Chapter 4 A world Beyond my Window

The days that followed went so quickly. My life resumed its routine of long hours at the café and even longer evenings spent reflecting on my decisions. A part of me was happy that Alexander hadn't come back, but there was also a part of me that wasn't ready to acknowledge its existence: disappointment.

The city below pulsed with its typical commotion as I gazed out my apartment's modest window that morning. Vendors yelled cars honked, and the subtle scent of street food and coffee filled the air. However, my mind was a million miles away, mired in the recollection of Alexander's enigmatic remarks and passionate look.

I was shocked out of my trance by a tap on my door.

"On the way!" As I hurriedly pulled my hair into an untidy knot, I called.

Mia was standing there when I opened the door, her radiant grin a far cry from my gloomy disposition. "Good morning, sunshine! Are you up for another hectic, caffeine-fueled day?

I moaned and moved aside to give her access. Scarcely. Why are you so jovial?

Kicking off her trainers, she collapsed onto my couch. We're simply living the dream, you know. Though, are you alright? You have been aloof recently.

Not knowing how much to reveal, I paused. I was best friends with Mia, but even she might not think that a billionaire would be interested in me.

Finally, with a forced smile, I responded, "It's nothing." "Just your typical life, work, and bills."

Fortunately, she didn't push even though she didn't seem persuaded. "Well, you will overcome whatever it is. You always do."

She tried to reassure me, but all she did was tighten the knot in my chest. Would I just get by in life every time?

Was it my only option? That afternoon was busier than normal in the café, with a constant flow of patrons leaving little opportunity for my mind to stray. But as the crowd started to thin out, the door opened and a well-known person entered.

Alexander.

When he looked around the room, his piercing grey eyes found me almost immediately, and my pulse skipped a beat. With the same assured gait that had made an impact, he approached the counter. When we initially met.

"Miss Matthews," he said in a calm, silky voice.

"Mr. Steele," I answered, attempting to seem impartial. "What am I able to get you today?"

He leaned slightly on the counter and grinned. "I had hoped for another suggestion. It appears that you have a talent for selecting the finest solutions.

I was aware of the double meaning in his statements, but I decided to overlook it. We have a brand-new hazelnut mocha, though. It has been rather well-liked. "

That sounds ideal. I'll have one.

I could feel his intense, unblinking attention on me as I made his drink. It felt exciting and eerie at the same time.

He shocked me by asking, "Do you have a moment to talk?"

When I gave him the cup. I paused and looked at Mia, who was engaged in conversation with a client. "I suppose I have a moment to spare."

I anxiously wiped my hands on my apron as I followed him to an empty corner table.

With an extremely solemn face, he stated, "I wanted to apologize again for the other day." "It's unfair that you're in the middle of Victoria's inappropriate behavior."

Even though I could still picture Victoria's cold look, I hurriedly answered, "It's fine."

He protested, "It's not fine." "That isn't how you should be treated." I was surprised by the earnestness in his voice. And I wasn't sure how to react for a while.

"Why are you acting in this way?" At last, I enquired. "Why is it important to you what happens to me?"

Leaning back in his chair, he examined me intently. Since I recognize something in you, Lorena. Something that you may not even recognize in yourself.

His words sent a chill down my spine, causing my chest to churn with a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety. I said, "You hardly know me," in a gentler tone than I had intended.

"Perhaps," he conceded. However, I've had enough encounters to know when I see promise. And you've got it in plenty.

It was difficult to breathe under the intensity of his stare. Although I wanted to trust him, I had learned from a lifetime of disappointment for me to use caution.

"What are your needs from me?" Even I was surprised at how vulnerable I sounded when I asked.

A slight grin crossed his lips, yet his demeanor was almost melancholy. "You have nothing to offer me. I wish to assist you. If I may.

From behind the counter, Mia cried out before I could answer. I need you, Lorena!

With a fast step, I broke the enchantment between us.

"I must return to my work." "Obviously," he said, standing up as well. However, consider what I stated.

I kept asking myself if he was correct as he left the café. Did I own more than I had ever let myself to think?

• "Because I see something in you, Lorena. Something I'm not sure you even see in yourself."

• "But I've met enough people to recognize potential when I see it. And you have it in spades."

I kept thinking about his remarks as I lay in bed that night. "You have what it takes."

Although I was unsure of the future of my relationship with Alexander, I was confident that my life had changed from the usual, predictable pattern it had been only a few weeks prior.

Something was shifting. And for the first time in years, I wasn't sure whether I was more delighted or afraid by it.