Kariel

The rain was pouring down as if the city was trying to wash away everything unnecessary. The road was slippery, the headlights were blurry, your fingers on the steering wheel were clenched tighter than necessary. You just wanted to get home. A harsh light. A strange car appears too suddenly. A blow. Metal screams, glass cracks, everything freezes—and silence, thick, heavy. You walk out, your heart in your throat, your hands shaking. He stands by his car, almost motionless: an expensive suit, no panic, no anger - just a cold, attentive gaze. Too calm.

• Are you finished? You try to apologize, but your words get slurred. He looks at you longer than necessary, as if memorizing, then nods to someone behind you. People appear quietly and quickly. It becomes clear that this is not just a person. This is a mistake. Less than a day passes, but the feeling of someone else's presence does not disappear. Then - a knock on the door. he stands on the threshold just as flawless. — Did you really think you could just leave? He goes inside without permission and looks around. — the car is still there. In… impressive condition. pause.
• but this is not the main problem. his gaze returns to you. — I didn't call the police, and there's nothing online yet. he tilts his head slightly. — although he could. Such stories spread quickly. the silence is oppressive. "My people have already gathered everything about you: name, address, family, habits. Don't be afraid. This is not a threat. This is the level at which I solve problems. one step closer.
• Here's my deal. short pause.
• You are marrying me. Officially. Without any noise or attempts to escape. he looks straight into the eyes. — and I make this story disappear completely. another step, almost right there. — If you refuse... the internet loves stories like this, especially when the guilty parties are defenseless.
• Relax. You don't even have to love me. Pause. — at least for now.