# Chapter 5: The Shadow Behind Her

# Chapter 5: The Shadow Behind Her

The morning sun rose over the city, but Elina couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in her heart.

She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. Dark circles had formed beneath her eyes after another sleepless night.

Her life had changed completely in just a few months.

She gently rested her hand on her stomach and whispered,

"Good morning... little one."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'll protect you with everything I have."

Her phone suddenly rang.

It was Sophia.

"Good morning! Have you eaten yet?"

Elina laughed softly.

"Not yet."

"I'm coming over. You're not skipping breakfast anymore."

Before Elina could answer, Sophia hung up.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang.

Sophia entered carrying two bags full of food.

"I bought your favorites!"

"You really didn't have to."

"I know," Sophia smiled. "But you're eating for two now."

The two friends shared breakfast while talking about university, dreams, and the future.

For a brief moment, Elina forgot all of her worries.

But outside the apartment...

A black luxury car was parked across the street.

Inside sat a man wearing dark sunglasses.

He lowered a camera after taking several photographs of Elina.

"So she's still here..."

He picked up his phone.

"I've found her."

After ending the call, the mysterious man drove away.

...

Meanwhile...

Ashford Group was busier than ever.

Elio stood inside the conference room, surrounded by the company's top executives.

A massive project worth billions was about to be signed.

One executive smiled confidently.

"Congratulations, President Ashford. Once this deal is complete, Ashford Group will become the largest company in the country."

Everyone applauded.

Elio remained calm.

He signed the contract without showing any emotion.

Money had never impressed him.

Power had never satisfied him.

Even after becoming one of the youngest billionaire CEOs, he still felt as though something important was missing from his life.

As the meeting ended, his assistant Damian entered.

"Sir, your schedule for tonight is ready."

Elio nodded.

"I'll handle the company until sunset."

"And after that..."

Damian smiled.

"I understand."

...

Night soon arrived.

The city transformed into a sea of lights.

Hidden beneath an abandoned warehouse, Elio entered his secret headquarters.

Every member stood immediately.

"Boss!"

Maps, files, and security screens covered the walls.

Damian stepped forward.

"We've received new information."

Elio looked at him.

"Speak."

"The Black Viper Gang has formed an alliance with another organization."

"They're planning something big."

Elio folded his arms.

"Do they know who they're dealing with?"

"No."

A faint smile appeared on Elio's face.

"Good."

"Let them make the first move."

"We'll finish this on our terms."

His men nodded without hesitation.

They trusted their boss completely.

...

Elsewhere...

The mysterious man from the black car entered an old mansion.

Another figure waited inside the darkness.

"Did you find the girl?"

"Yes."

"And the man?"

"He's exactly where we expected."

The older man slowly smiled.

"Perfect."

"It's finally time to bring them back together..."

"...without them realizing why."

Thunder echoed outside as lightning lit up the room.

The older man opened a dusty file.

Inside were two photographs.

One showed Elio.

The other showed Elina.

Across both photos was written one word in red ink.

**TARGETS**

The man closed the file.

"This time..."

"They won't escape their fate."

**To Be Continued...**

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