Chapter 16 The piano room was bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun , casting long shadows across the polished floor . I was focused intently on preparing for my next lesson , my fingers dancing over the keys , when the door was suddenly flung open with a violent crash . I looked up , startled , to see a man tanding in the doorway . His face was hidden behind a mask , his eyes cold and menacing . Are you Shirley ? he rasped , stepping into the room with a deliberate , unsettling slowness I swallowed hard , my heart skipping a beat . Yes , Im Shirley , I replied , my voice wavering slightly . Please , have a seat . Lets talk about your current level and progress . The man took a seat , but there was something off about his demeanor . His movements were jerky , his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something . I tried to push down the growing sense of unease and began to play a demonstration piece . Suddenly , he stood up and stepped to the side . Without warning , he slammed the piano lid down with all his might . Pain exploded in my hand as the lid crushed my knuckles , and I let out a scream , tears springing to my eyes . Blood started to ooze from the wound , dripping onto the polished wood of the piano . The mans laughter was chilling , echoing through the room . This is your retribution for being Loriks Luna , he sneered , his voice dripping with malice . I was in shock , my mind struggling to process what was happening . Before I could react further . Maurice burst into the room , his face a mask of worry and fury . He took in the scene in an instant . his eyes blazing as he saw the mans menacing stance . Getaway ! from her ! Maurice shouted , his voice filled with a protective rage . The attacker , realizing he was cornered , made a desperate leap for the window . He crashed through the glass and vanished into the night , leaving a trail of shattered glass and blood in his wake . Maurice rushed to my side , his expression softening as he took in my injured hand . Shirley , are alright ? he asked urgently , his voice tight with concern . you I could barely speak through the pain . Ill be okay , I managed to say , my voice trembling . But who was that man ? Why would he do this ? Maurices face hardened , his eyes filled with a grim determination . It seems the past is catching up with us faster than I anticipated . I need to call the authorities , but first , lets get you to a hospital . After I Let Go My Alpha , He Knelt in Regret 14.1 % 4s he helped me to my feet , the room spun slightly , the pain in my hand throbbing with each heartbeat . The attack was a brutal reminder that my new life was still haunted by the shadows of ay past . Loriks world and the dangers that came with it were not as far behind me as I had hoped . At the hospital , the doctors worked quickly to tend to my injuries . The damage wasnt as severe as it could have been , but it would still take time for my hand to heal fully . Maurice stayed by my side , his presence a comforting anchor amidst the chaos . Thank you , Maurice , I whispered , my voice heavy with gratitude . I dont know what I would have done if you hadnt shown up . He squeezed my good hand gently , his eyes intense . Youre not alone , Shirley . Well get through this together . And dont worry , Ill make sure youre safe . No one will harm you again . As the painkillers began to take effect , I closed my eyes , my mind swirling with thoughts of Lorik , the masked attacker , and the unfinished melody that still lingered in the air of the piano room . The road ahead seemed uncertain , but with Maurices support and the promise of my music , I felt a glimmer of hope . At the hospital , the medical team quickly prepared me for surgery . The anesthesia seeped in , and I drifted into unconsciousness , the pain and chaos momentarily forgotten . When I awoke , I found myself in a sterile hospital room . To my surprise , Lorik was sitting by my bedside , his face etched with a mix of regret and concern . Beta told me about what happened , Lorik said , his voice heavy with remorse . I had someone watching over you , but I didnt realize the thugs had come in disguised as students . I looked at him , my emotions a whirlwind of confusion and hurt . Do you know what he said to me ? I asked , my voice barely audible . He said this was my karma for being Loriks Luna . Loriks eyes darkened with a storm of anger and sorrow . Ill find that man and make sure he pays . for what he did to you , he vowed , his voice fierce . I couldnt find the strength to respond . The pain and sense of betrayal were overwhelming . Tear slipped down my cheeks as I silently wept , feeling a deep sense of loss . Even if Lorik found the attacker , would it mend the damage done ? Lorik , with surprising tenderness , rolled up the sleeves of his suit and began to gently tend to my wounds . Its nothing , he said softly. You took care of me during those two years when I was injured . I owe you this . His gesture was unexpectedly touching , though it did little to alleviate the hurt I felt . As he attended to me , his phone rang . He answered quickly , his expression growing serious . I have to go , he said , his voice tight . Tve got a lead on the thugs . Ill be back as soon as I can . In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. With a compelling narrative that intertwines sweet romance with contemporary challenges, "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" stands out as a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Cassandra's quest for love and acceptance in this captivating novel. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a world where past mistakes collide with present desires, promising a gripping narrative that will leave readers yearning for more.