Chapter 14: The Unexpected Visitor
Lila's heart leaped into her throat. The doorbell. It couldn't be… could it? She glanced at Ethan, his face now a mask of concern.
"Who could that be?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Lila's mind raced. Could it be Alexander? Had he somehow returned early? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
Ethan, sensing her panic, pulled her close. "Don't worry," he whispered, "I'll handle it."
He moved towards the door, his hand hovering over the doorknob. "Just stay here," he instructed, his eyes searching hers.
Lila nodded, her breath catching in her throat. She quickly grabbed her purse and slipped behind the bedroom door, her heart pounding. She peeked through the crack, watching as Ethan cautiously opened the door.
A tall, lanky man stood on the other side, his face etched with a look of mild annoyance.
"Ethan, you there? It's Mark. I locked myself out, and I need a place to crash for the night. My water's been cut off."
Mark, Ethan's colleague, a man Lila had met briefly at a company function. He was harmless, a bit of a bumbler, but harmless nonetheless.
Lila let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. It wasn't Alexander.
Ethan stepped aside. "Come in, Mark. Sorry about the late notice."
Mark stepped inside, his eyes darting around the apartment. "Thanks, Ethan. You're a lifesaver. My apartment is a disaster zone right now."
"No problem, come on in. Want a drink? I've got some cold beer."
"Sounds great," Mark replied, "I could really use one."
Mark and Ethan headed towards the living room. Lila, still shaken, listened as they settled in. She heard the clinking of beer bottles and then the sound of the television turning on.
"Big game on tonight," Mark said. "You rooting for the Bulls?"
"Always," Ethan replied. "Let's see if they can pull off a win."
Lila, huddled behind the bedroom door, could hear the excited commentary of the sportscasters. She felt a surge of relief, but also a deep sense of disappointment. Their stolen moment had been abruptly interrupted.
She waited a few minutes, listening intently, making sure Mark didn't come snooping around. She heard Mark let out a soft snore, confirming he had fallen asleep.
Carefully, Lila crept out of the bedroom. Ethan was watching the game, his attention fully on the screen. He looked up when he saw her. "He's out," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Lila shook her head. "I have to go," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't stay."
Ethan's eyes widened. "But…"
Lila saw the desire simmering in his eyes, and she knew she couldn't give in. "I can't," she repeated, "It's too risky."
Ethan looked dejected, but he understood. He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "I'll see you soon," he promised.
Lila nodded, her heart aching. She turned and hurried out of the apartment, her breath catching in her throat. She didn't run, but she walked with a determined speed, her mind racing. She had to get home before Alexander returned.
Reaching the parking garage, she quickly located her car and sped out, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.