The message lingered on Stella's phone screen like an unwelcome ghost. She reread it over and over, hoping the meaning might shift into something harmless.Unknown: "You don't know the whole story, Stella. Be careful who you trust."Her first instinct was to ignore it, chalking it up to a wrong number or a prank. But the weight in her chest refused to dissipate. The phrasing was too deliberate, too personal to dismiss.She glanced at the screen again, her thumb hovering over the reply button. Then she locked her phone and shoved it into her coat pocket. Whoever it was, they didn't deserve her attention.Later That EveningStella's attempt to bury the strange text evaporated the moment Noah knocked on her door. She hesitated, brushing her hands over her sweater and exhaling deeply before opening it."Hey," Noah greeted, holding up a bag of takeout with a tentative smile. His tousled dark hair was slightly damp from the drizzle outside, and his leather jacket clung to his broad frame."Hey," Stella replied, stepping aside to let him in. "What's this?""Thought you might be in the mood for Thai," he said, setting the bag down on the small kitchen table. "But if you'd prefer pizza, I—""Thai's perfect," she interrupted, offering him a smile.They unpacked the food in comfortable silence. As Stella watched Noah move around her kitchen with an ease that was both infuriating and endearing, the cryptic message resurfaced in her mind. Should she tell him?"You're quiet tonight," Noah said, breaking into her thoughts as he handed her a plate. "Everything okay?""Yeah," she said quickly, too quickly. "Just... tired, I guess."He raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, he took a bite of his food, his gaze drifting toward the stack of books on the counter."You're still a book hoarder, I see."Stella rolled her eyes, grateful for the change in topic. "Says the guy who used to lecture me about my 'unsustainable paperback addiction.'""Hey, I wasn't wrong. You almost bankrupted your freshman budget buying first editions," he teased, leaning back in his chair.They laughed, the sound filling the small apartment and easing some of the tension that had been knotted in her chest.Flashback: Three Years AgoThe memory came unbidden—Stella sitting on a balcony at one of Noah's company parties, wearing a simple black dress and nursing a glass of wine she barely sipped. She'd been there for hours, surrounded by strangers in tailored suits and glittering gowns, feeling like an outsider.Noah had found her there, his tie loosened and his expression soft as he handed her a plate of miniature desserts. "You're missing the fun inside.""This is more my speed," she replied, gesturing toward the city lights. "Besides, I think your investor friends would rather not make small talk with the girl who can barely pronounce 'blockchain.'"He chuckled, settling into the chair beside her. "You're wrong. You're the smartest person in the room tonight, Stella."Her heart had fluttered then, and she'd cursed how easily he could disarm her. But moments like those had been fleeting. The warmth he gave always seemed to evaporate when the pressures of his world came rushing back.Present DayAs Stella cleared their plates, she felt Noah's gaze lingering on her."You're still somewhere else," he said softly, his tone coaxing.She hesitated, turning to face him. "Noah, have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Or... warning you about something?"His expression shifted, his brows drawing together. "What's going on?"She bit her lip, debating whether to tell him. Then, pulling out her phone, she handed it to him with the message open.Noah read it, his jaw tightening. "When did you get this?""Earlier today," she said. "It's probably nothing, but...""It's not nothing," he interrupted, his voice firm. "This kind of thing isn't random."He stood, pacing the small space, his hands running through his hair. The lighthearted ease from earlier was gone, replaced by something darker."Do you think it's someone you know?" she asked cautiously.Noah didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stopped pacing and looked at her, his eyes sharp. "Stella, I don't want to alarm you, but the tech world... my world... isn't always clean. If this is connected to me—""Noah," she cut in, stepping closer. "You don't have to jump to conclusions. It could be nothing.""But if it's not?" he countered, his voice tight. "If someone's trying to scare you because of me?"She placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. "We don't know that yet. Let's not panic."His muscles relaxed under her touch, though the tension in his face remained. "I'll look into it," he promised. "And I'll make sure you're safe, no matter what."Later That NightNoah stayed longer than he'd planned, insisting on checking the locks on her windows and doors. Stella rolled her eyes at his overprotectiveness but secretly appreciated the gesture.As he stood by the door, ready to leave, he hesitated. "Stella... if anything else happens, call me. Immediately.""I will," she promised, though part of her wished he would stay longer."Goodnight, Stella.""Goodnight, Noah."When the door closed, she leaned against it, the echo of his presence lingering. Her phone buzzed, and her stomach tightened as she glanced at the screen.But it wasn't another warning. It was Kai.Kai: "We need to talk. It's about Noah."Her heart sank. Whatever storm was brewing, she was caught squarely in its path.