Ivana's heart skipped a beat. His love and protection enveloped her, chasing away the shadows.
"Miss you too", she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Hey, how was your day?" Keal asked, his tone gentle.
"It was good. Busy, but good. Rachel filled me in on the company's progress. We're doing well."
"That's amazing, Ivana. You deserve it," Keal said, pride evident in his voice.
Ivana smiled, feeling cherished. "Thanks, Keal. That means a lot coming from you."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, a soothing balm for Ivana's frazzled nerves.
"Ivana, sweetie, come eat!" her mother called from the kitchen.
"Keal, I have to go. My mom's calling me for dinner," Ivana said, reluctantly ending their conversation.
"Okay, beautiful. Enjoy your dinner. I'll see you soon," Keal replied, his voice filled with affection.
"Love you," Ivana whispered.
"Love you more," Keal responded, before hanging up.
Ivana joined her parents at the dinner table, savoring the warm atmosphere. Her mother's cooking, a delicious blend of flavors, filled the room.
As they ate, Ivana shared stories of her day, her parents listening attentively. Their love and support enveloped her, a constant reminder of her safe haven.
Ivana savored her mother's cooking, surrounded by warmth and love. Between bites, she asked, "How's Orion adjusting after graduation? Has he started looking for jobs?"
Her father, Liam, chuckled. "Orion's taking his time, exploring options. He's considering a master's degree or entrepreneurship."
Ivana's mother, Emma, added, "We're proud of him. He's weighing his passions and practicality."
Ivana smiled, thinking of her brother's adventurous spirit. "That sounds like Orion. Always chasing his dreams."
Emma's eyes sparkled. "And Olivia's thriving in acting school. Her second year's off to a fantastic start."
Ivana's curiosity piqued. "How's she handling the workload?"
Liam beamed. "Liv's a natural. She loves every minute of it. We're attending her play next weekend."
Ivana's excitement grew. "I'll join you! I haven't seen Liv perform in ages."
Emma nodded. "We'll make it a family outing. Keal's welcome, too."
Ivana's heart warmed, envisioning the loving gathering.
Emma asked, "Ivana, how's Keal? Still spoiling you rotten?"
Ivana blushed, smiling. "Mom, he's amazing. Always there for me."
Liam nodded approvingly. "We're glad you've found someone who cares deeply for you, sweetie."
Ivana's mother, Emma, set her fork down, her expression serious. "Ivana, we need to discuss something. Why did you tell the police to stop investigating Leo?"
Ivana's pause betrayed her uncertainty. Her parents' concern was palpable, their puzzlement evident.
"We don't understand, sweetie," Theodore added. "Leo's actions were unacceptable. You deserve justice."
Ivana's thoughts raced, seeking the right words. "Mom, Dad...I..."
Emma's gentle prodding helped. "What is it, Ivana? What made you withdraw the complaint?"
Ivana's voice barely rose above a whisper. "He snuck into the hospital...to talk with me."
The room fell silent. Shock etched on her parents' faces.
"How?" Emma,breathed, incredulous. "With all that security?"
Liam's eyes narrowed. "Unbelievable. We had no idea."
Unbeknownst to Ivana, Keal had heightened security measures during her hospital stay. His vigilance ensured Leo's presence remained undetected.
Beatrice, Ivana's confidante, had witnessed Keal's unwavering dedication. His discreet actions safeguarded Ivana.
Ivana's parents exchanged worried glances, their minds racing.
Liam vowed, "We'll support you, Ivana. We won't let Leo harm you again."
Emma's determination mirrored her husband's. "We'll revisit the investigation, ensure your safety."
Ivana's hands instinctively grasped her parents', her voice laced with urgency. "No, Mom, Dad, please don't reopen the investigation. I'm fine now."
Emma and Liam exchanged skeptical glances, concern etched on their faces.
"Ivana, sweetie, why?" Emma asked, her tone gentle.
Ivana's words spilled out, reassuring. "I've moved forward. Keal's with me, and I feel safe. Reopening the case will only stir up trouble."
Liam's brow furrowed. "But, Ivana, Leo's actions—"
"I know, Dad," Ivana interrupted, calming. "However, think of the stress and attention it'll bring. I've started rebuilding my life."
Emma's expression softened. "We just want justice for you, dear."
