LOVE IN THE SHADOW

The alarm clock continued to beep non-stop, its shrill sound piercing through the room. On the bed, Sophy, the cat, was busy trying to wake up her owner. She meowed loudly and used her paw to gently tap her owner's face, trying to rouse her from slumber.

The lady groaned under the duvet, murmuring incoherently as Sophy continued to meow beside the bed. Suddenly, the lady jerked up from the bed, her eyes drooling from sleep. She scanned the room, disoriented, until her gaze landed on the time on the wall.

"8 am!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. She quickly turned to Sophy. "Sophy, why didn't you wake me up?" Sophia meowed and lay down, seemingly unimpressed.

The lady rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. A few minutes later, she emerged with a bathrobe, hurrying to the closet to grab her clothes. Just then, her cell phone rang from the bed. She quickly picked it up and answered the call, placing it on loudspeaker as she continued to get dressed.

"Summer, where the heck are you?" a female voice asked from the other end of the phone.

"I'm at the bus station now, I'm coming," She replied.

The voice scoffed. "Really? I can still hear the sound of your closet and Sophy's breathing on the phone. You know the director is coming today, and you have thirty minutes to get your ass down here."

"I'm on my way, just cover up for me, love you," she said, and the call was disconnected.

She hurriedly put on her clothes and doctor's jacket. She rushed to the kitchen to feed Sophia, then grabbed her car keys from the table in the living room.

"See you later, Sophy!" she yelled, shutting the door behind her before rushing off to her car and driving away.

Summer Mark is a 28-year-old lady who exudes confidence and kindness. Born and raised in California, she was nurtured by her loving parents who instilled in her the value of hard work and dedication. As an only child, she received undivided attention and support, which fueled her dreams and aspirations.

Her passion for medicine drove her to pursue a career as a medical doctor, and she worked tirelessly to achieve her goal. She left her parents' nest to another city, determined to make a name for herself in her chosen field.

With her exceptional skills and dedication, She landed a job at one of the best hospitals in the city. Her career flourished, and she earned a comfortable income that allowed her to live a fulfilling life.

Despite her financial stability, Summer's parents continued to send her money for upkeep, much to her surprise and gratitude. Though she urged them to stop, they refused, insisting on supporting their beloved daughter.

Summer's physical appearance reflects her California upbringing - she has a radiant glow, sun-kissed skin, and a bright smile. Her long, dark hair cascades down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her bright brown eyes sparkle with warmth and compassion, a testament to her nurturing nature.

With her impressive career and loving family background, Summer embodies a perfect blend of intelligence, kindness, and beauty.

Summer's relationship life had taken a devastating turn when she caught her boyfriend cheating on her with one of her coworkers. The experience had left her heartbroken and shattered her trust in love.

Her boyfriend, who had been her partner for a few years, had seemed perfect in every way. However, one fateful day, Summer walked into her boyfriend's apartment unannounced and found him in a compromising position with her coworker.

The shock and pain of that moment still lingered in her mind. She had thought their relationship was strong, but it turned out that her boyfriend had been deceiving her all along.

The breakup was messy, with both parties saying hurtful things to each other. Summer's trust was broken, and she struggled to come to terms with the fact that someone she loved could betray her in such a way.

The experience had left her wary of love and relationships. She threw herself into her work, focusing on her career as a doctor and putting her patients' needs above her own.

Despite the heartbreak, Summer remained a kind and compassionate person, always putting others before herself. However, she had built walls around her heart, making it difficult for anyone to get close to her.

As time passed, she began to heal and rebuild her life. She learned to love herself again and prioritize her own happiness. Though she still had trust issues, she was determined to move forward and find someone who would truly love and appreciate her for who she was.

Summer's best friend, Jane, was more than just a friend - she was a confidante, a partner in crime, and a source of unwavering support. The two medical doctors had met while working at the same hospital and had instantly clicked.

Despite their different personalities - Summer being more reserved and Jane being more outgoing - they had formed a strong bond that went beyond their shared profession. They would often spend their breaks together, discussing everything from patient cases to their personal lives.

Jane was the one person who could see through Summer's tough exterior and understand her innermost thoughts and feelings. She had been a rock for Summer during her breakup, offering words of encouragement and support when she needed it most.

The two friends would often have lunch together, sharing stories about their patients and laughing about the quirks of hospital life. They would also frequently cover each other's shifts, ensuring that they could attend important appointments or simply take a well-deserved break.

