Eileen’s POV

The night air in Hudson Yards was colder than usual.

I adjusted my pace as I walked along the sidewalk, my mind calm, my steps steady.

Streetlights stretched long shadows across the pavement.

Cars passed occasionally, their tires humming softly against the road.

Everything felt normal.

Too normal.

A faint sound— footsteps.

Not mine.

My eyes shifted slightly, my senses sharpening.

The footsteps behind me quickened.

Closer.

Deliberate.

Not random.

My hand tightened subtly around my bag strap.

I didn’t turn around immediately.

Instead, I slowed just enough to confirm.

The footsteps matched my pace.

Then—

They stopped pretending.

A sudden rush of movement came from behind.

I...