When no one was looking, he pinned me against the wall and kissed me. "Tali, you belong to me. "No matter where you run, I will find you." His voice burned with a feverish madness. I trembled in his grip. After all these years, his "sickness" seemed to have only grown worse. 1 I stepped through the front door and froze. Silas Vance was sitting in our living room. Five years ago, I had dumped him. Back then, he was a boy who had begged me to stay, a boy who looked like he would die without me. Now, the boyishness was gone. He was dressed in a crisp, perfectly tailored white shirt and black slacks. His dark tie was knotted with military precision. He looked every bit the corporate elite. I stood there, paralyzed. I never imagined our paths would cross like this. The world is a cruel place. My father was getting remarried. His bride? My ex-boyfriend’s mother. And the two of them had already moved into our house. Silas and I locked eyes for a split second before I jerked my gaze away. "Tali. "This is Silas Vance. He’s older than you, so you should treat him as your brother. "Actually, you two went to the same high school. What a small world, right?" My father began enthusiastically introducing my ex-boyfriend to me. 2 "Hi, Tali. It’s a pleasure to meet you." Silas smiled at me and extended his hand, acting as if this were our very first encounter. My fingers curled into a tight fist at my side. Compared to his effortless composure, I was a nervous wreck. Our breakup hadn't been civil. I had discovered his secret. He was sick. He was obsessively possessive and deeply unstable. I had found his journals. I had seen the darkness in his mind. He had written about things he wanted to do to me—locking me away, making sure I could never leave him, making sure he was the only person I would ever see. Those words were filled with a raw, violent intensity. God knows how terrified my teenage self had been when I read them. "Tali, your brother is talking to you." My father nudged my arm, prompting me to respond. "Hello," I forced out. The words felt like stones in my mouth. At dinner, my mind was a chaotic mess. The food tasted like ash. Every time my eyes accidentally met Silas's, I looked away, my heart hammering against my ribs. I couldn't finish the meal. Eventually, I made an excuse and bolted to my room. I grabbed my phone and texted my best friend. [Gwen, do you know what Silas Vance has been up to all these years?] [Is he okay? Did he... ever date anyone else?] This was the first time since the breakup that I had dared to ask about him. Gwen’s reply came almost instantly. [Where did this come from?] [I haven't heard of him dating anyone. He’s doing great, actually. He started his own tech firm. I think they’re about to go public.] [He’s a genius, Tali. But seriously, why did you dump him back then?] [He was obsessed with you. He would have done anything you asked.] [Actually... there’s something I never told you. I didn't want to freak you out or make you feel guilty.] [Tali, Silas tried to kill himself.] [It was right after you broke up with him and moved away for college.] [They said there was so much blood. He barely made it.] I stared at the screen, my vision blurring. My hand began to shake. The weight of that word—suicide—felt like a physical blow. 3 I couldn't sleep that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I thought of what Gwen had said. Even after all this time, the gravity of it felt suffocating. What was he thinking now? After all these years, did he still feel something for me? Or had he finally let it go? And what about his "condition"? I sat up and reached for my water bottle, only to find it empty. Sighing, I slipped out of bed and headed to the kitchen. In the heavy silence of the house, a tall figure approached from behind. By the time I realized I wasn't alone, Silas was already standing beside me. He was still wearing the same white shirt and slacks. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the lean, corded muscle of his forearms. Being alone with him in the dark, with that new information echoing in my head, made me bite my lip in panic. "Do you... do you need water?