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.

I hadn't agreed to anything. His insistence on 'protecting' me was absurd. But since he knew where I lived, antagonizing him

with him."Thanks for the concern, but

stairwell. "I'm thirsty. Could

more evident with such a terrible excuse. I tightened my grip on my keys and flatly refused, "It's

he inched closer, the fear inside me peaked. "Don't

glass of water. How hard can it be?" He smiled sinisterly in

9.0

I was ready, my hands trembled. 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

rang in my ear. "So, you

It was Ernest.

man crumpled on the stairs, "Get lost, or I'm calling the cops

pretty beaten up,

before Ernest's large hand shielded my view

nes