One minute she’s enjoying champagne in Paris, the next she’s fleeing for her life. Rachel’s romantic evening in the City of Love turns into a nightmare as she uncovers her handsome boyfriend’s dark past. Can she get away before she becomes the next victim? Do you believe in love at first sight? I know it’s a cliché, but I couldn’t help but wonder. I am Rachel, a 30-year-old woman enjoying the American dream in downtown Chicago.

My life was simple: wake up, go to work, get a coffee from the local shop, and occasionally read a good book. That is, until Robert came into my life.I met him at a lovely little bookstore that I frequented. We both reached for the same edition of “Pride and Prejudice”—a classic, right? Our gazes met, and we both laughed. “Well, this is quite the meet-cute,” he commented, his eyes gleaming. “I’m Robert.””Rachel,” I responded, feeling a flutter in my tummy. “Are you a Jane Austen fan?”

“Guilty as charged,” he laughed. “Though I must admit, Darcy Burke sets a rather high bar for us mere mortals.” “Oh, I don’t know,” I answered, startling myself with my audacity as I took a book off the shelf. “I think there’s something to be said for modern-day charm.”We talked for about an hour, identifying common interests and laughing at each other’s jokes. As we were about to separate ways, Robert hesitated.

“I know this might seem forward,” he began, “but would you like to have a coffee sometime? “I know a great little place around the corner.” I felt my heart skip a beat. “I’d love to,” I said, attempting to keep my voice calm. Everything fell into place after that. We swapped phone numbers, and before I knew it, we were texting every day.”Hey, Rachel, ever been to Paris?” Robert inquired one evening after weeks of speaking.

“Only in my dreams,” I said, chuckling. “Why do you ask?” “Well, I’ve been thinking,” he exclaimed, his voice full of enthusiasm. “We’ve been conversing for weeks, and I feel as if I’ve known you forever. But we haven’t gone on a true date yet. “That’s true,” I answered, my interest peaked. “What did you have in mind?” “How about making your dream a reality? Come with me. Let us have our first date in Paris.”I was stunned. “Paris? For the first date? “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely,” Robert said. “Don’t you believe life is too short to be ordinary? We could spend the weekend there, seeing the sights and eating delicious meals. “What do you say?” I hesitated, my thoughts whirling. “That sounds fantastic, but isn’t it too much for a first date? “We barely know each other.””I understand your hesitation,” Robert remarked softly.

“But think about it—we’ve been talking every day for weeks. We understand each other better than most people do on their first date. “It’s just an opportunity to get to know each other better in a magical setting.” His words were powerful, and the temptation of an adventure proved too strong to refuse. “Do you know what? You’re correct. “Let us do it!”

“Really?” Robert sounded ecstatic as he kissed my hand. “You won’t regret it, Rachel. It’ll be fantastic, I guarantee.”Our leaving date approached quickly. When I arrived at the airport, Robert greeted me with the most beautiful bouquet of red roses I had ever seen. It seemed weird. He appeared really thrilled, and his eyes twinkled with pleasure.

“Ready for an adventure to remember?” he inquired, smiling. “As ready as I’ll ever be!” I chuckled. “I still can’t believe we’re doing this.” “Neither can I,” Robert confessed. “But I’m so delighted we are. “You look lovely, by the way.” I felt myself blushing. Thank you. You look fantastic, too!”The flight went smoothly, and before I knew it, we were in Paris.

Robert called a taxi, and we proceeded straight to this upscale restaurant. The setting was opulent, with chandeliers and a pianist playing softly in the corner. “This place is incredible,” I exclaimed, gazing about in amazement. “How did you find it?” Robert smiled suspiciously. “I’ve got my ways. “I wanted our first date to be memorable.”Hours flew by while we talked, champagne bubbles tickling our nostrils.

We enjoyed a delicious supper, our laughter reverberating between bites as we told stories. For a moment, it felt like a storybook. When the bill arrived, Robert insisted on paying. “It’ll make me happy if you let me,” he continued, his eyes serious. “Are you sure?” I asked. “It must be expensive.” “Absolutely,” he said as he paid his bill. “Tonight’s my treat. “You can have the next one,” he said with a wink.

“Alright, thank you,” I responded as I excused myself for the restroom.I was in the restroom adjusting my makeup when a woman approached me. She appeared serious, even afraid. “You need to leave right now,” she added, her voice low and anxious. “What? Why?” I asked, perplexed. “Who are you?” “My name is Cindy,” she said, looking uncomfortably at the door. “I’m a detective from the US. Robert isn’t as he appears.”

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, full of horror and incredulity.”I’ve been tracking him,” Cindy said. “He’s brought at least eight women into this restaurant in the last six months. Some went missing; others lost their jobs and vanished. “You could be next.” My heart pounded. “It’s crazy. “How do I know you are telling the truth?” “I understand this is difficult to believe, but you must trust me. “Block his number and leave,” she said hurriedly, frowning.

