From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 55

**Storm Behind Sleeps by George Orwell 55**

**Chapter 19**

The traumatic experience of his kidnapping had left a profound imprint on Alexander, a constant reminder of the darkness he had endured. He had fought his way back from the abyss, emerging as a survivor, but the scars—both visible and invisible—remained.

After a month of painstaking recovery, both physically and emotionally, he reached a pivotal decision: he would leave behind the city that had been a source of both ecstasy and agony. This city, once a canvas of his happiest memories, now felt like a prison, especially because of his entangled past with Olivia Hayes.

As he stepped into the airport, Alexander found solace beside the expansive windows of the VIP lounge. His eyes were drawn to the polished exterior of his private jet, which was being meticulously prepared for its departure. The sight stirred a mix of emotions within him.

Though the wound on his abdomen had healed, a hollow ache persisted in his chest—a void that felt insatiable, as if a part of him had been irrevocably lost.

While he waited, a compulsion to stay updated on current events tugged at him, leading him to check the news. The hashtag #D.C.PDTakesDownIntlCartel had erupted across social media, dominating conversations for days on end.

News outlets buzzed with excitement, replaying footage from the audacious raid on the chemical plant. There, amidst the chaos, was Olivia Hayes—bloodied yet fierce—pinning the cartel leader to the ground, with Ethan Carter fighting valiantly at her side, providing cover as they navigated a hail of bullets.

Before he left, Alexander had executed a final, calculated maneuver: he had leaked critical information about Chloe’s involvement in the kidnapping.

The fallout was instantaneous and explosive. The story went viral, with the internet transforming surveillance footage of Chloe’s dealings into memes that spread like wildfire.

[Lock her up! Colluding with scum to hurt one of our DEA Agents? Unforgivable!]

[She’s such a damn good actress! Playing the innocent victim, claiming Officer Hayes bullied her? She’s the sick one!]

Behind him, Jones stood, his voice steady yet somber as he delivered the latest news. “Mr. Pierce, the verdict for Chloe Vaughn has been announced. She begins her sentence next week.”

A cold, humorless snort escaped Alexander’s lips, his expression betraying no warmth or compassion.

“She should be grateful that I only put her behind bars rather than in the ground,” he replied, his voice flat, devoid of emotion, as he turned his attention back to the screen.

On the news, Olivia’s heroic figure captivated him; he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the live broadcast.

In the next moment, he watched as she beamed with joy at Ethan, who stood proudly beside her.

A wave of nostalgia washed over him, flooding his mind with memories of when Olivia had smiled at him in that same way—before he had become just a fleeting presence in her life, back when her heart had still been his.

Now, that radiant smile was reserved for another man.

“Let’s go,” he instructed his assistant, closing his eyes momentarily in an attempt to block out the bittersweet memories.

As the plane ascended into the sky, climbing to thirty thousand feet, he found himself scrolling through photos and videos of their moments together on his phone, replaying each one as if trying to etch them into his memory forever.

It was a cruel irony that he had forfeited any right to act on his feelings for Olivia.

Meanwhile, at the precinct’s commendation ceremony, Olivia and Ethan stood proudly side-by-side on the stage, the applause of their peers ringing in their ears.

The news of #Undercover Officer OliviaHayes and Consultant EthanCarter receiving the highest honor flooded every major international news outlet.

Their successful takedown of the cartel was hailed as the pinnacle achievement of the year, with reports everywhere celebrating the daring exploits of this “crime-fighting power couple.”

On camera, Ethan instinctively took Olivia’s hand in his, and she returned his gesture with a smile that radiated trust and affection.

This prestigious honor had elevated them to the pride of the entire force.

As she glanced out at her teammates cheering enthusiastically from the crowd, Olivia raised Ethan’s hand high above their heads, her heart swelling with gratitude.

“All of this is thanks to my incredible team! Without their unwavering support, day in and day out, I wouldn’t be standing here today!” she declared, her voice filled with sincerity.

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