I Suppose I Do

The rain outside turned into a full-fledged storm, matching the intensity of emotions brewing within the estate. Alexander's security team doubled their patrols, scanning every inch of the property for potential threats. Mia watched from the window, her hands nervously resting on her slightly rounded belly.

The baby. Every time she felt anxious, she instinctively placed a protective hand over her stomach. Alexander had been more attentive than ever, ensuring she was shielded from any stress, but the weight of everything happening around them made it impossible to relax.

Alexander entered the room quietly, his intense gaze softening the moment it landed on Mia. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Thinking again?" he asked gently.

"I can't help it," she admitted, leaning into his embrace. "Leo's words keep playing in my head. What if Marco really has someone inside your network? How do we fight an enemy we can't see?"

Alexander kissed her temple, his voice steady. "We'll find the mole, Mia. I've already assigned my most trusted people to investigate. Whoever it is, they won't get away with this."

She turned to face him, her hands resting on his chest. "I trust you, Alexander. But I hate that this is happening when we should be focused on the baby and our family."

Alexander cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that threatened to spill. "Nothing will take away this time from us, Mia. I promise you, I'll protect you and our child with everything I have."

Before she could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. It was Victor, Alexander's head of security. His face was grim.

"Sir, we've just intercepted a coded message from one of Marco's operatives. It confirms there's a mole inside the estate."

Alexander's expression darkened, his grip on Mia tightening protectively. "Who is it?"

"We're working to decrypt the full message," Victor said. "But we have reason to believe the mole is close—someone with direct access to your movements."

Mia's heart sank. "Someone in the estate? But how is that possible?"

Alexander's jaw clenched. "It means Marco has been planning this for a long time. Victor, double the security measures. No one comes or goes without my approval."

"Yes, sir," Victor said before exiting the room.

Mia turned back to Alexander, her voice trembling. "Do you think it's one of the staff?"

"It could be," he said, his tone measured. "But it could also be someone we've trusted for years. That's what makes it so dangerous. We can't trust anyone completely, not until we know for sure."

The storm outside raged on as Alexander pulled Mia closer, silently vowing to keep her safe.

---

The following morning, the estate was buzzing with tension. Security checkpoints had been set up at every entrance, and the staff were visibly on edge. Mia stayed in her room for most of the day, her instincts telling her to avoid unnecessary interactions.

In the afternoon, she decided to take a walk in the garden, hoping the fresh air would clear her mind. As she strolled along the path, she spotted Sophia sitting on a bench under the gazebo.

Sophia waved her over, and Mia joined her, grateful for the company.

"You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders," Sophia observed, her piercing eyes studying Mia.

"I suppose I do," Mia admitted. "Alexander and I are trying to figure out who the mole is, but it feels like we're chasing shadows."

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "In times like these, trust becomes a rare commodity. But you must remember, Mia, that the truth always finds a way to surface. Patience and vigilance will be your greatest allies."

Mia smiled faintly. "You always know the right thing to say."

Sophia reached out and squeezed Mia's hand. "Because I've been where you are, my dear. When I first married Alexander's father, our family faced threats from all sides. But we stood strong, and so will you."

Before Mia could respond, a commotion near the main gate caught their attention. Two guards were escorting a woman onto the estate, her hands bound behind her back.

Sophia's eyes narrowed. "It seems the storm has brought a visitor."

Mia and Sophia hurried toward the commotion, where Alexander and Victor were already questioning the woman.

"She was found sneaking around the perimeter," Victor explained. "She claims she has information about Marco."

The woman looked up, her face battered and bruised. Despite her disheveled appearance, her eyes were sharp and calculating.

"My name is Elena," she said, her voice hoarse. "I used to work for Marco. I know his plans, and I know who the mole is."

Mia's breath caught as Alexander's expression hardened. "Why should we believe you?"

"Because Marco betrayed me," Elena said bitterly. "I've risked everything to get here. If you don't act fast, it'll be too late."

The tension in the air was palpable as Alexander exchanged a glance with Victor.

"Take her to the interrogation room," he ordered. "We'll find out if she's telling the truth."

As the guards led Elena away, Mia felt a chill run down her spine. This woman could be their key to stopping Marco—or another pawn in his dangerous game. Either way, the storm was far from over.