Their closeness was evident to everyone at the hospital, and they were often referred to as the "dynamic duo" of the medical team. Despite their busy schedules, they made time for each other, and their friendship continued to grow stronger with each passing day.

Jane's bubbly personality and infectious laugh had a way of brightening up Summer's day, even on the toughest of days. And Summer's calm and collected nature helped to balance out Jane's impulsiveness, making them a formidable team both in and out of the hospital.

Their friendship was built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each other's quirks and flaws. They knew each other's secrets, and they had each other's backs, no matter what.

As Summer arrived at the hospital, she rushed to meet Jane, who was dressed in her uniform and standing beside the receptionist counter, holding two cups of warm coffee.

"You're 45 minutes late," Jane said, offering Summer a cup of coffee as they walked towards the elevator.

"I slept late," Summer replied, taking a sip of her coffee. "Is the director back?"

"Nope, I heard he delayed the meeting," she said, and the elevator doors opened, allowing them to enter with other hospital staff.

"Thank heaven," Summer said with a sigh.

"You really should be thankful," Jane said, taking another sip of her coffee. "Before I forget." She dipped her hand into her doctor's jacket and pulled out two VIP tickets.

"What's that?" She asked.

"It's a ticket to the newest club in the city," Jane said. "I heard there are a lot of celebrities, mafias, and of course, very attractive ones." Summer rolled her eyes and gave her friend a skeptical look.

"Sorry, girlfriend, I'm not going,".

"You're not serious, are you?" Jane asked,. "We're off duty tomorrow, you need to get a life," she added as they exited the elevator and entered their office.

"I have a lot to do," She said, but Jane wasn't having it.

"Really? Tell me one thing," she said, sarcasm. "Stop making excuses. You're a young and beautiful lady that men will beg to have sex with." Summer raised her eyebrows at Jane's blunt words.

"Exactly, you need to get laid," Jane continued. "You and that trash of a boyfriend broke up two years ago, and ever since then, you haven't been with anyone. Don't you want to feel your bones crack up?" Summer sighed tiredly at her friend's persistence. "You might get lucky tonight, trust me," Jane said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief.

________

Under the rain-soaked streets of Miami glistened like polished stone, reflecting the neon lights of the city's vibrant nightlife. Summer navigated her car through the deserted roads, her windshield wipers beating a steady rhythm. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, and she swerved to avoid him. she pulled over and rushed out of the car.

The man leaned against a lamppost, clutching his side. Summer's medical instincts kicked in, and she approached him cautiously.

"Sir, are you okay? Do you need help?"

He looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Just...help me," he whispered, his voice laced with pain.

As she examined his wound, She realized it was more severe than she'd initially thought.

"We need to get you to a hospital," she said firmly.

But the stranger's grip on her arm tightened.

"No hospital. Please...take me anywhere, but the hospital"

Summer hesitated, unsure what to do. Something about his desperation struck a chord. As she patched him up, She noticed the intricate tattoos on his hands and arms, symbols of a world she didn't understand. The man's voice was low and gravelly as he begged her to take him to her home, anywhere but the hospital. Summer's instincts screamed caution, but something about his desperation resonated with her.

Summer arrived home with the unknown man, she didn't know why she decided to bring him home, she could have taken him anywhere but her home. She helped him out of the backseat of the car as the strange man groaned in pain, holding onto his stomach, which was gushing out blood. She managed to help him inside and made him sit down on the couch while she rushed to the bedroom to get her first aid kit.

She came back and bent in front of him as she gently started to take off his shirt. Every button she undid made her gulp hard. She didn't understand the effect the strange man was giving her, and her mind reeled with questions about why he was so badly injured.

She finally undid his buttons, revealing his abs. She became intoxicated by the sight and swallowed hard. She saw that the wound was a stab wound and quickly let go of the naughty thoughts, springing into action by attending to the wound as he kept groaning.

After some minutes, she was done treating the wound and wrapped it up with a white bandage. He fell asleep after she injected him with some medication. Summer stood up with the kit, staring at him as he slept peacefully.

The strange man's figure was chiseled perfection, his broad shoulders and chest tapering down to a narrow waist. As she had undone his shirt buttons, she had caught glimpses of his toned abs, her eyes drawn to the defined ridges of muscle. His skin was smooth and tanned, with a subtle sheen that hinted at a life spent outdoors.

His facial features were strong and angular, with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline that seemed carved from granite. His nose was straight and proportional to his face, and his lips were full and inviting, with a subtle curve that suggested a hint of a smile.

