Chapter 4 Shadows Of The Past

• Seedy Motel Downtown
• In a dimly lit motel room nestled deep in the heart of the city, Samson paced restlessly. His mind raced with thoughts of the woman he once loved, now concealed behind the alias of Alicia Miles. The flickering light from an outdated television cast eerie shadows across the room as Samson stood by the window, his silhouette stark against the neon glow of the city skyline.
• With a grunt, Samson switched off the television, plunging the room into silence. He retrieved a worn photograph from his pocket, its edges creased and faded from years of handling. Tenderly rubbing his thumb over her face, he spoke with a mix of bitterness and possessiveness.
• "So your new name is Alicia Miles," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "You thought you could hide from me."
• Pinning the photograph to the fake wood paneling, Samson fixated on her image, memories flooding his mind—their life together shattered by betrayal and tragedy. "I knew you didn't die in that car fire," he growled fiercely, resentment etched into every word.
• A second photograph caught his eye on the nightstand, a woman's smiling face sending a wave of longing and anger through him. "I've been searching for you for so many years," he confessed softly, a tear escaping down his weathered cheek.
• Emotions surged within Samson—a potent mix of pain and twisted devotion driving him forward. With a sudden, determined movement, he produced a pocket knife, deftly twirling it between his fingers, its blade catching the dim light as it spun.
• "I'm the only one who will ever have you," he declared with chilling certainty, a predatory smirk curling his lips. "And I will find you, my dear wife."
• Alicia's face flashed in his mind, a flicker of vulnerability softening his features for a moment. The realization hit him with a new intensity—she carried his child, a secret hidden behind layers of deceit and betrayal.
• His phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting his reverie. With grim satisfaction, Samson answered the call with a terse, "Boss?"
• "I found the bitch," Samson announced bluntly, vindication and menace coloring his tone.
• The voice on the other end was authoritative and commanding. "Good. Make sure she doesn't slip away this time."
• Samson's smirk widened into a grimace of triumph as he hung up, the promise of retribution burning bright in his eyes. He tucked the pocket knife into his jacket and left the motel room, disappearing into the shadows of the city streets with a singular purpose—to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his, no matter the cost.
• .
• Tristan’s Office
• The office hummed with the muted sounds of work, keyboards clacking and voices murmuring. Alicia Miles sat at her desk, her fingers gliding over the keyboard with practiced efficiency. She glanced up briefly as Tristian Duncan walked past, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before he disappeared into his office.
• Alicia sighed softly, berating herself for letting emotions cloud her judgment. Their fake engagement plan was a calculated move, designed to infiltrate a high-profile event where crucial information could be obtained. She couldn’t afford distractions, especially now when the stakes were high.
• Tristian emerged from his office with a stack of papers, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes plastered on his face. "Hey, Alicia. Can you review these figures for the Johnson account? I want everything ready for tomorrow's presentation."
• Alicia nodded briskly, her professional demeanor firmly in place. "Of course, Tristian. I'll take care of it."
• Their fingers brushed momentarily as he handed her the papers, a jolt of warmth shooting through her despite her resolve to remain detached.
• Tristian hesitated, his gaze searching hers. "About the engagement... Are you sure about this? It's going to be a significant step, and I want to ensure you're comfortable with the plan."
• Alicia met his gaze, masking the inner turmoil. "It's strictly business, Tristian. We agreed it's the most effective approach."
• He nodded, but she caught a glimpse of uncertainty in his eyes. "Right, business."
• Their silent exchange lingered for a beat too long before Tristian cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Good. I'll leave you to it, then."
• As he retreated to his office, Alicia released a slow breath, her thoughts in turmoil. She knew maintaining her cover was paramount, yet her feelings for Tristian were becoming increasingly complicated. She couldn’t afford distractions, not when the success of her mission hung in the balance.
• She turned her focus to the papers, forcing herself to concentrate on the task at hand. Yet, beneath the surface, doubts gnawed at her. Could she go through with this charade without risking her heart—and jeopardizing the mission she had worked so hard to execute?
• The weight of conflicting emotions settled heavily on her shoulders as she delved into the financial figures, her mind consumed with uncertainties and the undeniable tug of a connection she hadn’t anticipated.
• Days passed in a blur of meetings, preparations, and strategic planning for the upcoming engagement announcement. Alicia found herself drawn deeper into the charade, each interaction with Tristian blurring the lines between professional obligation and genuine attraction.
• She received a message from General Matthews
• MEETING AT MY HOME OFFICE TONIGHT
• Alicia quickly deleted the message and placed her phone in her purse. She continued to type her report and look for a dress that would be eye-catching and comfortable to hide away her weapons just in case.