Chapter 4: Watched
571 Words
Los Angeles greeted her like it always did—
Warm. Golden. Effortless.
By the time Skye’s car pulled through the tall iron gates of her estate, the sun was dipping low, casting a honeyed glow over everything it touched.
Her home stood like a statement.
Massive. Modern. Untouchable.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls reflected the sky, while sleek marble pillars framed the entrance. A long driveway curved around a centerpiece fountain, water cascading softly over sculpted stone. Palm trees lined the path like silent guards, their shadows stretching across perfectly trimmed lawns.
Inside?
It was even more breathtaking.
Polished white marble floors.
A floating staircase with glass railings.
Crystal chandeliers catching the light in soft, shimmering fragments.
The living room opened wide with sunken seating, plush and expensive, facing a panoramic view of the city below. Every corner whispered luxury.
Every inch screamed success.
Skye stepped in, dropping her bag casually as she kicked off her sneakers.
“Home,” she muttered under her breath.
“Finally!”
The voice came out of nowhere—
Fast. Loud. Familiar.
“Kylie?!”
Before she could react, Kylie Monroe came rushing in like a storm of energy, arms wide, already talking.
“I missed you! Oh my God, I watched the whole concert—Skye, you were insane! Like actually insane, I had goosebumps, I almost cried, I—”
“Kylie—breathe,” Skye laughed, pulling her into a quick hug.
Kylie pulled back, eyes sparkling. “No, you don’t understand. The outfit? Legendary. The way you owned that stage? Illegal. You need to be stopped.”
Skye rolled her eyes, smiling as she dropped onto the couch. “You sound like Stiles.”
“Because Stiles has taste,” Kylie shot back instantly, flopping down beside her.
They both laughed.
“So,” Kylie leaned in, practically vibrating with excitement, “Paris.”
Skye exhaled, leaning back into the cushions. “Paris.”
“That’s not just a show, Skye. That’s a moment. The outfits alone? I need details. Drama. Sparkle. Tears!”
“I literally just got back and you’re already planning my life,” Skye teased.
“Obviously. Someone has to keep things iconic.”
Skye shook her head, amused. “It’s going to be big though. Bigger than New York.”
Kylie’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”
“Always.”
They kept talking—about music, outfits, headlines, the future. The room buzzed with excitement, light, laughter.
Everything felt perfect.
Safe.
—
Outside…
Beyond the tall gates.
Past the cameras and security lights.
A figure stood in the shadows.
Still.
Watching.
His eyes fixed on the glass walls… on her.
Skye.
Even from a distance, he could see her smile. Hear her laughter—at least, that’s what it felt like in his head.
His fingers twitched slightly at his side.
“There you are…” he whispered.
His voice was low. Almost reverent.
“I knew you’d come back.”
Inside, she laughed again.
His expression softened… then twisted into something darker.
“They don’t see you like I do,” he murmured to himself. “They don’t understand you.”
A pause.
His gaze never leaving her.
“But I do.”
His lips curled faintly.
“And soon…”
A breath.
Quiet. Certain.
“You’ll understand me too.”
—
Inside the house, Skye leaned back, completely unaware.
Still smiling.
Still shining.
Still being watched.
- Writer
