Fated Love: A Tale of Destiny

Chapter 0012: The Choice That Changes Everything

Alexander's world blurred into a singular focus—Claire's pale face, her shallow breaths, and the blood seeping through her shirt. The sound of his heartbeat pounded in his ears, drowning out Victor's voice.

Victor stood, brushing off imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Tick tock, Alexander. We don't have all night."

Alexander clenched his fists. He knew what Victor wanted—his return to the organization. But there was no way he would willingly step back into that world.

Unless…

 A Dangerous Bargain

The world outside the penthouse windows seemed oblivious to the storm raging within. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but inside, time stood still. Alexander could hear nothing but Claire's shallow breaths and the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall.

Victor stood with his usual smug expression, arms crossed over his chest, waiting. He had made his move, and now it was Alexander's turn to play.

"You're running out of time, Alexander." Victor's voice was calm, too calm. "She's bleeding out. You know what needs to be done."

Alexander clenched his fists. The urge to strangle the life out of Victor was overwhelming, but Claire needed him. Every second wasted brought her closer to the edge.

"What do you want?" His voice was quiet but deadly.

Victor smiled, stepping closer. "You already know. Come back. Finish what you started. And in return…" He gestured toward Claire, his tone mockingly sympathetic. "She lives."

Alexander felt trapped, as if a noose was tightening around his neck. He had sworn never to return to that life—never to be Victor's pawn again. But Claire's whimper of pain shattered his resolve.

He turned back to her. Her skin was unnaturally pale, her body trembling. He pressed his palm against the wound, desperate to slow the bleeding. "Stay with me, Claire. Just hold on."

She tried to speak, but no words came. Only a weak nod.

Alexander swallowed hard and turned back to Victor. His voice was hollow. "If I do this… you leave her alone. Forever."

Victor's smile widened. "Of course. A clean break. One last job, and you're free."

Alexander didn't believe him for a second. But he had no choice.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it."

Victor clapped his hands together. "Smart choice."

Alexander turned to one of Victor's men. "Get a medic. Now."

Victor nodded, and within minutes, one of his men returned with a black medical bag. A woman with a cold, clinical expression knelt beside Claire, inspecting the wound.

"She needs a hospital," the woman said flatly. "But I can stabilize her."

Claire winced as the woman worked quickly, cleaning the wound and administering a painkiller. Alexander stayed by her side, his fingers intertwined with hers. She squeezed his hand weakly, her eyes filled with fear.

"Alexander…" her voice was barely a whisper.

"Shh," he soothed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're going to be okay."

She tried to shake her head. "Don't… don't do this."

His heart ached at the plea in her voice, but he couldn't back out now.

Victor chuckled. "See? Even she knows this is a mistake."

Alexander ignored him. "Just rest, Claire."

Her eyes fluttered closed, her breathing more even now. The painkillers were taking effect, but she was still weak. He turned back to Victor, his blue eyes now cold and unreadable.

"When do we start?"

Victor grinned. "Now."

Alexander gave Claire one last look before standing, his body tense as he followed Victor out the door.

He had just made a deal with the devil.

Into the Lion's Den

The black SUV rolled to a stop outside a towering skyscraper, its glass exterior reflecting the city's neon lights. Alexander sat in the back seat, his jaw clenched, his mind racing. He had walked into dangerous situations before, but this was different. This time, he wasn't fighting for himself. He was fighting for Claire.

Victor sat beside him, smirking as if he had already won. "You look tense, Alexander. Relax. It's just business."

Alexander didn't respond. He knew better than to trust Victor's false reassurances. The moment he stepped back into this world, he would be trapped. And getting out again wouldn't be easy.

The doors unlocked with a quiet click. Two of Victor's men stepped out first, scanning the surroundings before motioning for them to follow. Alexander exited the vehicle, his movements measured, controlled. He had to stay sharp.

They entered the building through a private elevator, ascending to the top floor. The doors opened to reveal a lavish office, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. But Alexander wasn't interested in the view. His attention was locked on the man standing by the desk.

Sebastian Hale.

An infamous name in underground circles. Ruthless. Unpredictable. And, according to Victor, the only person who could erase Alexander's past—for a price.

