The cold breeze brushed against my exposed skin. Wearing a black t-shirt and jeans on a December is a bad idea. I pulled out my cigarette from my pocket, attempting to keep myself warm.

Not long after, I feel a presence beside me, settling himself on the farthest side of the bench. I watched him pulled out his own cigarette from the corner of my eyes.

We smoke in silence for a couple of minutes, until I decided to break it, "the job?"

He took a sip of his cigarette, blowing it into the night air. He pulled out a folder from beneath his coat.

"The Adair Family," he said gruffly, pushing the folder towards me, "boss wants them dead by tomorrow.

The Adair Family, one of the richest families in the country, also owned the largest mafia in the continent. In other words, The Caruso's biggest enemy.

Don't get me wrong, I don't work for any of them. I work alone. Serving whoever benefits the most, offering temporary loyalty for information and money.

They know me as The Shadow. Always around, but never noticed. Always watching, but you can do nothing about it.

My train of thoughts was harshly cut off when I opened the folder to her face.

"You know I'll always love you right?" My thumb caressed her cheek. I smiled when she leaned into my touch.

My thumb brushed again her photo. Beside her photo, there's an older version of her and 3 male versions of her.

Her small hands rubbed against my stomach. I closed my eyes to the feeling, only for her to withdraw her hands. My eyes snapped open. An involuntary growl emerged when I saw her running away from me, giggling. "Hey! Come back here, you little tease."

I closed my eyes, letting myself being pulled back in time. I was not the only one hiding my identity.

I woke up to an empty bed. The room is gold and quiet, unlike every other day. When I sat up, I noticed a note on her pillow. All colors drained from my face after I read it.

I clenched my fist on my side, closing my eyes right.

"Emily!" I ran through every hallway, opened every door. "Emily!" I scanned every inch of the forests. "Emily!" I clutched my hair, screaming out my frustration, hoping she can hear me. But she's gone. Our 3 years together had been for nothing.

"Everything alright?" he asked, pulling me back to reality.

My eyes snapped open, and the next second my blade was already on my hand. I saw red as I tore him apart with it, careful not to kill him.

"No one messes with The Adair Family! Tell them my message, GO!"

I watched as he limped away, trying to run but ended up face-first to the ground.

I, The Shadow, hereby pledged my loyalty to the Adair Family. I promise to keep them safe and serve them with my life. I, The Shadow, hereby announced that the enemy of the Adair Family is my enemy. And that I will not rest until the Caruso Family has been destroyed.