Shadows of lies

I have always love the view of the city , but today it seems uninviting with a mere backdrop with emptiness that has covered my chest . I look at the glittering views with lack of interest . This place has a lot of sad memories that will keep hunting me . This isn't what I bargain for , I thought everything was gonna be fine without her!

The sharp pain on my chest seem like a constant reminder , will this pain ever go?

Will I ever free, will I ever get to love again?

"Ahhhh Maya"! I shouted and kicked the walls.

"Maya, the memory of her raven hair beauty, bright smile and innocent green eyes still lingered".

"It echoed in my mind like a mantra, a bittersweet memories of my ex wife flash through my mind , overshadowed by the image of her ".

The gentle rustle of papers and the soft humming of my assistant's voice created a peaceful Melody in me.

"I could see how happy he is today , just like someone that won a lottery. Good for him , as I stare at him with a pair of blue piercing eyes.

"Since she left , I have been suffering from lack of sleep and been haunt by my cruel past. Everyone seems to blame me for the divorce ."

He remembered vividly , their wedding day was the talk of the Town. The billionaire Playboy falling for the free spirit artist. The media and the public were captivated by their love romance.

"She was my everything"!.

"I looked at the Platinum wedding band , the symbol of our love, I still can't believe I refused to let it out from my hand, it still a constant reminder of our fairytale wedding and the disastrous marriage that had followed.

It has been six months since their divorce and the wound still feels fresh.

Behind him, the opulent office, with it sleek line, polished marble and contemporary art speak of wealth and power.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air , forcing him to turn around and face the day. Yet his mind seem to drift away back to his past .

"Alex, you meeting with the investors is scheduled to take place in ten minutes". His assistant, voice was gentle but firm , breaking the spell that had hid me captive and bringing me back to to reality.

As I turn to leave , my eyes caught the beautiful painting on the wall. A beautiful piece she had made for us during our beautiful time together .

I felt a surge of determination through my veins.

"I will do everything possible to win your love back again Maya . I can't imagine living without you my love ". He said while his gaze fell upon a beautiful picture of their wedding , which he had kept on his table in his office.Maya's radiant smile and sparkling eyes seemed to mock him now, a reminder of what he had lost. He felt a pang of regret and longing, wondering what he could have done differently.

" I thought I was strong and independent untill this minutes. I haven't been turned down or be heart broken before , rather I was the playboy here , I get any woman I want without much stress . I know I got the charm to seduce the opposite gender and not only that , I got lots of money and wealth . I have always gain the respect from my friends as I was seen as a hard playboy . All my life , I don't really know what it felt like to be rejected by a woman you love. I haven't love any woman before expect my mom . I was that handsome sexy looking and powerful guy.

The moment Maya came into my life , everything changed .

Back then during my childhood days , I have always been referred to as that weird kid in my class .

All this weired attitude was as a result of always yarning for the love and care of a father figure, but it wasn't possible as I had to live my boring life with my mom who was an overbearing mother. My childhood home was always troubled. My neglectful father was a successful businessman, he was always absent, chasing deals and wealth, while my mom was a socialite, who is more concerned with appearances than her son's well-being.

She always loved living her life to the fullest than stressing herself being a housewife . my father seems not to notice her at all or care as he was always busy with business deals.

Mom was a definition of a beautiful looking woman with her charming ocean blue eyes and a seductive smile . All thank's to her I got some of her looks. Mom was young and sexy , she doesn't even look like her age , I guess she has been taking her skin care routine very serious.

When I was sixteen , I got to discovered the true reasons why my daddy was always busy and not usually at home.

Mom cheated on him with her ex and when Daddy discovered that , he decided to distance himself from her and me.

I had to pay for what I don't know about just because , my look remind him of mom.

As a result, i learned to rely only on my own, becoming self-sufficient and driven from a young age. I threw muself into studies and extracurricular activities, earning top grades and recognition.

However, this came at a cost. As I tend to developed a deep-seated need for control and validation, often prioritizing my business pursuits over personal relationships. I became ruthless in my dealings, crushing anyone who stood in my way.

Despite my tough exterior, I still have a soft spot for those in need, often using my wealth and influence to help those less fortunate.

My relationship with Maya was the first time I allowed myself to be vulnerable, and her departure has left me reeling. Now,I am faced with force to confront the demons of my past and the mistakes I have made in my relationship with maya.

"I will do whatever it takes to win Maya back".!

Little did he know that Maya was also about to make a decision that will change everything.

"Alex , you have a meeting with the investors in ten minutes", Rachel, my personal assistant, repeated this time with her voice piercing through my ears.

I nodded while replying to him .

"I'll be right there".

Suddenly the buzzing of my phone attracted my consciousness .

I was expecting a text message of reminder of the meeting but then , I saw a text message from an unknown number " you will never win her back .

Stop stressing your f*cking self , I got her now for myself only. She's not gonna love you ever again , so stop the stress".

