Chapter-The Letter
The rain fell without mercy, turning the city into a blur of lights and shadows.
Isabella Carter tightened her grip on the invitation in her hand as she stepped into the luxurious Blackwood Hotel. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above her, while the room echoed with elegant laughter and quiet conversations.
She didn’t belong here.
Not among the wealthy.
Not among people hiding behind expensive smiles.
She only came because her best friend had begged her to attend the charity gala.
After an hour of meaningless conversations, Isabella slipped away to the balcony for fresh air.
The cold wind brushed against her face.
For the first time that evening, she felt at peace.
Then…
She sensed someone watching her.
She slowly turned around.
A man stood at the end of the hallway.
Tall.
Dressed entirely in black.
His piercing grey eyes were locked on hers.
He didn’t smile.
He didn’t move.
Yet his presence made her heartbeat race.
Before Isabella could speak, the lights inside the ballroom suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed everything.
A few seconds later, the lights returned.
The man was gone.
Confused, Isabella looked around.
Then something caught her attention.
A black envelope rested on the balcony floor.
Her name was written across it in elegant handwriting.
Isabella Carter.
With trembling hands, she opened it.
Inside was a single sentence.
“Run before he finds you.”
A chill ran down her spine.
She looked up.
Across the street, standing beneath the rain…
…the man in black was still watching her.
