Shadows of the past
305 Words
Ariana sat at her desk late into the evening, the office lights dimmed except for her workstation. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but her mind was elsewhere—troubled and restless.
The past weeks with Liam had been… complicated, but in a way she never expected. He was different behind closed doors—less the untouchable CEO, more the man struggling to find his place in this sudden new reality.
But just as they were beginning to find balance, a message popped up on her phone. No caller ID. No name.
“Be careful. Not everyone wants your secret safe.”
Her heart skipped.
Who could it be?
Had someone found out about her pregnancy?
Was someone watching her?
The next day, Liam noticed the shadow lingering beneath her eyes. At lunch, he reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently.
Ariana shook her head. “Nothing. Just… work stress.”
He didn’t believe her. His own past battles with enemies and betrayals made him hyper-aware.
“We’ll get through it,” he said firmly. “Together.”
But deep down, Liam knew this was bigger than just a secret pregnancy.
Someone was threatening them—and he intended to find out who.
Later that evening, Liam sat in his private study, scrolling through security reports. A flagged visitor to Carter Enterprises the week before—a known rival, Vincent Marlowe.
Marlowe had a reputation for dirty tricks and corporate sabotage.
Liam’s jaw tightened.
If Marlowe had gotten wind of Ariana’s situation, the fallout could be catastrophic.
Back at her apartment, Ariana received another message.
“Stay silent. Or suffer the consequences.”
Fear coiled in her stomach.
She was no longer just fighting for herself.
She was fighting for the life inside her.
- Writer
