Knots of Desire

er flowers and love letters to her office, take her out to dinner, and visit luxurious places with her. Their early days were filled with excitement and joy. Sophia began to develop deep feelings

her career and personal goals, she was surprised to find herself thinking about him constantly. Memori

r was precious. They would talk on the phone during work hours, have video and audio calls, and

. But this time, he didn't arrive at his usual time. She grew worried and decided to call him to remind him

t to. Thoughts of calling the police crossed her mind, but it hadn't been 24 hours yet. Her chest tightened as her worry grew, and she felt helpless. She sank into her chair

embling, and she couldn't summon the courage to leave. As she sobbed quietly, she kept wiping tears from her face, sti

o check the caller ID. It was an unfamiliar number. Her heart pounded as she hesitated, wonderin

said, their voice

led as she responded

lied, eerily composed, "Sophia

wing. "Yes... Who is this?

ian with me," the caller s

re you talking about? What do

I said he's safe for now. Whether

"What do you want? Please

me alone. No police, no friends, no family. If you

ou can't just expect me to-pl

re's an old house on Desmian Street. Be there tonight, alone, at 8 PM. If you're even a minute la

she pleaded, "Why are you doing

plied coldly. "Just be there. And remember-a

hang up!" S

clicked, and

f, trembling with fear,

raced with questions, but she was determined to do whatever it took to save Julian. Time

umber again, but this time, it was unreachable-both Julian and the caller. Her worry deepened, and she f

a strict warning not to call either number. It also advised her to use a flashlight to find her way. Knowin

y illuminated the room. The silence was deafening, and the air smelled old and musty, as though the place had be

s replaced by the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food-pastries and other warm scents. The atmo

d. Suddenly, amidst the darkness, she felt a gentle tug at her waist.

was beautifully decorated with romantic touches, and at the ce

sight of him melted her heart, and the weight of her earlier fear dissolved like water rushing do

as if letting go were impossible. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncon

t you. This... t

e gentle. "I'm so sorry for put

linging to him. "But please, don't ev

surprise you. You work so hard and always forget your own

smiled. "I already feel special. Having you as my man makes

d with warmth. "I love you too

they walked hand in hand to thank the guests for atten

ho was it? He played that part so we

rin. "He's right over there in the c

aised her hand, pretending to smack him. "Yo

plied with a chuckle. "It

rty. The rest of the night was filled with dancing, la