Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 97: Love

Rachael waited, listening to Tiffiany's steady breathing from the adjacent room. She had been waiting for hours, biding her time until her stepmother succumbed to sleep.

The clock struck 11:45 AM. Rachael silently rose from her bed, her heart racing with anticipation.

She quickly dressed in the outfit she had laid out earlier, her hands shaking as she tied her shoelaces.

Rachael glanced at her phone, Alexander's text displayed:

" Noon. Be ready. - A"

She took a deep breath, grabbed her jacket, and slipped out of her room.

The hallway creaked beneath her feet, and Rachael froze, holding her breath.

Tiffiany's room remained still, her snores uninterrupted.

Rachael exhaled slowly and continued down the stairs, her senses heightened.

She reached the front door, turned the handle slowly, and slipped outside.

The fresh air enveloped her, freedom's taste sweet on her lips.

Alexander's car waited by the curb, its engine purring softly.

Rachael's smile spread wide as she opened the door and slid inside.

"Hey," Alexander said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Hey," Rachael replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Alexander pulled away from the curb, Rachael felt her heart soar.

Alexander's expression turned somber over lunch.

"Rachael, I have some bad news. The company you were reporting on... it's been shut down."

Rachael's eyes widened.

"I know," she said, trying to sound sympathetic.

Alexander's gaze lingered on hers, his eyes searching.

"You're taking it well," he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Rachael reached out, placing her hand over his.

"Don't be sad," he said softly. "You'll find another lead."

Little did Rachael know, Alexander was the one who had orchestrated the shutdown.

Alexander's phone buzzed, breaking the moment.

"Excuse me," he said, answering the call.

Rachael listened, unaware of the conversation's context.

"Yes... understood," Alexander said, his tone cold.

"Kill them. Don't wait. I'm busy."

Rachael's eyes widened, shock etched on her face.

Alexander's gaze met hers, his expression unreadable.

"I'll handle it," he said, ending the call.

The silence between them grew thick.

"Work stuff," Alexander said, his voice light, but his eyes betrayed a darker truth.

Rachael's mind reeled.

What had she just witnessed?

As the waiter approached their table, his trembling hands reached for the bill, betraying his nervousness. "Uh, sir... your, uh, check..." Alexander's gaze lingered on Rachael, his eyes burning with intensity, before turning to the waiter. "Thank you," he said, his low, even tone a stark contrast to the waiter's unease. The waiter's eyes darted around, avoiding direct contact, as he stuttered, "Y-yes, sir. No rush, sir."