Elena had never felt more at peace than she did in that moment, wrapped in Luca's arms as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window. For the first time in years, it felt as though everything had fallen into place, and she allowed herself to believe that maybe—just maybe—things would finally be alright.

But deep down, a nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her that their happiness was fragile. It was as if the storm had calmed for now, but she knew that it wasn't over. There was still Shanaya, lurking in the shadows, waiting for her moment to strike.

As if on cue, Elena's phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the peaceful silence of the room. She reached for it, glancing at the screen. It was Aaron.

"Elena," his voice came through the line, tense and hurried. "You need to be careful. Shanaya is up to something."

Elena sat up in bed, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

"I've been hearing rumors. She's been meeting with some of Luca's business associates, spreading lies about you and him. And... there's more."

Elena's stomach dropped. "What more?"

"She's claiming she's pregnant, and she's planning to go public with it. I don't know if Luca told you, but she's trying to pressure him into marrying her. She's even hired some shady people to... I don't know. I just know she's planning something big, something to make you look bad. Be careful."

Elena's hand shook as she clutched the phone. She had thought Luca's assurance that the pregnancy was a lie would be the end of it, but it was clear now that Shanaya was far from done. She was ramping up her campaign of manipulation, and Elena knew that if they weren't careful, Shanaya would drag them into another whirlwind of drama.

"Thank you, Aaron," Elena said quietly. "I'll talk to Luca."

"Just stay safe, okay?" Aaron's voice softened, the concern evident in his tone. "You've been through enough. Don't let her get to you."

Elena nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I'll be careful."

As she hung up the phone, Elena turned to see Luca watching her with a furrowed brow. He had been awake the whole time, his dark eyes following her every move.

"What's going on?" he asked, his voice low and rough from sleep.

Elena bit her lip, unsure of how to break the news. "Aaron called. Shanaya... she's still spreading lies. And now, she's claiming she's pregnant again. She's trying to force you into marrying her."

Luca's jaw clenched, his entire body going rigid. "That woman doesn't know when to stop."

"I'm worried, Luca," Elena said softly. "She's dangerous. She's desperate, and people who are desperate will do anything."

Luca exhaled sharply, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I know. But she's not going to win. Not this time."

He sat up, his hand finding hers as he gazed into her eyes. "I won't let her come between us, Elena. Whatever she's planning, we'll face it together. I'll handle Shanaya. She's been a thorn in my side for too long."

Elena wanted to believe him, but she couldn't shake the unease that settled in her chest. Shanaya had already caused so much damage, and Elena knew that she wouldn't stop until she had what she wanted. But what terrified her most was the lengths Shanaya might go to in order to get Luca—whether it meant hurting her, or worse, putting Luca in harm's way.

Across town, Shanaya sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were cold, calculating, as she applied the last touches of her makeup. She had spent the past week meticulously planning her next move, and she was determined to see it through.

The pregnancy lie had been a stroke of genius. Luca had been skeptical at first, but Shanaya knew how to play her cards. She had even gone so far as to pay off a doctor to falsify some documents, just in case anyone asked questions. As long as she maintained the illusion, she could force Luca's hand. He wouldn't abandon a child—not if she made it public.

But that wasn't enough. Shanaya knew that Elena was still standing in her way, and she needed to eliminate her once and for all. That's where her next plan came into play. It was risky, yes, but Shanaya was willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted.

Her phone buzzed on the vanity, and she glanced down to see a message from her hired muscle. Everything was in place. The stage was set for her final move.

With a smirk, Shanaya picked up the phone and sent a single reply: Proceed.

Later that day, Luca sat in his office, his thoughts consumed by everything Elena had told him. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how far Shanaya was willing to go to manipulate him. It infuriated him that she was using something as sacred as a child to try to trap him.

His phone buzzed on his desk, and when he saw the caller ID, he frowned. It was Shanaya. Reluctantly, he answered the call, knowing that he needed to confront her once and for all.

"What do you want, Shanaya?" Luca's voice was cold, his patience thin.

"Luca, darling, is that any way to speak to the mother of your child?" Shanaya's voice was sickeningly sweet, but Luca could hear the venom beneath it.

"You're not pregnant," Luca said bluntly. "Stop playing games."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Shanaya let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Oh, Luca. You always were so stubborn. But I'm afraid you don't have a choice in this matter anymore. I've already told a few people... influential people. If you try to deny it now, it will only make you look like the villain. The press will eat it up."

Luca's grip tightened on the phone. "You're out of your mind."

"Maybe," Shanaya mused. "But you'll come to your senses soon enough. I'll make sure of it."

She hung up the phone before Luca could respond, and he slammed the device down on his desk in frustration. His mind raced, trying to figure out his next move. Shanaya had him backed into a corner, and he hated it.

But he wasn't going to let her win. Not this time. He wouldn't allow her to destroy his relationship with Elena, or his life.

As Luca sat there, his mind whirling, he realized what he had to do. He had to expose Shanaya for the liar she was. He needed proof—something that would discredit her once and for all.

And he needed to do it fast.

That evening, as Luca returned home, he found Elena sitting on the couch, looking through old family photos. She glanced up when he entered, her expression soft but concerned.

"Did you talk to Shanaya?" she asked.

Luca nodded, his jaw tense. "She's not backing down. She's already spreading the pregnancy rumors. But I'm not giving up, Elena. I'm going to prove she's lying."

Elena stood, crossing the room to stand in front of him. She reached up, gently cupping his face in her hands. "We'll get through this, Luca. We'll figure it out."

Luca leaned into her touch, closing his eyes for a moment as he allowed himself to feel the comfort of her presence. "I love you, Elena. I can't lose you again."

"You won't," she whispered. "I'm right here. Always."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew that the storm was far from over. But they were ready to face it together.

No matter what Shanaya had planned, they would fight for their love.

And this time, they wouldn't let anyone tear them apart.