As he slept, his rugged features softened, and She couldn't help but notice the way his dark hair fell across his forehead, framing his face with a hint of messiness. His eyelashes were thick and long, casting a shadow on his cheeks as he breathed slowly and steadily.

Despite the bruises and swelling on his face, the strange man's attractiveness was undeniable. There was something about him that exuded power and confidence, a sense of raw energy that seemed to emanate from his very presence.

As She gazed at him, she felt a flutter in her chest, her mind struggling to reconcile the danger and mystery that surrounded him with the undeniable attraction she felt towards him. She swallowed hard, trying to shake off the feeling, but it lingered, refusing to be ignored.

She left the living room and headed to her bedroom to grab a blanket from the closet. She carefully draped it over the stranger, making sure not to disturb him as he slept peacefully.

After covering him up, She went into her bathroom to freshen up. She turned on the shower, and the warm water cascaded down her body, washing away the exhaustion of the evening. She stood under the showerhead, letting the water soak her hair and run down to her feet. With a deep sigh, she let the tension melt away, feeling the stress of the doctor's shift slowly dissipate.

Some minutes later, She emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She wrapped herself in a comfortable bathrobe and padded softly out of the bedroom. Just then, she heard the doorbell ring. She sighed, knowing exactly who it was.

She made her way to the front door and opened it to find Jane standing on her porch, her hair dripping wet from the rain.

She raised an eyebrow, wondering how she was going to get out of this situation without revealing the stranger sleeping on her couch.

"Hey, girl! I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Jane said with a mischievous grin."The rain's let up, and now it's the perfect time to hit the club."

"You're impossible, Jane. I told you I'm not going."

"Oh, come on! You can't spend another night cooped up in this apartment. You need to live a little."

Before Summer could protest further, Jane burst into the house, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on the stranger sprawled out on the couch.

"Jane...," She warned, but Jane's gaze was fixed on the handsome stranger, her eyes wide with shock.

"O.M.G!" Jane squealed, her hands flying to her mouth. Summer sighed and turned to her, "Start talking." She said summer hesitated, her eyes still glued to the stranger's chiseled features.

"Not what you think," She said quickly, trying to head off Jane's wild imagination. But Jane was already sold.

"A hot attractive guy is sleeping right there on your couch and you...," she trailed off, her eyes roving over the stranger's muscular physique.

"He came out of nowhere while I was driving, and he was badly injured. I decided to help him." Jane's eyes widened in surprise.

"Help him?" she repeated.

"He refused to go to the hospital and insisted on taking him anywhere but the hospital. I had no option but to bring him here." Jane's gaze drifted back to the stranger, her eyes lingering on his abs.

"Wow," she breathed. "He's got the perfect look. His muscular body is hypnotizing." She bit her lip and moved closer, trying to get a better look. Summer stopped her.

"What are you doing?" She asked, rolling her eyes.

"Trying to see something unique," Jane said, taking off the blanket from his body gently. She gasped at his abs, her eyes going wide with admiration. "Geez!" she exclaimed. Summer sighed tiredly at her.

"Stop, Jane. You're harassing him." But Jane was undeterred.

"Wow, Summer, finally heaven has answered my prayers," she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

She rushed to hug Summer, who was caught off guard and pushed her off.

"What prayer are you talking about?" She asked, laughing.

"The prayer I've been praying for you," Jane said, her grin still plastered on her face. "I've always prayed to God to provide a perfect man for my single friend. I prayed that prayer last night, and God answered within the space of 24 hours." Jane placed her arm around Summer's shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Look, a man, just your type, came on a platter of gold into your arms without stressing. It's true God works in mysterious ways."

"You're pathetic," she said. She walked away, and Jane followed her into the bedroom, still grinning from ear to ear.

"You have to believe me, this is the time to get your bone crack up," Jane said, her voice filled with excitement.

Summer ignored her, moving to the closet to put on her nightwear.

"Aren't you going to the club anymore?" Summer asked, her voice nonchalant.

"I will, I won't miss that for the world," Jane said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But you, my friend, you just got yourself a man of your dreams."

"Yeah right!" She said, rolling her eyes. "Did I tell you he's my ideal man? Can't you see the way he looks? He looks dangerous."

"It doesn't matter, men like this are way perfect in bed. If you think I'm lying, let him lay with you and you'll see what I'm talking about." Summer sighed tiredly at her friend's persistence. "You can't let this slide," she continued. "You're getting laid with him. I don't care how you do it, but I want to expect a pregnancy result in the space of two weeks." Summer shook her head, laughing.

