the boy from my past

Chapter 1 The Devil in a Tailored Suit The rain poured relentlessly over the city, turning the glass walls of Valmont Group's headquarters into shimmering mirrors. Employees hurried through the revolving doors, clutching coffee cups and laptops as another busy Monday began. Sophia Carter tightened her grip on the folder in her hands. "First day," she whispered to herself. "Don't mess this up." At twenty-three, she had worked too hard to earn this opportunity. After months of job hunting and countless rejections, she had finally been hired as the personal secretary to the youngest billionaire CEO in the country. People called him many names. The Ice King. The Devil in Armani. The Cold CEO. His real name was Ethan Valmont. No one smiled when they mentioned him. "He fires people for being one minute late." "He doesn't repeat instructions." "He has never dated anyone." "He trusts no one." Sophia had heard every rumor, but she couldn't afford to be afraid. She needed this job to pay her mother's hospital bills. The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor. Everything was silent. Even the air felt expensive. She walked toward the reception desk, where an older woman looked up with a sympathetic smile. "You must be the new secretary." Sophia nodded. "I'm Martha." Martha lowered her voice. "My advice? Don't argue with Mr. Valmont. Don't cry in front of him. And whatever happens... don't fall for him." Sophia laughed nervously. "I think I'll survive." Before Martha could answer, the office doors burst open. A tall man in a perfectly tailored black suit strode down the hallway. Every employee immediately stood. The atmosphere froze. His sharp jaw, dark hair, and piercing gray eyes made him look less like a businessman and more like someone carved from ice. Ethan Valmont. Without sparing anyone a glance, he walked past them. Then he stopped. His cold eyes settled on Sophia. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. He looked her up and down before saying in a deep, emotionless voice, "So you're the replacement." Sophia straightened her shoulders. "Yes, sir." "I hope you're more competent than the last one." He turned and continued walking. "Follow me." She hurried after him, trying to match his long strides. Inside his massive office, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city. Ethan placed a stack of files on the desk. "You'll organize these before noon." He pointed to another pile. "Answer every email." Then another. "Schedule meetings for the rest of the week." Sophia stared at the mountain of work. "All... today?" He raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?" "No, sir." "Good." He walked toward the door before stopping again. "One mistake, and you're fired." The door closed behind him. Sophia released the breath she had been holding. "This man is impossible." Little did she know... The cold billionaire she had just met was about to change her life forever. And hidden inside Adrian Valmont's desk was a file with her name on it. The next chapter can reveal why Ethan already knows Sophia's name and the secret connection they share from years ago. Chapter 2 The Secret File Sophia stared at the closed office door, still trying to calm her racing heart. "What kind of boss threatens to fire someone within five minutes of meeting them?" she muttered. She looked at the mountain of files on the desk and rolled up her sleeves. "If I want to keep this job, I have to prove myself." For the next three hours, she worked without taking a break. She organized contracts, replied to dozens of emails, scheduled meetings, and arranged Ethan Valmont's calendar with careful precision. At exactly noon, the office door opened. Ethan stepped inside. His expression was as unreadable as ever. Without saying a word, he picked up one of the files and flipped through it. Then another. And another. His sharp eyes scanned every page. Sophia waited nervously. Finally, he looked up. "There are no mistakes." A small smile almost appeared on her face. "Thank you, sir." "I wasn't complimenting you." The smile disappeared. "I'm simply stating a fact." He walked toward his desk and placed another folder in front of her. "Prepare these documents for tonight's board meeting." Sophia nodded. "Yes, Mr. Valmont." As she reached for the folder, another file accidentally slipped from the edge of the desk and landed on the floor. Its contents scattered across the polished tiles. "I'm so sorry!" She knelt to gather the papers. Then she froze. The first page held a photograph. Her photograph. It was an old picture of her taken years ago during her university graduation. Confused, she stared at it. Why would the CEO have a file with her picture inside? Before she could read anything else, Ethan snatched the papers from her hands. His face darkened. "You weren't supposed to see that." "I... I didn't mean to—" "Get out." His voice was colder than ice. "Sir?" "I said leave." Sophia hurried out of the office, her heart pounding. Outside, Martha looked up from