My tire went flat, and a man in a pickup truck pulled up to help. He did all the work in minutes. When he took off his sunglasses, I realized it was my new neighbor who had been secretly watching me. I started my car immediately.

I lived alone on the outskirts of town, tending my garden and selling produce at the local market. My trust in people was shattered years ago when my fiancé betrayed me. Since then, I avoided close relationships.

One sunny afternoon, a tall man with dark hair moved in next door. Our eyes met, but I quickly looked away. Soon after, garden tools went missing, flowers were ruined, and my bench was broken. I suspected my new neighbor but had no proof.

One evening, I had a flat tire on a deserted road. A man in sunglasses pulled over to help, and I was shocked to see it was Axel, my strange neighbor. The next day, my house was vandalized, and I accused Axel. He confessed, “I’m in love with you, Sophia.” Just then, we noticed someone outside. It was Karen, my other neighbor, who admitted causing trouble out of jealousy.

Axel and I set a trap and caught Karen in the act. She apologized, and we gave her a chance to change. Axel and I grew closer, and my faith in people was restored.