ALESSANDRO POV
1434 Words
"Relax, Alessandro.” Marco said beside me, swirling his glass. “You look like you’re about to throw someone through the window.”
“I might,” I muttered. “Or maybe I’ll just throw myself through it.”
Luca chuckled. “Dramatic as always. Do you really need this drink?”
“I need silence.” I said. “Or maybe noise that is louder than my thoughts.”
The club was loud but not enough to clear my thoughts. Or maybe because I was in the vip section.
There were men in suits, women in glittering dresses, the smell of perfume and whiskey thick in the air. Music vibrated through the floorboards, but it was just background. I wasn’t here for entertainment. I was here to forget my worries. There were business contracts I had to look at and the deadlines were close. I know I was one of the richest and also I own this club, but there are some deals that could ruin half the city if I misstepped.
I was still in my thoughts when a woman walked in, she wasn't like the other women. Not calculated, not Polished. She walked like the world had already swallowed her. Her steps were uneven, her dress slightly wrinkled, her hair loose. Her eyes were red and hands were trembling.
“Who’s that?” Marco asked, noticing my gaze.
“She’s… broken,” I said quietly. “And fascinating.”
“Broken?” Luca smirked. “You don’t say.”
I didn’t answer. I watched as she made her way to the bar.
She didn’t order a fancy cocktail. She didn’t even glance around the room. She just grabbed a drink, swallowed it, and reached for another. Her hands shook slightly. Her lips pressed together as if she were trying to hold herself together.
I could feel her heartbreak leaking through her posture, her trembling fingers.
“Maybe we should leave her alone,” Marco whispered.
“No,” I said firmly. “I want to see what she does.”
I watch her take another drink. Then another. The burn slid down her throat and seemed to do nothing to ease what was inside her. She lifted her head slightly, muttered a name I didn’t recognize, but the sound of it triggered me , the way she whispered it made me frown.
She was whispering to her, sometimes she will talk to the barman,
“My sister is marrying my ex.” I heard her say that to the barman.
Well that is enough to break a woman.
I don't know but seeing her drinking like that piece my heart.
I wasn't paying attention to what Marco and Luca were saying.
“Alessandro, are you with us?” I heard Luca say.
“Hey bro do you need a woman tonight.” Marco said jokingly. But I know he was serious, “I don't need any woman.”
We were still talking when I caught her sight, she was staring at us, or should I say me, I didn't break eye contact, she is a beauty no doubt, but a beauty in distress. I have to make her stop drinking.
“What? she said suddenly, her voice slightly raised. “Never seen a girl fall apart before?” She said
I wanted to laugh, but it won't be good laughing at a heartbroken woman.
“That's enough.” I said to the bar man.
Before I could turn to take my drink, I saw her walking to the stage.
“What is she doing?” Marco asked. Well I don't know, maybe she wants to sing.
This time it came from somewhere deeper.
“Why did you hold me close if you planned to let me go…”
The words weren’t just lyrics.
They were hers though.
Her throat tightened, but she didn’t stop.
“How do I breathe when forever was just for show…”
Silence filled the club.
No glasses clinking.
No whispers.
Just her voice.
Tears slipped down her cheeks. She didn’t wipe them.
She sang about betrayal.
About loving someone who leaves.
About being replaced.
When she finished, her chest rose and fell heavily.
Two seconds of silence.
Then applause exploded.
Real applause.
“Wow!” someone shouted.
“She’s incredible!”
“Who is she?”
I could see her drizzling and when she was getting off the stage
She was about to fall when I rushed to hold her.
Her skin were soft very soft,
“Easy, beauty,” I said to her ear. “Would you mind your step?”
Her eyes looked onto mind, there was no blinking, it felt like she was looking at my soul.
“You shouldn't be alone in this condition,” I said.
“I’m not alone,” she replied softly. “I have regret.”
My eyes darkened slightly. “Who hurt you?”
“My ex,” she said.
“What did he do?”
He promised me forever. Then, it disappeared. Now he’s engaged to my sister.”
My jaw shifted almost invisibly.
“That was foolish of him.”
“You don’t even know me.” she hesitated
“I don’t need to.”
Her eyes were still on mine , or should I say I was the one looking at her.
The people around us kept their distance.
No one interrupted.
No one dared.
My thumb brushed lightly against my waist as I adjusted my hold.
Her heart was still broken.
But something else was happening now.
Something reckless.
“Why were you watching me?” she asked.
“You didn’t look like the others.”
“How?”
“You looked like you were about to either collapse… or start a war.”
She laughed weakly. “Maybe both.”
“What do you want right now?” I asked her quietly.
But she went silent, not knowing what she was thinking, I had no choice but to study her with my own eyes.
She was not that thin, her skin was very neat and white she had brown hair that suited her , her eyes were kinda brown and it suited her round small eyes.
“Tell me something,” she said softly, cutting my thoughts. “Do you ever make impulsive decisions?”
“Rarely.” I said, well I am a CEO so I have to think thoroughly before making a decision.
“Maybe try tonight.”
“What do you mean?” I said with a sharp gaze.
She leaned closer, staggering, her breath brushing my collar.
“Can you be my fiance?”
I was startled , I didn't know what to say.
Even my friends went still. Marco’s jaw almost dropped. Luca’s smirk faded.
“Excuse you “. I said but she has fallen asleep in my arms. I have to carry her , telling my friends goodnight.
I carried her to my car.
She was light.
Too light for someone carrying so much pain.
Inside the car, she shifted slightly but didn’t wake.
I needed her address.
I gently reached into her purse and found her ID card.
Roselie.
I memorized the address.
Then I started the engine.
The city lights reflected across her peaceful face
She looked different asleep.
Younger.
Less guarded.
“Impulsive decisions,” I murmured to myself.
I drove carefully.
Slower than usual.
When we reached the gate of her house, I parked outside.
I tapped her shoulder gently.
“Roselie.”
She stirred.
“Hmm?”
“We’re here.”
She blinked slowly, trying to focus.
She looked around, confused.
Then she opened the door and stepped out, still half asleep.
She didn’t realize it was my car.
She didn’t realize I was the one driving.
She walked toward the gate and knocked.
A security man opened it.
She fumbled in her purse and handed him some money.
“Give the driver for the trip,” she mumbled.
He looked confused but took it.
“Thank you,” she added softly.
Then she walked inside.
And the gate closed.
I sat there in my car.
Holding the money she had given the gateman to give me.
She thought I was the driver.
I looked down at the small folded notes.
And for the first time that night,
I laughed.
Not at her.
But at how unpredictable she was.
Roselie.
You just proposed to one of the richest men in this city.
And tipped him like a cab driver.
And somehow…
I didn’t feel insulted.
I felt intrigued.
Very intrigued.
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