her desk. "What happened?" "I accidentally dropped one of his files." Martha sighed. "You're lucky." "Lucky?" "The last employee who touched something on his desk was fired immediately." Sophia looked back at the closed office door. Questions raced through her mind. Why did Ethan have her photograph? Had they met before? Inside the office, Ethanloosened his tie and stared at the picture in his hand. "You still don't remember me..." His lips curved into the faintest smile. "But I never forgot you." Outside, Sophia had no idea that accepting this job had awakened a past she couldn't remember—and a man who had spent years searching for her. Writing Chapter 3 An Unexpected Dinner Sophia barely made it through the rest of the day. Every time she looked toward Ethan Valmont's office, the image of her photograph inside his mysterious file flashed through her mind. Why does he have a picture of me? She had searched her memory countless times but couldn't remember ever meeting him. At exactly six o'clock, she packed her bag and quietly made her way toward the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, a familiar deep voice stopped her. "Miss Carter." She turned around. Ethan Valmont stood a few steps away, one hand tucked into the pocket of his tailored black suit. His expression was as calm and unreadable as ever. "Sir?" "I have another assignment for you." Sophia silently sighed. There goes my evening. "Come with me." He walked toward the private elevator reserved for executives. She hesitated. "Sir... where are we going?" "A business dinner." She blinked. "But I'm only your secretary." "Exactly." "I don't think it's appropriate." Ethan's piercing gray eyes settled on her. "Was that a refusal?" Sophia quickly shook her head. "No, sir." "Good." Minutes later, a sleek black luxury car pulled away from Valmont Group. The ride was silent. Sophia stole a glance at Ethan, but he remained focused on the documents in his hands. His face was expressionless, almost impossible to read. Finally, curiosity got the better of her. "Sir..." He didn't look up. "What is it?" "Can I ask you something?" "You already are." She swallowed. "Have we... met before?" For the first time, Ethan looked directly at her. His gaze lingered for several seconds before he answered. "No." The reply came too quickly. Sophia wasn't convinced, but she let it go. Soon, the car stopped in front of one of the city's most luxurious hotels. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above the grand entrance as elegantly dressed guests stepped inside. Ethan got out first and walked around to open the door for Sophia. She looked surprised. "Thank you." He gave a slight nod but said nothing. Inside the ballroom, conversations suddenly quieted. Business executives, investors, and reporters turned toward them. "That's Ethan Valmont." "Who's the woman beside him?" "Is she his girlfriend?" "I heard he never brings anyone to public events." Sophia shifted uncomfortably. "I think they're staring at us." "They are." "You don't seem bothered." "I'm used to it." Before she could respond, a glamorous woman in a shimmering red gown approached them with a bright smile. "Ethan!" Without waiting for permission, she slipped her arm through his. "I've missed you." Sophia instinctively stepped back. The woman finally noticed her. "And who is this?" Ethan calmly removed the woman's hand from his arm. "My secretary." The woman's smile faded. She looked Sophia up and down with open disdain. "A secretary? Interesting." Sophia forced a polite smile, but she could already tell this woman didn't like her. What she didn't know was that this was only the beginning. Someone at the dinner had been waiting for Ethan to bring Sophia into the spotlight—and before the night was over, a secret from the past would threaten to change both of their lives forever. Chapter 4 The Woman in Red The ballroom buzzed with whispered conversations as every eye remained fixed on Ethan Valmont and the young woman standing beside him. Sophia wished the marble floor would open up and swallow her. The elegant woman in the red gown crossed her arms and smiled, though there was nothing friendly about it. "So, Ethan, you've finally decided to hire a pretty secretary." Ethan's expression remained cold. "Miss Carter was hired because she's qualified." The woman let out a soft laugh. "Of course." She extended a hand toward Sophia. "I'm Victoria Sinclair, a director at Sinclair Holdings." Sophia shook her hand politely. "It's nice to meet you." Victoria's grip tightened just enough to make Sophia uncomfortable. "I hope you know Ethan doesn't tolerate mistakes." "I'll do my best." Victoria smiled sweetly. "I'm sure you will." But her eyes said something completely different. Just then, the host stepped onto the stage and welcomed everyone to the annual business gala. "Ethan, we'd like you to say a few words." Ethan nodded and walked toward the stage. The room erupted in applause. Sophia watched as he confidently addressed the audience. His voice was calm, commanding, and