Ten Thousand Heartbeats

A Second Chance Encounter

Days went by, and Emily Carter continued her ordinary but busy life. She attended classes during the day, worked at a café in the evenings, and volunteered on weekends. Despite the hardships, she never complained, always facing each challenge with a smile.

However, since her meeting with Alexander Steele, subtle changes had begun to creep into her life. First, there was the bank card, which contained enough money to cover all her expenses during university. Even if she didn't work, she could live comfortably. But Emily chose to save money and continue working.

She had a small entrepreneurial dream in her heart. The money she had now was not enough to support her dream, so she needed to keep studying and working diligently.

Thank you, Mr. Steele, Emily thought. His bank card had brought her one step closer to realizing her entrepreneurial dream.

Meanwhile, Alexander Steele's life had also changed due to Emily. Although he continued to handle company affairs with cold efficiency, he often found his thoughts drifting to the resilient girl. Her image lingered in his mind, like a strange attraction.

Finally, a week after his last meeting with Emily, he sat in his office, looking out the window, and a thought suddenly occurred to him. He decided to visit Emily in person. He just wanted to see her, without any particular reason. He pressed the intercom, "Michael, prepare the car. I want to visit Miss Carter."

Michael, though surprised, quickly complied. Alexander's decisions were always unpredictable, but he always had his reasons.

Emily was busy working in the café when she heard a commotion at the entrance. She looked up to see Alexander Steele walking in.

His presence immediately drew everyone's attention, with customers whispering and staff staring in amazement at the strikingly

handsome man.

"Oh my God, it's like he stepped out of a painting!" Emily heard an employee exclaim in awe. "If I could spend one night with him, I would die happy!"

Isn't that the man I saw in the rain last time? Why is he here at this café? Emily wondered.

She thought a man like him would drink coffee brewed by servants at home, probably using coffee beans more expensive than gold.

A voluptuous waitress approached Alexander, her voice dripping with sweetness. "What can I get you, sir?" she asked, her hand slowly reaching for his leg.

Alexander's gaze turned icy, and he grabbed her hand, pushing her away forcefully. "Get away from me. Don't touch me."

The café was small, and Alexander's icy voice immediately spread throughout the place. No other waitress dared to approach him.

At that moment, an employee suddenly pushed Emily from behind. Emily stumbled, nearly falling into Alexander's arms.

Using all her strength, Emily leaned to the side, trying to avoid crashing into Alexander. After all, he had made it clear he didn't like people getting close to him.

Just as she was about to hit the corner of another table, a warm hand suddenly cushioned her forehead, and another hand wrapped around her waist. In an instant, she found herself in a strong embrace.

"Mm." She heard a muffled grunt from Alexander's chest, the sound rough and sexy, causing her ears to turn slightly red. She looked up, unexpectedly meeting Alexander's gaze.

"What? Are you stunned?" Alexander looked at the girl staring at him without blinking, tilting his head with a mischievous smile.

"Ah!" Emily snapped out of it. "I'm sorry, sir! I didn't mean to!"

"Mm. I know." Alexander's tone was unexpectedly gentle. "I saw her push you."

Alexander pointed in a direction, and Emily followed his finger—only to see her best friend in the café, Sheila.

Sheila's lips trembled as she looked terrified. "No, it wasn't like that. I just lost my balance and..."

Alexander cut her off. "Save your lies for someone who'll believe them."

Emily stared at Sheila in disbelief. "Why would you do that?"

Sheila's entire body shook, and without saying another word, she ran out of the café. Emily was dazed and hurt, wondering why her friend would push her knowing the customer didn't like physical contact. Was she trying to make her offend this seemingly important customer?

Alexander gently tapped Emily's forehead. "Kitten, how long do you plan on staying in my arms?" Alexander asked, his tone teasing yet commanding.

Emily's face turned crimson as she quickly stepped back, straightening her apron. "I'm sorry, Mr. Steele. I didn't mean to..."

Alexander raised a hand to stop her. "It's fine. Just be more careful next time."

Emily nodded, still feeling embarrassed. She couldn't understand why Sheila had acted that way, but she didn't have time to dwell on it now. She needed to get back to work.

"Would you like to sit down and have a coffee?" she asked Alexander, trying to regain her composure.

Alexander looked around the café and then back at Emily. "Sure, I'd like that."

Emily led him to a quiet corner and took his order. As she prepared his coffee, she couldn't help but feel nervous. Alexander Steele, the powerful and enigmatic CEO, was sitting in her café, and she had just fallen into his arms. It was all too surreal.

She brought his coffee to the table and set it down carefully. "Here you go, Mr. Steele. I hope you enjoy it."

Alexander took a sip and nodded. "It's good. Thank you, Miss Carter."

Emily stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say. Alexander looked up at her, his gaze softening slightly. "Please, sit down. I'd like to talk with you."

Emily hesitated but then pulled out a chair and sat across from him. "What would you like to talk about?"

Alexander leaned forward, his expression serious. "I wanted to check on you and see how you're doing. Have you used the money from the card yet?"

Emily shook her head. "No, I haven't. I saved it. I want to achieve my dreams through my own efforts."

Alexander nodded, seemingly impressed. "That's admirable, Miss Carter. But don't be afraid to use the resources available to you. Sometimes, a little help can make a big difference."

Emily felt a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Mr. Steele. I appreciate your support."

Alexander smiled. "You're welcome. And remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Emily nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I will. Thank you."

As they continued to talk, Emily found herself opening up to Alexander in a way she hadn't expected. They spoke about her dreams, her struggles, and her hopes for the future. Alexander listened intently, offering advice and encouragement.

Emily watched him leave, her heart brimming with gratitude and resolve. She was incredibly thankful for the practical advice and encouragement that Alexander had given her; she felt the future was full of hope.

As Alexander drove away, he couldn't help but think of the extraordinary girl he had just spent time with. Emily Carter had a strength and resilience that he deeply admired, and he found himself looking forward to seeing where her journey would take her in the future.

However, he seemed to have a hard time suppressing the restlessness within him.

There was a voice in his body, roaring like the devil, in a frenzied whisper.

He heard his heart say, "Just snatch her back, keep her by your side forever."

"No, I can't," Alexander murmured, "At least not now, not yet."