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah." Silas gave a short nod and handed me his glass. I took it and filled it for him, my movements jerky. "Tali." His deep, resonant voice drifted down from above me. "How have you been? Were you happy while you were away?" "Yeah. I was fine," I whispered. "Silas, I... I hope we can just be civil." My mother passed away years ago. Now that my father had found happiness with Silas’s mother, I truly wanted him to have a good life. I wanted everyone to be happy. "Can we just let the past be the past?" Silas didn't answer. He just stared at my face with those dark, unreadable eyes. "Since you’re not saying anything, I’ll take that as an agreement. "Silas, we’re not kids anymore. You know what I mean." I spoke firmly, my eyes reflexively darting to his wrist. He was wearing a silver watch on his left hand. A dark thought flashed through my mind, but I suppressed it immediately. I wouldn't let myself go there. "It’s late. I'm going back to bed." I hurried past him, my heart racing. I could feel his gaze burning into my back all the way down the hall. The next morning, I left the house early to avoid him. But fate had other plans. I walked into my job interview, and the man sitting across the desk from me—my potential boss—was Silas. 4 I hadn't expected this. When I was told the CEO wanted to interview me personally because my resume was "impressive," I actually felt flattered. Then I walked into the top-floor office and saw Silas. "Sit." He gestured to the chair across from his mahogany desk. He looked perfectly at ease. On the desk, I saw a takeout bag from my favorite breakfast spot from college. He hadn't forgotten. But for me, that wasn't a good sign. It was a warning. "Tali, you left so early this morning you didn't have breakfast. "Eat." I hesitated for a few seconds before dragging myself to the chair. "I didn't know this was your company." If I had, I never would have applied. "I know." Silas nodded. He picked up a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, and lit it. He used to be the "golden boy" in school—the perfect student. I couldn't even associate the image of him smoking with the person I used to know. "Do you mind?" I shook my head and opened the food container. I was actually hungry. The atmosphere in the office was suffocating. Even though Silas was acting normal, I knew deep down—he still loved me. He slid a folder across the desk toward me. I looked down. [Diagnostic Report] was written in bold letters. My heart skipped a beat. "Tali, I’m better now. "Those things you saw in my journal... I admit, I had those thoughts. "But I know the difference between fantasy and reality. "I’m not a monster. I would never actually hurt you." I cut him off before he could continue. "Silas. "My boyfriend is coming into town today. "I have to go pick him up from the airport." I looked up and saw the mask of composure slip. His face went dark, the "civil" facade vanishing instantly. To be honest, during all those years apart, I hadn't been completely indifferent. There were nights when I missed him. There were moments when I thought about going back. But those thoughts died yesterday. Knowing our parents were together made any future for us impossible. I wanted to draw a hard line between us. Silas looked like he was on the verge of a breakdown. He stared at me, his pupils blown wide. My rejection had hit a nerve. In that moment, he looked just as dangerous as he had five years ago. 5 I fled his office. That evening, I brought Leo home. "Dad, this is my boyfriend, Leo." I held Leo’s hand and introduced him to my father, while keeping my eyes on Silas, who was standing behind him with a stony face. "A boyfriend? "Tali, you never mentioned him." My father looked Leo up and down, then smiled warmly. He seemed to approve. "I wanted it to be a surprise. "I'm an adult, Dad. It's not that shocking. "Also... I’ve been meaning to tell you, I'm planning on moving out. "The new job I got is pretty far from here." I took the opportunity to make my move. "Moving out?" My father frowned, hesitating. "Which company? If the commute is an issue, you can always work for me," Silas interjected, his voice like ice. I ignored him completely. "Dad, I lived on my own while I was abroad. I can handle it. Besides, you and Elena need your space. I don't want to be the third wheel. "Please, Dad? Just say yes." I grabbed my father’s arm and started pleading. "Fine. If that’s what you want," my father finally relented. I felt a wave of relief. An hour later, I was in my room packing. Leo was waiting for me downstairs. Silas appeared in my doorway. He marched into the room and closed the door behind him. "How long has this been going on with that guy? "You’re really going this far to avoid me? "Tali, this is your home. If anyone should leave, it’s me." "You're overthinking it. I'm just moving for work. As for Leo... "I don't think I owe you an explanation." I stopped packing and looked him in the eye. "Silas, we’re over. We’ve been over for five years." The truth was, Silas was right. I was running. Leo was just a friend I’d asked to play the role of my