Chapter Seven: Shadows of the Past
543 Words
Three days later, everything shifted again—because of a single letter.
Maya found it on the hallway table. A simple white envelope, no return address, just her name in elegant handwriting.
At first, she thought it might be a wedding gift—some late, polite gesture from an extended business associate. But when she opened it, her heart slammed against her ribs.
*"You don’t know the full story about Adrian Kessler. But I do. And if you don’t walk away, you’ll learn the hard way."*
No signature. No details. Just a cruel, sharp warning.
Her fingers trembled as she read it again. Every instinct screamed danger—not just for her, but for Adrian too. Who sent it? Why now?
She found Adrian in the gym, his shirt soaked with sweat, punching a heavy bag with relentless focus. His eyes flicked to her immediately.
“Maya?”
She handed him the letter.
He read it. His entire body stilled.
Maya crossed her arms. “Well? Is it true? Is there something I need to know?”
He looked at her, eyes darker than she’d ever seen. “Yes. But not like this.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
Adrian dropped his gloves, running a hand through his damp hair. “I didn’t want to drag you into this. My past isn’t just messy — it’s dangerous.”
Maya’s jaw tightened. “You made me your wife. Your partner. I deserve to know.”
He exhaled deeply. “Years ago, before I took over the company, I made some decisions I regret. Deals with people who don’t forgive or forget. When I left the family business and struck out on my own, I thought I left those ties behind. But some debts never die.”
Maya’s mind raced. “Is someone threatening us?”
“More than that.” His voice lowered, almost a whisper. “They’re watching.”
She swallowed hard, the weight of his confession settling on her like a shroud.
“Why now?” she asked.
“Because they see you as a weakness,” Adrian said, stepping closer. “They think if they break you, they break me.”
Maya looked up into his eyes. “Then they don’t know me.”
A sudden determination lit inside her. She wasn’t just a pawn in this dangerous game—she was a player.
Adrian nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “That’s why I need you to be careful. For now, keep this between us.”
Maya bit her lip, thinking of all the moments that had led her here—moments of trust, betrayal, and unexpected hope.
Later that evening, as Adrian disappeared into a private call, Maya sat alone in the study, the envelope still clenched in her hand. Her mind whirled with questions.
Who was behind the threat? Was it someone from Adrian’s past business dealings? Or was it more personal—family, enemies, or rivals?
The mansion suddenly felt less like a sanctuary and more like a cage.
But Maya wasn’t about to let fear dictate her future.
She stood, straightening her shoulders.
If shadows haunted Ad
rian’s past, then she would be the light to chase them away.
- Writer
