Chapter 92

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Ron’s apartment as Amanda sat on the couch, a book in her hands, trying to distract herself from the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind. The peace and quiet of the apartment felt comforting after the recent whirlwind of events. She had decided to take a day off to recharge, knowing Ron would be busy at the office.

The sound of the doorbell interrupted her thoughts, and Amanda frowned slightly. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and Ron usually texted her if he was sending someone over. Setting the book aside, she walked over to the door and opened it cautiously, her heart skipping a beat as she saw who was standing there.

Ghost.

He stood in the hallway, his expression unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to make Amanda’s heart race. Dressed in his usual dark attire, Ghost looked every bit the part of someone who lived in the shadows. His sudden appearance at Ron’s apartment, unannounced, sent a jolt of unease through her.

“Ghost,” Amanda said, her voice betraying her surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Ghost’s gaze flickered over her, taking in the subtle signs of her tension. “I needed to talk to you,” he replied, his voice calm, almost too calm. “Is Ron home?”

Amanda shook her head, her guard immediately up. “No, he’s at work. You should’ve called.”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Ghost’s lips. “I’m not exactly one for appointments. May I come in?”

Amanda hesitated. She knew Ghost was a complicated figure, someone who Ron had once trusted but who now existed in a moral gray area. She didn’t want to be rude, but something about his unannounced visit made her uneasy.

“Just for a minute,” she finally said, stepping aside to let him in.

Ghost walked in slowly, his eyes scanning the apartment as if he were cataloging every detail. Amanda closed the door behind him and crossed her arms, trying to steady herself.

“What do you want to talk about?” Amanda asked, her voice firmer now.

Ghost turned to face her, his expression still unreadable. “I’ve been watching over things, making sure everything stays under control. I wanted to check in on you. After everything that’s happened, I thought you might need someone to talk to.”

Amanda felt a flicker of irritation. “You mean you’re keeping tabs on me?”

Ghost shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. “I’m making sure you’re safe. That’s all.”

Amanda narrowed her eyes, not entirely convinced. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. Ron and I are handling things together.”

Ghost’s gaze softened slightly, a rare display of emotion from him. “I’m not here to interfere with your life, Amanda. I’m here because I care. You’ve been through a lot, and I know how easy it is to get lost in it all.”

Amanda’s defenses wavered for a moment. She knew Ghost wasn’t an enemy, but his methods and his timing were always unsettling. “I’m trying to move on, to find some normalcy. But your sudden visit doesn’t exactly help with that.”

Ghost nodded, as if understanding her hesitation. “I get it. And I’m not here to make things harder for you. But there are still loose ends out there, things that Ron and I haven’t tied up yet. I want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes next.”

Amanda took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “We’re doing the best we can, Ghost. But I need you to respect my space, especially when Ron isn’t here.”

Ghost pushed away from the wall and took a step closer, his eyes locked on hers. “You’re stronger than you think, Amanda. I’ve seen it. But strength doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. If you ever need help—real help—I’m here.”

Amanda met his gaze, conflicted. She didn’t doubt Ghost’s sincerity, but she also didn’t want him lingering on the edges of her life, watching and waiting for trouble. “Thank you, Ghost. But right now, I need to focus on my life with Ron. That’s where my priority is.”

Ghost’s expression hardened slightly, but he nodded. “I understand. Just remember, I’m not your enemy. And I’ll be around, whether you see me or not.”

With that, Ghost turned and headed for the door. Amanda followed him, her emotions a tangled mix of gratitude and unease. As he reached the door, Ghost paused and looked back at her.

“Take care of yourself, Amanda. And take care of Ron. He’s going to need you.”

Amanda nodded, watching as Ghost slipped out the door and into the hallway, disappearing as quickly and quietly as he had arrived.

As the door closed behind him, Amanda felt a lingering sense of unease settle over her. She knew Ghost’s intentions were complex, driven by his own sense of loyalty and morality. But his presence in her life was a reminder that the past wasn’t entirely behind them, and that their future was still being shaped by forces beyond their control.

Taking a deep breath, Amanda tried to shake off the tension Ghost’s visit had brought. She needed to stay focused on what mattered most—her relationship with Ron and their plans for the future. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she was determined to face them with Ron by her side.