LOVE IN THE SHADOW

The next morning, Summer was deep in sleep as the alarm kept beeping. The stranger stood at the door entrance, looking at her with his arms folded, Sophy next to him watching intently. He sighed, rolling his head as he gazed at the sleeping lady.

"Does she always sleep late like this?" he asked, talking to Sophy, who just meowed.

He moved toward Summer's bed and scanned the room, his eyes locking onto a hand dryer on the table in front of the mirror. He picked it up and plugged it in, then moved to Summer, taking off the blanket that covered her body.

As he turned on the hand dryer, directing the warm air at her skin, she murmured, starting to stir. He increased the heat, and Summer's eyes flew open as she sat upright, looking disoriented. Her hair was messy, and she raised her face to the stranger, realization dawning on her.

She let out a scream and covered herself with the blanket. He smirked, placing the hand dryer back where it belonged.

"Don't you know you have work to go to?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. Summer threw off the blanket and glared at him.

"What are you doing in my room?" she demanded, her voice angry. "You have no right to be here," she added.

He smirked, leaning closer to her. Their faces were inches apart, and Summer gulped nervously, reeling her face backward.

"If I were you right now, I would find my way to the hospital. Do you know what the time is?" he asked, pushing backward with a smirk.

"Get out of my room," she said, standing up and pushing him out. She shut the door behind him. "How dare he," she grunted, fuming. She headed to the bathroom to freshen up, still seething with annoyance.

Some minutes later, Summer emerged dressed in her uniform, her eyes narrowing as she saw him seated on the couch with Sophy beside him. He was munching on chips, his legs casually rested on the table.

"I'm leaving. Don't ever go to my room without my consent," She said firmly, her voice unwavering.

"Don't bother, I'll be gone before you return," he said.

She didn't respond, turning on her heel and leaving without another word. As soon as she was gone, the stranger picked up the phone next to him and dialed a number. The phone rang several times before it was answered.

"Come pick me up," he said, his voice stern and commanding. He listened for a moment before hanging up the phone.

~~Hospital ~~

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Summer and Jane walked out of the canteen, each holding a cup of warm coffee. They strolled down the corridor, chatting quietly.

"So, he said he'll be gone before you come back?" Jane asked.

"Yes, I just wish I never have to see him again before I get home," .

"Are you sure you don't want to see him again?"

"Why would I want to see him? He's so ungrateful. He didn't even say thank you for saving his life,"

"I guess he has another way of showing gratitude,"

"I wish," she rolled her eyes good-naturedly, shaking her head as they entered their office.

~~Miguel mansion~~

Miguel Salvatore is a formidable and feared figure, known for his ruthless tactics and unwavering power. As one of the richest and most influential mafia leaders, he commands respect and inspires terror with a single glance. His authority is unquestioned, and his reach is vast, with a network of loyal followers and assets at his disposal.

With a reputation for being merciless and calculating, He is a master strategist who always stays one step ahead of his enemies. He is a chameleon, able to blend in seamlessly with his surroundings, but when the situation calls for it, he can transform into a ruthless and efficient killer.

Despite his intimidating reputation, he is fiercely protective of those dear to him, and anyone who dares to harm them will face his wrath. His family is his greatest priority, and he will stop at nothing to ensure their safety and well-being. He is a devoted son, brother, and uncle, and those who are lucky enough to be part of his inner circle are treated with utmost loyalty and respect.

His past is marked by tragedy, having witnessed his father's brutal murder at the tender age of five. This traumatic event shaped him into the calculating and ruthless individual he is today, driven by a burning desire for justice and revenge against those who wronged him. The memory of that fateful day is etched in his mind like a scar, fueling his relentless pursuit of power and control.

As a womanizer, he has no hesitations about taking advantage of opportunities that come his way. Women are drawn to him like moths to a flame, and he has a reputation for being a skilled and ruthless lover. However, he is always in control, never allowing himself to become emotionally entangled or vulnerable. His heart is a fortress, impenetrable and cold, and he has never felt the slightest inclination to settle down with anyone.

