TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT
The car sped through traffic as Lucien held Elara's trembling hand.
"You're safe," he kept saying.
"I won't let her touch you."
But Elara couldn't shake the feeling.
"She's still watching," she whispered.
---
A Shadow in the Parking Lot
When they arrived home, the underground parking lot was quiet.
Too quiet.
Lucien stepped out first, scanning the area.
"Stay close," he said.
Elara nodded.
Suddenly—
A figure stepped out from behind a pillar.
Serena.
Her smile was slow.
Dangerous.
"Miss me?" she asked.
---
Near Disaster
Elara gasped.
"Serena… you're supposed to be—"
"Locked away?" Serena laughed.
"Like I ever follow rules."
She took a step forward.
"You took everything from me."
Lucien moved in front of Elara instantly.
"Get away from her."
Serena tilted her head.
"Or what? You'll call the police?"
She suddenly reached into her bag.
Elara screamed.
Lucien lunged forward—
He grabbed Serena's wrist just in time.
A small weapon fell to the ground.
---
Lucien Loses Control
Lucien pushed Serena back hard.
"You're insane!" he roared.
"You'll never touch her!"
Security guards rushed in after hearing the noise.
Serena laughed wildly.
"This isn't over, Elara!"
"I'll haunt you forever!"
She was dragged away.
Elara collapsed into Lucien's arms.
"I thought… I thought I was going to die."
He held her tightly.
"Never. Not while I'm alive."
---
Aftermath
Police arrived moments later.
Serena was taken away, screaming threats.
But Elara's heart still raced.
"She'll come back," she whispered.
Lucien's eyes darkened.
"Then I'll be ready."