Scorned and Reborn

Meanwhile, back in Milan, the city was abuzz with speculation about the attack that had taken place. The police had cordoned off the scene, searching for any clues as to who had orchestrated it and why. News outlets ran non-stop coverage, with reporters speculating about the involvement of high-profile individuals.

Unknown to the public and authorities, however, Mary was hidden away in an underground basement, her supposed "savior" unconscious beside her. The room was dim, lit by a single, flickering bulb that cast long shadows across the bare walls. Mary sat on the cold concrete floor, staring at the man's pale face, her thoughts racing.

He had saved her life—twice now—and even as she struggled with doubt and fear, a strange sense of gratitude bloomed within her. Whoever he was, he had shown up just in time to pull her from the jaws of death.

But now he was wounded, his shoulder seeping blood from a bullet wound that she hadn't noticed during their escape. She chewed her lip, weighing her options. She didn't have much medical training, but leaving him to bleed out wasn't an option.

Taking a deep breath, Mary tore a strip from her blouse, pressing it against his shoulder to slow the bleeding. The man stirred slightly, a groan escaping his lips as she carefully wrapped the makeshift bandage around his wound. His eyelids fluttered open, and he blinked, his gaze clouded with pain but focused as he took in his surroundings.

"You're awake," Mary said softly, her voice guarded but relieved.

The man's eyes narrowed as he glanced at her, then down to his shoulder, noticing the bandage. He took a labored breath, shifting to sit up.

"Thanks for that," he murmured.

"I didn't think I'd make it out."

Mary studied him, her mind racing with questions that had been building since the moment he saved her life.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice quiet yet firm.

"And why did you save me?"

The man's gaze held hers, and for a moment, he seemed to hesitate before finally answering. "My name's Asher," he said. "I was a police officer in London once. I was on a case involving a gang that stretched from London to Italy. The same men who tried to kill you tonight are part of that gang. They're ruthless."

Mary's Eyes widened, her pulse quickening. "So… you're saying they attacked me because of some case you were working on?"

"Not exactly," Asher replied, shaking his head.

"They're not after me, Mary. They're after you. You were carrying something valuable, weren't you?" His gaze grew sharper, more focused, as if reading the fear and anxiety flickering across her face.

She hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But with everything that had happened, she knew she had little choice but to trust him.

"Yes… thirty million dollars and gold," she whispered.

"It's supposed to be shipped to London today. The cash is with me, but… if the police find out…"

Asher's brow furrowed, and he looked around, lowering his voice.

"Then you need to be careful. If the authorities catch wind of that money, it's going to get messy. But I have an idea. You can leave the money here, and I'll bring it to you before your flight back to London. That way, it'll be safe and out of sight."

She exhaled slowly, nodding as she weighed her options.

"Alright… I'll trust you. But we need to act fast."

They left the basement, making their way toward the car parked outside. Asher carefully started the engine, glancing at her before they set off. "You're certain there's no one you suspect back home who would want to set you up like this?" he asked, his tone steady, but his eyes intent.

Mary looked out the window, her thoughts drifting to Benjamin. The idea that her husband could be involved in something this dangerous made her heart clench, but she forced herself to shake her head. "No… I can't think of anyone who would do this. I thought Benjamin and I were on the same side."

Asher's gaze softened, but he remained silent, focusing on the road. They drove through the winding streets, the tension between them thick, the air heavy with unspoken fears and questions. As they neared the hotel, Asher slowed down, glancing at her one last time before parking. "Alright, let's get you inside. I'll keep a low profile until it's time to meet you before your flight."

They stepped out of the car, the morning sun casting a pale glow over the hotel entrance. Mary was about to thank him when, suddenly, the quiet shattered.

Police cars swarmed the area, lights flashing as officers leapt out, their weapons drawn. Asher tensed beside her, his jaw clenching as he took a step forward, trying to shield her. "Stay behind me," he muttered.

But the police were faster. Within seconds, they surrounded them, shouting orders that rang out in harsh echoes against the hotel walls.

"Asher Devereaux, you are under arrest," one officer barked, moving forward with cuffs in hand.

Mary's Heart dropped, a cold shock sweeping over her as she watched the scene unfold. "Wait! There's been a mistake!" she called out, stepping forward.

"Ma'am, stay back!" another officer ordered, his gaze stern as he gestured for her to remain where she was.

Asher's eyes flickered toward her, his expression unreadable as the officers pulled his arms behind his back, securing the cuffs tightly around his wrists. His jaw was set, his gaze unyielding, but she could see the resignation in his eyes, a silent plea that she understood he couldn't speak aloud.

"Asher," Mary whispered, barely able to hear her own voice over the rush of panic.

One of the officers approached her, his face expressionless as he gave her a cursory glance. "Ma'am, we need you to come with us. You're being taken in as a witness."

Mary felt herself freeze, a whirlwind of emotions battling within her. She wanted to scream, to shout, to demand answers. But as she looked at Asher, the man who had risked his life to save her, all she could do was watch in helpless horror as he was led away, his figure disappearing among the swarm of officers.

And as she stood there, numb with shock and confusion, she couldn't shake the gnawing sense that this was only the beginning.

Benjamin rushed toward Mary, his expression a mixture of concern and relief as he spotted her standing in the bustling police station.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.

"I came to Italy as soon as I heard you were attacked."

"I'm safe," she replied, forcing a smile that felt fragile. The moment felt surreal, her heart still racing from the chaos that had unfolded just hours ago.

The police officers nearby approached, their demeanor professional yet pressing.

"Ma'am, we need you to follow us to the station for questioning," one of them said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Benjamin stepped in, placing a protective hand on her arm.

"My wife is still in shock. She needs a little rest."

The officer hesitated, glancing between them.

"We understand, but it's crucial for her to provide her account of the events. We can schedule a time for her to come in once she feels better."

After a moment, the officer relented.

"Alright, just make sure she reaches out to us. We need to gather her statement as soon as possible." With that, they turned and left, leaving Benjamin and Mary alone in the chaos of the station.

Once the officers were out of earshot, Benjamin's demeanor shifted. "Where is the money, Mary?" he asked, his voice low but laced with urgency.

"It's safe… for now," she replied, her heart racing as she glanced around, wary of eavesdroppers. "But we have to save Asher first. He's the one who saved me, Benjamin. We can't just abandon him."

His expression darkened for a moment, the tension palpable. "No problem, but first, we need to move the money without any involvement from the Italian government. I don't want them sniffing around."

She swallowed hard, knowing how much the money meant to him. "The only way to get the money is by saving Asher. We have to make sure he's safe. He knows how to get it to us before our flight back to London."

Benjamin's jaw tightened as he processed her words, his mind working through the options. "Alright. I'll see what I can do about getting Asher released."