Used By My Billionaire Boss

chapter 11

The Letter

A scared latter

Because it weighs so much more than the paper it is composed of, the envelope quivers in Stephanie's hands. It almost seems like the sight of it is enough to choke her and drag her back into the life she believed she had abandoned.

Slowly and deliberately, as if bracing herself for the worst, she runs her fingertips over the paper's smooth surface before tearing it apart. She feels a sinking sensation in her chest and is unsure of whether to be angry or afraid. Her heart is pounding more forcefully in her chest every second as she unfolds the letter, despite the heat rising in her throat.

The words strike her like a kick to the gut and are brief and snappy:

"I am aware of your location. You cannot hide indefinitely. - Leon

Her eyesight becomes blurry as her breath hitches in her throat. She has the impression that the walls are closing in and the room is spinning. How? How could he already have located her? She believed that she was at last free and safe. The letter she is holding, But, shows differently.

As though clinging to the letter might somehow prevent her world from collapsing, she slumps into a chair, her palms damp as she grabs it more tightly.

Each letter serves as a reminder of everything she is attempting to flee and all Leon's words pierce her. It's difficult to forget the life she believed she could leave behind.

You cannot hide indefinitely.

Although it is a warning and a threat, it is more than that. It serves as a reminder of his dominance and might. She can just hear his icy, ominous voice in her mind as he assures her that he will always find her, no matter where she goes or how far she escapes.

In her hand, the letter trembles. She is aware of her obligations. Before it's too late, she must depart once more. She is eager to see what he will do next.

Crazy Plans

Without giving it any thought, Stephanie dashes to Jake's place, her legs propelling her ahead of her expectations. Her mind is racing wildly, and her heart is thumping in her chest. She is pressed for time.

Jake is already on his feet when she storms through the door, his face strained from the urgency of her movements. She shoves the paper into his hands silently, her voice shaking as she blurts out the words she wishes she would never have to say.

She hardly manages to hold her voice steady as she continues, "He found me."

Jake picks up the letter and looks through it, his expression darkening as he reads. For a brief period, the room is silent save for the sound of her fast breathing. But, she notices the resolve in Jake's eyes as his gaze rises to meet hers.

"We must depart immediately," he states in a forceful, uncompromising tone.

Stephanie tightens her throat as she nods. She had already gathered all she would need in such a short period. She cannot afford to lose any more time. While Jake packs the rest of their belongings into bags with the same urgency as she does, she can hear her heart thumping.

He takes out his phone and taps the screen quickly, saying, "I'll call someone." As soon as we can, we'll be moving. Just persevere.

Stephanie isn't paying attention, though. With everything crashing down on her, her mind is racing and the room is spinning. Leon is aware. He's located me. He will arrive.

"Jake..." When she does talk, her voice breaks and her sentences are hurried. "What happens if I never get rid of him? What happens if I can't beat him?

Jake's demeanor remains unchanged as he looks at her, but his eyes soften. He is aware of the fear she is experiencing. He is aware of the toll that the incessant running and never-ending concern are having on her. He is aware that they have no other option, though.

In an attempt to soothe her, he adds firmly, "We'll figure it out." "Stephanie, you're not alone in this. I'll assist you. We'll work together to overcome this.

But, the fury inside her cannot be entirely subdued by his words. She nods while inhaling deeply and repressing her dread. They must concentrate on leaving for the time being. Later, the remainder will follow.

Once more on the run

Stephanie feels like she has the entire world on her shoulders as they leave the apartment. Every turn seems like a risk, every stride like a trap. Every person and vehicle that passes by heightens her senses, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She can't get rid of the idea that they're being watched and that Leon or a member of his crew might show up at any time to yank her back into the life she's worked so hard to leave.

"What if he's already here, Jake?" Her question is hardly audible above a whisper. She glances at every person on the street, examining their features for any indication that they are being followed. But, everything appears too typical.

Notwithstanding the urgency of their predicament, Jake adds in a steady voice, "We'll be fine." As they move down the street, he leads the way and maintains his forward focus. Simply remain near. Continue to move.

As they stroll, Stephanie's thoughts are running a mile a minute. How did he discover me so quickly? She ponders. He must be trying to find me. His eyes are everywhere. But, how? How could he find me so fast?

Her stomach sinks as they turn a corner. It's too late for her. She feels as if someone is sucking air out of her lungs. As the environment around her gets more constrictive, the streets, buildings, and people all become blurry. Every sound is excessively harsh and loud. She feels as though every step is on top of her.

Will I ever be able to let him go? For the hundredth time, she wonders. The question lingers in her mind like a threatening cloud.

She's about to say anything when she hears a sound, first soft and then louder. It's the sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps reverberating behind them. Her heart beats faster.

"Jake," she utters in a tremulous whisper. "They're following us."

Jake turns and looks around the street, his eyes sharpening. His hand automatically grabs his phone, prepared to call or do anything. But, the footsteps get closer and louder before he can.

Stephanie becomes motionless. She knows what's behind them, but she has to turn around even though she doesn't want to. There is nothing she can do.

Her heart thumping in her chest, she slowly turns her head. Leon is standing under a streetlamp at the end of the street.

Her legs turn to jelly as her breath stops in her throat. Her body remains motionless as she looks at him, her mind trying to take in what she's seeing.

Leon's eyes are hard with resolve, and his face is icy. He isn't here to converse. He comes to track her down and return her to the life she is fleeing.

Stephanie feels a rush of panic threaten to overtake her, and her stomach turns. She can't cry now, though. Not with everything she's at risk of losing.

The sound of the footsteps intensifies. As Stephanie looks at Leon, her mind is racing for a way out, and her heart is pounding. But she is aware that there is no simple solution. He is not going anywhere without her.