My heart skipped a beat , who was this? And how did he or she get to know about Maya and I?

I guess maybe this is a prank and I should be paying attention to the message.

Rather I should concentrate more on the meeting with the investors. But the words still lingered in my mind.

I need to focus or else someone else will take her away from me forever.

I can't bear that, the thought of her in another man's hand alone , make more angry .

As I headed to the meeting, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

The message had unsettled me, and I couldn't focus on the presentation.

Just as I was about to enter the conference room, I heard a faint whisper in my ear. "You're running out of time."es

I turned around, but there was no one inside the room. The whisper seemed to come from all around me, echoing off the walls.

I entered the conference room with a lot of confidence but everything fell apart when I saw a familiar face.

"Ryan*. My eyes widened as his familiar face sank into my brain.

Ryan smiled smugly, clearly enjoying the look in my face.

"Alex, glad to meet you once again". He said while smiling mischievously.

I hope he isn't up to any game this time around. My heart beat increased as I tried to process the presence of him.

What is he doing here?

And how did he end up as an investor in my company?

I hesitate for a minute , my mind keeps updating me of his presence.

Gosh I need to put myself together .

I don't want Ryan to feel his presence , it is intimidating me as he is taking pleasure In my discomfort.

As Alex started presenting his well rehearsed presentation , trying harder to ignore the look of Ryan's smirking face.

One of the investors interrupted him by asking him, "So, Alex, tell us about your plans for the company's future,".

Just as he was about to hit his points, Ryan interrupted him "I'm not sure I buy into this plan , Alex. It sounds like a lot of risk with no reward at all". Ryan voiced out nonchalantly.

Alex felt his anger rising, but he knew he had to keep his cool. He couldn't let Ryan get under his skin.

"I understand your concerns, Ryan," Alex said, his voice measured. "But I assure you, this is the right move for the company."

The meeting continued, with Ryan constantly questioning and challenging Alex's decisions. It was clear that he was trying to get Alex pissed off, by questioning his authority and credibility.

As the meeting was about to close, Alex felt a sense of unease. He knew that Ryan's presence was more than just a coincidence. There was something bigger at play here.

As I worked out of the meeting room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Ryan was trying something mischievous but I can't figure out what it is.

Alex quickened his pace, his mind racing with questions .

What was Ryan's motive? And how did he manage to become one of the investors in his company?

Just as he was about to reach his office, his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat. Maya's text message stared back at him - "We need to talk. Meet me at the coffee shop at 5 pm."

Alex's mind was beating fast. What did Maya want to talk about? Was it about Ryan? Or was it something else entirely?

He tried to push the thoughts aside and focused on the rest of his day. But he couldn't concentrate. His mind kept wandering back to Maya and Ryan.

At 5 pm sharp, Alex arrived at the coffee shop. Maya was already there, sipping on a latte. She looked up and smiled, but Alex could sense a hint of nervousness behind her eyes.

"Hey," she said, as he sat down across from her. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem," Alex replied, trying to sound casual. "What's up?"

Maya took a deep breath before speaking out. "I know things have been rough between us, Alex. But I need to tell you something. Ryan...he's not who you think he is."

Alex's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Maya glanced around the coffee shop nervously before leaning in closer. "I think he's trying to take you down, Alex. And I don't know why."

As Maya finished speaking, her eyes locked onto Alex's, just then the coffee shop's door swung open and Ryan walked in , his eyes fixed on Alex's face.

"Speak of the devil," Maya whispered, her voice mixed with unease.

Ryan's gaze swept the room, his smile growing wider as he spotted Maya and Alex huddled together. He strode over to their table, his confidence radiating like a powerful force.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Ryan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The prodigal husband and the wronged wife, reunited at last."

Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "Ryan, what are you doing here?"

Ryan chuckled, pulling up a chair to join them. "Oh, I just thought I'd drop by and see how my favorite couple is doing. You know, for old times' sake."

Maya's eyes flashed a warning, but Alex ignored it. He was ready for a confrontation.

"Cut the act, Ryan," Alex growled. "What do you want?"

Ryan's smile never wavered. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want, Alex. And I'll stop at nothing to get it."

As Ryan's words hung in the air, the coffee shop's seller began to stare, sensing the tension building between them. Maya's eyes darted towards the door, her mind racing with how to escape .

And then, just as suddenly as he appeared, Ryan stood up and moved out of the coffee shop swiftly, leaving Alex and Maya staring at each other in confusion.

"What just happened?" Maya breathed.

Alex's face was grim. "I think we're in trouble, Maya. Big trouble."

As they watched Ryan disappear into the crowd, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed intently on Alex and Maya...

As Alex and Maya watched Ryan disappear into the crowd, a sense of unease settled over their faces .

Maya glanced at Alex with a sense of nervousness written all over her face , her mind racing with questions.

"What does he want?" Maya whispered.

