Page 54 of Ruin Me Gently

I walked toward the counter, bag warm in my hand, drinks sloshing slightly.

Molly followed like a bloodhound.

I tore open the bag and pulled out two neatly wrapped sandwiches. The kind with good bread and crispy edges that had been kissed with actual culinary care. In the drinks holder sat my favourite oat milk chai latte and Molly’s caramel macchiato. Not just close. Exact. Mine had the cinnamon dusting on top. Hers had extra caramel.

I stared at them.

Then at the sandwiches again.

My stomach roiled with confusion.

“Huh? Are we being poisoned? What’s going on?” Molly asked, peeking over my shoulder.

My phone buzzed from my pocket, and I pulled it out straight away.

Mr Stalker

Enjoy your lunch.

Oh, of course it was him.

I guess we’re back to gifts again.

My lips twitched before I could stop them, the faintest hint of amusement creeping in.

I caught myself immediately.

No,no.Absolutely not.

I was not going to smile about my stalker sending me food like some deranged, reverse sugar daddy situation. It wasn’t normal. And it wasn’t cute.

“Who’s that?” Molly said.

I flinched, angling the phone away. Too late.

“Spill. Now.” She pressed, squinting at the screen before I could lock it.

I sighed, shoulders dropping. Busted.

Mumbling something incoherent, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and reached for my latte, suddenlyveryinterested in the foam swirls.

She frowned. “Lilith.”

I took a sip, stalling.

She folded her arms, staring me down. “Hello? Acknowledge me, please?”

“It’s him,” I said, barely above a whisper.

“And what does that mean?”

I didn’t answer. Just stared down at the sandwiches like if I looked long enough, the bread would open up and swallow me whole.

Her voice came again, slower this time, laced with realisation. “No. No. Wait—how?!”

The sandwiches weren’t going to save me, but I was willing to risk severe eye strain pretending otherwise.

“Lilith. Look at me.”

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