Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Alessia was immediately drawn to the man's deep, dark eyes.

They were hooded by impossibly long eyelashes, which gave him an almost feminine grace.

But the rest of him was all man-chiselled jawline, perfectly sculpted cheekbones, a strong nose, and thin lips set in a determined line.

His once impeccable tailored suit was stained by blood.

The man must be exceptionally tall, as his long legs stretched out before him, making the wheelchair seem almost inadequate.

Absentmindedly, Alessia wondered what her babies would look like.

She forgot to ask if they were boys or girls or one of each.

If she was having a boy, she hoped he'd grow up to be as tall as this man.

As if sensing he was being watched, the man looked up, his eyes locking onto hers.

Alessia felt a bolt of electricity coursing through her veins.

Strangely, she was both put on guard and feeling weak at the knees at the same time.

She forced herself to look away, heart pounding.

Though their eye contact lasted barely a second, she felt as if the man had seen right through her soul.

Meanwhile, the boy, who'd been helped up by one of the black-clad bodyguards, was still crying.

'Here, let me try,' Alessia offered.

'Thank you,' the bodyguard said gratefully.

As Alessia crouched down in front of the little boy and patted his tiny head, she heard the wheelchair move past her.

Then hurried footsteps disappeared down the hallway.

'Hey there, are you okay?' Alessia asked.

The boy sniffled and nodded, his wide eyes brimming with tears.

His bottom lip quivered as he struggled to regain composure.

Alessia instinctively reached out and gently wiped away his tears with her sleeve.

'It's all right, sweetheart. Sometimes we all have tough moments,' Alessia reassured him, her voice soothing and warm. 'What's your name?'

The boy hesitated for a moment, then whispered softly, 'Tommy.'

'Well, Tommy, it's nice to meet you,' Alessia replied, offering a warm smile. 'I'm Alessia.'

Tommy's tiny hand reached out and grasped Alessia's.

Alessia felt a flutter in her heart the moment the boy's hand touched hers.

Her other hand subconsciously moved to her stomach, where her unborn twins were growing.

Thoughts of her recent diagnosis and the uncertainty that had consumed her mind flooded back, but now a newfound determination replaced the anxiety.

As she looked into Tommy's teary eyes, Alessia realised that she wanted to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.

She no longer felt the need to dwell on the misgivings or fear of raising her babies alone.

Instead, she felt a surge of love and strength, knowing that she could provide a nurturing and supportive home for her children.

So what if her babies might have to grow up in a single-parent family?

She herself grew up in one, and she turned out just fine, didn't she?

With a renewed sense of purpose, Alessia smiled down at Tommy. 'You know what, Tommy? Sometimes we all need someone to lean on. How about we find your parents together?'

Tommy's tears transformed into a hesitant smile, and he nodded in agreement.

Hand in hand, Alessia and Tommy walked down the hospital hallway.

After Tommy was reunited with his parents, Alessia went home.

There was a lot of work to do.

In less than six months, there would be two new members of the family.

***

Five years later.

The ballroom at The Grand Opulence Hotel buzzed with the sound of chatter and clinking glasses as guests mingled and enjoyed the lavish surroundings.

After making the obligatory small talk, Logan Wilde excused himself and went upstairs to the lounge, seeking a moment of respite from the crowd.

The lights were dim; the lounge was empty except for himself.

Yet, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched.

He scanned the room, his jaw clenching slightly as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease.

Before his investigation was complete, however, someone else entered the lounge. 'Hi, there.'

Without turning around, Logan recognised the A-list actress by her famous sultry voice.

Olivia Anderson struck a pose in the open doorway, her long, flowing brunette hair cascading down her back, complementing her form-fitting black cocktail dress dotted with sparkling sequins.

Her captivating smile hinted at both confidence and mischief.

With calculated steps, Olivia approached Logan, her eyes gleaming with desire.

She reached out to gently touch his arm, her voice laced with seduction. 'Logan, darling, I thought I might find you here. Care to join me for some... private entertainment?'

Logan's expression remained cool and unaffected.

He stepped back, subtly avoiding Olivia's touch. 'Not interested, Olivia. I'm here to relax, not indulge in your games.'

Undeterred, Olivia closed the distance between them, flirtatiously swaying her hips.

She reached out again, this time aiming for his belt.

Sensing her intentions, Logan's patience wore thin, and he firmly shoved her back, his voice filled with icy resolve. 'I said no, Olivia. Respect my boundaries.'

Humiliation flashed across Olivia's face, her eyes welling up with tears.

She lashed out, her words dripping with sarcasm. 'Oh, Logan, can't get it up for the sexiest of women? Maybe there's something wrong with you.'

Maintaining his composure, Logan met her gaze with steely resolve. 'Save your theatrics, Olivia. It won't change my mind.'

He watched as she hastily adjusted her attire and makeup, trying to regain some semblance of dignity.

Before leaving the lounge, Olivia attempted one last salvage of pride. 'I was just playing with you, Logan. No hard feelings.'

She turned on her heels, making her way towards the exit, her shoulders tense with the sting of rejection.

As the lounge door closed behind her, Logan's attention shifted to the thick curtain that concealed the hidden observer.

He spoke with authority, his voice carrying a warning. 'Come out now.'

No movement.

Standing stiffly behind the curtain, with her back pressed against the French window, Alessia prayed that the man was just bluffing.

He couldn't know she was in the room, could he?