LOVE IN THE SHADOW

A month had passed since Summer's encounters with the stranger and her ex, and she was still reeling from the experience. The memory of the stranger's intense gaze and her ex's unwelcome return lingered, making her wonder if she'd ever be able to shake them off.

But as time went on, Summer's life began to return to normal. She went about her routine, working at the hospital and returning home, trying to put the past behind her. Yet, she couldn't help but think about the stranger, wondering why he had left without a word.

At the hospital canteen, Summer and Jane sat among a crowd of doctors and nurses chatting and laughing. Jane turned to Summer

"Do you think he'll come back?" Jena asked,

"Who?" She replied, confused.

"The handsome stranger, of course," Jane said with a grin.

"Jane, I don't care. I've been living fine since month. I don't want to ever see him again."

"Oh, really? Don't be surprised if he comes back to see you at home."

"Please don't pray that prayer for me. I don't want to ever see him, not now, not ever!"

Jane rolled her eyes good-naturedly, chuckling at Summer's reaction.

________

A man in his late fifties sat on his couch, smoking in the dark room, surrounded by his men. One of his men entered, bowing and presenting a brown envelope. The man took it, opened it, and pulled out a photo of Summer with the stranger she had helped.

The photos showed Summer helping the stranger out of her car and into the room, as well as other moments of their interaction.

"She's a doctor," the man said, his voice low and menacing.

"Yes, boss," his man replied and The man smiled evilly.

"I see she's really close to him. You know what to do. Go get information from her. I don't know how you do it, but she has a secret with him that we don't know."

The man bowed and left.

***********

Two days later, Summer returned home from a stressful shift, engrossed in a phone call with her parents.

"Yes, Mom, I just got home," she said tiredly on the phone as she brought out her keys to open her apartment. "Mom, I will hang up, love you," she said before hanging up the call.

As she approached her door, she noticed it was unlocked, which surprised her. She wondered if she had forgotten to lock it.

Then she heard her cat meowing louder. She quickly opened the door and was met with a great shock: a man was seated on her couch with Sophy beside him, pointing a gun at her.

"Welcome home," he said with a smirk.

"Who are you? What do you want?"She asked, her eyes widened in fear.

"Is this how you welcome a visitor? Come here." Summer hesitated, and the man rushed to her, grabbing her hand. "When I speak, you obey," he spat, aiming the gun at her head. "Where is he?"The man's grip tightened.

"Who are you talking about? Let me go!" She struggled hard with him, her eyes wide with fear. She stumbled on his foot, causing him to scream in pain and release her.

She tried to run, but he quickly grabbed her hair from behind and pulled her back, holding her neck. Summer struggled, crying out in pain.

"Let me go, you're choking me!"

"You won't get away this easy. If you don't tell me where Miguel is and the secret you know about him, I'll end your life here."

"Please let me go, I don't know what you're talking about."

"I will make you talk." He pushed her hard onto the couch, smirking as he started to undo his pants while still aiming the gun at her.

Summer's eyes widened in horror as he undid his pants, revealing his boxers. He bounced on her, and she struggled, screaming for help. She managed to push him off and stumbled towards the door.

As she turned to open it, a hand covered her mouth from behind, and she heard multiple gunshots fired at the man who had attacked her. The attacker fell dead in front of her.

It turn out it was Miguel that covered her mouth, and he shot the man with precision, saving Summer from further harm. Fear overwhelmed her, and she collapsed due to the horror scene.

Miguel scooped her into his arms and walked away, getting into his car and ordering his men to clear up the mess. As he drove off with Summer, she remained unconscious, unaware of what had just transpired.

~~Miguel mansion~~

Miguel carried her, who was still unconscious, into his mansion. His family was confused to see him rushing upstairs with an unfamiliar lady in his arms. They stood up and followed him behind.

Miguel's master bedroom was a sprawling oasis of luxury, designed with exclusivity in mind. The room was adorned with rich, dark wood accents and plush furnishings in a soothing neutral color palette. A majestic four-poster bed, draped in sumptuous fabrics, dominated the space.