"Leave, Jane," she said firmly. Jane grinned.

"Sure, don't leave any stone unturned when I get back." She blew a kiss at Summer and caressed Sophy's hair before she left.

Summer sighed and moved to lay down on the bed. She turned off the lights and cuddled Sophy in her arms, feeling the softness of her fur. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

In the middle of the night, Summer jerked up, her heart racing from the noise she heard coming from the living room. She was disoriented for a moment, wondering what could have caused the disturbance. Then her mind snapped back to reality as she remembered the stranger on the couch.

She quickly flipped off the blanket and rushed out of the bedroom, her bare feet padding softly on the floor. As she entered the living room, she was greeted by an empty couch. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the stranger.

That's when she saw him - a figure standing in the kitchen, illuminated only by the faint moonlight streaming through the window. Summer's heart skipped a beat as she let out a terrified scream. But as the figure moved closer, weakly and unsteadily, she realized it was the stranger.

"W....," she stammered, relief washing over her as she saw his face. But before she could complete her words, the stranger's legs gave out, and he fell towards her.

Summer was quick to react, catching him and holding him upright to prevent him from hitting the floor. She sighed tiredly, struggling to support his weight. With a Herculean effort, she managed to help him back to the couch and made him lie down.

As she covered him with the blanket, she couldn't help but notice the sweat beading on his forehead, and the way his chest rose and fell with each labored breath. She watched him for a moment, her heart still racing from the shock, before finally turning to go back to bed.

A mansion stood majestically behind a remote-controlled gate, adorned with intricate designs that gleamed in the sunlight. As the gates swung open, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air, carried by the gentle breeze rustling through the lush greenery surrounding the estate. The scent of blooming flowers - jasmine, roses, and lavender - enveloped the senses, setting the tone for a luxurious retreat.

Upon entering the compound, the eye was drawn to the sprawling mansion, its exterior walls painted a sleek black that seemed to absorb the light around it. The roof gleamed with gold accents, subtly hinting at the opulence within. Large windows framed the facade, allowing natural light to dance across the lavish interior.

Inside, the mansion was a masterclass in sophisticated design. Gold accents adorned the walls, complementing the black marble floors that shone like polished ebony. Plush furnishings in rich fabrics - velvet, silk, and leather - invited relaxation, while stunning artwork and chandeliers added a touch of elegance.

The compound itself was a haven of leisure and recreation. A large swimming pool sparkled like a sapphire, its crystal-clear waters inviting all to indulge in a refreshing dip. Adjacent to the pool, a state-of-the-art gym beckoned fitness enthusiasts, equipped with the latest equipment and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding garden.

The garden, a tranquil oasis, was meticulously landscaped with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and towering trees that provided shade and seclusion. Meandering pathways led to secluded seating areas, perfect for contemplation or romantic trysts.

Beneath the mansion, a network of underground rooms hummed with activity. Maids bustled about, ensuring every aspect of the estate was immaculate, while guards stood vigilant, ever-watchful and protective of the property and its occupants.

As night fell, the mansion transformed into a dazzling spectacle, its exterior illuminated by subtle lighting that highlighted its architectural splendor. The scent of flowers lingered, mingling with the night air, as the estate settled into its nocturnal rhythm, a sanctuary of luxury and security.

A lady, likely in her early fifties, sat on the couch with a worried look. Despite her age, she exuded a sense of elegance and poise, her expensive outfit accentuating her refined features. Her eyes, however, betrayed her concern, as she fidgeted with her hands, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her son's safety.

Behind her, her son, Andy, paced back and forth, as he spoke on the phone. His status and confidence were palpable, but his eyes betrayed a hint of worry, a testament to the gravity of the situation.

Seated on the adjacent couch was the old man, likely in his late seventies, his face lined with age and worry. His eyes, though tired, sparkled with concern as he watched Andy with a keen gaze. The guards surrounding the room stood at attention, their black suits and shaded glasses giving them an air of professionalism and authority.

"What is happening?" the lady asked, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "Hope nothing bad has happened to my son." She sobbed.

"Don't think like that, Mom," Andy said, trying to reassure her as he continued to speak on the phone. "I'm sure Miguel is somewhere safe."

"Andy, did you call to inform his friend?" Grandpa asked and Andy nodded, still engrossed in his phone call.

