Dark Vows 26

Dark Vows 26 Summary

 

In Chapter 26 of **Dark Vows**, the protagonist grapples with intense feelings of anger and confusion stemming from an unexpected visit from a stalker. The chapter opens with her frustration boiling over as she reflects on the audacity of this individual, who seems to derive pleasure from her distress. Despite her anger, there’s an unsettling realization that the stalker is fixated on her, regardless of her demeanor, leaving her feeling trapped and confused about the nature of his interest.

 

As she wrestles with her emotions, the protagonist confronts her subconscious, which prompts her to analyze the stalker’s cryptic words. She feels a mix of fear and intrigue, recognizing that the situation has escalated since José re-entered her life. This connection between José’s return and the stalking behavior adds to her anxiety, as she suspects that his presence has unwittingly stirred up trouble. The chapter highlights her internal conflict, as she oscillates between wanting to confront the stalker and feeling overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding her.

 

Determined to uncover the truth, she decides to text the stalker, demanding answers about his intentions and his connection to Bruni Santos. The exchange quickly escalates, revealing the stalker’s desire for recognition and his mocking tone, which only fuels her defiance. Despite her instinct to insult him, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as the stalker challenges her to meet him in person.

 

As the chapter progresses, the protagonist’s resolve strengthens, and she prepares to confront the stalker, despite the fear that grips her. The final moments build tension as she receives a location and time for their meeting, leaving her with a mix of dread and determination. The chapter closes on a cliffhanger, with her contemplating the risks of facing the unknown, underscoring the emotional turmoil and the stakes involved in her quest for answers.

 

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below

**Dark Vows**
**Chapter 26**

If I thought my anger had reached its peak before, it has now escalated to a boiling point. The audacious arrogance of my unexpected visitor from last night is gnawing at my nerves like a persistent itch that refuses to be scratched.

I find myself yearning to unleash a torrent of words upon him, to see if he can match my ferocity—savagery for savagery. Perhaps, after I’ve had my say, he’ll finally choose someone else to torment. After all, he did imply he prefers women who are more compliant and subdued.

No, silly, my subconscious interjects, shaking her head in a mixture of pity and disbelief. He specifically said he likes YOU when you’re docile; intoxicated; compliant.

So what? I counter in my mind, feeling the weight of confusion settle in. What does that even imply?

I can almost picture my subconscious giving me an exasperated look, as if we’re engaged in a heated debate. She expects more from me, but with the chaos swirling in my mind lately, can anyone really blame me for feeling this way? Something feels terribly off, and I can’t quite grasp what it is. It’s as if a storm is brewing just out of sight, and I’m left standing in the dark.

Finally, she offers me some clarity. I don’t need to ponder his cryptic words too deeply, because it’s clear: it doesn’t matter what you do or how you act. He will pursue you regardless. He doesn’t want sweet, tipsy girls; he wants you. And it’s just a bonus when you’re sweet and tipsy.

I can’t help but stifle a laugh. No way.

Sounds a bit obsessive, doesn’t it? Her irritating voice echoes in my thoughts, planting a seed that’s proving difficult to uproot.

And so what if it is? I reason with myself. Is this really how one asks a girl out? By instilling fear in her heart? Because heaven knows I was terrified to my very core when my house was broken into not long ago.

This entire situation makes absolutely no sense. I’m acutely aware that everything spiraled out of control the moment José returned from his three-month trip and met Lisa and me at Carlo’s Pot. He left soon after and hasn’t returned since. He mentioned having angry people after him, which made sense at the time. But this stalking business? It all began around the same time he re-entered my life. It’s not me drawing in this unwanted attention; it’s José’s presence that has stirred the pot.

If José won’t divulge what’s happening, then perhaps I should compel the stalker to spill the truth. Surely, a simple text asking for answers can’t be that terrifying? After all, the stalker isn’t lurking in my shadows at this very moment… although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t contemplating how to sleep with both eyes open tonight.

That’s the crux of the issue, isn’t it? I’m unable to get a decent night’s sleep, and that’s why I feel an urgent need to uncover the truth. I must know what’s going on. Since José is unwilling to share, I’ll have to seek the information elsewhere.

With a determined breath, I pick up my phone and type out a text.

Me: So you’re the one who sent me that other text about… Bruni Santos?

