From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 52

**Storm Behind Sleeps by George Orwell 52**
**Chapter 16**

The rain had descended upon the hospital like a relentless shroud, a torrent that had transformed the world outside into a glistening canvas of despair. Each droplet seemed to weep for the anguish unfolding within the walls of the institution, where hope felt as distant as the sun hidden behind the storm clouds.

On the cold, stone steps of the hospital, Alexander sat, his once-pristine designer suit now a soaked testament to his anxiety. The fabric clung uncomfortably to his skin, a constant reminder of his state, while his dark hair, usually styled with care, lay matted against his forehead, water trickling down his face like the silent tears he dared not shed.

He had been waiting there for what felt like an eternity—six long hours of torment, each tick of the clock amplifying his dread. The weight of his anticipation pressed down on him, heavy and suffocating, as he scanned the entrance for any sign of Olivia.

Just then, Ethan emerged from the lobby, an imposing figure shielded by a black umbrella. His cold gaze, sharp and penetrating, seemed to slice through the downpour as he approached.

At the sound of Ethan’s footsteps, Alexander’s heart raced. He looked up, his pulse quickening, only to be met with Ethan’s steely expression, the words that followed slicing through the rain like a knife:

“Alexander, Olivia’s message for you is clear: She doesn’t want to see you. It’s too late.”

The impact of Ethan’s words was like a physical blow, knocking the breath from Alexander’s lungs. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he felt as if the rain itself was mourning for him.

“I refuse to believe that…” His voice cracked, barely rising above the sound of the downpour. “Not unless she tells me herself.”

With a deliberate motion, Ethan retrieved a police badge from his pocket—Olivia’s badge, a relic from her harrowing undercover work three years prior, its edges still bearing the marks of past violence. He placed it before Alexander, the act heavy with finality.

“She asked me to return this to you.”

Alexander’s fingers trembled as they closed around the cold metal of the badge, the chill of it sending him spiraling back to that fateful, rain-soaked night: Olivia, bloodied and desperate, clinging to his car door, the badge glinting ominously amidst the chaos. Now, here he stood, clutching the last tangible piece of her that remained in his possession.

Tucking the badge away, a surge of anger ignited within him. He shot to his feet, eyes blazing with a mix of fury and desperation. “What’s your game with her, Ethan?”

The two men stood face to face, equally matched in stature, their gazes locking in a silent battle, tension crackling in the air.

“Been digging into my past, have you, Mr. Pierce?” Ethan’s smirk was devoid of warmth, a mask of disdain.

Alexander stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cold whisper. “The sole heir to Ethan Corp. Medically discharged three years ago after an undercover op went south. Your timing is suspicious—showing up around her like that.”

Ethan removed his glasses, revealing hawk-like eyes, devoid of any gentleness.

“You should be asking yourself that question, Alexander.”

His words were like daggers: “Why does she smile with me, but only bleed with you?”

Alexander’s fists clenched tightly, the unspoken truth weighing heavily on him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

“Ethan, the three years Olivia and I shared—you’ll never be able to measure up to that—”

“She’s not a trophy, Mr. Pierce.” Ethan’s voice was sharp, his disgust barely contained, yet he held it in check for Olivia’s sake.

“I don’t care what history you two have. She loathes you now. If you ever show your face near her again… I will end you.”

With that, Ethan turned, striding back toward the ward, leaving Alexander alone in the merciless rain, the downpour mirroring the storm of emotions raging within him.

Three days later, in the VIP room of a private hospital, Alexander had leveraged every contact at his disposal to track Olivia’s rehabilitation schedule. Driven by an insatiable need to see her, he seized the opportunity to slip in while Ethan was on duty.

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