His Heart Skipped A Beat

Alexa walked through the villa hallways, her thoughts swirling as she headed to Miss Yvonne’s room. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around Julian’s recent kindness. He had been cold and distant at first, a man with walls so high she doubted anyone could climb them. But lately, he had surprised her—not just with his words, but with his actions.  

Why is he being so kind? she wondered. A small, unfamiliar warmth stirred in her chest. It was strange, almost unsettling, to be treated with such consideration.  

Her thoughts shifted to Marcus, and the warmth quickly dissipated. She shuddered as memories of his cruel words and punishing threats surfaced. Marcus had always used her like a pawn, reminding her that she was expendable, dispensable. The bruises he left weren’t always physical, but they hurt just the same.  

Alexa clenched her fists. Marcus will find out I’ve failed him. Her chest tightened at the thought. The stolen jewelry hidden in her room and the misplaced hearing aid loomed in her mind. She was sure Marcus had deleted any incriminating conversations from her device, but she couldn’t shake the fear of how he might retaliate.  

Today marked the end of the one-week deadline Marcus had given her to fulfill her mission. She was supposed to uncover Julian’s secrets, but instead, she found herself in a whirlwind of Julian’s unexpected gestures and her own shifting loyalties.  

Maybe I should just enjoy this while it lasts, she thought with a wry smile, pushing the fear aside. She knocked softly on Miss Yvonne’s door.  

---

Inside Miss Yvonne’s Room 

The door opened immediately, and Miss Yvonne greeted her with a warm smile.  

“Come in, Alexa,” she said cheerfully, motioning for her to enter.  

Alexa stepped inside hesitantly, still unsure what to expect. Miss Yvonne’s bright energy was a stark contrast to the heaviness Alexa felt in her heart.  

“I must say, dear,” Miss Yvonne began, closing the door behind her, “I’m happy to see you and Mr. Salvatore getting along so well.”  

Alexa blinked in surprise. “We’re just… I mean, he’s been kind, but—”  

Miss Yvonne chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “Kindness doesn’t come easily to Julian. Not since his parents were murdered.” Her voice softened as she sat on the edge of the bed. “He’s been distant for years, closing himself off from anyone who tried to get close. But you… you’re awakening something in him.”  

The words startled Alexa. She wanted to protest, to say Miss Yvonne was imagining things, but a small part of her couldn’t ignore how Julian had started looking at her differently—less like a stranger and more like someone he trusted.  

“Now,” Miss Yvonne said brightly, breaking the silence, “let’s get you ready.”  

She opened several large boxes sitting on the bed, revealing an array of designer dresses in luxurious fabrics. Alexa’s eyes widened at the sight of the gowns. The colors ranged from soft pastels to bold, dramatic tones, each piece more beautiful than the last. Shoes, jewelry, and accessories sat neatly arranged alongside the dresses.  

“These are for you,” Miss Yvonne said with a grin.  

“For me?” Alexa stammered, her voice barely audible.  

“Of course! You’ll need to look your best for the doctor’s appointment.”  

Alexa frowned, glancing at the stunning outfits. “For an appointment?”  

Miss Yvonne winked. “You’ll see.”  

Despite her protests, Alexa allowed Miss Yvonne to help her choose an outfit. They settled on a flowing navy-blue dress with intricate silver embellishments, paired with matching heels. The simple yet elegant jewelry completed the look, leaving Alexa in awe when she finally saw herself in the mirror.  

“You look stunning,” Miss Yvonne said proudly.  

Alexa’s cheeks flushed. “It’s just a doctor’s appointment…”  

Miss Yvonne smiled knowingly. “If you say so. Good luck on your ‘not-a-date.’”  

“It’s not a date!” Alexa protested, but Miss Yvonne only laughed as she escorted her to the front of the villa.  

---

Outside the Villa  

Alexa stood by the car, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. The fabric felt foreign against her skin, far too luxurious for someone like her. The driver arrived promptly, opening the door with a polite nod.  

As she climbed in, she failed to notice Derrick watching her from a distance. Hidden in the shadows, Derrick smirked as he pulled out his phone and typed a quick message to Theo:  

Alexa’s dressed like she’s going on a date. Thought you’d want to know.

At the Hospital

The ride to the hospital passed in a blur. Alexa couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, but she forced herself to focus on the strange kindness she was experiencing. When she arrived, a nurse escorted her toward Dr. Patel’s office.

Unbeknownst to her, a figure lingered in the parking lot, camera in hand, snapping pictures of her as she walked. The flash of the lens was hidden, but the man’s intent was clear as he captured every moment.  

Alexa felt a shiver run down her spine but brushed it off. It’s probably just nerves, she told herself, focusing instead on the nurse’s friendly chatter.  

When she stepped into Dr. Patel’s office, her breath caught. Julian was already there, seated casually but looking every inch the powerful businessman in his tailored suit.  

Julian looked up at the sound of the door opening, and for a moment, his sharp composure faltered. Alexa stood before him, radiant in the navy dress. He had grown used to her simple attire—baggy pants, loose shirts—but now she seemed to shine in a way he hadn’t anticipated.  

She’s beautiful, he thought, his heart skipping a beat.  

Dr. Patel noticed Julian’s reaction but said nothing, a knowing smile playing at the edges of his lips.  

“Welcome, Alexa,” the doctor said warmly, gesturing for her to sit.  

“Thank you, Doctor,” she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.  

Julian’s gaze lingered on her as she sat, but he quickly masked his surprise, his face resuming its usual calm.  

“Now,” Dr. Patel said, “we’ll begin with some tests. The nurse will take you to the examination room.”  

Alexa nodded, following the nurse out. The moment the door closed, Dr. Patel turned to Julian, his smile widening.  

“Julian,” Dr. Patel began, leaning back in his chair, “is she the maid you mentioned?”  

Julian nodded. “Yes. Alexa.”  

Dr. Patel raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a small smile. “The one with the familiar aura?”  

“Yes,” Julian replied, his tone clipped, though he avoided Dr. Patel’s knowing gaze.  

Dr. Patel studied him for a moment before his smile widened. “Interesting. She seems… different from what I imagined.”  

Julian frowned. “Different how?”  

“Oh, I don’t know.” Dr. Patel’s tone was light but teasing. “Maybe it’s the way you looked at her when she walked in. Or the fact that she’s not just a maid to you anymore, is she?”  

Julian leaned back, his jaw tightening. “She works for me. That’s all.”  

Dr. Patel chuckled. “If you say so. But from where I’m sitting, it looks like she’s working her way into you more than just your household.”  

Julian’s gaze turned steely, but the faint heat rising to his cheeks betrayed him.  

Dr. Patel’s teasing smile softened. “Relax, Julian. I’m just saying, perhaps it’s not a bad thing to let someone in for a change.”  

Julian didn’t respond, his mind turning over Dr. Patel’s words. He didn’t want to admit it, but a part of him wondered if the doctor was right.