Night had fallen. The city outside was aglow, a kaleidoscope of neon lights merging with the red sea of taillights from rush-hour traffic. Together, they formed the quintessential scene of a bustling city.

Amity Tower was located in the heart of the city. Its massive floor-to-ceiling windows made the view outside look like a framed picture.

Hendrix stood before the window, staring outside blankly. He fiddled with a lighter in his hands, flicking it on and off.

s memories of his father, Gerald Freeman, were fragmented, almost nonexistent. When he thought back now, all he could recall was the stem face of a man who held him to high standards. And later, the image of a frail, bedridden man who could no longer care for himself.

Hendrix had been just 12 years old when Gerald passed.

There hadn't been much of a bond between them, but at least, he seemed like an ordinary father in his memories.

Hendrix felt that his parents had a loving relationship. Otherwise, why would she have remained loyal to his memory for all these years?

Even the marriage to Noelle had been his mother's doing to fulfill Gerald's dying wish.

But now, all of that felt like it had been torn apart, exposing an ugly truth beneath the surface. It was as though he had been living a lie his entire life."

Hendrix snapped the lighter closed one final time before tossing it onto the desk. Without another glance, he turned and walked away.

Levi was already waiting downstairs.noveldrama

When Hendrix appeared, Levi stepped forward respectfully. But Hendrix didn't so much as glance at him, striding straight to the driver's seat.

Before Levi could say a word, Hendrix hit the gas.

Hendrix reached Percy Gardens in no time. But when he stepped inside, he was met with darkness and silence.

Frowning, he flicked on the lights. The apartment was spotless, and Noelle was gone.

Last night, after she had bitten him, he hadn't let her off so easily.

The last time he saw her was in the bathroom. He remembered it clearly-her tears, her desperate pleas

for him to let her go, and the ridiculous things she had said at his demand.

He had assumed she would stay here for at least a day or two. Clearly, he had underestimated her determination to leave.

Hendrix didn't linger. He dropped onto the couch, but the lingering scent of cleaning supplies in the air made the place feel foreign, cold.

The longer he sat there with his eyes closed, the more the emptiness of the space unsettled him. Finally, he stood

and left.

Hendrix arrived at Serene Street.

#

The first time he came here, Hendrix never imagined he would return. Yet now, he found himself visiting frequently. And, ironically, he was getting used to it. Even the flickering hallway light didn't faze him anymore.

When he reached Noelle's door, though, he found the place empty.

Hendrix frowned. It was nearly 11:00 pm. He wondered where she could be at this hour.

"Looking for Noelle?"

The sudden voice startled him

Hendrix turned quickly, his eyes landing on a young woman he didn't recognize.

She had bleached yellow hair and was dressed in a silky nightgown. She smiled at him, the corners of her lips tilting up with playful amusement.

"She's not home," the woman said lightly.

"Where is she?" Hendrix asked bluntly.

The woman shrugged, her smile widening. "I'm not sure. But she should be back soon, I think. Want to wait at my place instead?" she boldly invited him.