THE STRANGER'S SHADOW
1086 Words
The soft light of dawn filtered through the hospital curtains, painting faint streaks across Isabella’s pale face. Her body still ached, but it was nothing compared to the heaviness inside her chest. Betrayal left wounds that no bandage could ever heal.
The sound of the heart monitor beeped steadily, a reminder that she was still alive — even if part of her wished she wasn’t.
Aria walked in with her hair tied up and a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Morning, sleeping beauty,” she said softly, placing a bouquet of lilies on the nightstand. “You’ve got some color back. That’s a good sign.”
Isabella managed a weak smile. “I had a nightmare… They were laughing at me again.”
Aria frowned. “Forget them, Bella. Let them rot in their fake happiness. You’re better off without them.”
Her friend’s words should’ve comforted her, but Isabella’s mind kept going back to him , the man who’d saved her.
Alexander Knight.
Even his name felt heavy. It carried power, wealth, and danger. She couldn’t stop replaying the moment he stood in her doorway, tall and unreadable, his voice smooth but distant.
“Why help me?” she whispered under her breath.
“What?” Aria asked.
“Nothing,” Isabella said quickly, shaking her head. “Just… thinking.”
Before Aria could respond, there was a knock on the door. A man in a tailored gray suit stepped in , Alexander’s assistant. He carried a sleek black folder in one hand and a bouquet of white roses in the other.
“Miss Brown,” he said politely. “Mr. Knight asked me to deliver this.”
Aria arched her brow. “The same Mr. Knight who nearly ran her over?”
The assistant didn’t flinch. “The same. He also asked me to inform you that your medical expenses are fully covered. You’ll be discharged this afternoon.”
Isabella blinked in surprise. “What? But I can’t possibly…”
“Mr. Knight insisted,” the assistant interrupted gently. “And he also left you this.” He handed her the black folder and bowed slightly before leaving.
Aria leaned closer the moment the door closed. “Open it! What’s inside?”
Isabella hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she undid the clasp. Inside was a single envelope with her name written in neat, masculine handwriting. Beneath it was a business card embossed with Knight Enterprises.
She unfolded the letter carefully.
> Miss Brown,
I regret the circumstances under which we met. Still, I believe accidents happen for a reason. I’ve seen your profile — your degree in Business and Marketing. My company is currently seeking new assistants for our executive department.
If you’re interested, come to Knight Tower tomorrow at 10 a.m.
— A.K.
“Is he serious?” Aria gasped. “That man’s a billionaire! What would he want with you as an assistant?”
Isabella stared at the letter, her pulse quickening. “I don’t know… maybe he just feels guilty.”
Aria shook her head. “Or maybe he sees something in you that you don’t.”
---
Later That Night
Isabella sat by the hospital window, watching the city lights shimmer against the dark sky. The letter lay open on her lap.
A chance to start over. A chance to feel alive again.
But her heart hesitated. She’d trusted once — and it left her shattered.
Still… What did she have to lose now?
She picked up her phone, ready to text Aria, when the screen lit up again. That same unknown number.
> “Don’t think a new man will save you, Isabella. Some wounds never heal.”
Her stomach turned cold.
Who was this? Vivian? Her ex-fiancé? Someone else?
She quickly blocked the number and tossed the phone aside.
But long after the screen went dark, the words still echoed in her mind.
---
The Next Morning
Isabella stood outside Knight Tower, her hands trembling as she clutched her purse. The skyscraper loomed above her , a fortress of glass and steel, the heart of power and ambition.
For the first time in days, she’d straightened her posture, put on light makeup, and wore her best blouse and skirt. She didn’t look broken anymore.
She looked determined.
Inside the lobby, she gave her name at the reception desk. The woman smiled politely. “Mr. Knight is expecting you. Top floor.”
The elevator ride felt endless. Her reflection in the mirrored walls looked calm , but her heart was pounding.
When the doors opened, Alexander was already standing near the window, hands in his pockets, staring at the skyline.
“Miss Brown,” he said without turning. “You came.”
“I thought it was the least I could do,” she replied quietly.
He finally turned to face her. His gaze was sharp but not unkind. “I admire that.”
She hesitated, then asked, “Why me? You don’t even know me.”
He walked closer, the air between them thick with tension. “Because I know what it’s like to be betrayed. To lose everything. And I know how dangerous it can be… when someone like you decides to rise again.”
Isabella swallowed hard. “So what are you offering, Mr. Knight?”
“A job,” he said simply. “A chance to start over. But be warned, Miss Brown — working for me isn’t easy. I expect loyalty. Precision. Control.”
“I’m not afraid of hard work,” she said, meeting his gaze steadily.
A small smile touched his lips — the first she’d seen. “Good. Then we’ll see if you can handle Knight Enterprises.”
As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.
“Oh, and Miss Brown…”
She looked back.
“Next time,” he said softly, “don’t step into traffic.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Noted.”
He gave a slight nod, but his eyes lingered on her , just a little too long.
As Isabella left his office, her mind spun. She didn’t know if this was fate, danger, or the beginning of something she couldn’t control.
But one thing was certain , she was done being the victim.
---
Back in the elevator, Isabella’s phone buzzed again.
A new message.
> “You shouldn’t have gone to him. Now you’ve made yourself a target.”
Her blood ran cold.
Whoever was watching her wasn’t finished yet.
- Writer
