Morning Unease
Elena woke to the soft hum of the city beneath her window. The sunlight cast long shadows across the marble floors of the penthouse. Her first instinct was to check the apartment, ensuring nothing had been tampered with during the night.
He could be anywhere, she thought. And yet… I feel like he's always here.
She dressed quickly, opting for something simple, yet presentable. Breakfast had been laid out neatly, just as Alexander preferred. He sat at the table, papers and digital tablets spread out before him, eyes focused, but she felt the weight of his gaze the moment she entered.
"Good morning," she said cautiously, keeping her tone neutral.
"Sit," he commanded, voice measured. "Breakfast is sustenance, not entertainment."
Elena obeyed, sitting stiffly. Every movement felt scrutinized, measured against some invisible standard she didn't understand.
Alexander's POV – Silent Surveillance
From his study, Alexander observed her through the subtle cameras he had installed. Not because he doubted her intentions, but because everything mattered.
She moves carefully, but she's curious. That curiosity is dangerous… and fascinating.
He studied the slight hesitation in her posture, the way her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the cup. Every detail contributed to the map he was building—a mental record of her habits, reactions, and vulnerabilities.
She belongs here. She doesn't know it yet. But she will learn.
Exploration and Suspicion
After breakfast, Elena wandered the penthouse again. This time, she noticed subtle irregularities:
A framed photograph slightly askew
A door ajar that shouldn't have been
Books slightly rearranged from how she remembered
Her pulse quickened. He's always watching, she realized. Every detail, every moment.
She opened a drawer cautiously, discovering a small, neatly organized notebook. Inside were observations of her—sleeping patterns, morning routines, even the way she reacted to his presence. She felt chills.
He… documented me?
Elena's heart hammered. Her mind raced with possibilities: was this protective, obsessive, or something darker?
Hints of Alexander's Past
Tucked into the notebook was a photo of a woman Elena didn't recognize. The handwriting on the back read:
"She taught me control. You will learn too."
Elena shivered. Questions swirled: who was this woman? What lessons did Alexander learn, and how would they apply to her?
The apartment suddenly felt colder. She understood that the contract was only the beginning, and Alexander's world contained far more danger, mystery, and obsession than she had imagined.
Afternoon Confrontation
Elena attempted to focus on something mundane—a book on a shelf—but Alexander appeared silently behind her. His sudden presence made her heart skip a beat.
"You should not touch things without permission," he said softly.
"I… I was just curious," she whispered.
"Curiosity can be dangerous," he replied, almost a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Especially in my world."
The tension between them was electric. Elena realized for the first time that his obsession was not just subtle; it was deliberate. Every word, every glance, every step had purpose.
Nightfall – The First Warning
That evening, a soft knock echoed at her door. Elena, tense and wary, opened it to find a small envelope slid under the door. She unfolded the note:
"The past never stays buried. Watch carefully. Trust no one."
Her hands shook. She looked around the empty room. Silence. Yet instinct told her: she was being warned—by someone, or something, connected to Alexander's past.
This is bigger than the contract… bigger than him… bigger than me.