I Don't Deserve You

Elena's presence filled the room with a tense energy as she stepped inside, her dark eyes scanning the safehouse. She looked like she had been running for days—her clothes were wrinkled, her boots scuffed, and her face carried an air of exhaustion mingled with determination.

"I know you don't trust me," Elena began, her voice steady but low, "but if you want to survive, you need to hear what I have to say."

Alexander stood protectively in front of Mia, his piercing gaze locked on Elena. His hand remained close to his concealed weapon, ready to act if necessary. "Start talking," he said sharply.

Elena took a deep breath and reached into her bag slowly, pulling out a folder. "I work—or rather, worked—for the Syndicate," she said. "The same organization that's been hunting you."

Mia stiffened at the mention of the Syndicate, her hands instinctively resting on her belly. She remembered all too well the chaos and danger they had faced because of this shadowy group.

Alexander's expression darkened. "Why should we believe you?"

"Because I was betrayed by them, too," Elena said, her voice bitter. "They don't just eliminate enemies—they destroy anyone who becomes expendable. I've been running ever since I found out what they're truly planning."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "And what is that, exactly?"

Elena hesitated for a moment, then opened the folder and spread its contents on the table. There were photographs, documents, and maps—all linked by a web of red lines and annotations.

"They want more than just your wealth, Alexander," she said. "You've built an empire that they see as a threat. But it's not just about you anymore—it's about the alliances you've formed, the power you've gained. They want total control, and you're standing in their way."

Mia leaned forward, her curiosity overcoming her fear. "But why target me? I'm no one compared to Alexander."

Elena glanced at Mia, her expression softening slightly. "You're his weakness. They know that if they can't break him, they can break you. And with a baby on the way…" She trailed off, letting the implications hang in the air.

Alexander's jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "If they think they can touch Mia or our child, they're gravely mistaken."

Elena nodded. "That's why I'm here. I want to help you take them down before they get to you. But we have to move quickly. They're planning something big, and it involves someone on the inside."

"On the inside?" Alexander echoed, his mind racing. "Who?"

Elena hesitated. "I don't know their identity yet. But I've intercepted enough communications to know they've embedded someone close to you—someone you trust."

Mia's heart sank. The betrayal they had just experienced with Greg was still fresh, and the idea that someone else might be working against them was almost too much to bear.

As the conversation unfolded, Alexander began piecing together a plan. "If what you're saying is true, we need to smoke this traitor out. But we can't act recklessly—we need to be strategic."

Elena nodded. "I can help you. I know their methods, their tactics. But it's going to take time."

Mia, who had been quietly processing everything, finally spoke up. "What if we use me as bait?"

"No," Alexander said immediately, his tone firm.

"Hear me out," Mia insisted. "If they're targeting me because I'm your weakness, then we can use that against them. We can lure them into the open."

Alexander shook his head. "It's too dangerous, Mia. I won't risk you or the baby."

"She's right," Elena interjected. "It's risky, but it might be the only way to draw them out. They're obsessed with Mia—they won't be able to resist."

Alexander's hands clenched into fists, his internal conflict evident. He hated the idea of putting Mia in harm's way, but he also knew they were running out of options.

"I'll do whatever it takes," Mia said, her voice steady. "I want this to end, Alexander. For us, for our baby."

Alexander sighed, his resolve weakening under Mia's determined gaze. "If we're going to do this, it'll be on my terms. No unnecessary risks."

Elena nodded. "Agreed. But we'll need to act fast. The longer we wait, the more time they have to tighten their grip."

Over the next few days, the safehouse transformed into a command center. Alexander and Elena worked tirelessly to analyze the information Elena had brought, identifying patterns and potential leads.

Mia focused on preparing herself mentally and emotionally for what lay ahead. Her pregnancy was advancing quickly, and she felt the baby's movements more strongly with each passing day. It gave her a sense of purpose—a reminder of what they were fighting for.

One evening, as Alexander reviewed their plans, he turned to Mia and placed a hand on her growing belly. "I don't deserve you," he said softly. "You're stronger than I'll ever be."

Mia smiled, placing her hand over his. "We're stronger together."

In that moment, Alexander vowed to protect his family at all costs. No matter what the Syndicate threw their way, they would face it together—and they would win.

But as the shadows deepened outside the safehouse, a pair of unseen eyes watched from the treeline, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.