Valentina pov
“Alexander, we’ve met earlier” a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension, and I instinctively looked up to meet the imposing figure now standing beside me. His sharp features were as cold as his tone. “Emily’s husband,” he continued, his piercing gaze fixed on Damien. “And I don’t appreciate another man trying to touch my wife.”
Everyone froze and I blinked trying to process what had just happened. Alexander stood there before me dressed in an expensive suits, his tall frame towering over everyone present including Damien.
I could feel everyone’s eyes on him and the chattering around us instantly quiet down as they all looked at Alexander, his presence alone dominated the place like no one else did.
“Ah, yes. Apologies Mr Alexander, forgive me for the mistake” Damien swallowed nervously before forcing a tight smile yet Alexander didn’t release his hand, his expression cold, piercing straight into Damien.
I stood there, unable to tear my gaze from Alexander.
“Hey, are you okay? Did they do anything to you?” Beside me, I heard Daniel’s voice. I tilted my head to see him shooting a death glare at Damien. Sebastian, who always had a nervous expression, also stood there, his glasses hanging loosely on the bridge of his nose as he glared at Damien.
I licked my bottom lip and took in a shaky breath. Was I okay? I didn’t think so. I couldn’t understand the emotions I was feeling. All I knew was that I hated it, hated these strangers, and felt anger at something they had done to me. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to collect myself, I couldn’t do it.
I couldn’t remember anything.
It was the first time since I had woken up without any memories that I felt this way towards someone. What was going on?
I was about to open my mouth and speak, but a soft voice beat me to it.
“Mr. Alexander, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” Caelina spoke, her voice snapping everyone’s attention to her.
She stepped forward, her lips curving into a small smile as she moved closer to her husband. “I was just introducing my husband to your wife. I’m sorry if that offended you. It’s my fault,” she said calmly, but her composed demeanor only made Alexander’s frown deepen.
He released his grip on Damien’s hand and stepped away, casually tucking his hand into his pocket while his gaze locked onto me, completely ignoring Caelina as if she hadn’t spoken at all.
His eyes swept over me with a quick, assessing glance. Before I could react or even process what was happening, he walked over to me and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him in an almost possessive way.
My eyes widened as I stared up at him, but he wasn’t looking at me anymore. Instead, his gaze was fixed on Damien.
“I will be expecting you on Monday. You can speak to him,” he gestured toward Sebastian, “He’ll relay further instructions to you.”
Damien tilted his head in confusion for a brief moment before nodding with a stiff smile.
“Of course, Mr Alexander. Thank you for”
However, before Damien could finish his sentence, Alexander, leading me by the waist, started walking away, blatantly ignoring him. I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder, catching Damien’s intense stare. His lips were pulled into a frown as his eyes fixed on Alexander’s hand wrapped around waist.
“What are you looking at? Do you want to go back and shake his hand?” Alexander’s voice broke through my thoughts, his tone sharp and challenging.
“What? What are you talking about-” Before I could finish my sentence, a rush of people swarmed toward us, their voices frantic as they tried to speak over one another.
“Mr. Alexander, good evening. I would like to speak to you, please!”
“Mr. Alexander, this is urgent. Can I have a word?”
“Hey, I was here first! Get behind me!”
I gasped as someone shoved me in the chaos, and I felt myself stumbling. Just as I was about to hit the ground, Alexander’s grip was fast and steady, pulling me effortlessly against his side.
The crowd fell silent, his cold gaze sweeping over them like a predator sizing up its prey. The tension in the air was palpable, killing intent radiating from him. My heart skipped a beat as I watched him, his jaw clenched in anger.
“Leave. Now,” Alexander hissed, his voice low, sending a shiver down my spine.
Within seconds, the crowd scattered, fear evident in their hurried steps as they obeyed without hesitation.
I glanced at Alexander with a raised brow. I knew he was a mafia don, but was he really so powerful that he could send grown men fleeing with just two words?
Alexander pulled me closer, steadying me back on my feet, and for a brief moment, I found myself unable to look away from his piercing gray eyes. Then, as if his touch had burned me, I instinctively pushed him away, creating distance between us. Without a second thought, I bolted toward the restroom, my hand flying over my mouth as a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed me.
The drinks… I think I had way too many.
After returning from the restroom, I found Alexander standing outside the door, his frame casually leaning against the wall as he toyed with the lighter in his hand.
His gaze swept over me, studying me with a tilted head, and then, without a word, he walked away.
I frowned and wiped my lips before trailing weakly behind him.
Everything else became a blur, and before I knew it, we were back in the car on our way home.
The ride home from the party was quiet, save for the sound of Alexander’s fingers tapping on the seat beside him. I felt everyone’s eyes on me, especially Alexander’s narrowed gaze.
Daniel and Sebastian tried to get my attention, but I couldn’t focus. My mind kept drifting into an agonizing daze.
Damien, Caelina, Tessa-had I met them before the accident? I frowned, staring out of the tinted window, biting my lip.
“Mrs. L*******, I’m afraid you have brain cancer. The prognosis is… very serious. You have only about a year to live.”
Groaning, I held my head as the words echoed, blurring my vision.
“Can you hear me? Are you okay?” Daniel’s voice sounded distant.
A firm hand gripped my arm, steadying me, and the faint, familiar scent of Alexander’s cologne reached me. I opened my eyes slowly, managing a weak, forced smile as I instinctively leaned into his touch.
“I’m fine, just tired,” I lied through gritted teeth. My entire body felt like it was on fire, my head pounding mercilessly.
“If you’re fine, then get off me,” Alexander’s cold voice snapped as he pushed me away like my presence irritated him.
“You heartless bastard!” Daniel exploded. “Can’t you see she’s not okay? The least you could do is let her lean on you!”
“Y-yes, boss, you’re being harsh,” Sebastian added timidly.
Alexander scoffed, but before he could respond, my vision darkened, my body swayed, and the last thing I felt was Alexander’s hand wrapping around me to catch my fall.