boyfriend. I wanted to kill two birds with one stone: convince Silas I’d moved on and find an excuse to move out. "Tali, break up with him." "No." Silas grabbed my wrist. His grip was so tight it was painful. I winced. He loosened his hold slightly but didn't let go. "Tali, please. Don't do this." "Silas, it’s over. "If you didn't hear me the first time, I’ll say it again. "I don't go back to my exes. Especially not the 'sick' ones." I made my words as cruel as possible, hoping to finally break his obsession. "I'm better. "Tali, I showed you the report. I’m not sick anymore. "I'm normal." Silas spoke through gritted teeth. His eyes were red. He looked like he was about to cry. He had cried once before, when he was begging me not to leave. That image was burned into my mind forever. My heart wavered for a second, but I stayed firm. "Silas, who knows when you’ll relaspe? "You're unstable. You can't just 'fix' that." 6 I dragged my suitcase downstairs. "Your 'brother' is watching us from the top of the stairs," Leo whispered as he took my bag. "Ignore him." I had to play the part. At the bottom of the stairs, I looped my arm intimately through Leo’s. "This is a mess, Tali. "Seriously, the way he looks at you... it’s borderline psychotic. You sure you’re going to be okay?" Leo joked once we were outside. "Are you scared?" "No." Leo laughed and leaned in close. "Honestly, Tali, you should consider making us official. "We could be great together." "In your dreams." I rolled my eyes and nudged him. At 10:00 PM, Leo dropped me off at my new apartment. I waved goodbye and headed up the elevator. The move had been rushed. I hadn't even looked at the place before signing the lease. Luckily, the agency had sent over a cleaning crew, and since it was fully furnished, I just had to unpack. I was on a video call with Gwen. "So you moved out? "Tali, do you really hate him that much? "I mean, he’s clearly still in love with you. "The guy is gorgeous, successful, and obsessed with you. Most girls would kill for that." "My dad is married to his mother, Gwen. How are we supposed to be together? "I'm not going to ruin my father's marriage." Click. The sound of the front door opening echoed through the apartment. I froze. My blood ran cold. Someone had just walked in. 7 A burglar? Panic flared in my chest. Since when was the security in this neighborhood so bad? I looked around frantically for something to use as a weapon. Nothing. The place was empty except for my clothes. I ran to the bedroom door, intending to lock it. But of course, things couldn't be that simple. I discovered the lock on the bedroom door was broken. I couldn't lock it. The sound of footsteps approaching the bedroom door made me forget how to breathe. It was too late to call the police. My hands were shaking so hard I could barely hold my phone. I tried to stay calm and started dialing 911. Thud. Just as I was about to hit 'call', the door was kicked open. I gasped, my heart stopping. Silas. It was him. How did he get in? "Tali, you look nervous. "Did you think it was a stranger? "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Silas looked at me, a faint, dangerous smile playing on his lips. I was still in shock. It took me a long time to find my voice. "What are you doing here? "How did you get in? "This is my apartment. You have no right to be here. "Get out. Now." My voice was weak, lacking any real authority. I was still reeling from the shock. I frowned, trying to look imposing. "Silas. "Leave. I’m not going to tell you again." "Where’s your boyfriend? "Is he not here?" Silas raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes scanning the room. I gritted my teeth and tried to push him out. But the next second, he grabbed my wrists and pinned me against the wall. 8 Silas's left hand was behind my head, protecting me from the hard surface. His large frame pressed against me, pinning me in place. "What are you doing? Let me go!" The intimacy of the situation, the predatory look in his eyes... I felt a wave of danger. "Silas. "Let go. Get away from me." "I can't." Silas buried his face in the crook of my neck. The gesture was far too intimate. "Tali. "You're not really with that guy, are you? "You did all of this just to get away from me, didn't you? "You're so naive, Tali. Do you really think I'd let you go that easily? "Never. I'm never letting you go. You're mine. "Actually, I'm glad you moved out. "It makes this much easier. "I’ve missed you so much. Every minute we were apart, I was thinking about you. "Stop running. It’s useless. No matter where you go, I’ll find you. "I was going to take it slow, but you pushed me too