Under the Veil I Rule
Chapter 32

At that moment, she looked at him. Her eyes were large and bright, yet imbued with a deep sadness. She quickly lowered her gaze.

It was such a simple gesture, but on his way back home, Finnian couldn't stop replaying that scene in his mind, like a song stuck on repeat.

He closed his eyes, trying to push away the jumble of thoughts that had taken over his mind. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it with a curt, "What's up?"

"Finn," came Liliana's soft voice. "Do you have time this evening? Let's have dinner together."

"I'll pass. I'm not hungry," Finnian replied, his voice distant.

"How about tomorrow then? I really want to see you," Liliana pleaded playfully.

Finnian loosened his tie, his tone remaining indifferent. "We'll see about tomorrow."

He hung up, intending to dive into his work, but his stomach growled, reminding him that he'd barely eaten at lunchtime, and now it was well past dinner time.

Glancing at the calendar, he noticed it was Friday. Amara usually brought him a pot of clam chowder or a hearty beef stew on Fridays. He could almost taste the rich flavors in his memory, which only added to his growing frustration and furrowed brows.

Meanwhile, Amara had just left the real estate office, clutching a set of keys, and headed to an apartment across from the film set.

Though she technically still had the Autumn Ridge house, she and Finnian weren't officially divorced yet, making it still legally their shared home. She couldn't bring herself to stay there.

Besides, Autumn Ridge was a bit of a trek from the film set, so she quickly rented a fully furnished apartment nearby. She could just move in without much hassle.

After checking the place out and signing the electronic lease, she tidied up a bit before heading out to buy groceries.

On her way back from the market, Amara had an unsettling feeling like someone was following her. It was a subtle sensation, but it was there.

The apartment she rented was in an older building with a faded exterior and lax security. As dusk fell, a chill ran down her spine, and she picked up her speed.

Eventually, she went in the passageway, yet, the footsteps behind her continued, mirroring her pace. When she sped up, so did they. When she slowed down, they followed suit, clinging to her like a shadow. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

She glanced up toward her apartment on the second floor. The stairwell was narrow, and the landlord had mentioned the apartment across from hers was vacant. If something happened, no one might hear her cries for help.

So, Amara swiftly ducked aside, hiding in the shadows.

Just then, a figure in a baseball cap, mask, and sunglasses entered. He paused when he saw no one was upstairs and began looking around.

Amara lurked from her hiding spot, her heart pounding in her chest. She had planned to slip out quietly if the person went upstairs, deciding whether to sneak away or make a scene to attract attention.

But he was looking around, about to spot her. Without thinking, she swung her grocery bag at him and then bolted before the other snapped back to the reality.

"Amara!!!"

A frustrated voice shouted after her, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.