Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The New Tenant
The loud sound of my father's voice echoed through the compound.
"Amara! Where are you?"
I rolled my eyes before stepping out of our apartment.
"I'm here, Daddy."
He handed me a bunch of keys.
"Room 7 has a new tenant. Go and give him the keys. And don't forget to remind him that rent is due on the first of every month. I don't want stories."
I laughed.
"Daddy, since when have I ever forgotten to collect rent?"
He smiled.
"Exactly why I'm sending you."
I walked toward Room 7, swinging the keys in my hand.
As I got closer, I noticed a tall young man struggling to carry two heavy suitcases by himself.
Without thinking, I said,
"Need help?"
He looked up.
For a second...
He just stared at me.
"No," he replied coldly.
I frowned.
"Wow... someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
Without another word, he picked up his suitcases and walked inside.
"Rude," I muttered under my breath.
I unlocked the door and handed him the keys.
"Welcome to Royal Court Apartments. I'm Amara... the landlord's daughter."
He nodded.
"I'm Daniel."
That was it.
No smile.
No handshake.
Nothing.
As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that something about him wasn't normal.
I turned around one last time...
He was standing at the door, watching me.
Not smiling.
Just... watching.
For some reason...
A chill ran down my spine.
