“Not again. ” Dominic paused. “Since whe lid you start making issues. out of nowhere?” Serena clenched her fists, her eyes narrowed. every word was breaking heart. She had overheard to know that Rosa were not her friends. About Dominic, he was either blind or complicit. That time didn’t want talk to anyone, especially Dominic. she turned to pulled back by him. Her hitched. Their proximity was making her nervous. Meanwhile, his deep blue eyes bore into with an intensity that made her breath catch. “At Least listen to me once, won’t you?” he asked, voice low and smooth. His words breaking none of turmoil she had expected. For a second, Serena’s eyes softened but she yanked her arm her determined. To I’m tired your games. ” Dominic’s eyes were still fixed on her. He frowned. “Nobody is playing. Come inside, let’s talk. I’m there’s some misunderstanding. Each one us wanted you to be around us. It’s not what you think. ” That wanted to scream at him, to him she didn’t need his explanations or excuses. But in voice her. Before he insisted anything. He sounded and urgent. “I told wouldn’t last. ” Once again words echoed in her and her anger surged back the surface. I don’t want hear more lies. ” She took a step back, her voice cold. “In don’t waste your time on me. I’m Monica and Rosa will have better you me. They will be thrilled to see you. ” “Serena-” began, but she interrupted him with a laugh. “Do you know what they really think of me, Dominic? They were in there, laughing about how I am, how m not good enough for you. you what? They’re right. ” Her voice trembled, but she the mask of strength. “I that I’m too good for this. Dominic’s face but before he could speak anything, something clicked Serena’s mind. Without she on heel and stormed back into the restaurant. “Nobody is to berate me. Not even she whispered breath. As she walked back inside, heads turned, and she caught sight of Monica and Rosa at their table, whispering to each other. Serena strode over, her confused them. “Enjoying yourselves?” she asked, her dripping sarcasm. “We were waiting for you,” Monica said. was the first silence. “It nice, sitting here, looking down at your so–called mumbled, looking directly into their eyes. “Serena…” Rosa but Serena showed her palm, to her to shut up. “But let me tell you something. You don’t deserve my friendship or concern. ” Rosa had an on her face, but Monica recovered. “Serena, maybe should calm down. This isn’t the time or place. “Oh, I’m perfectly calm,” Serena replied back, her voice sharp a blade. “And know what? I’m with this charade being friends. can be your real self now. ” In the days, Serena threw herself more work. needed her mind off the chaos that was her personal life. But nothing was putting her mind off from the dread of uneasiness and fear. A creeping sense disturbed her. It with the and cryptic messages which she si receiving the night she dodged out of the restaurant. “You don’t know who you‘ re dealing with. ” “Stay away from Dominic, or you’ll it. Initially ignored them as she was convinced that just more of Rosa‘ s tricks. “She is just trying to scare me off,” she mumbled to herself and again. But as the days went by, the messages more frequent, more menacing. “I’m watching you. ” tried to brush it off, herself that they were just Rosa’s attempts. But feeling of cold fear began to settle in heart. She couldn’t shake feeling that someone was her, waiting for the right moment to strike. night, as she was working Serena noticed a shadowy lingering the area where she was waiting for her car. Although she herself was being paranoid, something was off. When she was Dominic, she lots of threats from his enemies. So, knew how to handle herself. “Who there?” She asked, clutching her keys tightly between her fingers, ready to use as weapons if necessary. When came out, Serena started walking. Once again, the figure followed her, staying few steps behind. Serena’s breath quickened as kept moving ahead, the with every step. The sound of footsteps behind her, closer, and she knew she had to act fast. “Stay away!” She shouted, only to come with a familiar. “Vincent?” she gasped, voice a mix of shock and relief. Her boss was standing there, startled as she felt. are you doing out here so could you the same thing,” she replied, still racing heart. “Were you following rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward. “It’s almost midnight. that it not safe for you to back alone. Let you home. ” Serena unsure to be relieved suspicious. Vincent had been kind to her, but something about appearance didn’t settle well with her. She about to but something her screamed cautious. Maybe, just this once, she a little help. “Alright,” she her gut still twisted doubt. As they walked to car, Serena couldn’t shake the that was off. The messages, shadowy now sudden concern. Everything like of a she couldn’t quite put together. At the moment, the loud from her broke the reverie of her thoughts. aren’t you home yet?”