# Chapter 4: A Promise to My Child

# Chapter 4: A Promise to My Child

The next morning, sunlight streamed through Elina's bedroom window, but she hadn't slept all night.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the ultrasound picture lying on the table. Every time she looked at it, reality became harder to deny.

"I'm really going to be a mother..."

Her voice trembled.

She gently touched her stomach.

"I don't know who your father is... and I don't know what our future will be."

"But I promise you one thing."

"I'll never abandon you."

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"You'll never be alone."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Elina?"

It was Sophia.

She opened the door and smiled gently.

"I brought breakfast."

Elina smiled weakly.

"You didn't have to."

"I know."

Sophia placed the food on the table before sitting beside her.

"Have you decided what you're going to do?"

Elina looked down.

"I want to keep the baby."

Sophia smiled warmly.

"I knew you'd say that."

"But..."

"I'm scared."

"What if my parents hate me?"

"What if everyone judges me?"

Sophia held her hand.

"People will always judge."

"But your child will only ever have one mother."

"Don't let fear decide your future."

Elina nodded.

For the first time since receiving the news, she felt a little stronger.

...

Across the city...

Ashford Group was preparing for one of the biggest business meetings of the year.

Luxury cars lined the entrance.

Reporters crowded outside.

"President Ashford is here!"

Camera flashes filled the air as Elio stepped out of his black Rolls-Royce.

Wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked calm and confident.

Every employee bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, President."

Without saying a word, Elio walked inside.

The meeting lasted for hours.

Several companies wanted to partner with Ashford Group.

Others wanted to compete.

Elio simply smiled.

"If they want competition..."

"We'll give them competition."

His confidence amazed everyone.

By the end of the meeting, Ashford Group had signed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

His assistant couldn't hide his excitement.

"Congratulations, Sir."

"You've just become the youngest businessman to break another national business record."

Elio looked out the window.

None of it made him happy.

Money...

Power...

Respect...

He had everything.

Yet something inside him always felt empty.

...

That evening...

The city became quiet.

Deep beneath an abandoned warehouse...

The secret headquarters of Elio's organization came alive.

His men stood in perfect lines.

"Boss."

Elio entered the room.

Damian immediately approached him.

"We found the men responsible for attacking our warehouse."

"Where are they?"

"They're hiding at the old harbor."

Elio calmly put on black gloves.

"Let's pay them a visit."

Within minutes, dozens of black SUVs disappeared into the night.

Far away, someone watched everything through a pair of binoculars.

A mysterious smile appeared.

"So..."

"The king has finally moved."

The stranger looked at another photograph.

This one showed Elina leaving the hospital.

"And now..."

"It's your turn."

A black car slowly began following Elina without her noticing.

She had no idea that danger had already found her.

**To Be Continued...**

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