Soft jazz music floated gently through the cozy café, blending with the golden afternoon light that filtered through the window blinds. William had chosen a seat by the window for Lena, where the sunlight spilled across the table, casting a warm and intimate glow.
"The latte here is pretty good," William said softly. "But I think you'd prefer a cappuccino—more foam, less caffeine."
Lena looked at him, surprised. "How did you know I can't really handle caffeine?"
"Your eyes told me," William replied with a gentle smile. "People with sensitive souls tend to be sensitive to caffeine, too. Besides, at the library yesterday, you had green tea in front of you—not coffee."
"You notice everything, don't you?" Lena felt a warmth rising in her chest. No one had ever paid such close attention to the little details of her life before.
When the waiter came over, William ordered for her without hesitation: "One cappuccino, please. Extra foam, low caffeine." Lena's heartbeat quickened. That feeling—of being seen, understood perfectly—made her feel like she had met someone destined for her.
"Thank you for the portrait," Lena said, lightly touching her handbag where the drawing was safely tucked away. "No one's ever given me such a special gift."
"A special girl deserves something special," William said, his eyes fixed on hers. "Lena, do you know? From the moment I saw you, I knew you were different."
"Different how?" Lena asked, curiosity flickering in her voice.
"You have a pure soul," William replied with reverence in his tone. "In a world that's constantly rushing and noisy, people like you—who still carry innocence in their hearts—are incredibly rare. When you read, it's like the entire world goes silent."
Lena's cheeks flushed. Her mother had always been too busy with work to pay much attention to her inner world. She had grown up feeling ordinary. But with William's words, she felt seen—precious, even.
"Do you really think that?" she asked quietly.
"Of course." He reached out and gently took her hand. "Lena, I want to know everything about you. Your dreams, your fears, your past… and the future you're hoping for."
Their drinks arrived. As William predicted, the cappuccino was perfect for her—just the right taste.
"What about you?" Lena asked. "Tell me something about yourself."
His eyes flickered for a brief second before he resumed his warm smile. "My story isn't that exciting. I've always loved to draw, especially portraits. I believe every person carries a world in their eyes, and I want to capture that world."
"That's… romantic," Lena said softly. "And your family?"
"My family…" William hesitated. "Let's just say, I prefer to think of my future family as my real one. The past doesn't matter. What matters is now—and what's coming next."
Lena didn't press further. Everyone had things they'd rather not talk about. His mystery only made her more intrigued.
"So what are your plans for the future?" she asked.
"I want a quiet studio," he said, his voice softening. "Filled with canvases and paint… and one very special model. She'll be my eternal muse."
"She must be very lucky," Lena murmured, imagining the scene.
"She'll be the happiest woman in the world," William said, "because she'll have all the love and attention one man can give. She won't need anything—or anyone—else."
The sweetness of his words made Lena feel dizzy with warmth. And yet… something unplaceable tugged at the edge of her thoughts. But before she could grasp it, William spoke again.
"You're studying psychology. You must understand people well. What do you think love really is?"
"I think real love is about mutual respect and understanding," she said thoughtfully. "Two people should support each other, grow together."
"Well said." William nodded. "But I'd add one more thing—protection. True love means shielding the one you love from all harm—even the kind she doesn't see coming."
"What do you mean?" Lena asked, puzzled.
"This world is dangerous, Lena," William said, his tone suddenly grave. "There are too many people who would hurt someone like you. Your kindness and trust are your most beautiful traits—but also your most vulnerable."
"I think I can take care of myself," Lena replied with a light laugh.
"Of course. You're smart, independent," he said quickly. "But love is about wanting to carry someone's burdens. So she doesn't have to face the darkness alone."
Their conversation lasted all afternoon. William asked about everything—her classes, her friends, her daily habits, even which grocery store she liked best.
"You really care about me," Lena said, touched.
"I want to understand every part of your life," William said. "That way, I can be there for you. Protect you."
