The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 63: Strange call

Alannah sat on Nathaniel's bed, feeling the softness of the sheets beneath her fingertips. She glanced around the room, taking in the modern and minimalist design of his apartment. Everything was meticulously arranged, exuding a sense of elegance and simplicity. The clean lines, muted color palette, and carefully curated decor created an atmosphere of serenity.

With a contented smile, Alannah decided to explore further. She made her way to the kitchen, admiring the sleek appliances and the pristine countertops. The space was a testament to Nathaniel's attention to detail and his penchant for order. It felt like stepping into a magazine spread, each item in its designated place, radiating an aura of effortless sophistication.

As she wandered through the apartment, Alannah found herself drawn to the inviting sofa in the living room. She sank into its plush cushions, sinking comfortably into its embrace. From this vantage point, she had a view of the entire space, the openness of the layout allowing her to appreciate the seamless flow of each area.

Lost in her thoughts, Alannah pondered the evening ahead. Nathaniel had left for work earlier, and she couldn't help but look forward to his return. The anticipation of seeing him after a long day brought a smile to her face. She imagined the warmth of his embrace, the sound of his laughter filling the room, and the intimate conversations they would share.

Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell broke through the tranquility of the apartment. Alannah's heart skipped a beat, her initial reaction one of joy, assuming it was Nathaniel returning. She quickly rose from the sofa, a smile forming on her lips as she imagined his familiar face on the other side of the door.

But as her footsteps carried her closer to the entrance, a sliver of doubt seeped into her mind. Why would Nathaniel ring the doorbell of his own apartment? A wave of unease washed over her, causing her to hesitate. Her smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow and a sense of caution.

Alannah stood still, her hand hovering inches away from the doorknob. She strained her ears, hoping for some clue as to who might be on the other side. The seconds ticked by, each moment stretching into eternity. Her mind raced, conjuring up various scenarios and potential threats.

Fighting against her instinct to retreat, Alannah summoned her courage. She slowly withdrew her hand, taking a step back from the door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she weighed her options, her senses on high alert. Fear mingled with curiosity, creating a tense energy in the air.

Deciding to err on the side of caution, Alannah resolved to stay hidden and wait for the situation to reveal itself. She retreated to a corner of the living room, her eyes fixed on the closed door. Time seemed to stand still as she held her breath, her mind racing with possibilities.

Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity, the silence amplifying her trepidation. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon her, a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She was determined to protect herself and remain vigilant until the truth unraveled.

With cautious steps, Alannah made her way towards the front door. Every creak of the floor beneath her feet seemed to amplify the tension in the air. As she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering above the doorknob. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she finally turned the knob and pulled the door open.

To her surprise, standing before her was not Nathaniel, but a delivery person holding a package. Relief washed over Alannah as she realized it was just a delivery. She let out a small chuckle, feeling slightly embarrassed by her overactive imagination.

The delivery person smiled politely and handed her the package. Alannah thanked them and closed the door, holding the package in her hands. Curiosity piqued, she inspected the label, noticing it was addressed to Alannah. Intrigued, she decided to open it and see what was inside.

Alannah's curiosity and apprehension grew as she stared at the package before her. She cautiously approached it, her fingers trembling as she reached out to untie the elegant bow. Carefully, she lifted the lid, revealing a stunning red dress nestled inside. Its intricate design and luxurious fabric made her breath catch in awe.

However, her fascination quickly turned to confusion as her eyes fell upon the note resting on top of the dress. Its words sent a shiver down her spine. "Join this ball to find answers to your parents murder, Alannah." Alannah furrowed her brow, her mind racing with questions. Who had sent her this dress? And more importantly, why?

The absence of a name on the note only deepened her sense of unease. It seemed as though someone was orchestrating this mysterious invitation, yet they wanted to remain anonymous. Alannah's instinct told her to be cautious, to approach this situation with skepticism.

Determined to seek answers, Alannah reached for her phone and dialed Nathaniel's number. She hoped he could shed some light on this puzzling turn of events. However, her calls went unanswered, causing a knot of worry to form in her stomach. Nathaniel's absence only added to the growing sense of unease and uncertainty that had enveloped her.

Just as she was about to try calling again, her phone rang with an unknown number flashing on the screen. Alannah hesitated, unsure of whether to answer or not. The allure of potential answers about her parents' fate proved too strong, and she reluctantly pressed the "Accept" button.

A cold, mechanical voice emanated from the other end, sending a chill down her spine. It spoke with an eerie confidence, promising that she would find the answers she sought at the upcoming ball. Alannah's heart pounded in her chest as the voice assured her that the truth awaited her there.

Before she could utter a response or seek clarification, the call abruptly ended, leaving her in a state of disbelief. The suddenness of the conversation left her reeling, the weight of the unknown hanging heavy in the air.

Alannah stared at her phone, contemplating her next move. She felt a mix of fear and determination coursing through her veins. The promise of answers about her parents' fate was enticing, but she couldn't ignore the sense of danger that lingered in the shadows.

As uncertainty swirled around her, Alannah made a decision. She would face the enigmatic ball head-on, driven by her need for closure and the truth. With a deep breath, she steeled herself for what lay ahead, vowing to unravel the mysteries that had haunted her for far too long.