Erling Haaland(5)

To the world, Erling Haaland was simply the star of Manchester City. A footballer admired by millions, surrounded by fame, money, and success. No one suspected that behind that perfect image hid the most powerful and feared man in the country.

In secret, Haaland ran a vast criminal organization from the shadows. Politicians, businessmen, and criminals followed his orders without even knowing his true face. To everyone, he was "The Shadow King," a mysterious figure capable of controlling everything that happened across the country.

But there was one person who occupied more space in his mind than any business or enemy.

T/N.

His best friend.

The only person who had known him since before he became famous and who treated him like a normal person. With him, he could forget for a moment the responsibilities, the power, and the secrets he carried.

One afternoon, they met for coffee. Y/N was talking about everyday things while Haaland listened silently, observing him with an attention no one else received.

"What's wrong?" Y/N asked when she noticed him looking at her.

—Nothing. I was just thinking.

It was a lie.

She was thinking about how difficult it had become to keep her two lives separate.

Because while they were sitting there, one of his men kept calling him to tell him about problems within the organization. Haaland ignored the calls, though. For a few hours, he just wanted to be Erling, not the mobster everyone feared.

That tranquility ended when he returned to his mansion.
"Chief, we have a problem," said one of his subordinates. Haaland's expression changed instantly.
-Speaks.
"Someone is investigating him. And they've also started asking questions about Y/N."
Silence filled the room. For the first time in a long time, he felt genuine concern. Not for himself. For Y/N. Because if someone found out how important she was to him, she could become a target.
Haaland stood up from his seat.
—I want 24/7 surveillance on that person and him.