The Butterfly Effect​

Evelyn Carter sat on a park bench, staring at her half-eaten sandwich—the cheapest thing she could find at the deli. The summer sun beat down mercilessly, but she barely felt it. Her mind was too occupied with the gnawing dread of failure.

Another rejection.

She had spent the past week bouncing from one casting call to another, hoping to land even a minor modeling gig or a bit part in a commercial. Anything to help pay the rent for the tiny apartment she’d managed to secure for her mother and younger sister, Emily.

Her best friend, Diana, had lent her enough money to get them off the streets, but it wouldn’t last forever. Evelyn had promised Emily she’d find a way to cover her school fees before the new semester began.

But no matter how many agencies she visited, doors kept slamming shut in her face.

Adrian.

She didn’t need confirmation to know he was behind it. His reach was long, his influence vast. He had made it clear—he wanted her desperate.

Evelyn crumpled the sandwich wrapper in her fist and tossed it into the trash. She had one last appointment today—a small advertising firm that specialized in print campaigns. Diana’s friend had put in a good word for her, but Evelyn wasn’t holding her breath.

Just as she stood to leave, the massive digital billboard across the square flickered to life.

A slow, haunting melody filled the air as the screen displayed an opulent bedroom—silken sheets, dim lighting, and a woman lying facedown, her bare back exposed. Dark hair spilled across the pillows like ink, and then—

The butterfly tattoo.

Evelyn’s breath caught.

The camera zoomed in, capturing the delicate wings in vivid detail before panning to four elegant perfume bottles. The words "5203, I love you, my devil" flashed across the screen.

The ad lasted barely fifteen seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

Then, the unexpected tagline:

"This is Alexander Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Holdings, personally directing and shooting the new 'Butterfly 5203' perfume campaign. Miss, do you remember 5203? Come find me."

Evelyn’s knees nearly gave out.

That night… it was him?

Around her, people murmured in fascination.

"That doesn’t even look like a perfume ad," one woman remarked. "It’s more like… a message."

Evelyn didn’t wait to hear more. She stumbled toward the bus stop, her mind reeling.