Love at first sight

Love at first sight (Chapter 2)

# Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past

The encounter with the masked men had left Leigh shaken, but his resolve to stay by Alexander’s side only grew stronger. However, the dangers of Alexander’s world were not only external threats. Shadows from the past began to creep into their present, bringing with them challenges Leigh could never have anticipated.

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Days turned into weeks, and Leigh found himself becoming more entangled in Alexander’s world. He started spending more time at Alexander’s penthouse, a luxurious yet heavily guarded fortress that stood in stark contrast to Leigh’s humble student apartment. It was a sanctuary from the chaos outside, a place where they could be together without fear.

One evening, as they sat on the balcony overlooking the city, Alexander’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening.

“Everything okay?” Leigh asked, sensing the change in his demeanor.

Alexander nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the phone. “Just some business I need to take care of. I’ll be back soon.”

Leigh watched as Alexander disappeared into his study, the door closing firmly behind him. He knew better than to pry into Alexander’s affairs, but the secrecy gnawed at him. He trusted Alexander, but the unknowns were beginning to weigh heavily on his mind.

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In the dimly lit study, Alexander dialed a number and waited for the call to connect. A familiar voice answered, filled with irritation.

“Alexander, what do you want?”

“Natalia,” Alexander said, his voice cool and controlled. “We need to talk.”

Natalia was an enigma—a woman from Alexander’s past who had been a significant part of his life before he ascended to his current position in the mafia. Their relationship was complicated, marred by betrayal and lingering resentment. But Natalia held information that was crucial to Alexander’s current predicament.

“Is this about the East Side gang?” Natalia asked, her tone sharp.

“It’s about a lot of things,” Alexander replied. “Meet me at the old warehouse. Midnight.”

There was a brief silence before Natalia responded. “Fine. But you owe me, Alexander.”

The call ended, and Alexander leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He had kept his past with Natalia hidden from Leigh, not wanting to burden him with the complexities of his previous life. But now, with danger closing in from all sides, he had no choice but to confront those old ghosts.

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Midnight found Alexander at the old warehouse, a relic of the city’s industrial past. The air was thick with tension as he waited, his senses on high alert. Natalia arrived shortly after, her high heels clicking on the concrete floor.

“Alexander,” she greeted, her eyes cold and calculating. “It’s been a while.”

“Natalia,” Alexander acknowledged. “Thank you for coming.”

Natalia crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “What do you want?”

Alexander didn’t waste any time. “The East Side gang is making moves. I need to know what you know about their operations.”

Natalia’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “Still playing the same dangerous games, I see. What makes you think I’ll help you?”

“Because you know I can protect you,” Alexander said, his voice hardening. “And because you owe me.”