ECHOES FROM THE PAST
802 Words
The photo in the mysterious man’s envelope wasn’t just a picture.
It was proof of a past Ayana knew nothing about.
In it, Ethan stood beside Claudia, youthful and dressed in a tuxedo, his arm draped around her waist. But what caught the eye wasn't the polished smile he wore it was the man beside them.
Broad-shouldered, piercing dark eyes, and a scar that sliced across his jaw.
His presence felt ominous even in stillness.
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The Next Morning — Ethan’s Penthouse
Ayana stood by the kitchen counter, staring at the steam rising from her untouched coffee. She had barely slept. Her mind kept looping the same worry: Who was helping Claudia? And why?
Ethan walked in, shirtless and sleepy-eyed, but the second he saw her face, his expression sobered.
“Another message?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, but… I have a bad feeling. Like something is coming and we’re not ready.”
Ethan wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it. Together.”
Ayana leaned into his chest. “Can I ask you something? And I want the truth.”
He hesitated. “Go on.”
“Is there anything from your past… with Claudia or someone else… that could come back to haunt us now?”
Ethan’s body stiffened just slightly enough for Ayana to feel it.
“There was someone,” he said slowly. “Someone I used to do business with before I turned legit. Dangerous man. He disappeared years ago.”
Ayana pulled back, her eyes narrowing. “What was his name?”
Ethan looked away. “…Maxwell Dane.”
The name sent chills down her spine. She didn’t know why—but she knew it mattered.
---
Meanwhile — Claudia’s Secret Apartment
Claudia opened her inbox to find an encrypted message.
She smiled darkly as she clicked open the file. Inside were documents ledgers, old bank transactions, emails between Ethan and Maxwell Dane from six years ago.
All illegal.
All buried until now.
She picked up her phone and called her contact. “Leak this to the right people. Make sure it reaches someone who still cares about corporate crime.”
“And Ethan?” the man on the other end asked.
“Oh, let him run,” Claudia said. “The more he tries to hide her, the more exposed he becomes.”
---
At the Salon — Later That Day
Zara was restocking products when a slim woman with designer sunglasses walked in.
Ayana looked up from her seat at the back and froze.
She knew that face from photos. From Ethan’s old social posts. From Claudia’s i********: years ago.
It was Claudia’s cousin, Natalia.
Natalia sauntered in like she owned the place, her lips curved in a smug smile. “Hi. I’m looking to get a quick blowout… and maybe some tea while I wait?”
Zara moved to help, but Ayana stepped forward. “Zara, I’ve got this.”
Natalia removed her sunglasses and leaned in. “You’re prettier in person. I can see why she hates you so much.”
Ayana’s eyes didn’t flinch. “Then she should’ve let him go gracefully.”
Natalia laughed. “You think this is about love? This is about power, sweetheart. And you’re sitting on a throne that doesn’t belong to you.”
She leaned in closer, voice dropping. “You have no idea who Claudia really is.”
Ayana crossed her arms. “And you have no idea who I’ve become.”
Natalia left a card on the counter. “When things fall apart and trust me, they will call me. I might be your only way out.”
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Later That Night — Zara’s Room
Ayana sat on Zara’s bed, clutching the card Natalia had left.
“She’s bluffing, right?” Zara asked, brushing out her hair.
Ayana didn’t answer.
She could feel the walls closing in. And worst of all? Ethan was hiding something. She knew it now felt it.
If this Maxwell Dane person was back… if Ethan’s past was about to explode… where would that leave her?
Her phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number:
“Your prince is built on secrets. When the truth comes out, you’ll wish you stayed in Kilimani.”
---
Elsewhere — Ethan’s Office
Ethan stared at his monitor. The security footage showed Natalia leaving the salon. Claudia was officially crossing lines.
His phone rang.
It was a number he hadn’t seen in years.
“Hello?” he answered.
A gruff voice came through. “We’re not done, Ethan. You still owe me.”
Ethan froze.
“Maxwell?”
“I heard your little lover is getting comfortable. Time to remind you what you promised me… or I’ll let your precious girl know everything.”
---
To Be Continued...
- Writer