Ivana's smile comforted. "Justice is me living happily, free from fear. Keal loves me, and I'm protected."
To alleviate their worries, Ivana shared her reasoning:
"Leo's lost interest; I've severed ties.
Keal's security measures are impeccable.
My focus is on work, family and happiness."
Her parents' faces gradually eased, trusting Ivana's judgment.
Liam nodded. "Alright, sweetie. We'll respect your wishes."
Emma added, "But if anything changes, we'll revisit this."
Ivana's gratitude shone. "Thank you, Mom, Dad. Your love means everything."
Emma's voice trembled, fear etched on her face. "Ivana, what did Leo say to you? What did he do?"
Ivana hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "He...he just wanted to talk, Mom."
Emma's eyes narrowed, sensing evasion. "What did he want to discuss, sweetie?"
Ivana fabricated a story, concealing the truth. "He begged me to stop the investigation. As a professional athlete, his reputation is everything. He claimed it would ruin his sports career and endorsements."
Liam's expression turned stern. "What made you consider his plea?"
Ivana continued her deception. "I told him I'd drop the charges only if he left me alone and never contacted me again. He agreed, saying his athletic career and sponsorships depend on his clean image."
Emma's worry lingered. "Are you certain, Ivana? Can we trust him?"
Ivana reassured, falsely. "Yes, Mom. He won't bother me again. I'm safe."
Liam's protective instincts remained on high alert. "We'll monitor the situation."
Emma's eyes searched Ivana's, seeking reassurance. "You'd tell us if..."
Ivana forced a smile, maintaining the facade. "Always, Mom. I promise."
Unbeknownst to her parents, Ivana concealed the chilling truth.
Leo's sinister threats.
His unwavering obsession.
The true reason behind his hospital visit.
Ivana's secrets shielded her family from the harsh reality, but at what costs?
The tension dissipated, replaced by warmth and understanding.
One month ago
Ivana lay in her hospital bed, her eyes red from crying. It had been two weeks since Leo had assaulted her at her house, and the memories of that night haunted her every waking moment. She couldn't shake the feeling of fear and helplessness that had consumed her that night.
As she lay there, trying to calm her racing heart, she felt a wave of panic wash over her. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think straight. She tried to call for help, but no words came out. The panic attack had taken hold of her, dragging her down into its suffocating depths.
Beatrice, her best friend and roommate, had gone to attend to her clients at studio. Keal, her boyfriend, was dealing with the fallout of his ex-girlfriend's attempts to sabotage his business. Her mother had gone home to change, and her father had gone to get her some fruits and food. She was alone.
The nurses rushed in, quickly assessing her condition and administering medication to help calm her down. Ivana clung to consciousness, her mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion. She couldn't shake the feeling that Leo was still out there, waiting to strike again.
After the panic attack had subsided, Ivana was transferred to the psychiatric ward for further evaluation and treatment. She spent days in therapy, trying to unravel the tangled mess of emotions that Leo's assault had left behind. She talked about her fears, her anxieties, her nightmares. She cried, she screamed, she raged against the injustice of it all.
Slowly, with the help of her therapists and the support of her family and friends, Ivana began to heal. She learned coping mechanisms, strategies to deal with her trauma and move forward. She found solace in art and music, in writing and self-expression. She started to see glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel, a glimmer of hope that things could get better.
But deep down, she still carried the scars of that night with her. The memory of Leo's hands on her, his voice in her ear, his cruel laughter echoing in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was still out there, watching, waiting.
Two weeks after the assault, as Ivana lay in her hospital bed, a figure in a doctor's gown slipped into her room. She awoke to the touch of hands on her legs, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked up and saw Leo's face, his eyes cold and calculating.
Fear gripped her throat, choking off her voice. Leo leaned in close, his hand on her lips, silencing her protests. I told you I'd find you, Ivana, he whispered, his voice a sinister hiss.
Ivana's heart raced as Leo's presence loomed over her, a dark shadow in her hospital room. She tried to scream, to fight back, but he held her down with a cruel smile on his face.
You can't escape me, Ivana, Leo said, his voice dripping with malice. I'm always watching. Always waiting.
As he leaned in closer, Ivana's mind raced with fear and desperation. She knew she had to find a way to escape, to get help. But in that moment, with Leo's hands on her, she felt trapped, helpless, at his mercy.