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CHAPTER5
Max
I can feelthe jealousy rising like bile in my throat as I watch Carter lean against the candy shop counter, his dimple winking at Emily. It's a familiar scene, one that plays out almost every day and yet never loses its sting. His laughter rings through the air like a melody designed to torment me, and I can't help but notice how Emily's eyes light up at the sound.
"Another batch of those chocolate truffles, Carter? You must really have a sweet tooth," Emily teases, her bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Only for the best," he replies, flashing her a grin that seems to say he's not talking about the truffles. My fists clench involuntarily at the sight, but I force myself to relax, knowing that my envy isn't helping anyone—especially not me.
As she fetches his order, I can't tear my gaze away from the graceful way Emily moves, her blonde hair catching the sunlight filtering through the shop windows. She's dressed in her usual pastel-colored uniform, which only adds to the air of innocence and cheerfulness that surrounds her.
Each time I see Emily, I feel this inexplicable pull toward her, like a moth drawn to an all-consuming flame. The thought of her has invaded my every waking moment, and even my dreams are filled with visions of her radiant smile. But each time I try to imagine approaching her, my mind recoils at the idea. How could someone like Emily ever be interested in someone like me? A man plagued by insecurities and haunted by an obsessive nature.
"Thanks, Em," Carter says, his voice pulling me back to the present. He casually rests his hand on hers for a moment, and I swear I see the faintest blush color her cheeks.
"Anytime, Carter. See you tomorrow?" she asks, her voice laced with a warmth that makes me ache with longing.
"Count on it," he replies, and I can't help but wish that it was me she was smiling at like that. As they share a final glance, something inside me snaps, the jealousy too much to bear.
When Carter leaves the shop, Emily busies herself with restocking the shelves, her movements fluid and graceful. My eyes follow her every move, tracing the curve of her neck as she reaches for a jar of candy, the way her fingers deftly twist off the lid, and how she hums a soft tune under her breath.
I know it's wrong to feel this way, to become so consumed by someone who barely knows I exist. But the more I watch Emily, the deeper I sink into my obsession. She's like a beacon of light in my otherwise dark world, and I can't help but crave the warmth she seems to effortlessly exude.
"Excuse me?" A voice startles me out of my thoughts. I turn to see the owner of the candy shop, standing behind me. "You need anything?"
"Uh, no, just browsing," I stammer, trying to regain my composure. He nods before disappearing back into his office, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.
As I continue to watch Emily from the shadows, it becomes increasingly clear that I'm in far too deep. She's out of my league, a fact that I know all too well. And yet, despite all logic, I can't help but yearn for her. It’s a desire that only grows stronger with each passing day.
A small part of me wishes I could be more like Carter, able to charm her so effortlessly and garner her attention. But I know that even if I were somehow able to change myself, it wouldn't guarantee Emily's affection. The thought is both sobering and infuriating, fueling my obsession and leaving me desperate for a connection that feels increasingly out of reach.
I watch Emily for a moment longer before slipping away, unable to bear the weight of my jealousy and insecurity any longer.
As the day wears on, I find myself returning to the candy shop, though, lingering just outside. I tell myself it's nothing more than chance, that I'm not really waiting for Emily. But deep down, I know the truth: I can't resist the pull she has on me.
When her shift ends, I take a hesitant step forward, steeling myself to follow her. My heart races with every beat, each footstep feeling like a monumental effort. I keep a safe distance, watching her golden hair catch the sunlight as she moves gracefully through the streets of our small town.
"Are you really doing this, Max?" I ask myself, hoping that somehow, my own voice might be enough to snap me out of this obsession. But the answer remains clear. I am powerless against the allure of Emily Thompson.
Emily stops at a small café, ordering a coffee and taking a seat outside. I watch her from across the street, hidden behind the window of a bookstore. She sips her drink and pulls out a book, her eyes scanning the pages with the same intensity she brings to everything she does.
"Look at her," I whisper, my pulse quickening as if I were running a marathon. "She's so...perfect." The word slips out before I can stop it, a testament to just how far gone I truly am.
"Is this really okay?" I wonder, my thoughts swirling like a storm cloud. "To watch her like this, day after day, without ever saying a word? Am I just a coward or something worse?"
The ethical implications of my actions weigh heavily on my conscience, but I can't seem to tear myself away.
I follow her until the sun dips toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the streets of Millfield. To everyone else, this sleepy little town is a picture-perfect sanctuary, all quaint charm and warm smiles. But to me, it's become a prison, locking me in with my own obsession.
I've spent countless hours poring over her social media posts, memorizing every photo, every comment, every like. It's not enough. I need more.
"Collecting mementos might help," I whisper to myself, trying to justify the twisted logic that has taken root in my mind. "Just something small, something to connect me to her."
The first time I steal a pencil from her desk, my heart pounds like a jackhammer, threatening to burst through my chest. The guilt gnaws at me, but I can't bring myself to return it. Instead, I add it to the small shrine I've created in my apartment—a tribute to Emily made up of discarded receipts, a hairband she left behind, and even a crumpled napkin stained with her lipstick.
"Is this love or just insanity?" I wonder, grappling with the ever-growing beast inside me. It feeds on every scrap of information I can find about Emily, growing larger and more ravenous with each passing day.
"Emily," I murmur, the name feeling like both a prayer and a curse on my lips. "Why can't you see me?"