far." He started kissing my face, my neck, his movements frantic. "Silas, stop! Silas!" I called his name, trying to reason with him. He was insane. Completely insane. How could he do this? Everything felt so surreal, so wrong. My struggles were useless against his strength. "Heh." A long time later, after he had kissed me until my lips were numb, he whispered in my ear, his hand still tight around my waist. "Tali, I can feel it. You still feel something for me." My face burned. The Silas I used to know would blush if I even flirted with him. This man... he was a professional. And I hated myself because, for a second, I had kissed him back. 9 "Silas, that's enough." I bit my lip and tried to push him away. Through the fabric of his shirt, I could feel the hard lines of his torso. "That was just a reflex. it didn't mean anything. "Leave. Now. "If you don't, I'm calling the cops. "This is breaking and entering. And you're... you're assaulting me." I held up my phone, trying to look like I meant it. It was a bluff. I didn't want to call the police. I didn't want my father to find out about any of this. "Breaking and entering? "Tali, did I forget to mention? Your lease doesn't start until next week. The agency just gave you the keys early. This week doesn't count toward the rental period. "I'm just visiting my own property. "And as for the 'assault'... didn't we use to do this all the time? "You used to love it. "Just now, you were more into it than I was." Silas gripped my chin, his calloused thumb tracing my lips in a slow, agonizingly intimate motion. My head was spinning. This was his property? How was that possible? "I bought this place today. "I heard you were looking at this unit, so I contacted the owner and made him an offer he couldn't refuse." He explained it so casually, as if buying an entire apartment on a whim was perfectly normal. "We’re over. We’ve been over for five years. "Silas, I’m not going back to you. "I told you, I don't want to be with someone who’s mentally unstable. "I don't do 'crazy.' "I don't love you anymore. I don't want you." Crazy. That was the second time I'd called him that today. I knew how much it hurt, but I didn't care. I just wanted him gone. The air in the room seemed to go still. "Heh." After a long silence, Silas tilted my head up and looked me in the eye. He was smiling. "You despise me? "Fine. "But it doesn't matter. Even if you hate me, even if I disgust you, I'm not letting go. "Tali, you were right." His expression turned dark, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly whisper. "That medical report I showed you today? It was a fake. "I’m not better. I never was. "In fact, I’m worse." I stared at him in horror. He was admitting it? It was all a lie? "Are you scared?" He saw the fear in my eyes and his smile widened. "Then be a good girl. Don't provoke me. Stay by my side. "Tali, don't push me. You don't want to see what I'm capable of when I lose control. "A 'crazy' person in a state of distress... there’s no telling what might happen." His cool fingertips brushed against my cheek. I was frozen, unable to move, unable to breathe. "I heard what you said in your room earlier. "You're worried about our parents, aren't you? "Then you better behave. Because if you don't, I'll tell them everything." 10 I looked at the man in front of me and couldn't find a trace of the gentle boy I had known. He had changed. He was manipulative. Forceful. He was using tactics he never would have used on me before. And I could see the madness burning in his eyes. "Silas, what’s the point? "You’re being selfish. You’re forcing me to stay against my will. When did you become so cruel?" "Cruel?" Silas seemed to savor the word. He laughed, a dark, jagged sound. "If being cruel is what it takes to have you, Tali, then I’ll be the most heartless man on earth." He had found my weakness. I gave in. But I wasn't going to make it easy for him. I decided to treat this as a lapse in judgment, a temporary madness. I would hide my feelings. I would never admit that I still cared about him. Once our parents were married, I would leave the country again. If I was gone, he would eventually move on. Just like he had for the past five years. That night, Silas held me as I slept. I tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let me. His arms were like iron bands around me. He had taken off his watch. The scars on his wrist were clearly visible in the moonlight. I felt a pang of horror. Knowing about it was one thing; seeing it was another. The scars were deep and jagged. Silas had truly intended to end his life. Sensing my gaze, Silas moved his wrist, trying to hide the scars. "It’s ugly. Don't look." "Silas, why? Why did you do it?" I whispered. "If I said it was because of you, would you care more? "Probably not." He let out a self-deprecating laugh. "I didn't do it for you. It had nothing to do with you. "Does that make you feel better? "It was just the illness. I was depressed. I had suicidal tendencies. It was normal. "Maybe I should have cut deeper. Then you wouldn't be stuck with a psycho like me." "Don't say that." I frowned, reflexively defending him. Silas didn't say anything else. He just pulled me closer and kissed my ear. I went rigid. "Don't worry. I won't touch you tonight." My heart tightened. We were only ten days away from the wedding. 