No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 143



The echo of my voice faded into nothingness, leaving a chill that crawled up my spine.

But retreating wasn't an option. I had to muster all the courage and shout, "Who's there, for heaven's sake?"

"It's me!" came the reply, followed by footsteps and an explanation, "I was the guy you met at the coffee shop this evening."

Him? Of all people? I couldn't believe he decided to follow me home after our brief encounter. The thought was more unsettling than comforting. The hallway was pitch dark, save for the sliver of moonlight sneaking through the window, barely illuminating anything beyond a few steps ahead.

I hadn't seen his face yet, as he hadn't reached the top of the stairs. Clutching my keys tightly, ready to strike any moment, I demanded, "Why are you following me?"

"Please don't get me wrong. I meant no harm. I wanted to make sure you got home safely. It's not safe for a lady to walk alone at night," he said as he finally came into view.

met once. I

with him."Thanks for the

rounded the corner of the stairwell. "I'm

couldn't be more evident with such a terrible excuse. I tightened my grip on my keys and flatly refused, "It's too late for that. Sorry." He stepped closer. "Come on, we're about to

fear inside me peaked. "Don't

it

9.0

But I was determined to defend myself if the guy came any closer. Yet, as he took the final step toward me, 1 lunged at him with my keys. Before I could reach him, a gust of wind brushed my cheek, followed by a loud thud. As i struck by some invisible force, the guy was hurled against the wall, bouncing off before crashing face-first down the stairs. The sequence of his fall was

voice rang in my ear.

It was Ernest.

on the stairs, "Get lost, or I'm calling the cops for harassment and

pretty beaten up, the

hand shielded my view his

nes