The unsettling messages continued to flood Camille’s phone over the next few weeks, each one more invasive and terrifying than the last. What started as subtle, creepy remarks had now become explicit threats.

Unknown Number: You can’t hide, Camille. I’m closer than you think.

The chill that ran down her spine was unlike anything she had ever felt before. No matter how many times she blocked the number, the stalker always found a way to contact her again. She started receiving letters, too—handwritten and left in her locker at school, or even slipped under the door of her family’s apartment.

Every day, Camille felt like she was being watched. Whether she was at a shoot, walking to class, or even in the comfort of her own home, the feeling of someone lurking in the shadows never left her. It was suffocating, and the constant anxiety was wearing her down.

Despite the police investigating, there were no leads. Whoever this stalker was, they were careful—there were no fingerprints on the letters, no way to trace the messages. The situation was getting worse, and it was clear that the person wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.

Josh had become even more protective since the threats escalated. He insisted on walking her to and from school, accompanying her to every modeling gig, and staying close whenever they went out with their friends. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight, and Camille was grateful for his presence, even though she hated how much the situation was affecting their lives.

One afternoon, after school, Camille, Josh, and Riley were sitting in Topanga’s cafe, trying to get back to some sense of normalcy. Riley, ever the optimist, was doing her best to keep the conversation light, but even she couldn’t ignore the tension hanging in the air.

"You know, I’ve been thinking we should plan a weekend getaway," Riley said brightly, glancing between Camille and Josh. "Just to get away from all the craziness and relax. Maybe we can go upstate?"

Camille smiled faintly, appreciating Riley’s effort, but she couldn’t shake the constant worry that had settled in her chest. “That sounds nice, Riley, but I don’t know if I can even enjoy it. I feel like I’m always looking over my shoulder now.”

Josh, who had been unusually quiet, leaned in closer. “You shouldn’t have to feel like that, Camille. I’m not going to let this guy get to you. We’re going to figure out who’s doing this.”

As if on cue, Camille’s phone buzzed with another message. She hesitated before checking it, her heart racing. It was from the unknown number again.

**Unknown Number**: I see you. You look scared. Cute.

Camille’s hand shook as she stared at the message, her face going pale. “He… he knows we’re here.”

Josh’s eyes darkened as he grabbed her phone, reading the message. “That’s it. This has gone on long enough.” He stood up abruptly, his protective instincts kicking into high gear. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

Riley’s eyes widened in alarm as she gathered her things. “What do we do, Josh? Where do we go?”

“I’m taking Camille home,” Josh said firmly, his hand gently but urgently guiding Camille to her feet. “Riley, go back to your place with Maya. We’ll figure this out.”

As they rushed out of the cafe, Camille’s fear escalated, her heart pounding in her ears. She felt exposed, vulnerable—like the walls were closing in on her. Every person on the street, every shadow, felt like a potential threat. Whoever was stalking her wasn’t just lurking online anymore; they were following her, watching her every move.

Back at the Hunter apartment, Shawn was already on high alert. He had been working closely with the police, pushing them for more action, but now, seeing the terror in Camille’s eyes when she walked through the door, something snapped in him.

“That’s it. Camille, you’re not leaving this house until we figure out who this is,” Shawn said, his voice tight with anger. He turned to Josh, who was just as tense. “We’re doubling security. I’m getting cameras installed, and I’m hiring private security to keep an eye on you at all times. This person’s not getting anywhere near you.”

Camille nodded, but the fear in her heart only grew. The stalker had gotten bolder, and the fact that they had known exactly where she was today meant they were getting closer.

Later that night, after Josh had reluctantly gone home and Shawn had checked every lock in the apartment twice, Camille sat in her room, staring out the window. She could feel her dad’s presence in the next room, pacing and stressed out of his mind. He didn’t show it to her, but she knew this situation was wearing on him too.

Her phone buzzed again. Camille’s heart dropped as she glanced at the screen, expecting another message from the stalker. But this time, it was Josh.

Josh: I’m staying outside your building tonight. Just to be safe. Don’t worry—I’m here.

Camille sighed in relief, her chest tightening with emotion. Josh had been her rock through all of this. Knowing he was nearby gave her some comfort, but it also broke her heart that he felt the need to protect her this way.

As the night dragged on, Camille found herself tossing and turning, unable to shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Every creak of the apartment, every gust of wind outside sent her heart racing. She hated this—hated the way this person had invaded her life, stolen her peace of mind.

The next morning, after another sleepless night, Camille woke to find her dad in the living room, talking to someone on the phone. His voice was low and urgent, and the look on his face told her things were getting even more serious.

“They found something,” Shawn said grimly when he hung up the phone. “The police traced the letters back to a post office near your last photoshoot. They’re closing in on a suspect.”

Camille felt a flicker of hope. “Does that mean they’ll catch him?”

Shawn nodded, but his face was still etched with concern. “They’re close. But until they do, I don’t want you going anywhere alone.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Camille’s heart jumped, but when Shawn opened it, Josh stood there, looking as tired as she felt. He had clearly spent the night outside, watching over her like he had promised.

“I couldn’t stay away,” Josh admitted, stepping inside. “I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

Camille smiled faintly, but her eyes were filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Josh. For everything.”

As the three of them sat down to discuss the next steps, Camille knew one thing for sure—she wasn’t going to let this stalker win. She had come too far, worked too hard, to be brought down by fear. And with Josh and her dad by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next.

But deep down, a part of her still couldn’t shake the terrifying thought: What if this wasn’t over? What if the stalker was closer than they all realized?