"This is nine one one, what's your emergency?" the representative asked, their voice calm and professional.
"Hello, there's been a robbery at Kithon Apartments," Eva replied, her voice shaken.
"Alright, ma'am, we're sending police officers to your location."
Eva ended the call and began to survey the damage. Her apartment was in disarray, furniture overturned, and belongings scattered everywhere. She searched frantically, but nothing seemed to be missing. The chaos and mess were the only evidence of the intruder's presence.
the police officers arrived at the scene, their sirens echoing through the night air. They promptly secured the area and began inspecting the apartment, dusting for fingerprints and collecting evidence. Eva watched anxiously as they worked, her mind racing with thoughts of the unknown intruder.
"We need you to stay calm, ma'am," one of the officers advised, their voice reassuring. "It's not safe for you to stay here tonight. Can you make arrangements to stay elsewhere for a while?"
Eva nodded, still trying to process the events unfolding around her. As the officers continued their investigation, they spoke with the apartment owner, their voices hushed but urgent. The owner's face grew increasingly concerned, their eyes darting towards Eva with a mix of apology and worry.
Mrs. Blake, the apartment owner, approached Eva, her expression apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Miss Eva. Our security measures were robust, and I'm baffled by how this breach occurred while you were away. It's even more puzzling that only your apartment was targeted."
Eva's mind raced with questions. "Do you think this means the intruder knows me personally?"
Mrs. Blake nodded. "It's likely. But we'll review our security footage to see if we can gather any evidence."
Eva returned to her apartment, gathered some essentials, and headed back down to the lobby. She scrolled through her phone, searching for someone to reach out to. She made a few calls to old friends in Davon City, but none were available to take her in. Finally, she dialed her best friend in Paris.
"Hey girl, what's up?" Kris answered cheerfully.
"Hey Kris! I need your help, please. I'm stranded, do you know anybody in Davon city?I don't know where to stay," Eva replied, her voice laced with urgency.
"What happened, Eva?" Kris asked, concern etched in her tone.
"Please, I'll tell you later. I just need a place to stay right now," Eva said anxiously.
"Okay, I'll send you an address. It's a friend of mine, Miss Tabitha. She's a bit older, but she'll take care of you," Kris assured her.
As soon as the call ended, the address popped up on Eva's phone. She quickly booked an Uber and headed to the location, her mind racing with thoughts of Miss Tabitha. "I hope she's cool," Eva thought to herself as she settled into the Uber.
Miss Tabitha's house was a cozy, vintage apartment in Davon city. The interior was warm and inviting, with antique furniture, soft lighting, and a hint of freshly baked goods. The atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming, like a gentle embrace.
Eva arrived at Miss Tabitha's apartment, her knock on the door answered by a warm smile from the elderly lady herself. "Well, well, well! If that ain't a pretty one!" Miss Tabitha exclaimed, her dark skin radiant in the soft light. Eva blushed, returning a grateful smile. "Thank you, Miss Tabitha."
Miss Tabitha waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, don't you worry, cupcake! Pretty girls don't say thank you for the truth. Go on, dear, make yourself at home. The room to your right is all yours. Get some rest, sweetie."
Eva nodded, her exhaustion catching up with her. She made her way to the cozy room, collapsing onto the plush bed without even bothering to change out of her clothes. In an instant, she was fast asleep, the comfort of Miss Tabitha's home enveloping her.
The next morning, Eva woke up to the enticing aroma of pancakes wafting from the kitchen. She freshened up in the bathroom, dressed in comfortable clothes, and headed to the living room. "Good morning, cupcake!" Mrs. Tabitha chimed, expertly flipping pancakes on the griddle.
"Good morning," Eva replied, her stomach growling in anticipation.
"Breakfast will be ready soon. Do you have plans for the day?" Mrs. Tabitha asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"No, I'll just stay in and rest today," Eva said, grateful for the relaxation.
"Alright, dear. I'll be heading to my nursing home shortly. You'll be okay on your own, won't you?" Mrs. Tabitha asked, concern etched on her face.
Eva nodded, feeling a pang of gratitude towards this kind stranger. "Yes, I'll be fine, thank you."