The oversized master bed, where he gently laid Summer, was dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush pillows. The bed's headboard was intricately carved with elegant patterns, adding a touch of sophistication.

The room's walls were adorned with original artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A comfortable sitting area, complete with a chaise lounge and a reading nook, invited relaxation.

The bathroom was a spa-like retreat, featuring a freestanding tub, a walk-in shower with multiple jets, and a double vanity with a stunning stone countertop. The walls were clad in marble, and the floors were made of warm, honey-colored wood.

A separate water closet provided additional privacy, and a large mirror above the vanity added a touch of glamour. The bathroom was equipped with the latest technology, including heated floors, a steam shower, and a sound system that could be controlled remotely.

The master bedroom and bathroom were designed to provide a serene and indulgent escape, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. As Summer lay on the bed, she was surrounded by the epitome of luxury and comfort. Miguel's family gathered outside the room, curious about the unconscious woman and the circumstances that had brought her to their home.

After laying Summer on the bed, Miguel came out to face the curious gazes of his family.

"Son, what's going on?" Mrs. Martha asked.

"What happened to her?" Grandpa added.

Miguel sighed and moved to the living room, his family following closely behind.

"Tell us, who is she? You've never brought a woman into this house, let alone to your room," Andy said, curiously.

"Well, she's the doctor who helped me when I was attacked."

His family was taken aback, their faces reflecting their surprise.

"What? She's a doctor?" Mrs. Martha's eyes widened in amazement.

"Wow, this is amazing."Annabelle chimed in.

"Why is she unconscious?"Grandpa asked.

"She was attacked in her house, but luckily, I was there to save her in time."

"Oh my, do you know who they are?"Emily said.

"Roberto's men."

"That old føøl will never learn."Annabelle said.

"Why is he sending his men to attack her? Did she do something to him?"Mrs. Martha asked.

"I guess he found out that she was the one who saved me."

"Why is he always attacking people he's seen with you? Doesn't he know everyone knows how you made your money?"Andy said.

"Trying to find the secret behind my success."

"That man is a psycho!" Emily said.

The family sighed in unison, their faces reflecting their shared frustration.

Some minutes later, Miguel ordered the cook to prepare a delicious meal for his guest when she woke up. The cook obeyed, and the dining table was lavishly set with mouth-watering dishes. His family sat around the dining room, amazed by the spread.

"Wow, are we holding a feast or what?" Emily asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Son, will she like the food?" Grandpa asked.

"Yes, she's not a picky type."he said and Everyone was amused by his response.

"Really? How do you know? It seems you've known her for a long time," Andy teased, Miguel scoffed.

Just then, the door burst open, revealing Nelson and Clara. Their faces were filled with excitement as they rushed to the dining table. Everyone stared at the two of them, confused.

"I heard bro brought a lady home," Clara said, grinning.

"Is that true, bro? You brought in a lady? Who is she?" Nelson asked, his eyes fixed on Miguel.

"How do you two know he brought in a lady?" Mrs. Martha asked, her brow raised.

"I did, I texted them," Andy said.

"Andy, who is she? Do you know her?" Clara asked curiously.

"No, but bro claims she's a doctor who treated him when he was attacked. Believe me, sis, that lady is an epitome of beauty," Andy said. Miguel sighed tiredly at them.

"Well, this should call for a celebration. Someone is already giving in for true love," Nelson said, amusedly.

"I'm not giving in for love. She's not my type. I'm just returning the favor," Miguel replied.

"Really? A favor that she's sleeping in your bed now," Emily teased.

"Exactly, you hate bringing women into this house, not alone your bedroom. Now a strange woman is lying there comfortably," Annabel said. Clara gasped.

"The lady is in his bedroom?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise. They nodded. "Wow, bro, you still haven't told us the truth," Clara said, her voice filled with amusement. Miguel sighed tiredly at them.