I spent a decade by Khalil’s side, helping him build his empire and rule the underworld. Then, out of nowhere, he married someone else behind my back. I overheard him joking with his most trusted men, “Make sure Harlow never finds out about my wife, or she’ll blow up, and we won’t be able to calm things down.” For ten years, I was his rock through every storm. He promised that once he left the life of crime, he’d make a home for us together. But now, as he turns his life around and goes legit, those promises have vanished into thin air. I didn’t raise hell or confront him this time. Instead, I found myself in the company of someone new—a devoted companion—and decided to give him a chance. Standing outside Khalil’s office, I listened to the laughter resonating from the lounge down the hall—Khalil and his closest confidants, bantering away. Yahya’s voice rang out teasingly, “Boss, did your wife ring up again yesterday?” A deep, magnetic laugh followed—Khalil’s voice, “She’s constantly on edge, worried some temptress will steal me away.” His tone turned serious, “You are my most trusted allies. Keep my wife a secret from Harlow.” It felt like a punch to the gut. Bjorn’s hesitant voice piped up, “What if Harlow finds out? She’s stuck by you, risking it all for ten years.” Khalil’s voice turned frosty, “Ten years, big deal.” “Great partner, sure, but marriage? Not a good match.” “The company’s evolving. I need a wife who can open doors to high society, not someone tangled in old battles.” “Besides, she can’t have kids anymore. What would become of my legacy? Charity? How laughable.” I stood frozen, ice running through my veins. Memories of that stormy night five years ago hit me like a tidal wave. I was at the hospital for a check-up when Yahya’s call came through, “Harlow! Khalil’s been jumped!” I didn’t wipe off the ultrasound gel. Just threw on my coat and raced there. Khalil was surrounded, his dark suit drenched in blood, left arm hanging limp. The bald leader lunged at his throat with a knife. Instinct took over—I threw myself in front of Khalil, taking the blow. Turning, I blocked another knife aimed at him. Moving an inch would’ve meant his heart pierced. Before I blacked out, I saw Khalil’s eyes, frantic. His voice rang in my ears, “I swear on my life I’ll never betray you…” When I came to in the surgery room, the doctors broke the news: I lost the child and might never conceive again. Khalil sat beside my hospital bed, an IV in his hand, “When this life of battles ends, we’ll get married.” “I’ll tell the world you mean everything to me.” But now, the laughter from down the corridor mocked me awake from my daydream. Those promises and tears seemed to have died with our unborn child in that storm. Khalil’s magnetic voice continued, “Harlow’s got nothing on my wife. Meeting her showed me what a real woman is.” “Soft as water, especially in bed—it’s a whole different experience…” His words slithered into my ears like poison. “Harlow…” He laughed derisively, “She’s like a block of wood, always fighting among men. You’ve seen her wield a knife, right? Tougher than any man, not a hint of femininity.” Khalil took a swig of whiskey, his Adam’s apple bobbing, “I regretted sleeping with her from the start.” “Scarred all over, harsh to touch, unlike my wife’s soft skin.” A chorus of crude laughter erupted from the lounge. My stomach churned as I recalled his first touch, fingers tracing the scar on my belly, calling it a badge of battle. Looking back, his gaze might’ve been pride in conquering a fierce woman, not love. Suddenly, Yahya’s laughter stopped, “Boss, you say all that, but if Harlow finds out…” “What? Can’t I speak the truth?” Khalil slammed his glass down, “She’s just a barren hen, thinking I’d marry her?” My teeth chattered. I wanted to walk away, but my legs felt like lead, unable to decide which foot to move first. “Want to hear the real kicker?” Khalil’s voice was lowered, filled with malicious excitement, “She still thinks I’ll marry her. Every time we’re together, she asks, ‘When are we getting married?’ It drives me crazy…” Bjorn chimed in, concern in his voice, “Boss, secrets don’t keep forever. If Harlow finds out, what’s your plan?” Khalil sneered, swirling his glass, the amber liquid catching his steely gaze. “Why rush? I’ve got it all planned.” His voice dropped, “Next Wednesday’s the final handover with the Phoenix gang; I’m sending Harlow.” Yahya sat up straight, “Boss, Phoenix wants her gone; they hold a grudge…” “Moreover, they’re plotting something for the handover; I’m worried about Harlow’s safety…” Khalil interrupted, smiling cruelly, “Let her step on the mine.” “Phoenix wants her gone, I’ll give them the chance. When she’s in danger, I’ll swoop in to save her, a repayment for saving me.” “Then, I’ll announce my marriage. I doubt she’ll dare trouble my wife again.” I held my breath, afraid to make a sound. Bjorn hesitated, “But she’s been with you for so long, what if…” Khalil