Alexander's drive back to his estate was filled with unexpected reflection. Emily's bright smile and innocent laughter lingered in his mind. For the first time in years, he felt a pang of softness in his chest.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd experienced such emotions. Sarah's tragic fate still haunted him, but Emily's presence stirred something long dormant.
Could he rediscover his humanity?
Alexander's thoughts drifted to Lucas and Sophia, who had taken Emily under their wing. They had built a life, a family, despite the curse's shadow.
He envied their courage.
The silence of his mansion seemed to whisper questions:
Could he escape the darkness?
Could he find forgiveness?
Could he love again?
For the first time in years, he felt alive.
Alexander poured himself a whiskey, his eyes fixed on the photograph. His thoughts swirled with the contradictions of his life.
Ruthless shooter.
Cold-blooded killer.
But Emily's smile had cracked his armor.
He recalled the first time he'd pulled the trigger, the rush of adrenaline, the numbness that followed. Years of conditioning had erased his emotions, leaving only a hollow shell.
Until Emily.
Alexander's gaze dropped to his hands, hands that had taken countless lives. Could he find redemption?
The sound of his phone broke the silence.
"Alexander, we have a problem," his lieutenant said.
Alexander's instincts kicked in.
"What is it?"
"Ethan's making moves. He wants Emily eliminated."
Alexander's grip on the phone tightened.
"I'll handle it."
The line went dead.
No one would harm Emily, not while he breathed.