I had a surge of terror and disbelief. “But he’s been so kind and sincere. “Are you certain you have the right person?” “I’m positive,” Cindy insisted. “Men like Robert excel at appearing charming. It’s how they entice their victims. Please, for your own safety, go.” Without saying anything further, I nodded, blocked Robert’s phone number, and rushed back to the table. Robert looked up, puzzled.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go,” I murmured, my voice quivering.”Go?? “Rachel, what is going on?” he inquired, rising up. “You are pallid. Are you feeling okay?” “I can’t explain. “Don’t try to find me,” I murmured, turning and walking towards the door. “Rachel, wait!” Robert called after me. “Please explain what’s wrong. Did I do anything? I got in a cab and instructed the driver to take me to the airport.

Sitting in the backseat, I finally began to relax. Cindy’s words rang through my mind. Was Robert actually dangerous?When I got to the airport, my stomach fell. Robert was waiting for me. “Please, Rachel, talk to me,” he begged, approaching me with caution. “What did I do wrong?” “This trip was a mistake.” “Just leave me alone,” I murmured, attempting to remain cool.

“It’s all because of her, isn’t it?” he questioned, his face filled with rage and anguish. “Who?” I was really confused. “A woman around thirty with blonde hair and a flower tattoo on her right arm? “My name is Cindy. “Yes, she stated she is a detective. Is this true? I gave a gasp. Robert’s face fell. “She’s not a detective,” he said. “She is my ex-girlfriend.” She’s been obsessed with me, stalking me for two years and destroying my relationships. I didn’t tell you because I assumed it was over. I’m very sorry.”

I wasn’t sure what to believe. “You should’ve told me about her. Now I’m terrified and don’t trust you.” “I understand,” Robert replied softly. “I made a mistake by not being truthful with you. I was worried that if I told you about Cindy, you’d think I was damaged goods or something. I genuinely like you, Rachel, and I did not want to scare you away.” “I’m sorry,” Robert replied, reaching out but not touching me.

“Please allow me to assist you with your return to the United States. You can take the ticket I purchased. “I’ll stay here and return tomorrow.” “Are you sure?” I inquired, still hesitant. “Absolutely,” he said, nodding. “Your safety and comfort are most important to me right now. I hope that one day, when you’re back home and feeling safe, you’ll give me the opportunity to adequately explain everything.”

On the journey home, I couldn’t stop thinking about what had transpired. Who was speaking the truth? A perplexed woman caressing her chin | Source: Midjourney. Once I was back in Chicago, I resolved to learn more about Robert and Cindy. I contacted a private detective. Over the next few days, I discovered some of the women Robert had dated. They were alive and well, but they acknowledged that Cindy had hounded them, compelling them to abandon their jobs and leave Robert’s life. This supported Robert’s story, but I was still skeptical.

One evening, my phone rang. The number was unknown.”Hello?” I answered anxiously. “This is Cindy. Robert is risky. “I’m just trying to protect you,” a woman said. “Cindy? “How did you get my number?” I inquired, my heart beating. “That’s not important,” she said quickly. “What matters is that you understand the danger you’re in.” I listened as she described Robert’s alleged machinations and sent me a dossier containing unsettling details about his past.

“But why should I believe you?” I asked. “The other women I spoke to said you were the one harassing them.” “They’re afraid of him,” Cindy insisted. “Robert has a way of convincing people to believe whatever he wants. Please, you must believe me.”Unsure who to believe, I decided to meet Cindy at a café. She appeared honest and presented additional proof against Robert.

A shudder rushed down my spine as I listened. Despite her persuasive story, a sliver of skepticism remained. My instincts informed me that Robert possessed the missing component. I chose to face him.He appeared genuinely worried and denied everything, presenting me a restraining order he had against Cindy. “Rachel, I know this whole situation is confusing and scary,” Robert told her.

“But I promise to you that I have never hurt anyone. Cindy has been generating all of this turmoil. I should have told you about her from the beginning, and I apologize for not doing so.””She… she has some mental health issues,” Robert admitted reluctantly. “She couldn’t accept the end of our relationship. She grew fascinated with the thought that I was a predator. I tried to obtain her help, but she said no.”

As I focused on the scenario, it became evident that Robert and Cindy each had their own take on the facts. The true fact, I suspected, lay somewhere between their opposing tales.Recognizing the potential threat to my safety, I chose to cut relations with both of them. During our last conversation, I got up the fortitude to tell Robert, “I’m afraid I can’t continue to be a part of this, Robert. The problem has gotten far too complex and difficult for me to manage.”

With those remarks, Robert and I parted ways.This whirlwind experience taught me the significance of trusting my intuition and being cautious when introducing new individuals into my life. While the fantasy vacation to Paris was exciting, it also served as a stark lesson that appearances may be deceptive. I discovered that sometimes the best course of action to defend yourself is to walk away from trouble.