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 ? " 1/3 CHAPTER 014 " 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 2/3 CHAPTER 014 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 . " 3/3