lit a cigarette, his face hidden by smoke, “I won’t let gratitude bind me. I just want to be good to my wife now!” He blew out a smoke ring, casually adding, “Next Wednesday, keep quiet. I’m settling this score with her, ending the marriage talk.” I backed away, my legs heavy like lead. The man I shielded with my life now prepared to throw me to the wolves. The fire that burned in me for ten years suddenly went out. I accidentally knocked over a vase in the corridor. The shattering porcelain halted the laughter from the lounge. Khalil bellowed, “Who’s there?” I ducked into the emergency stairwell, ascending one flight before slipping into the elevator. Ten years of whispers and vows through crisis had become the roadblocks in his quest for happiness. My phone buzzed in my pocket—a message from Khalil, “Harlow, where are you? Did you stop by the office today?” With trembling fingers, I almost told him I’d been there, that I’d heard it all. But I hesitated, deleting what I’d written, typing instead, “I don’t want repayment of that empty gratitude. I’m leaving.” Deleted again. In the end, I sent nothing. I stuffed my phone back in my bag and wiped my tears, feeling numb. If you want us to settle the score, I’ll grant your wish. Khalil returned three hours later. “Harlow?” His voice was deliberately gentle, probing. I sat blankly in the living room, but as I turned, a smile was already on my face. “You’re back? I made your favorite chicken soup with sweet potatoes in the kitchen.” His eyes lingered on me for a moment, his Adam’s apple moving slightly. “Where were you this afternoon? You didn’t answer any of my messages.” I moved toward the storage cabinet, catching a glimpse of his tense jawline in the reflection of the glass door. “I went to pick up your birthday gift. Once I got back, I got busy with dinner and forgot to reply.” When I revealed the Rolex watch from its box, I saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes. I fastened the watch onto his wrist. “Next Thursday is Thanksgiving, and it’s also the day you retire. It’s a big double celebration.” His voice was a bit hoarse. “Did you spend all your savings on this watch?” I secured the clasp. “Sincerity can’t be measured in money, Khalil.” I suddenly looked up, meeting his gaze directly. “Is there anything you need to tell me?” The air grew thick with tension. Emotions swirled in his eyes—partially moved, partially conflicted. Just when I thought he might say something, the phone rang, breaking the moment. All the unspoken words faded away with the ringing, and the light in my eyes slowly dimmed. He answered quickly, masking the emotions that had just surfaced. I could only hear a woman’s voice on the other end, asking him when he’d be home, promising a surprise for the evening. His expression brightened instantly, filled with anticipation. He hung up quickly and turned to me, “Something’s come up with the crew. I need to handle it. I’ll make it up to you later.” He hurried out, leaving only the aftershocks of a closing door. I stood frozen at the entrance, feeling my entire body grow rigid. Soon, it was time to meet with Judah Franklin’s crew. Khalil’s call came through beforehand, “Harlow, this is the last deal. I don’t trust anyone else; only you.” I stood by the large window, gazing at the overcast sky outside, a faint, forlorn smile stretching across my lips. “Alright.” I replied softly, my voice steady, “I’ll be there on time.” Whether it was to repay a debt or step into the unknown, I was ready. 2 a.m., international waters. Judah’s ship approached slowly. The deck was crowded with people, a mass of shadows under the moonlight, knives flashing menacingly in the night. Judah stood at the bow, grinning widely, “Miss Thompson, long time no see.” I nodded slightly, signaling my men to bring the cargo onto the deck. “Inspect the goods.” Judah ordered his men to check the shipment, but as soon as the cover was lifted, he shouted, “Open fire!” Bang! Almost simultaneously, Judah’s crew attacked from all sides! “Miss Thompson! We’ve been ambushed!” My men shouted in panic, but Khalil had sent too few people; we were quickly cornered! Bullets whizzed past as I dodged a fatal shot, raising my hand to take down an oncoming enemy. But there were too many, and we were pushed back. “Retreat!” I yelled, “Everyone to the speedboats!” My men quickly retreated while I covered them, running out of ammunition fast. Just as I was about to jump onto a boat, a bullet pierced my shoulder from behind! Pain exploded instantly as I staggered and turned back, only to see Nikolai, one of Khalil’s men, slowly lowering his weapon, his eyes cold. I lost my balance, plunged into the sea, and the cold water swallowed me whole. Staring up at the ocean surface, I saw in the distance Khalil’s ship speeding toward me. He finally came. To play out his tale of settling scores. But I no longer needed him.
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