Alexa in a Dilemma

Theo, Julian's assistant, stepped into the dining room, his usual composed demeanor momentarily disrupted by surprise. He had never seen Julian laughing or engaging in casual conversation with anyone—especially not the new maid, Alexa.

"Good morning, sir," Theo greeted, his sharp gaze quickly scanning the room. "Your schedule today includes a contract signing with the Charleston Group at the office, followed by a meeting with the investigator."  

Julian’s laughter faded, replaced by his characteristic stoic expression. Dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, he exuded his usual air of authority, nodding at Theo’s update.  

As Theo read out the day’s itinerary, his cold, calculating eyes settled on Alexa, who involuntarily shivered under his scrutiny. There was something unsettling about his gaze, as though he could see right through her.  

Julian’s attention shifted back to Alexa, their eyes locking in a moment charged with unspoken tension. The air between them seemed to hum, the lingering gaze stretching time itself.  

Breaking the moment, Theo spoke again, his tone neutral. "I’ll ensure everything is prepared, sir."  

As Theo left the room, Alexa exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. The relief was almost immediate, but the unease he left behind lingered. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Theo’s watchful eyes were constantly tracking her movements.  

Even as she returned to her chores, her thoughts wandered back to Julian. The memory of his piercing gaze replayed in her mind like a broken melody. His stare wasn’t intimidating—it was something else, something she couldn’t quite name. Her cheeks flushed at the thought, the moment haunting her long after it had passed.  

Yet, her unease about Theo refused to fade. *What’s his deal?* she wondered, scoffing softly to herself. His presence felt like a shadow always looming, his narrowed eyes seemingly full of suspicion.  

Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, Alexa decided to check on Miss Yvonne later. For now, she returned to her room to rest briefly.  

---

Alexa sat on the edge of her bed, her mind replaying the events of the morning. She couldn’t shake the sense of familiarity Miss Yvonne’s words had stirred.  

Then, like a sudden jolt, flashes of memories invaded her mind—scenes of a warm kitchen, her mother laughing, and two blurred figures she couldn’t recognize. The images were overwhelming, fragmented like shards of glass that cut into her consciousness.  

The last thing she remembered was gasping as the world tilted. Darkness engulfed her.  

---

When Alexa woke, her vision was greeted by the concerned faces of Miss Yvonne and a caretaker, a gentle-looking woman with a soft touch.  

"You’re awake," the caretaker said, relief evident in her voice. "You fainted. I think you’ve been overworking yourself."  

Miss Yvonne stood beside her, her warm, motherly presence comforting. "Are you alright, my dear?"  

Alexa groaned softly, sitting up with their help. Her head throbbed, but she managed a weak smile. "I think so. I’m sorry for worrying you."  

Miss Yvonne placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You need to take better care of yourself, Alexa. Rest is important."  

Alexa nodded, but the flashes of memory lingered, pulling at her thoughts. Something about Miss Yvonne’s earlier words had triggered the overwhelming images. *Could she know something about my past?*  

"Thank you, Miss Yvonne," Alexa murmured. "I… I’d like to talk to you later about something important."  

Miss Yvonne smiled kindly. "Anytime, my dear. For now, focus on recovering. I’ll leave you in the caretaker’s capable hands."  

As the two women left her room, Alexa leaned back against the headboard, her mind racing. For twelve long years, since Marcus had taken her, her life before then had been a void. Now, in the Salvatore Villa, fragments of her past were reappearing, disjointed and cryptic, but impossible to ignore.  

A glance at the clock made her pulse quicken. It was already past noon. With Julian and Theo away, this was her best chance to act. The jewelry boxes had to reach Marcus tonight; keeping them any longer in her room was a risk she couldn’t afford.  

Rising to her feet, Alexa’s hand instinctively went to her ear—and her heart stopped. Her hearing aid was gone.  

Panic surged through her as she darted to the mirror, tilting her head this way and that. Nothing. The hearing bud she depended on had vanished.