Prologue

"It's the tenth anniversary of Ramsey Ashford Hayes's disappearance," a somber news anchor began. Behind him was a digital picture of a handsome, dark-haired high school graduate with a bright, white smile and deep-set gray eyes. It morphed into an aged progression of what the now 28-year-old might look like. "The family is offering a one million dollar reward to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of their missing son."

Though Ash had been considered a missing person for the past ten years, he was hidden in plain sight. He knew exactly where he was, watching the illustrious Nova live her daily life. Her routine hardly varied. She woke up every morning and performed her morning meditation ritual before showering.

The plush towel that wrapped around her body was quickly discarded, exposing her voluptuous breasts with delicious pink nipples. He caught a glimpse of her bare mound before she turned around to show off her round ass. She bent low to lotion her long, shapely legs. She didn't mind the droplets that fell from her long, brown hair onto the hardwood floor.

Ash's mouth watered as her thick thighs teased his cock so hard he took it in hand. He stroked himself as her hands caressed the naked curves he longed to kiss and touch. He often wondered if she teased him on purpose, knowing he was infatuated by her every move.

Shortly after her morning preparations, she left for work. Her family owned a successful apothecary and occult shop. His days were spent in the vast nothingness of his surroundings. He slept during the day so he could keep a watchful eye over her while she slumbered. In the evenings, she arrived home alone and sat down at her table for a quiet dinner.

Flashes of pain would flash across her face, and he wondered what she was so sad about. Not that he could ask her. Jealousy flared in his chest as he thought about the last prick she dated and broke up with months ago. If only he had the opportunity to prove he'd never break her heart.

It was December 24th, though you wouldn't know it from the barren home. The cottage lacked holiday cheer. Nova refused to celebrate the holidays ever since he disappeared.

Nova raised her head and wiped tears from her eyes. "I wish…"

What do you wish, Nova? He wondered. Wishes were for children, but he still made one of his own.