Chapter 15

The soft melody of a recognizable song drifted through the flimsy walls of the apartment, enclosing me like a recollection from the past. It became increasingly louder with every step, the beat joyful and persistent, entirely contrasting the subtle tension that had enveloped me.

Then emerged the voice—lively and brimming with vigor.

"Get up and glow!"

Cindy entered the room like an unexpected beam of sunshine, her smile broad and her voice overly bright for the early morning. She carried a tray stacked high with warm bread and hot coffee, the fragrance filling the room and blending with the subtle scent of lavender from Chloe's blanket.

I gasped, surprised, holding Chloe tightly against my chest. She sat on my lap, her tiny fingers clutching my shirt as I attempted to examine her teeth. She had been restless all night, chewing on everything available, and I was convinced she was teething.

"Cindy, you startled me!" I inhaled sharply, my tone more cutting than I meant.

"Apologies, dear," Cindy responded without any regret. Her bouncy blonde curls swayed as she walked in, her green eyes glinting with mischief. "However, honestly, you and this tiny one could use some sunshine." "You've been stuck in here for days!"

Before I had a chance to object, Cindy descended quickly, her arms wide open. Chloe immediately reached out, letting out a joyful squeal. Cindy easily grabbed her, twirling her around in a circle before holding her tightly.

"Oh, aren't you just the most adorable little thing!" Cindy chuckled, laughing while Chloe snickered and clutched handfuls of her hair.

I attempted to concentrate on the setting, on the brightness Cindy added to the space, but an odd weight enveloped me instead. My chest constricted, a persistent discomfort tingling at the borders of my mind.

My eyes drifted to the window, compelled by something I couldn't identify. And that's when I noticed them—two men positioned close to the parking lot's edge.

They were attired elegantly, their black suits impeccably fitted, yet their demeanor seemed off. They remained unnaturally motionless, their eyes locked on the apartment building. Although they weren't engaging in any obviously troubling behavior, just their presence caused my stomach to churn.

"Is that you, Amelia?" Cindy's voice emerged from the mist, her tone gentler now. "What's the issue?"

I paused, gulping deeply as I pulled my gaze from the window to lock onto hers. The kindness in her eyes sharply contrasted with the chilling discomfort rising within me.

"There are two guys outside," I whispered, my voice trembling and soft. My hands automatically tightened, my nails pressing into my skin. "They've been positioned there... observing."

Cindy's smile disappeared immediately, her eyebrows furrowing in worry. She repositioned Chloe on her hip and directed her gaze toward the window. For a brief instant, the room seemed overwhelmingly silent, the joyful vibe she had introduced vanishing like mist.

"Where?" she inquired, her tone lowering by an octave, now earnest.

I indicated, my finger shaking a bit. The men remained still, their rigid stances and angled heads causing them to resemble statues rather than individuals.

Cindy's lips formed a narrow line. "Remain here," she declared resolutely, returning Chloe to my arms. "I'll fetch Ruth."

"Cindy, hold on—" I began, but she had already exited, her resolute strides resonating along the corridor.

I embraced Chloe firmly, my heart racing in my chest. The heat of her tiny frame pressed against me was the sole thing anchoring me as I looked back at the window.

The men remained present. Observing. Awaiting.

A shiver coursed through me as I swayed Chloe lightly, whispering gently to soothe us both. I had no idea who they were or what they sought, but the dread in my stomach indicated one thing—this wasn't finished.

The atmosphere in the apartment felt denser after Ruth hastily returned upstairs, her aura remaining like the rumble of far-off thunder. I sunk into the tattered sofa, Chloe comfortably resting in my embrace. Her small hand reached out to grasp my necklace, entirely oblivious to the tension that still hung in the air.

Cindy was seated next to me, her hand resting on my shoulder, her warmth and positivity a clear contrast to the tempest of feelings churning within me. She didn't urge me to speak, and for that, I was thankful. The echo of Ruth's confrontation resonated in my mind, her steadfast defense a support I hadn't understood I required.

"Are you alright?" Cindy inquired softly, her tone now more tender.

I nodded, forcing down the lump in my throat. "I simply… I didn't anticipate any of this." "Not at this moment."

She squeezed my shoulder in a comforting manner. "Nobody anticipates this sort of situation, Amelia." However, Ruth is correct—you have our support. "We will take care of anything that arises."

Chloe emitted a joyful babble, unaware of the significance of the occasion. I glanced at her, her big eyes brimming with amazement as she pulled on my necklace. My heart hurt at how tiny and delicate she appeared, and still, she was my source of strength.

"I simply want her to be secure," I confessed, my voice hardly louder than a murmur.

Cindy reclined, her constant grin becoming gentler. "She is going to be." Ruth is serious and direct. "Nor do I."

