Chapter 194 MY FAMILY.
\~~~ALESSIA.
I stood there, waiting for the elevator doors to slide open, my head spinning like I'd just stepped off a carousel. The dizziness hit me out of nowhere, a wave that made the hallway tilt and my stomach churn.
I needed to get to the meeting room on the floor above, where Raina was probably already waiting, and then the doors finally dinged open, and I stepped in fast, not even glancing at the man already inside. My hand gripped the railing, and I punched the button for the next floor, willing the ride to be quick.
“Are you okay, ma'am?” His voice came from behind me, low and concerned. I didn't turn around. Instead, I just raised a hand, a silent signal to leave me alone. Talking felt like too much effort right now. But then the elevator lurched into motion, and the world swayed again. My knees buckled just a bit, and before I could catch myself, a strong arm wrapped around my waist from behind, steadying me. His grip was firm, and not rough, but it sent a jolt through me.
“I'm... I'm fine,” I muttered, trying to wiggle away. My voice came out weaker than I wanted, but I straightened up, pushing against his hold. Who was this guy? Some stranger in a suit, probably heading to the same offices, but I didn't need his help.
“Just relax,” he hissed close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. It made me tense up even more. He didn't let go right away, his arm like a band holding me in place until the dizziness eased a fraction.
“Do you feel dehydrated?” he asked, his tone shifting to something almost gentle, like he was used to dealing with fainting women.
“I'm okay, just let go.” I twisted a little, finally breaking free as the elevator slowed. My cheeks burned with embarrassment. The last thing I needed was some random man playing hero.
“As if I'd do that,” he replied, and before I could protest, his hand moved to the panel. He pressed the button for the rooftop instead of my floor. The elevator hummed upward, ignoring my plans.
“What are you doing?” I demanded, turning to face him now. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair neatly combed and a jawline that looked sharp enough to cut glass. His eyes, dark, and intense, locked onto mine without flinching.
“Wherever you need to be can wait, ma'am,’' he said calmly, like he had every right to decide for me. The doors opened on my floor, but he didn't move, and the elevator kept going up.
I opened my mouth to argue, but the words stuck. The dizziness was still there, nagging at the edges of my vision, and fighting seemed pointless. I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall, remaining still as the numbers climbed. The ride felt endless, but finally, we reached the rooftop. The doors parted, and a rush of cool air hit me fresh, open, and carrying the faint scent of city rain. It cleared my head instantly, like a fog lifting.
He stepped out first, then offered his arm again. This time, I didn't refuse outright. He guided me to the railing, his touch light on my elbow. The rooftop was empty, just concrete underfoot and the skyline stretching out endlessly.
I gripped the metal bar, breathing deep, and letting the breeze wash over my face.
“Do you feel better?” he asked, standing at a respectful distance now, his hands in his pockets.
I turned to look at him properly for the first time. And that was when it hit me that he looks so... wrong.
The thought popped into my head unbidden, sharp and confusing. This was the first time I'd seen him, I was sure of it, but something about his face choked me up.
The shape of his eyes, maybe, or the way his mouth curved when he spoke. It tugged at a memory I couldn't place, and like a shadow from my past, flickered just out of reach. My heart stuttered, and I swallowed against the sudden tightness in my throat.
“I have candies, and gum, which would you like?” He flashed a smile, warm and disarming, and pulled a pack of candy and gum from his pocket. They were colorful wrappers, the kind you see at a corner store, and not something you'd expect from a guy in a tailored suit.
“Why do you carry those around?” I asked, my brows furrowing.
It was an odd habit, childish almost, and it threw me off even more.
Oh, it's just a habit of mine, ma'am. I like my mouth moving,” he chuckled, the sound low and easy, like he was sharing a private joke. His eyes crinkled at the corners, softening the intensity from before.
“I'm fine,’' I said, clearing my throat and looking away, out at the city below. The dizziness had faded, replaced by this weird unease. Who was he? And why did standing here with him feel like stepping into a dream I didn't remember?
“Well, you should take the gum. It will keep your mouth busy for a while and distract your nerves from getting tense or irritated, and that won't cause you to feel dizzy or anything,” He held out the pack, insistent but not pushy.
“I don't feel dizzy,” I corrected, my voice sharper than intended. But even as I said it, I knew he was right.
“Well, it didn't seem like so back there,” His smile didn't waver, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head, frustration bubbling up.
“I have a meeting to attend, but... thank you,” I took the gum from him, my fingers brushing his briefly.
He looked cool, very, in fact. Confident, and put-together, but why did it feel wrong with him?
Like a puzzle piece jammed into the wrong spot.
I didn't ask any more questions. There was no point, I needed to get back to reality. Turning on my heel, I walked away, the rooftop door clicking shut behind me as I stepped into the stairwell instead of the elevator. My heart was still racing, not from the dizziness now, but from that nagging familiarity. Who did he remind me of?
I wondered, chewing the gum as I descended the stairs.
By the time I reached the conference room, I was only a few minutes late. I pushed the door open, smoothing my blouse and forcing a smile. Raina was there, seated at the long table with another executive from finance.
Papers and laptops were spread out, and there was the air humming with the low buzz of the AC.
“Sorry, I'm late,’' I breathed out, sliding into my chair. My cheeks were still flushed, and I hoped they wouldn't notice. “He's not here yet?”
Raina shook her head, her eyes kind but curious. “No, we were just chatting about the proposal.”
I nodded, pulling out my notes.
Just then, the door opened again, and footsteps echoed across the tiles. I turned back to look at the man who just entered, and my breath caught. It was him, the exact man I'd left on the rooftop minutes ago. Same suit, same dark hair, and same disarming smile. He carried a slim briefcase, moving with that easy confidence.
“Hello, I am Shane Martinez,” he said softly, his voice carrying across the room as he extended a hand to Raina first.
Wait, how weird would it be if I thought this man looked like the men in my family? The question hung in my mind, unanswered, as he took the seat across from me, his eyes meeting mine with a flicker of recognition.
The gum in my mouth suddenly tasted bitter.