CHAPTER 014
OLIVIA’S POV
My fingers clenched around my phone as my heartbeat quickened.
The Uber driver must have noticed my nervousness because he glanced at me through the rearview mirror, his brows furrowed with concern.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
“Uhmm, yes. I’m fine,” I replied quickly, forcing a small smile.
But the truth was, I wasn’t fine. Not even close.
My mind raced with possibilities. What did they want? Were they trying to kidnap me? Or worse?
I turned my head slightly, stealing another glance behind us. The black van remained at a safe distance but never changed lanes or attempted to overtake us. It was deliberate. Calculated.
I swallowed hard. Could it be a coincidence? Maybe it was just paranoia messing with my head. But the van had been parked near my apartment for the past two days, and now it was following me. That wasn’t normal.
A few minutes later, we arrived at my destination. The driver pulled up in front of Mr. Coffee Café, a small but cozy place I often visited. I quickly paid the fare, stepped out, and subtly scanned my surroundings.
The van had stopped at a distance, its dark–tinted windows concealing whoever was inside. My stomach twisted. They weren’t trying to be obvious, but I had already caught on.
Forcing my legs to move, I walked into the café, my steps quick but controlled.
The moment I stepped inside, warmth enveloped me–the scent of freshly brewed – coffee, the soft hum of conversation, and the occasional clinking of cups. It should’ve
been comforting, but I couldn’t relax. Not when I knew that van was still out there.
I chose a seat next to the large window, ensuring I had a clear view of the street. At least here, in a public space, I was safe. Even if they wanted to kidnap me, they wouldn‘ t try anything in broad daylight.
Wasting no time, I grabbed my phone and dialed 911.
“911, what’s your emergency?” a female dispatcher answered.
e
I
I lowered my voice, keeping my successfully unlocked! “Hello, I think I’m being followed. I believe they’re planning to kidnap me.
There was a brief pause before she asked, “Stay calm. Where are you right now? Can you describe your location?”
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“I’m currently at Mr. Coffee Café, next to Avenue Street.”
“Understood. And the people following you–are they carrying any weapons that you‘ ve seen?”
“I haven’t seen them up close,” I admitted, my fingers tightening around the phone.
“What do you mean? Can you explain further?”
I took a deep breath. “It’s a black van. I noticed it two days ago, always parked near my apartment. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but today, when I left my place, it followed me here.”
The dispatcher remained silent for a moment before responding, “Ma’am, I understand your concern, but just because a vehicle is parked near your residence doesn’t
necessarily mean you’re in danger. Have you seen anyone acting suspiciously? Any direct threats?”
I felt my stomach tighten at her words. Was she serious?
“No, but…”
“In that case, I’d advise you to remain calm. You might be overthinking the situation. If anything changes or if someone approaches you directly, please call us again.”
Overthinking?
Icouldn’t believe it. I was calling for help, and she was brushing it off as paranoia.
Without another word, I ended the call.
I let out a frustrated sigh and looked back out the window. The van was still there.
I bit my thumb, thinking about what to do next. Calling the cops was useless. If I wanted help, I needed to call someone I trusted.
Julian.
Without hesitating, I scrolled through my contacts and dialed his number.
The phone rang a couple of times before he picked up.
–“Hey, Olivia,” his familiar voice came through.
“Julian, I need your help,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
His tone immediately turned serious. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”
I quickly explained everything–the van, the feeling of being watched, and how I was certain someone was following me.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he assured me without hesitation.
A small wave of relief washed over me. At least I wasn’t alone in this.
No network available now. Please check your network.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
“Just sit tight. I’m on my way,” he said before ending the call.
I exhaled slowly and placed my phone down, tapping my fingers anxiously against the
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table.
“Can I get you something, ma’am?”
The sudden voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see a waitress standing next to me, her expression polite and warm.
“I’m fine, thank you,” I replied, forcing a small smile.
She nodded and walked away.
Now, all I could do was patiently wait.
I kept my eyes locked on the van outside. It hadn’t moved, and no one had come out of it. They were just sitting there, watching.
Minutes passed. Every second felt like an eternity. Then, after what felt like forever, I finally saw Julian.
He walked into the café, his tall frame and confident stride standing out. He was wearing a brown leather jacket over a fitted shirt and dark jeans, his expression
serious as he scanned the room.
I gave him a small wave, and the moment his eyes found mine, he walked over without
hesitation.
Sliding into the seat across from me, he leaned in slightly. “Where are they?”
I nodded toward the window. “Black van. Rarked across the street.”
His gaze flickered toward the van, his jaw tightening. He studied it for a few moments before turning back to me.
“Have you called the cops?”
“Yes,” I sighed. “They told me I was overthinking the situation.”
Julian’s expression darkened. His fingers drummed against the table, clearly calculating the next move.
-Then, without warning, he stood up.
“Wait here,” he said firmly.
I grabbed his wrist before he could move any further. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to find out who that douchebag is and what he wants.”
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