Despite his tough exterior, Miguel has a complex personality, with moments of calm and calculated precision. He is a force to be reckoned with, and his reputation as the hottest bachelor in Miami only adds to his charm, making him the object of desire for many women. But beneath his charismatic facade lies a man with a deep sense of loyalty and duty, driven by a singular focus on power, revenge, and protection of those he cares about.

His empire is vast and diverse, spanning multiple businesses, properties, and assets. He is a strategic businessman, always looking for ways to expand his influence and increase his wealth. His hospitals, schools, and factories are testaments to his philanthropic side, but those who cross him know that he will stop at nothing to protect his interests.

With a reputation for being merciless and efficient, Miguel Salvatore is a name that commands respect and inspires fear. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks, people listen. His enemies tremble at the mention of his name, and his associates know that he will always have their backs. In a world of power and corruption, he is a force to be reckoned with, a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals and protect those he loves.

Miguel's return home was met with overwhelming joy from his family. His mother, Mrs. Martha, beamed with happiness as she hugged him tightly, tears of relief streaming down her face. The rest of the family, including his best friend Nelson, gathered around, eager to catch up.

A delicious meal had been prepared to celebrate Miguel's return, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter.

"I'm so happy you're back," Mrs. Martha said, smiling.

"Where were you? What happened to you?"Nelson asked.

"We were attacked on our way."

The room fell silent, with everyone exchanging surprised glances.

"I knew it! I knew something like that happened," Emily, one of the girls, exclaimed.

"Where you hurt?" Andy asked.

"Yeah, but I managed to survive," he said, his tone nonchalant as he lifted his shirt, revealing the bandage on his stomach.

The family gasped in unison, their faces pale.

"Oh my gosh, this is serious, Uncle," Annabel, the second girl, said.

"It's not to worry about. I got a good doctor who helped me out."

"Do you know who attacked you?"Grandpa asked.

"Not yet," Miguel replied.

"What about your men? Are they okay?"Nelson inquired.

"Yes, luckily they weren't badly injured. They're with their families now. I told them to come back to work when they're fully recovered," Miguel said.

"Thank heaven, that's a relief."Mrs. Martha breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's a good thing you all survived the attack."Clara, Miguel's sister, added,

"No more worry."Albert, Clara's husband, chimed in,

"Exactly, my grandson is back."Grandpa smiled,

"So, which hospital were you rushed to? Yours?"Andy asked.

"No". He smirked, his eyes distant, and Nelson stared at him, trying to understand his expression.

The celebration continued, with the family enjoying each other's company.

*Summer apartment*

Summer pulled into the driveway, still engrossed in her phone call. As she opened the door, she was met with a shocking surprise: her ex-boyfriend Peter was seated on the couch, his leg crossed and a smug smile on his face. She quickly ended the call, her eyes narrowing in anger.

"Peter!" she exclaimed.

Peter stood up, walking towards her with open arms.

"Come here, baby," he said, trying to hug her and she pushed him off, her anger evident.

"How dare you! How did you find your way in here?" she demanded.

Peter chuckled, holding up her spare keys. "Remember I still have these. It's been ages, don't you miss me?"

"In your wildest dreams. Please leave before I call the cops on you," she warned and he was unmoved.

"Oh, come on Summer, you're still my girlfriend. You can't just dump me like that. I know I messed up, but I'm back to make it right. Please, babe, give me another chance."

Summer's resistance grew as Peter tried to hold her.

"Don't, Peter! We're done. Please leave my house," she said firmly.

"Are you really serious about this?"

"Yes, leave!" She yelled, and he rushed to her and grabbed her hands and started struggling to free herself from his grasp."Let me go!".She shouted, trying to push him away.

"Please, don't do this to me, all I want is a second chance, please".He begged, trying to hug her.

"Let me go!".

Just as it seemed like Peter wouldn't let go, the door burst open and Jane's angry face appeared.

"Get away from her!" she yelled, rushing towards Peter and hitting him hard with her handbag.

"You scumbag!" she spat, continuing to hit him until he couldn't take it anymore and ran out the door. "Don't you ever come back here!" She yelled after him, shutting the door behind.

Summer collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Jane rushed to console her, pulling her into a warm hug.