𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 ||𝐙.𝐃.𝐇 [SLOW UPDATES]

3️⃣2️⃣

Talia's POV

I haphazardly parked my car in my spot, not bothering to check if I had parked in the line. I discretely looked around before rushing to grab my bag while pulling the key out of the car.

Once I stepped out of the car, I slammed the door shut, which caused the sound to reverberate throughout the empty parking lot. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the cryptic yet unsettling message I had received before I fled from Zach.

I hurried to the entrance of my apartment complex while discreetly making sure no one was following my every step. An exasperated sigh of relief slipped past my lips once I stepped inside the comfort of my building. I repeatedly pressed for the lift, constantly pressing the 'up' button for the lift in hopes that it would arrive faster if I were persistent.

After what felt like an eternity, the lift finally arrived, and I slid in, pressing the button that closed the doors. I hastily pressed on the gold square button that had the number '5'. I anxiously watched as the lift headed to the first floor and then pulled my phone from my bag. Shakily unlocking the phone and reading the message for the umpteenth time since I had received it.

"He's back?" I murmured to myself as I quickly dashed out once I had reached my floor. I quickly unlocked my house door and slid in, closing and locking it with the key, latch, and chain. I then found myself slouched on the couch, re-reading the message yet again, but now I could almost hear my heart pound against my chest as I read the daunting words.

~~~~~~~~~~~

UNKNOWN: I missed how stunning you were in that navy blue dress 😉.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I couldn't help but hyperventilate at the words that were printed on my screen. Chills ran down my spine at the thought of someone watching my every move. It made me feel on edge, but knowing exactly who it was was even more unnerving. "It's okay. He can't hurt you," I mumbled to myself as I strolled around, closing my curtains so if they were watching, they wouldn't have any view of me.

I jumped at the sound of my phone ringing. I peered down at the screen and gulped at the contact, only to let out a shaky breath of relief once Zach's name flashed across the screen, indicating an incoming video call from him.

I took in a sharp breath and released it before accepting his call. Once the call connected, I was met with Zach's face, but his gaze was fixated on something, which I am guessing is the road, as I could see the interior of a car. "Are you okay?" Zach asked right away, and I gulped.

"I'm fine," I managed to choke out without my voice wavering. I saw Zach quickly glance down at the screen before averting his gaze back to the road.

"Don't lie to me, Talia. You ran out of the building, almost as if you'd seen a ghost. Who texted you before you ran out of there?" Zach asked question after question.

I tried to look at something else other than Zach's face because I knew he'd be able to see through my facade. He'll know something was going on and that I was deliberately hiding it from him. "I don't know what you're talking about, Zach. I just needed some fresh air." I decide to answer by biting the inside of my cheek in hopes that he'll brush it off, but knowing Zach, he won't.

Not after last time.

"Fresh air? You expect me to believe you bolted out of there because you needed some fresh air?" Zach said before scoffing.

"Yes?" I answered him, and it sounded as if I was questioning my own response to him. I watched as he raised an eyebrow at me through the phone.

"You know I can tell when you're lying, right?" He said.