"I did already, Nelson is out of the state, right now, he's on his way after I told him Miguel is missing."

"But he was not alone when he said he was on his way home, he is always surrounded by his men, and now they are nowhere to be seen. Hope they weren't attacked by his enemies."

"Let's just hope nothing goes wrong," grandpa said, his voice, trepidation.

The trio sighed, as Andy continued to pace and try to connect with people who might know his brother's whereabouts.

Some hours later, the whole family had gathered, and their faces tense with worry. A young elegant lady in her late twenties sat quietly, tears streaming down her face as she sat with two other ladies of similar age. Another elegant lady sat next to her husband, her little daughter perched on her father's lap as she played with her toy.

Nelson stood behind the couch, his eyes lost in thought as he pondered what might have happened to his friend. The atmosphere was heavy with tension.

"This can't go on like this," one of the ladies said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We need to find him."

Her companions nodded in agreement, their faces mirroring their distress.

"The search has been on for hours," another lady said. "Uncle can't just vanish like that."

"What if he was attacked and buried somewhere?"A third lady spoke up.

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Nelson said. "Nothing's happened to him. I'm sure he's somewhere safe. He's always been one step ahead of his enemies."

The lady seated with her husband spoke up, her voice filled with fear.

"I'm scared of what might happen." Her husband wrapped his arms around her, offering what comfort he could.

"Everyone knows who big bro is," Andy said. "Even god is afraid of him. No one can touch him and get away with it. I'm a hundred percent sure he's somewhere safe and will return home."

"I believe that too," their mother said. "If anything happens to him, our lives will be over."

"Nothing will happen to him, he'll return home." The lady's husband said.

"Let's pray for his safe return," grandpa said, his voice filled with emotion.

The family nodded, their faces somber, as they collectively held their breath, hoping for the best.

___________

*Summer apartment*

Summer was busy in the kitchen, whipping up breakfast while keeping a watchful eye on the stranger still unconscious on the couch. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Jane burst in, her enthusiasm infectious.

"What's up, b*tch!" Jane exclaimed, her voice booming through the house. Summer hurried out of the kitchen.

"Can you keep it down?" she requested,

"Fine, I'll keep it down," she said, her voice still loud, but slightly more subdued. As she approached the stranger, her eyes locked onto his face, and she bit her lip sexily.

"When is he going to wake up? I really need to see the color of his tempting eyes,"

"I don't know, and I just wish he could wake up soon and go back to where he came from,"

"You can't be serious," she said, as she followed Summer into the kitchen. "This is a chance to have a man to yourself."

"He's not my type," she said. "He looks dangerous. I'm sure his wife and children are worried about him."

"Does he look married? I don't see a ring on his finger," she said, her voice teasing.

"That's not my problem," she said. "I just pray he wakes up soon enough."

"If I had a man like this, I'd never wish for him to wake up soon," she said. "I'd want to keep staring at him. He's an angel in human form."

"Can we stop talking about this?" she asked. "Just go help me clean him up."

"Really? I'd love to do that," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. But Summer quickly stopped her, knowing her flirtatious intentions.

"Don't worry, I'll do it," Summer said firmly. "Just continue with the cooking." Jane pouted, feigning disappointment.

"Not fair, Summer!" she yelled, her voice playful.

Some moments later, Summer came out of the kitchen, holding a bowl of water and a hand towel. She moved towards the stranger on the couch, while Jane watched from the dining table, busy having her breakfast. she hesitated in taking off the blanket from the stranger's body.

"Why are you hesitating?" She asked chewing her hotdog gently, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I don't know, it feels strange doing this to someone I don't know," she admitted.

"Really? You did this to a lot of unconscious patients at the hospital. Why is this different? Are you feeling butterflies in your stomach?"She teased.

"It's not as easy as you think. This is different."

"Just go on with it. Make sure to wipe his...everything properly," she said with a sly grin.

She sighed tiredly at Jane's teasing. Summoning her courage, she gently took off the blanket. Her eyes widened as she saw the stranger's chiseled muscles and abs. Just as she was about to undo his pants, a cold hand suddenly grabbed her hand.

She flinched, her heart racing. Jane's eyes widened in surprise. Summer turned to see the stranger's eyes weakly staring into hers. The touch of his hand sent shivers down her body.

Their eyes locked, and She felt a spark of electricity run through her body. The stranger's grip was firm, yet gentle. Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed into his piercing eyes, her mind reeling with a mix of surprise and confusion.