impossible to ignore. It was easy to see why everyone respected—and feared—him. When the speech ended, guests crowded around him, hoping to shake his hand or discuss business. Sophia quietly stepped aside, not wanting to interrupt. As she admired a painting near the ballroom entrance, a waiter approached with a tray of sparkling drinks. "Champagne, miss?" "No, thank you." Before the waiter could leave, someone bumped into him. The tray tilted. A glass flew through the air. Splash! The drink soaked the front of Sophia's white blouse. Gasps echoed around the room. "Oh my goodness!" the waiter exclaimed. "I'm so sorry!" Sophia looked down at the large stain. "It's okay. It was an accident." But before she could walk away, Victoria spoke loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. "Perhaps the secretary should learn to be more careful." Several guests turned to look. Sophia felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. At that moment, Ethan appeared beside her. His sharp eyes moved from Sophia's stained blouse to Victoria. "What happened?" Victoria shrugged innocently. "It was just a little accident." Ethan looked at the trembling waiter. "Was it her fault?" The waiter quickly shook his head. "No, sir. Someone pushed me." Silence fell over the room. Ethan removed his expensive suit jacket and gently draped it over Sophia's shoulders. "You'll catch a cold." Sophia stared at him in surprise. "Th-Thank you..." Then Ethan turned toward Victoria. His voice was quiet, but every word carried weight. "If you have time to humiliate my employee, perhaps you have too much free time." Victoria's confident smile disappeared. The nearby guests exchanged shocked glances. Ethan Valmont had just defended his secretary in front of the city's most powerful business leaders. Sophia looked up at him, her heart racing. Why would a man as cold and distant as Ethan protect her? She didn't know that this was only the beginning. Across the ballroom, an older man watched them with narrowed eyes. He pulled out his phone and made a call. "She's with Ethan Valmont." A chilling voice answered from the other end. "Good." "Keep watching her." "Don't let either of them discover the truth... not yet." Chapter 5 The First Crack in the Ice Sophia stood frozen, Ethan's suit jacket draped over her shoulders. The warmth of the fabric contrasted sharply with the cold, unreadable expression on his face. "Come with me," Ethan said. Without waiting for a response, he walked toward a private lounge connected to the ballroom. Sophia hurried after him. As soon as the door closed behind them, the noise from the gala faded into silence. Ethan opened a cabinet and took out a clean white shirt still wrapped in its packaging. "The hotel keeps spare clothing for emergencies." He placed it on the table. "You can change in the restroom." Sophia looked at him in surprise. "You... planned for this?" "No." "It was just a coincidence." She smiled faintly. "Thank you, Mr. Valmont." For a brief moment, Ethan's icy expression softened. "You're welcome." It was so quick that Sophia wondered if she had imagined it. A few minutes later, she returned wearing the clean shirt. It was slightly oversized but far more comfortable than her stained blouse. Ethan looked up from the documents he was reading. "It fits." Sophia laughed softly. "I guess I owe the hotel my thanks." The corner of Ethan's lips twitched—almost a smile. Almost. Back in the ballroom, the guests were still whispering. "Did you see Ethan give her his jacket?" "I've worked with him for ten years. He's never done that for anyone." "Who exactly is this secretary?" Victoria stood across the room, watching them with barely concealed anger. She clenched her champagne glass so tightly her knuckles turned white. "This isn't over, Sophia Carter," she whispered. Meanwhile, Ethan and Sophia left the gala and headed toward the waiting car. The ride back to the office was unusually quiet. As they stopped at a red light, Sophia looked out the window. "I really appreciate what you did tonight." Ethan kept his eyes on the road ahead. "I don't tolerate injustice." "Still... you didn't have to defend me." "I did." She turned to look at him. "Why?" For a few seconds, Ethan didn't answer. Then he spoke in a low voice. "Because no one defended you back then." Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She frowned. "What do you mean... back then?" Ethan realized what he had said. His jaw tightened. "You misunderstood." The traffic light turned green, and he drove on without another word. Sophia stared at him, more confused than ever. He definitely knew something about her past. But what? When they arrived at her apartment building, Ethan stopped the car. "You should get some rest." "Thank you for the ride." She stepped out and walked toward the entrance. Just before she disappeared inside, Ethan watched her from the driver's seat. "I won't let anyone hurt you again," he whispered. Hidden in the shadows across the street, a man wearing a black hoodie lowered his camera. The flash of his lens captured Ethan watching Sophia. He immediately sent the photo to an unknown number. A reply arrived within seconds. Keep following them. The game has just begun. Chapter 6 A Dangerous Warning The next morning, Sophia arrived at Valmont Group thirty minutes early. After the drama at the gala, she hoped the office would feel normal again. It didn't. The moment she stepped into the executive floor, conversations stopped. Employees glanced at her before quickly looking away. "They're talking about me," she murmured. Martha approached with a worried expression. "Good morning, Sophia." "Morning, Martha." Martha lowered her voice. "Everyone saw what happened last night. Rumors are spreading that you're more than Mr. Valmont's secretary." Sophia sighed. "That's ridiculous. He's just my boss." "I know. But not everyone believes that." Before Sophia could respond, the elevator doors slid open. Ethan Valmont stepped out, dressed in a charcoal-gray suit that perfectly matched his calm, intimidating presence. Every employee greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Valmont." He acknowledged them with a slight nod before his eyes settled on Sophia. "My office. Now." She followed him inside, closing the door behind her. Ethan placed a small envelope on his desk. "Read it." Sophia opened it. Inside was a single sheet of paper. The words made her blood run cold. Stay away from Ethan Valmont... if you value your life. Her hands trembled. "Who sent this?" "I was hoping you could tell me." "I've never seen it before." Ethan studied her face carefully. He could tell she wasn't lying. He pressed a button on his desk. "Daniel." A tall man in a black suit entered almost immediately. "This is Daniel Brooks, my head of security," Ethan said. Daniel nodded respectfully. "Miss Carter." "Starting today," Ethan continued, "Daniel will ensure your safety whenever you're working." Sophia's eyes widened. "Mr. Valmont, that's not necessary." "It wasn't a request." She wanted to argue, but something in Ethan's expression stopped her. This wasn't his usual coldness. It looked... like concern. Just then, Ethan's phone rang. He answered without taking his eyes off Sophia. "Speak." A tense silence followed. Then his expression hardened. "I'll be there." He ended the call and looked at Daniel. "Someone tried to break into my private archive last night." Daniel frowned. "Was anything taken?" Ethan's gaze shifted briefly to Sophia. "One file is missing." "The file on Miss Carter?" Ethan nodded once. Sophia's heart pounded. "What file? Why is everyone talking about me? Mr. Valmont... what aren't you telling me?" Before Ethan could answer, the office door burst open. A panicked assistant rushed inside. "Sir!" "What is it?" "The CCTV footage from last night has been erased." Daniel's face darkened. "Someone's covering their tracks." Ethan slowly clenched his fists. "This isn't a coincidence." He looked directly at Sophia. "From this moment on, you do not go anywhere alone." Sophia felt a chill run down her spine. She had accepted a simple secretary job. Now she was receiving anonymous threats, being assigned security, and somehow connected to a stolen file she knew nothing about. Outside the office, someone watched through the glass wall before quietly walking away. The mysterious figure smiled. "It won't be long now," the stranger whispered. "Soon... Sophia will remember everything." Chapter 7 The Memory That Wouldn't Stay Buried Sophia couldn't concentrate for the rest of the day. The threatening note remained on her mind. She looked up from her computer and noticed Daniel standing discreetly outside Ethan's office, scanning everyone who passed. Am I really in that much danger? A notification popped up on her screen. Mr. Valmont: Come to my office. She took a deep breath before knocking. "Come in." Ethan was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city. Without turning around, he asked, "Has anyone approached you today?" "No." "Any strange phone calls?" She shook her head. "None." "Good." His voice remained calm, but she could sense the tension beneath it. Finally, he turned to face her. "I want you to work from my office for the next few days." Sophia blinked. "Inside your office?" "It's safer." She wanted to protest, but after everything that had happened, she simply nodded. "Yes, Mr. Valmont." As she arranged her laptop on the small desk near his, silence filled the room. Hours passed. The only sounds were the tapping of keyboards and the occasional ringing of Ethan's phone. For the first time, Sophia noticed something different about him. Despite his cold reputation, he never wasted words, never shouted without reason, and remained focused on every task. Perhaps the rumors had exaggerated who he really was. Late that afternoon, Ethan left for a board meeting. "I'll be back in thirty minutes." As soon as he left, Sophia began organizing documents on his desk. One photograph slipped from a folder and floated to the floor. She bent down to pick it up. The