Sebastian turned, his sharp green eyes assessing Alexander with amusement. "Ah, the prodigal son returns."

Alexander crossed his arms. "I'm not here for pleasantries. What do you want?"

Sebastian chuckled, gesturing to a chair. "Sit. Let's talk."

Alexander remained standing. "Talk."

Sebastian's lips twitched in amusement. "Fine. There's a job. One only you can do. Complete it, and your past disappears. Claire stays safe."

Alexander's gut twisted. "What's the job?"

Sebastian walked to a glass case on the wall, pressing a hidden button. The panel slid open, revealing a set of blueprints.

"A heist," Sebastian said, turning back to him. "You'll steal something for me."

Alexander exhaled sharply. He should have known. "I don't do jobs like that anymore."

Sebastian's eyes darkened. "Then Claire pays the price."

A flicker of rage surged through Alexander, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had no choice.

"Where and when?" he asked.

Sebastian smirked. "Tomorrow night. I'll send the details."

Victor clapped Alexander on the shoulder. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Alexander shoved his hand away. "I'll do the job. But if anything happens to Claire—"

Sebastian raised a hand. "Relax, Alexander. She'll be safe… as long as you do your part."

Alexander turned on his heel and left without another word. As the elevator doors shut behind him, he exhaled a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

One last job. One last chance to secure their future.

And if they thought he was just another pawn in their game…

They were about to learn just how wrong they were.

A Race Against Time

The moment Alexander stepped out of the building, the weight of his decision pressed down on him like an iron chain. He had made a deal, but that didn't mean he was going to play by their rules.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a text from an unknown number.

Tomorrow night. Midnight. The vault.

No instructions. No details. Just a location and a time.

Alexander clenched his jaw and slipped the phone back into his pocket. He needed information. If he was going to pull this off, he had to be ten steps ahead of Sebastian.

He got into his car and drove through the quiet streets, heading toward the only person who could help him now—Ethan.

Ethan was an old friend, a hacker with a knack for getting into places he shouldn't. If anyone could find out what was in that vault and why Sebastian wanted it so badly, it was him.

Alexander pulled up to a small apartment complex and knocked on the door. A few seconds later, a disheveled-looking man with glasses and messy hair answered.

"Alex?" Ethan blinked. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I need your help," Alexander said, stepping inside.

Ethan sighed. "Why do I get the feeling this is going to be bad?"

Alexander handed him his phone. "I need everything you can find on this vault."

Ethan frowned as he read the text. "You're getting involved with Sebastian Hale?"

"I don't have a choice," Alexander muttered.

Ethan sat down at his desk, fingers flying over the keyboard. Within minutes, he had pulled up blueprints, security footage, and restricted access points.

"This place is a fortress," Ethan muttered. "High-tech security, motion sensors, retinal scanners. Breaking in won't be easy."

"I don't need easy," Alexander said. "I need possible."

Ethan glanced at him. "Then you're going to need a plan."

Alexander nodded. He had twenty-four hours to figure out a way in, steal whatever was inside, and get out alive. And if he failed…

Claire wouldn't be the only one paying the price.

The Plan in Motion

The night before the heist, Alexander sat in Ethan's apartment, staring at the screen filled with security blueprints. His mind raced, analyzing every weak point, every possible entry.

Ethan adjusted his glasses. "I don't like this, man. The security is airtight. Even if you get in, getting out won't be easy."

Alexander exhaled. "It never is."

Ethan sighed. "Alright. The vault is located in the sub-basement. It's protected by biometric locks and motion sensors. You'll need to bypass both."

Alexander leaned back. "That's where you come in."

Ethan hesitated before nodding. "I can hack into their systems, but I'll need a distraction to buy time."

Alexander smirked. "I can handle that."

Ethan sighed again. "And once you're inside?"

Alexander's expression turned serious. "I grab what I need and disappear."

Ethan frowned. "And if something goes wrong?"

Alexander met his gaze. "Then I make sure I take them down with me."

The weight of his words settled between them. Tomorrow night would change everything.

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To Be Continue.....