I produced a faint smile, the first true one I had experienced in days. "Thanks, Cindy." "For anything."

"Hey," she remarked, gently bumping me with her shoulder. "What purpose do sisters serve?"

I exhaled a breath I hadn't known I was holding, the pressure in my chest relaxing just a bit. At that moment, the men were absent, and Ruth had communicated her position clearly. Perhaps, if only for a brief time, I might lower my defenses.

Chloe cooed once more, and I planted a kiss on the crown of her head, murmuring a quiet vow to both her and myself. I would go to any lengths to keep her safe. I was no longer alone, and with this improvised family beside me, I sensed a spark of hope that we could tackle whatever lay ahead.

At that instant, the apartment door swung open noisily, scaring me so much that I almost let go of the spoon I was using to mix Chloe's milk. Chloe recoiled, issuing a quiet whimper, and I quickly drew her nearer to comfort her.

"Is that you, Noah?" I inhaled sharply, my heart pounding as he dashed in, his face colorless and his breathing heavy. His tie draped loosely around his neck, and his normally tidy hair was disheveled, as though he had been running his fingers through it the whole trip here.

"Are you alright?" he insisted, his tone cutting, his gaze examining every part of me, Chloe, and the space as if anticipating the presence of something—someone—hidden in the darkness.

I stared at him, surprised by his unexpected presence. "We're okay, Noah." What exactly are you—"

"She's doing well, Romeo," Cindy's playful tone interrupted from the kitchen entrance. She rested against the frame, her arms folded and a grin teasing at her lips. "You didn't have to rush over as if the world was about to end."

Noah shifted to scowl at her, his ears flushing pink. "I wasn't running fast," he said defensively, but his reddened face gave him away.

"Of course, you weren't," Cindy said slowly, her smile growing larger. "You appear to be slightly winded and seem as if you've encountered a ghost."

"I told you, Cindy," I replied, frustrated.

She raised her hands in playful defeat. "Alright, alright." I'll let you both have your little drama. However, don't delay too much—this little one's diaper issue is going to become urgent shortly, and I'm not offering to help again."

With that, she gave Noah a wink and strolled out, causing the atmosphere in the room to feel abruptly denser. Noah exhaled deeply, his shoulders drooping a bit as he faced me again.

"What occurred?" he inquired, his tone gentler now yet still pressing.

I shifted Chloe in my embrace, her gentle coos a slight solace against the tempest forming in Noah's gaze. "It was nothing," I replied, attempting to maintain a steady tone. "Earlier, there were two men outside, but Ruth took care of it."

"Dealt with it?" Noah said again, his voice increasing a bit. He began to walk back and forth in the room, his shoes scraping on the floor. "Amelia, you have no idea who those men were." "They might have been observing you, scheming something—"

"They didn't come for me," I interjected, placing Chloe in her playpen. "Ruth spoke with them, and they departed." "It's finished."

"Finished?" He halted his pacing to confront me, his eyes alight with anger. "You're not aware of that." You have no idea who they are or what they desire. "What happens if they return?"

I inhaled deeply, attempting to calm my unraveling nerves. "Noah, I can't go on living my life in perpetual fear." I need to consider Chloe. "I can't keep fleeing whenever something seems wrong."

He raised his hands in frustration. "It's more than just feeling unwell, Amelia! You've endured a lot already. "I don't wish to see you or Chloe in pain."

"I value that," I responded, my tone more pointed now. "However, you cannot manage every aspect." "You can't shield me from everything out there."

His jaw clenched, and for a brief moment, we simply gazed at one another, the tension surrounding us heavy and stifling. Chloe emitted a gentle whine from her playpen, disrupting the quiet.

Noah sighed deeply, putting a hand through his hair. "I simply... "I don't wish to lose you," he murmured, his voice hardly a whisper.

The unfiltered feelings in his words struck me like a blow to the stomach. My anger faded, substituted by a twinge of guilt. "I don't think you will," I replied softly, moving nearer and putting my hand on his arm. "However, you must believe me, Noah." I'm not powerless. "I am capable of looking after both myself and Chloe."

He gazed at me, his eyes probing mine for something—perhaps reassurance. After a lengthy pause, he nodded hesitantly. "Simply assure me that you'll take care."

"I assure you," I replied, giving him a slight grin.

The tension lessened a bit, but the concern in his eyes persisted. He bent to kiss Chloe's forehead, his hand lingering as if he were absorbing strength from her small presence.

As he uprighted himself, his demeanor became stern once more. "Inform me if there are any changes," he stated assertively.

"I will," I confirmed to him, observing him turn and make his way to the door.

I remained in that spot for a long while after he departed, the burden of his anxieties resting heavily on me. Regardless of how hard I attempted to persuade him—or myself—that all was well, a quiet voice in the depths of my mind whispered that maybe he was right.