Hearing Tobias say Gianni’s name unlocked a new fear I didn’t know want to ever face.
I moved fast, faster than I should have, my legs carrying me without thought. Driving never even crossed my mind. I cut through the last building as if I were heading out the back gate, then looped forward again, glancing over my shoulder every few seconds. My pulse thundered in my ears. It felt like he was following me.
But I knew he wasn’t.
After I stepped out of the elevator, I stood there for nearly three full minutes, pretending to scroll through my phone, watching the hallway reflection, waiting to see if he would appear.
He didn’t.
The receptionist greeted me as I entered the building. I forced a smile and kept walking, not slowing until the elevator doors slid shut behind me.
Only then did I