11 The next morning. When I woke up, Silas was in the kitchen making breakfast. I stood in the living room and watched him for a long time, my heart a heavy weight in my chest. He used to make breakfast for me all the time. Back then, I really thought we would be together forever. I have a bit of a flighty streak. I used to think I could never stay with one person for long. I thought I would get bored. But with Silas, I never felt that way. Before I found his journals, before I knew he was "sick," I was happy. I loved his attention. I loved how he took care of me. I loved flirting with him and watching him blush. And having a genius boyfriend meant I never had to worry about my homework. He was patient. He would even do it for me when I was feeling lazy. "Awake? "Come eat." Silas turned and looked at me, his expression perfectly natural. I trudged over to the table. "Relax. "Tali, why do you look so miserable? "We’re back together. This is a celebration. "Smile for me, okay?" Silas gave me a small smile. The darkness from last night was gone. But unlike him, I couldn't find anything to smile about. "Your condition... "Have you been seeing anyone for it? Silas, what if... what if I went with you to see a specialist?" My approach to the problem back then had been immature. Now that I was older and couldn't escape him, I wanted to try and help him face it. Maybe if he got treatment, he would be able to let me go. "There’s no point. "You said it yourself—you can't 'fix' this. "Why waste the time? "If you’re worried about me hurting you—" Silas's dark eyes locked onto mine. "I promise you, as long as you don't try to leave, I won't do anything. "You know that even if I hurt myself a thousand times, I could never hurt a single hair on your head. "Your dad called this morning. He’s going to check out the wedding venue tonight. I told him I’d bring you." I panicked. "Why did you say that? You should have let my dad tell me himself. What if he suspects something?" "What is there to suspect? Tali, you're being paranoid. I'm your brother now. "Your dad is happy we're getting along. "Besides, I told him you're going to work at my firm. I told him I'd take care of you. He agreed. He doesn't want you working for some stranger who might treat you badly." I bit my lip. Silas in this state was impossible to argue with. An hour later, I was in Silas's office, staring at the new workstation he had set up for me. He had made me his personal assistant. We were in the same office, in the same room. He intended to keep me under his eye twenty-four hours a day. 12 [Gwen. [How much more do you know about Silas’s past few years?] I sat at my desk, only a few feet away from Silas, and texted Gwen again. [?] Gwen’s reply was immediate. [You disappeared halfway through our conversation yesterday. [Why are you asking about him again? [I told you everything I know. [Tali, seriously, I think you're overthinking this. [Your parents' marriage shouldn't be a dealbreaker. [If you love someone, you should be with them. [Silas has clearly been pining for you for years. It’s hard to find that kind of devotion these days. Why won't you just give him another chance? [You’re never going to find anyone who loves you as much as he does.] I stared at the message for a long time. [I don't care. I'm not going to be selfish. I'm not going to make things difficult for my father. [After the wedding, I'm leaving the country again. [I'm not coming back.] [You're leaving again?] [Yeah. It’s the only way Silas will let it go. [To the world, he’s my brother now. [We can't have any kind of romantic involvement.] [So you're just running away again? Tali, why? Why are you doing this to yourself?] [Because it’s the right thing to do. It’s the only choice.] I bit my lip as I typed the reply, unaware that every word I sent was being mirrored on Silas's screen. He had installed a camera in the plant right next to my desk.
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