Lena stared at the message, her heart pounding.
Maybe Elias had just guessed. Maybe he remembered she liked wearing blue. Maybe -
No. That didn't explain how he knew exactly what she wore today.
She took a deep breath and typed back.
Lena: How did you know what I was wearing?
The reply came almost instantly.
Elias: I just know you, darling. Blue is your color.
Something about his words sent a chill down her spine. She wanted to brush it off, but a nagging feeling settled in her chest.
She ignored it. She told herself Elias was just attentive, that he was different from the men before him - men who barely noticed the little things. She should be happy, right?
But as days passed, little things started to feel… off.
Elias always seemed to know where she was, even when she didn't tell him. If she grabbed coffee at a café, she'd get a text - "Enjoy your vanilla latte, love." If she walked home alone, she'd get another - "Be careful on Main Street at night."
At first, it felt sweet. Protective. But soon, it felt like she wasn't alone - even when she was.
One evening, as they sat in his sleek, modern apartment, she finally asked.
"How do you always know where I am?"
Elias laughed softly, running a hand through her hair. "I just pay attention. I care about you."
His answer didn't satisfy her.
"Did you follow me today?" she pressed.
His smile didn't fade, but his grip on her wrist tightened - just for a second. Just enough to make her breath hitch.
"Why would I do that?" His voice was calm, but something behind his eyes made her stomach twist.
She forced a laugh, brushing it off. Maybe she was overthinking. Maybe she was just paranoid.
But deep down, she knew.
Love wasn't supposed to feel like this.