Forever Watching

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Glass

Will Moore stood across the street from Elena's apartment building, hidden in the shadows. The street was quiet, the occasional hum of passing cars the only sound. His eyes never left her window. It had become a ritual now—watching her, learning her routines, understanding every detail of her life.

But tonight felt different.

Elena had been distracted all day at the bookstore. Will had noticed it immediately—the way her hands trembled slightly as she shelved books, the forced smiles she gave customers. Something had unsettled her, and Will needed to know what it was.

He had thought things were going well between them. Their coffee date had felt natural, easy, like the beginning of something real. But now, doubt crept in, poisoning his thoughts. What if someone else had caught her attention? What if someone was trying to take her away from him?

The idea made his stomach churn.

He couldn't let that happen. Not again.

---

The next morning, Will returned to the bookstore. Elena was there, but her usual smile was gone. She looked pale, tired, like she hadn't slept.

"Morning," Will said, keeping his tone light.

"Hey," Elena replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Will frowned. "You okay? You seem… off."

She hesitated, glancing around as if making sure no one else was listening. Then she leaned closer. "Something weird happened last night."

Will's pulse quickened. "Weird how?"

"I thought I heard someone outside my apartment," she said quietly. "Footsteps, like someone was walking around. But when I looked, no one was there."

Will's mind raced. He had been there last night—watching her—but he had been careful, hadn't he? Had she seen him?

He forced concern into his expression. "That's scary. Did you call the police?"

She shook her head. "No, I didn't actually see anyone. I didn't want to overreact."

Will reached out, lightly touching her arm. "You're not overreacting. If you're scared, you should take it seriously."

Elena looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "I don't know. Maybe it was just my imagination."

"It wasn't." His voice was firm, reassuring. "If you need anything—anything at all—call me. Okay?"

She nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks, Will. I mean it."

Will smiled, but inside, panic bubbled just beneath the surface. He had slipped up. She was starting to notice things. He needed to be more careful.

More patient.

---

Later that night, Will sat in his dark apartment, staring at the photographs spread out on the table. Pictures of Elena—some taken from across the street, others through her window. Each one captured a different moment, a different expression.

He picked up one where she was laughing, her head tilted back, completely unaware of the camera. It was his favorite. She looked happy, free.

But not anymore.

Now, fear had crept into her eyes, and Will hated it. He didn't want her to be afraid—not of him, not of anything. He just wanted to protect her, to keep her safe.

But she didn't see that yet.

Not like May.

The thought of May made his hands clench into fists. She hadn't understood. She had run, and Will had been forced to do things he hadn't wanted to do. Things he regretted.

But Elena was different. She had to be.

A knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. He wasn't expecting anyone.

He opened the door to find Elena standing there, her arms crossed and her face pale.

"Hey," he said, masking his surprise. "What's wrong?"

She hesitated before stepping inside. "I didn't know who else to come to."

Will closed the door behind her, his heart pounding. This was it—she was coming to him for help. She was starting to trust him.

"What happened?" he asked, guiding her to the couch.

She looked down at her hands, her voice barely a whisper. "I found something in my apartment."

Will leaned closer. "What was it?"

"A note." She pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to him.

His eyes scanned the words, and his blood turned cold.

You're being watched.

He swallowed hard, keeping his expression calm. "Who would do this?"

"I don't know," she said, her voice shaking. "But I'm scared, Will."

He placed a hand on hers, his grip firm. "You don't have to be scared. I'll protect you."

Elena looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and fear. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Will smiled, but inside, his thoughts raced.

Someone else was watching her. Someone else had noticed her.

And Will wasn't going to let them take her away from him.

No matter what it took.