picture showed two children laughing beneath a large oak tree. A little girl with braided hair. A little boy holding a handmade paper airplane. The girl's face... It looked exactly like her. The moment her fingers touched the photograph, a sharp pain shot through her head. Images flashed through her mind. A sunny afternoon. A paper airplane soaring through the air. A boy smiling at her. "Promise we'll always be friends, Sophia." "I promise!" She gasped and dropped the picture. Her breathing became uneven. The office door opened. Ethan rushed in. "Sophia!" She held her head, tears filling her eyes. "I... I remember a boy." Ethan's heartbeat quickened. "What boy?" "I don't know his name." She looked at the photograph again. "But... I've seen this before." Ethan slowly picked up the picture. His voice was barely above a whisper. "You remembered..." Before Sophia could ask what he meant, Daniel burst into the office. "Mr. Valmont!" Ethan turned sharply. "What happened?" Daniel's expression was grim. "We have a problem." "What is it?" "Someone kidnapped Martha from the parking garage." The room fell silent. Sophia's face turned pale. "Why would anyone kidnap Martha?" Daniel looked at Ethan. "They left a message." Ethan's jaw tightened. "What did it say?" Daniel took a slow breath. "They'll release her..." "...only if Sophia goes to them alone." Chapter 8 The Trap Sophia's face turned white. "They... want me?" Daniel nodded grimly. "They specifically mentioned your name." Ethan's eyes darkened with fury. "Call the police." "They've already been informed," Daniel replied. "But the kidnappers warned that if they see any police officers or security following Sophia, they'll kill Martha." Sophia's heart sank. "This is my fault." "No," Ethan said firmly. "This is not your fault." "But they kidnapped her because of me." Ethan stepped closer, his voice calm but resolute. "I'm not letting you walk into a trap." Just then, Daniel's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. "It's a video." He played it. The footage showed Martha tied to a chair inside what looked like an abandoned warehouse. Though frightened, she appeared unharmed. A masked man stepped into view. "You have one hour." "If Sophia Carter comes alone, Martha lives." "If anyone follows her..." He held up a knife. "...you'll be collecting a body instead." The screen went black. Sophia covered her mouth in horror. Ethan's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "They're trying to force our hand," Daniel said. "They won't succeed," Ethan replied. Sophia looked at Ethan. "What if I go?" "No." "What if it's the only way to save Martha?" "I said no." His voice echoed through the office. It was the first time Sophia had ever heard Ethan raise his voice. She stared at him. His expression wasn't just angry. It was terrified. He was afraid of losing her. Before either of them could speak again, Ethan's phone rang. The caller ID was unknown. He answered immediately. "This is Ethan Valmont." A distorted voice laughed. "Mr. Valmont... you still protect her the way you did years ago." Ethan's face froze. "Who are you?" "You've kept your promise all these years." "But this time..." "...you won't be able to save her." The call ended. Sophia looked at Ethan in confusion. "What promise?" Ethan remained silent. Daniel noticed the look in Ethan's eyes. He knew exactly what Ethan was thinking. The past had finally caught up with them. Ethan turned to Daniel. "Prepare the team." Daniel frowned. "They said she has to come alone." "They'll think she's alone." A determined look crossed Ethan's face. "But they won't see us until it's too late." As Daniel hurried out to organize the rescue, Sophia watched Ethan. For the first time since meeting him, the cold mask he always wore had cracked completely. There was pain in his eyes. Pain... and a fierce determination to protect her at any cost. Outside the building, hidden inside a black SUV, the masked man watched the lights of Valmont Group. He smiled beneath his mask. "Come to me, Sophia." "It's time for you to remember who I really am." Chapter 9 Into the Lion's Den The black SUV rolled through the deserted industrial district just before sunset. Inside, Sophia sat in the back seat, her hands trembling. Beside her was Ethan Valmont. "You shouldn't be here," she whispered. Ethan didn't look away from the road ahead. "I told you before." "I'm not letting you face this alone." Daniel's voice came through a small earpiece. "We're two minutes away. The team is in position." Ethan replied quietly, "No one moves until I give the order." "Understood." The SUV stopped a short distance from an abandoned warehouse. The building looked lifeless, with broken windows and rusted metal doors. Sophia swallowed hard. "This place..." A strange feeling settled over her. It felt... familiar. Ethan noticed her expression. "What is it?" "I don't know." She frowned. "I feel like I've been here before." Ethan's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, his phone vibrated. A message