When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 37: The stranger in my room

Jessica’s POV.

My naked self stood before the bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection. But instead of seeing a familiar face, I saw a tired and worn-out version of myself.

My classes for today were just a couple of hours away, and the thought of facing my classmates looking like this was unbearable.

I couldn’t skip school, not on the second day of resumption. I was still struggling to catch up on lessons, and missing a day would only put me further behind. But the thought of going to school looking so unattractive was unthinkable.

Annabelle had been a big help in comforting me yesterday, but after she left, loneliness and weird thoughts crept into my head, prompting me to spend the entire night tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep.

Now, as I stared at myself, I could see dark circles underscoring my eyes, which were puffy and red. My nose was red too, and my lips were slightly swollen from biting them.

Subconsciously biting my lips again, I winced. As if my lips weren’t looking bad enough.

How was I supposed to face anyone looking like this? I didn’t have any makeup to conceal my imperfections. Now I regretted not getting some when I went shopping the other day. I had been so confident in my natural looks that I saw no need for a makeup kit, but now I realized my mistake.

With a soft sigh, I turned on the faucet, hoping the warm water would wash away my sour mood. The shower was meant to be a refuge, a place to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead.

However, the longer I stayed under the water, the more my thoughts drifted to Kristen’s situation. Concern and worry crept in, and before I knew it, I was cutting my shower short. I draped a bathrobe over my shoulders and stepped out onto the cool tile floor.

As I walked out of the bathroom, I heard my doorbell ringing. Who could that be? I glanced at the wall clock; it was past 9 AM. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Or could it be room service? Possibly.

The penthouse was designed to have a full-time staff, but Kristen valued his privacy a little too much to have servants lurking around. Instead, a designated room service team came in to tidy daily. They usually arrived after I left the hotel, so this unexpected visit was a bit weird, and it piqued my curiosity.

I slipped out of the bedroom, tightening my bathrobe as I walked out the door and towards the winding staircase. The luxurious living room soon unfolded before me, its sleek lines and modern decor, and epitome of luxury was a testament to Kristen’s refined taste, and money.

Approaching the door, I glanced at the security screen mounted beside it. The high-resolution image revealed the visitor’s identity, and I felt a surge of surprise. It was room service, a lady.

I unlocked the door and pulled the handle, creating a narrow slit between the door and its frame. But just as I was about to glimpse the visitor, the door was suddenly pushed open with a force that made me stumble backward.

The sudden movement caught me off guard, and I lost my balance for a moment. Regaining my footing, I stepped back to assess the situation, my heart racing with surprise. Who was this person, and why the urgency?

As I stood there, frozen in uncertainty, the stranger, a man, stepped into the penthouse and shut the door behind him. The sound of the door clicking into place echoed through the room, making me feel trapped.

My heart dropped, and my mind raced with alarm. Who was this person, and what did he want? His sudden entrance and bold movements sent a shiver down my spine.

The man’s piercing gaze swept across the room, taking in his surroundings before settling on me. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of unease. I tightened the bathrobe around me, instinctively seeking protection from this unknown presence.

"Who are you?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside. But the man didn’t respond. Instead, he took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine.

I took a step back, my heart throbbing in my chest like a wild animal. Fear screamed at me to run upstairs, to get help, to escape. But logic whispered that it was pointless – this man was agile, his movements fluid and deliberate.

I wouldn’t be able to outrun him, no matter how fast I tried. Goosebumps rose on my skin from the thought. Still, I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t just stand there, frozen and vulnerable.

My eyes darted around the room, searching for anything that could be used as a weapon or a distraction, if he dared to have malicious intent against me.

I spotted a vase, but the polished white marble floor seemed to stretch out like an endless expanse, separating us. I stylishly turned my foot, attempting to run towards it, but what if he has a gun?

The man took another step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Is this where he brought you, Jessica?"

I froze, my shoulders tensing as I heard that voice. It was my husband, Liam! The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. As if he read my thoughts, he began to peel off his disguise, layer by layer.

I gasped as his familiar features came into view. "Liam?" I whispered, shock and confusion warring within me.

Liam smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. He glanced around the room, his gaze disdainful. "This place cannot offer you security from enemies...if I were an enemy, you would have been long dead," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "Kristen is trash. Only good at manipulation and backhanded means."

He walked over to the couches, his movements fluid and confident. I watched, still trying to process what just happened. What was Liam doing here? How did he get in? And why was he disguised? The questions swirled in my mind, but before I could ask, Liam continued.

"You’re coming with me, Jessica," Liam said, his tone firm. "You’re not safe here."

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