When they left the café, William insisted on walking her back to her dorm. On the way, they passed a flower shop.
"Wait here," he said, suddenly stopping and ducking inside.
A few minutes later, he emerged holding a bouquet of white roses.
"White roses symbolize innocence—and new beginnings," he said, offering them to her. "Like us."
Lena took them, her heart full. No one had ever been this romantic.
When they reached her dorm, William gently held her hand.
"Lena, today was the most beautiful day of my life," he said sincerely. "I hope there are many more like it."
"Me too," Lena whispered, her cheeks pink.
"Can I see you again tomorrow?"
"Of course."
"Perfect," he said with a wide smile. "I already can't wait."
He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and watched her walk into the building.
Lena floated upstairs, giddy with hope. She was sure—William was the one. The perfect man who truly saw and cherished her.
But when she entered the room, her roommate was waiting—anxious.
"Lena! Finally! I have to talk to you," Sophie said urgently.
"What is it?" Lena asked, still holding the roses, her face glowing with happiness.
"It's about William," Sophie said seriously. "I found something strange."
"Sophie, please not now," Lena sighed. "We had a perfect day. I don't want to hear anything negative."
"But look at this," Sophie pointed to the label on the back of the portrait frame. "Observation #47 – Subject: L.H. What does that even mean?"
Lena glanced at it, frowning. "Maybe it's just his cataloging system? Artists have weird ways of organizing things."
"'Observation #47'? Lena, that sounds like—" Sophie hesitated.
"Sounds like what?" Lena's tone sharpened.
"Like part of a research file," Sophie said. "And I can't find anything about him online. It's like he doesn't exist."
"So what?" Lena argued. "Not everyone lives their life on the internet. I know you care about me, but William is a good man. He was perfect today—attentive, thoughtful, romantic."
Sophie saw it—the dreamy look in her roommate's eyes. Lena had fallen hard.
"Okay," Sophie said, backing off. "Maybe I'm overthinking. But promise me something."
"What?"
"If anything—anything at all—makes you feel uneasy, even a little… tell me. Promise."
"I promise," Lena said, then turned to find a vase for the roses.
Sophie watched her friend with growing unease. She knew predators often wear the mask of perfection first—like a spider spinning a beautiful, deadly web.
And right now, all she could do was watch as Lena walked straight into it.
Meanwhile, back in his apartment, William opened a hidden safe in his bedroom. Inside were neatly stacked folders, each labeled with a number and a set of initials.
He pulled out one labeled "L.H. – 47" and began writing today's observation:
Observation #47
Subject: Lena HartleyDate: TodayProgress: Initial contact successful; subject developing emotional attachmentPsychological notes: Responds strongly to attention and emotional validation. Highly affected by romantic gestures.Vulnerabilities: Absence of paternal care. Deep need for protection and emotional connection.Next step: Increase contact frequency. Establish emotional dependency.Risk Assessment: Roommate Sophie Adler may pose a threat. Monitor closely.
William smiled in satisfaction.
Everything was going according to plan.
Across the city, in another apartment, a man sat in front of a laptop, scanning files about William Langston.
His name was Sebastian Ellison. He'd just returned from London to prepare for his father's wedding. But when he learned that his soon-to-be stepsister was dating a man no one knew much about, his instincts as a lawyer kicked in.
He stared at William's photo, brows furrowed.
"Where have I seen this guy before?" he murmured.
Then it hit him. He opened a file from a past case in London—one involving a missing girl.
In one of the photos from the case, a blurred figure stood in the background. The outline was almost identical to William.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. He grabbed his phone.
"This is Sebastian," he said. "I need you to run a full background check on a William Langston. He's at Columbia University in New York. I want everything—especially before he came to the States."
He hung up and stared into the night.
If his suspicions were right, Lena was in grave danger.
And as the man about to become her older brother… it was his duty to protect her.
Even if it meant digging into the darkest corners of his own past.