Buried Secrets: A Deadly Past Resurfaces as a Forgotten Fortune Sparks Revenge and Survival

hadnt noticed anyone else. Was it Nathan? Had he come back or was someone else lurking in the shadows?
Her hands trembled as she slowly backed away from the door her breath coming in shallow uneven gasps. She reached into her pocket for her phone fingers fumbling to dial Daniels number. Each ring seemed to echo in the empty house louder more oppressive as if time itself had stretched in that moment. 
Pick up pick up pick up she whispered desperately.
But Daniel didnt answer. His voicemail clicked on his calm voice a jarring contrast to the panic flooding her system. She hung up without leaving a message too afraid to waste time. The realization hit her that she was alone truly alone in this haunted house of memories and lies. 
She had to leave. Now.
Grabbing her coat and keys from the table she moved quickly to the door trying to steady her breathing. But as she reached for the handle a sound stopped her colda soft rustling coming from upstairs. Her blood turned to ice.
Someone was in the house.
Emilys pulse quickened and every nerve screamed at her to run but her feet were glued to the floor. She glanced around for something to defend herself with spotting an old fireplace poker leaning against the brick hearth. Gripping it tightly in her hands she took a step toward the staircase the weight of the iron comforting in her trembling grip.
Whos there? she called out her voice trembling but firm. Silence answered her.
Her eyes moved up the staircase every step creaking in her imagination before she even took it. She wasnt sure if it was madness or bravery driving her forward but she began to climb one step at a time her breath shallow. Each creak of the wooden steps felt like a betrayal announcing her presence to whoeveror whateverwas waiting above.
At the top of the stairs the hallway stretched out before her the doors to the bedrooms barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the windows. The house felt alive with shadows each one twisting into darker shapes that set her nerves on edge. But it was the door at the end of the hall the one to her childhood bedroom that stood slightly ajar a faint glow of light spilling through the crack.
Emilys grip tightened on the poker as she approached the door her heart pounding louder in her chest with every step. She pushed the door open slowly the hinges creaking in protest.
The sight before her made her freeze in place.
Her bedroom was just as she had left it all those years agothe same faded wallpaper the same childhood knickknacks scattered across the shelves. But it wasnt the nostalgia that had her rooted to the spot. It was the figure sitting in the corner of the room shrouded in darkness.
The figure stood slowly stepping into the light. Emilys breath hitched as she recognized him immediately.
Nathan she whispered her voice barely audible.
He smiled that cold familiar smile the same one that had haunted her nightmares for years. I told you Id always be watching didnt I?
Emilys pulse raced as she took a step back trying to gauge the distance to the door. How did you get in here?
Nathan shrugged casually as if breaking into her house was the most natural thing in the world. This place has always been easy to slip into. You never really left it behind Emily. Just like you never really left me behind.
She raised the poker her hands trembling but her eyes fixed on him. Get out Nathan. I swear to God if you dont
Or what? he interrupted his smile widening. Youll hit me? Go ahead. But we both know that wont solve anything.
Nathan took a step closer and Emily backed away her legs brushing against the edge of the bed. You want answers dont you? he asked softly his voice low seductive in its menace. You want to know why I came back. Why I didnt just disappear for good. The truth is I never left. Ive always been here watching you and Daniel waiting for the perfect moment.
Emilys hands tightened around the poker but fear was creeping into her bones. What do you want?
Nathans eyes darkened the playful glint fading. I want what you took from me that night. I want the life you tried to steal. You and Danielyoure going to help me get it back.
We didnt take anything from you! Emily shot back her voice rising with anger now. You did this to yourself! You pushed us too far
Nathans smile vanished. You dont get it do you? I dont care what you think happened that night. All I care about is what happens next. And what happens next is entirely up to you.
Emilys heart raced as Nathan stepped closer his presence overwhelming suffocating. You have two days to give me what I want he said softly his voice chilling. Or I promise you the past will come back to destroy you both. And this time no one will be able to save you.
With that Nathan turned and walked past her his shoulder brushing hers as he left the room. Emily stood there frozen the sound of his footsteps fading down the stairs. Moments later she heard the front door click shut.
It was only then that she allowed herself to breathe her body sagging with the weight of the encounter. Her mind raced her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and confusion. She had two days. Two days to figure out what Nathan wantedor everything she and Daniel had fought to keep buried would be exposed.
But even as she tried to calm her pounding heart Emily knew one thing for certain.
Nathan wasnt just back for revenge. He was back to finish what he started.
And this time she wasnt sure she could stop him.
Emily sank onto the edge of her bed her body trembling as the weight of everything crashed down on her. The room with its old familiar smells and the comforting remnants of