Alex shook his head. "I don't know, but I aim to find out."

Just then, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed intently on Alex and Maya. The figure was tall and imposing, with piercing green eyes that seemed to be looking directly into their souls.

"Who is that?" Maya breathed, her voice trembling.

Alex's eyes narrowed. "I don't know, but I don't like it."

The figure began to move towards them, its pace slow and deliberate. Alex's instincts kicked in, and he stood up, ready to defend Maya if necessary.

As the figure approached, Alex saw that it was a woman with long, curly brown hair and a white coat that seemed to glow in the dim light of the coffee shop.

"Alex," she said, her voice low and husky. "We need to talk."

Alex's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

The woman smiled, her eyes shining with amusement. "My name is Sophia. And I'm here to tell you that Ryan is not what he seems."

Maya's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Sophia's gaze at Maya before returning to Alex. "Ryan is involved in something big, something that could put you and Maya in grave danger."

Sophia's words hung in the air , her eyes flashing with a warning. Alex's instincts screamed at him to protect Maya, to shield her from the danger that seemed to be closing in on them, he kind of sensed something mischievous but he couldn't grasp the fact where it was coming from.

But before he could figure out something, some rough-looking men moved in, their movements swift and calculated. Alex's heart raced as he realized they were surrounded, trapped in a coffee shop with no clear escape route.

Maya's hand found his, her grip tight with fear. "Alex, what's happening?" she whispered.

Alex's eyes scanned the room, searching for a way out. But Sophia seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving them to face the danger alone.

How was Sophia able to leave without them figuring it out?

Who are these men?

What did they want from him?

This wasn't the time to ask questions right now, the only option left is to figure out how Maya and I can leave here safe with any scratch. The man seems not to be joking , as their looks tell everything about them.

As the men closed in, Alex knew he had to act fast. He pulled Maya close, his heart pounding in his chest.

"We need to get out of here," he whispered. "Now."

But as they turned to make a run for it, Alex felt a hand on his shoulder, spinning him back around.

"You're not going anywhere," the man sneered.

But before they could make a move, Sophia reappeared, her eyes flashing with a fierce determination.

"Leave them alone," she growled, her voice low and loud.

The men hesitated, clearly taken aback by Sophia's sudden intervention.

"Who are you?" one of them snarled.

Sophia smiled, her eyes glinting with a smirk.

"I'm someone you don't want to mess with," she said. "Now, back off."

The men exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unsure of what to do. And then, in a flash of movement, Sophia reached out and took down the first man with a swift kick to the stomach.

The others followed suit, with their backs hitting the floor as Sophia turned to Alex and Maya.

"Come on," she said. "We need to get out of here. Now."

As they followed Sophia out of the coffee shop, Alex couldn't help but wonder who this mysterious woman was, and what her motives were.

But one thing was clear: she had just saved their lives.

As they came out from the street, Alex saw a black SUV screech to a halt beside them, the window rolling down to reveal a familiar face.

"Get in," Ryan growled, his eyes fixed intently on Alex.

Alex's instincts screamed at him to run, but Sophia's grip on his arm held him back.

"Wait," she whispered. "I don't trust him."

But before they could react, Maya was carried away from Alex's side and bundled into the SUV.

"Maya!" Alex shouted, lunging forward.

But Sophia held him back, her eyes locked on the SUV as it sped away into the night.

"We have to follow them," Alex growled, his heart racing with fear.

Sophia nodded, already pulling out a phone. "I've got a tracker on the SUV. Let's move."

As they divided through the streets, Alex's mind reeled with questions. What did Ryan want with Maya? And who was Sophia, really?

But before he could ask, Sophia's phone beeped, her eyes scanning the screen.

"What is it?" Alex asked, his heart pounding.

Sophia's face was grim. "They're heading for the docks. And we're not the only ones following them..."

As they approached the docks, Alex saw a figure waiting in the shadows, eyes fixed intently on the SUV. The figure stepped forward, revealing a woman with piercing blue eyes and long, curly brown hair.

"Alex, thank God you're here," she said, her voice urgent. "I've been tracking Ryan's movements for weeks."

"Who are you?" Alex asked, his mind racing with questions.

"My name is Rachel," she replied. "I'm a former colleague of Ryan's. And I know what he's planning."

Sophia's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Rachel hesitated, glancing around nervously. "I don't have time to explain. But trust me, we need to stop him. Now."

As Rachel spoke, the SUV pulled up to a large cargo ship, its engines roaring to life.

"What's going on?" Alex asked, his heart sinking.

Rachel's face was grim. "Ryan's smuggling something out of the country. And Maya's just a pawn in his game."

Without hesitation, Sophia sprang into action, sprinting towards the ship.

"Come on!" she shouted. "We have to stop him!"

As they raced towards the ship, Alex's mind was filled with fear. What was Ryan smuggling? And what would happen to Maya?