THE SHADOWS THAT WATCH
995 Words
The next morning,the air was sharp, carrying the faint hum of the city as Isabella stepped out of her apartment building. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she glanced behind her for the fifth time in less than a minute.
She told herself it was nothing,just paranoia. But deep down, the feeling gnawed at her. Someone was watching.
When she reached the corner, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: “You should have stayed in that hospital bed, Isabella.”
Her fingers went cold. The message vanished before she could screenshot it.
She took a shaky breath and pushed on, clutching the assignment file Mr. Knight had given her yesterday morning, details about the Andrews Merger, a massive business deal that could make or break Knight Enterprises. She wasn’t supposed to get involved, but Alexander had looked her straight in the eyes and said, “I trust your instincts.”
And somehow, that meant something.
---
At eight AM that morning, Isabella arrived at the Knight Enterprises Tower early, determination masking her fear. The city gleamed outside the glass walls of the 20th floor, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes following her even here.
As she sat at her desk, Mr. Knight’s assistant, Ryan, appeared. “Mr. Knight wants to see you in his office.”
Inside, Alexander was standing by the window, phone in hand, his jaw set in that calm, unreadable way.
“You finished the report?” he asked without turning.
“Yes,” Isabella replied, placing the file on his desk. “But… There's something strange about one of the partners, sir. Anderson's records show offshore accounts that don’t link with the proposal numbers. Someone’s hiding a big sum.”
Finally, he turned,his gray eyes sharp with interest. “And you found that in less than two days?”
“I used to handle company audits at Browns Corporation,” she said quietly. “Before…”
“Before the betrayal,” he finished for her, his tone softening. “You’re wasted behind a desk, Isabella. Come to lunch with me. We’ll discuss this merger there.”
Her heart skipped. Lunch? With him?
---
Scene: The Lunch Encounter
The restaurant Alexander chose was a quiet, elegant place overlooking the city park. The soft hum of classical music filled the air as waiters moved gracefully between tables.
For a while, the conversation was all business. Isabella presented her findings, and Alexander listened with full focus, occasionally giving that rare approving nod that made her stomach flutter.
“You’re impressive, Miss Brown,” he said finally, setting down his fork. “If what you’re saying is correct, this merger could expose an inside leak.”
“Or someone powerful enough to destroy you,” she replied before realizing how bold she sounded.
He smirked slightly. “That wouldn’t be the first time someone tried.”
She was about to ask what he meant when a familiar laugh froze her blood.
Across the room, Vivian,her stepsister,stood by the entrance, arm-in-arm with Chris, Isabella’s ex-fiancé. They looked every bit the picture-perfect couple: polished, confident, unashamed.
Vivian’s smirk widened the moment her eyes met Isabella’s. “Well, if it isn’t the little charity case,” she said loud enough for nearby tables to hear. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”
Isabella stiffened, but before she could speak, Alexander rose slowly, the quiet power in his presence silencing the room.
“I don’t appreciate interruptions during my meetings,” he said coldly. “Especially from people who clearly don’t belong in the same class as my company.”
Vivian’s face paled, but Chris stepped forward. “And who exactly are you?”
Alexander turned, his gaze icy. “Alexander Knight. CEO of Knight Enterprises. The man your ex fiancée is currently working for.”
The tension crackled like electricity. Vivian’s jaw dropped slightly; Chris’s bravado evaporated.
Isabella looked down, embarrassed, but Alexander leaned closer and said lowly, “Never lower your head, Isabella. Let them drown in the regret they built for themselves.”
She looked up,and for the first time since the betrayal, she smiled. A real smile.
–
The Threat Unfolds
That night, Isabella returned home exhausted but strangely lighter,until she saw the folded note slipped under her door.
“You don’t belong in his world. Leave Knight before it’s too late.”
Her hands trembled. She didn’t know whether to call Aria or the police. But before she could decide, her phone rang.
“Isabella.” It was Alexander’s voice deep, firm, calm. “You’re safe, aren’t you?”
“How did you..?”she stammered
“Someone’s been following you,” he said flatly. “My security flagged unusual movement around your street.”
Her stomach dropped. “So it wasn’t in my head?”
“No,” he said. “And from now on, you don’t walk alone. I’m assigning two of my security men to your detail.”
“I don’t need….”
“This isn’t up for discussion.” His voice softened. “You’ve become a target, Isabella. Because of me.”
She froze. “Because of you?”
There was silence, then a sigh from the other end. “Let’s just say… my past doesn’t like being quiet.”
---
The Past Returns
Later that night, Alexander stood in his penthouse, staring at an old photograph, a woman with dark eyes, holding a child. His fingers tightened around the frame.
His phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: “You think you can protect her? You couldn’t even save the last one.”
His eyes hardened. He picked up his coat and dialed Ryan.
“Double her security,” he ordered. “And prepare a full background check on whoever’s been trailing her. They’re not after her, they’re after me.”
As he looked out over the city lights, a storm gathered behind his eyes.
This time, he wouldn’t let the past destroy someone he cared about.
Not Isabella.
- Writer