As Mrs. Tabitha served her a fluffy stack of pancakes. Eva couldn't help but wonder why this woman was being so kind to her. It was unusual for someone to show such warmth towards a complete stranger. Her thoughts also drifted to the connection between Mrs. Tabitha and her friend Kris, and the depth of their relationship.
After finishing her meal, Eva retreated to her room, feeling grateful for this peaceful oasis and the gentle soul who had taken her in.
Mason's obsession with Eva only intensified as the hours passed. He couldn't shake the memory of their kiss, and his desire for her consumed him. He had been watching her since her job interview, captivated by her beauty and grace. Now, he found himself gazing out the window, waiting for her to arrive, his mind racing with thoughts of her.
The knock on the door broke his reverie. "Enter," he called out, moving away from the window.
Jane entered, her expression professional. "Sir, you have a client call scheduled for 4 pm. I just wanted to remind you."
Mason's eyes narrowed, his focus still on Eva. "Where is she?" he asked softly. "I thought you were supposed to be on leave?" he asked.
Jane hesitated. "Today is her day off, sir." And "my leave was postponed sir", Jane replied.
Mason's face darkened, his disappointment and frustration evident. He dismissed Jane and immediately reached for his phone, dialing Rosa's number. His mind was fixed on Eva, and he couldn't rest until he had seen her.
"Get to my office immediately," Mason barked at Rosa over the phone.
Rosa swiftly ended the call and hastened to his office, her heart racing. "Who authorized you to give Eva a day off?" Mason demanded, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Rosa hesitated, "But, sir, all employees are entitled to days off, and Eva needs rest—"
Mason cut her off, his tone stern. "Cancel her day off and get her here at once. You may leave," he directed, not even bothering to look at Rosa's face, his focus fixed on the task at hand.
Rosa's voice trembled as she spoke to Eva over the phone. "Eva, it's Rosa. You need to come to the office right away."
Eva's sleepy tone turned alert. "What's going on? I'm on my day off."
Rosa's words tumbled out in a rush. "Mason is furious. He wants to see you immediately. Please hurry, Eva. He's not someone to be trifled with when he's angry."
Eva's sigh was audible. "Okay, I'll be right there."
Rosa breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Eva. Please hurry."
Eva hastened to the office, her footsteps urgent. She burst into Mason's office, her face set in determination. Mason's expression was unyielding, his voice firm. "Eva, you're no longer entitled to days off. You need to work diligently."
Eva's ire rose, her words tumbling out in protest. But in the heat of the moment, she revealed more than she intended. "My house was raided by an intruder!" Mason's eyes snapped with interest, his tone sharp. "What did you just say?"
Eva swiftly recovered, her reply curt. "It's nothing!" She bid him a hasty farewell and exited the office, leaving Mason's curiosity piqued. He was determined to uncover the truth. Mason made his way to Eva's apartment.
Upon arrival, he found the apartment cordoned off with police tape, warning signs plastered everywhere. Undeterred, Mason removed the tape and entered the apartment. The interior was still in disarray, evidence of the break-in obvious. Mason's anger simmered, his protective instincts ignited.
Mason's wolf instincts kicked in as he scoured the apartment, his sensitive nose twitching. He detected a blend of Eva's familiar scent and a masculine aroma, the latter stirring his curiosity. His keen sense of smell allowed him to pinpoint the intruder's scent, but it tantalizingly eluded him, refusing to be placed. Frustrated, Mason reluctantly left the apartment, his mind still grappling with the mystery. Just then, Jane's call pierced the air, reminding him of his pressing engagement. With a sigh, Mason headed back to his office.
As soon as Mason arrived at the office, Jane hastened in, handing him the phone. "Mason Everton," he answered, his deep voice firm.
But the familiar voice on the other end sent a shiver down his spine. "Who the hell is this?!" Mason spat, his instincts on high alert.
"Don't play dumb, Mason," the voice sneered. "You're stronger than this, or is she making you weak?"
Mason's eyes narrowed, his grip on the phone tightening. He abruptly ended the call, his mind racing. For the first time, fear crept into his heart, his gaze fixed on Eva's image on the CCTV screen. How did this stranger know about his growing feelings for her? It hadn't even been long since she started working at the office. A sense of unease propelled him into action. He needed to leave, and fast. With a swift decision, Mason departed the office.