appeared. Come inside alone. Leave the girl at the entrance. Ethan smiled coldly. "They're getting impatient." He stepped out of the vehicle first. Daniel's voice crackled through the earpiece. "Thermal cameras show at least eight men inside." "Any sign of Martha?" "Yes. She's alive." Ethan reached for Sophia's hand. It was the first time he had touched her willingly. His grip was firm and reassuring. "Stay behind me." Sophia nodded. Together, they walked into the warehouse. The large metal door slammed shut behind them. The sound echoed through the empty building. Floodlights suddenly switched on. More than a dozen masked men emerged from the shadows. At the center of the room, Martha was tied to a chair. "Sophia!" she cried. "I'm okay!" A slow clap echoed through the warehouse. A tall man dressed in black stepped forward. Unlike the others, he wasn't wearing a mask. His sharp features were hidden beneath the dim light, but the smile on his face was unmistakably cruel. "So..." He looked directly at Ethan. "The great Ethan Valmont." "It's been a long time." Ethan's expression hardened. "I knew it was you." Sophia looked between them. "You know him?" The stranger laughed. "Oh, he knows me very well." He turned to Sophia. "But you don't remember me... do you?" Sophia shook her head. "No." The man's smile faded. "You forgot the boy who destroyed your family." The words hit Sophia like a bolt of lightning. "What...?" Ethan stepped in front of her. "Don't listen to him." But the stranger continued. "My name is Damien Cross." "I was there the day your life changed forever." Sophia's head began to ache. Fragments of memories flashed before her eyes. A burning house. People screaming. A frightened little girl crying for help. A young boy reaching for her hand. Then... A loud gunshot echoed through the warehouse. Sophia screamed as Ethan staggered backward, clutching his shoulder. Blood seeped through his suit. "Ethan!" He turned toward her despite the pain. His voice was strained but steady. "Run... Sophia!" And as the masked men surged forward, Sophia realized the nightmare had only just begun. Chapter 10 The Truth Behind the Blood "Ethan!" Sophia rushed toward him, but Ethan wrapped an arm around her and pulled her behind a stack of metal crates. Another gunshot echoed through the warehouse. Bang! The bullet struck the concrete wall, sending dust into the air. "Stay down!" Ethan ordered. His shoulder bled heavily, yet he refused to let go of Sophia. Daniel's voice crackled through Ethan's earpiece. "Boss, we've lost the element of surprise. We're moving in!" "Go!" Ethan shouted. Within seconds, the warehouse doors burst open. Daniel and the security team stormed inside. "Protect Mr. Valmont!" The room erupted into chaos. Some of Damien's men exchanged fire with the security team, while others tried to escape through the back exits. Using the distraction, Ethan led Sophia toward Martha. "Can you untie her?" he asked. Sophia nodded, her trembling fingers working frantically at the ropes. "It's too tight..." "You can do it." Finally, the last knot came loose. Martha threw her arms around Sophia. "Thank you... I thought I'd never get out of here." "We have to leave," Ethan said. Just as they turned, a mocking laugh echoed through the warehouse. Damien stepped out from behind a steel pillar, pointing a gun directly at Ethan. "Always the hero." Ethan pushed Sophia and Martha behind him. "If you're going to shoot, shoot me." Damien smirked. "You'd die for her, wouldn't you?" Without hesitation, Ethan answered, "Yes." Sophia's eyes widened. She stared at Ethan in disbelief. Why? Why would a man who had only recently re-entered her life be willing to sacrifice everything for her? Damien laughed. "I knew it." He lowered the gun slightly and looked at Sophia. "You still don't know who he is." Sophia's breathing quickened. "What are you talking about?" Damien pointed at Ethan. "When you were children, you were trapped in that burning house." "He carried you out through the flames." "He searched for you for years after you disappeared." "He never stopped looking." Sophia slowly turned toward Ethan. Her eyes filled with tears. "Is... is that true?" Ethan didn't answer. His silence was all the confirmation she needed. Memories flooded back. A frightened little girl. Smoke filling the air. A young boy carrying her in his arms. His voice whispering, "Don't worry, Sophia. I'll never let anything happen to you." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Ethan..." Before she could say another word, Damien smiled coldly. "How touching." Then he pressed a button on a small remote in his hand. A loud beeping sound echoed through the warehouse. Daniel's face drained of color. "Boss!" "It's a bomb!" The beeping grew faster. Ten seconds. Nine. Eight. Ethan grabbed Sophia's hand. "Run!" Behind them, Damien disappeared into the smoke with an evil smile. As they sprinted toward the exit, the countdown continued... Five... Four... Three... And just as they reached the warehouse doors— Boom! then he shot