stop acting like it.”
Ethan’s gaze softened just a little.
“I’m trying to protect you.”
Bella’s expression changed.
“I didn’t ask for protection,” she said quietly.
Ethan’s voice dropped.
“You needed it.”
⸻
The Moment Breaks
Before Bella could respond—
A phone rang.
Ethan’s.
He answered immediately.
His expression changed.
Cold.
Sharp.
“What is it?” he asked.
A pause.
Then—
“I see.”
⸻
Incoming Storm
He ended the call and looked at Bella.
“He’s moving.”
Bella’s heart skipped.
“Alexander?”
Ethan nodded once.
“He knows more than he should.”
⸻
The Final Line
Bella slowly stood up.
Her hand moved to her stomach again.
Her eyes filled with something new.
Not fear.
Not weakness.
But resolve.
“Then let him come,” she said.
Ethan watched her carefully.
“You’re sure?”
Bella met his gaze.
This time—
Without hesitation.
“He doesn’t get to find me as the same woman he left behind.”
Her voice was calm.
But powerful.
“And he doesn’t get to control what happens next.”
⸻
Ending Hook
Somewhere in the city—
A car sped through the night.
Alexander Knight inside.
His eyes cold.
Focused.
Determined.
And this time—
He wasn’t looking for answers.
He was coming for her.
- Writer