The seconds tick by slowly, but soon enough, a response arrives.

Strange Line: So… you didn’t save my number? How disrespectful. You would have known it was me if you had. I’ve only ever contacted you with that one line.

I scoff at his text, disbelief flooding my senses.

Me: What should I have saved your number as? Stalker? Creep? Dangerous weirdo? Unknown annoyance? Mysterious jerk?

The intention behind my words is clear—an insult, a challenge, just as he had pointed out. Now that I know he despises disrespect, that’s precisely what I want to embody. Because this man cannot possibly have feelings for me. He must not.

Yet, his next reply halts me in my tracks, my eyes widening in astonishment.

Strange Line: Something. Anything.

A thought flits through my mind. He craves acknowledgment, a sign that he holds some importance in my life. As if I would ever grant him the satisfaction of being significant to me.

Me: That’s not the question I asked. Who are you? What do you want with me? What did you do to Bruni Santos?

The response flashes on my screen almost immediately, and it’s a mere three words.

Strange Line: Come to me.

I smooth the creases on the sheet of paper I had hastily pulled from the pack, my mind as blank as the page before me. This is hardly how to make a good impression on my new boss, yet I’m not sure I’m even in the right state to be at work today. I skipped breakfast in my rush to leave, and the thought of facing the day is daunting. After I hung up with Amelia, I dashed to take a shower, leaving my house in Lisa’s care. The only thing propelling me out the door was the sheer luck—or perhaps fate—of getting my job back. But now, standing here, I can’t shake the feeling that taking the day off might have been the wiser choice. How does one even work after… all of this?

Another message pings from the stalker, and I brace myself.

Strange Line: Don’t you want to know who I am? Come. To. Me.

His tone drips with mockery, but I try to brush it aside.

This doesn’t seem like the most rational decision, yet I find myself typing a response.

Me: Where?

I need to uncover who this person is, I tell myself. I’m done being left in the dark. It’s not about thrill-seeking; it’s about seeking answers.

When he finally provides a location, a cold sweat breaks out across my forehead, but my resolve remains steadfast.

I must be losing my mind.

Strange Line: King’s Park. 9 pm. Come alone.

Conclusion

 

As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting long shadows over my tumultuous thoughts, I feel an unsettling mix of dread and determination coursing through me. The weight of the unknown looms large, yet I know that I can no longer remain passive in the face of this chaos. The cryptic messages from my stalker have ignited a fire within me—a fierce desire to confront the darkness that has seeped into my life since José’s return. I realize that the time for fear has passed; it’s time to reclaim my narrative and seek the truth, however terrifying it may be. With each heartbeat, I remind myself that I am not just a victim in this unfolding drama; I am a participant, and I will not allow anyone to dictate my fate.

 

As I prepare to step into the night, a newfound clarity settles over me. The emotional turmoil that has plagued me—anger, confusion, and fear—has transformed into a powerful resolve. I will not be defined by the shadows that stalk me; instead, I will confront them head-on. The invitation to meet my tormentor is both a challenge and a catalyst for change. With every step I take toward King’s Park, I am not just seeking answers; I am reclaiming my strength and agency. The darkness may be daunting, but I am ready to face it, armed with the knowledge that I have the power to fight back and uncover the truth that has eluded me for far too long.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

 

As the tension escalates, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the perilous game being played between our protagonist and her enigmatic stalker. With the ominous invitation to meet at King’s Park hanging over her like a dark cloud, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as she grapples with her fear and curiosity. Will she muster the courage to confront the unknown, or will the shadows of doubt and dread consume her? The stakes are higher than ever, and the clock is ticking down to a fateful rendezvous that could change everything.

 

Moreover, the underlying connection between José and the unfolding chaos will likely come to the forefront. What secrets does he hold, and how does his presence tie into the mysterious threats looming over her? The chapter may reveal crucial insights into his character, potentially unearthing motives that could either protect or further endanger her. As the protagonist prepares for her encounter, the tension between her desire for answers and the instinct for self-preservation will create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

 

Expect twists, revelations, and heart-pounding suspense as she steps into the unknown. Will she find the answers she seeks, or will the encounter lead her further down a rabbit hole of danger and intrigue? With each turn of the page, the anticipation will only grow, leaving readers hungry for more as they navigate the murky waters of dark vows and hidden truths.