Chapter 21
The young woman backed away, brow furrowing in confusion.
“Who?”
Similar expressions, nearly identical face and voice–for a heartbeat, Alessandro truly believed Aria had returned
to him.
But her puzzled eyes shattered the illusion. This wasn’t her.
This woman was younger, early twenties at most, like Aria during her university days–before he’d crusted her
heart.
Alessandro fought the desperate urge to pull her into his arms, his voice barely controlled.
“What’s your name?”
The server took another step back, visibly uncomfortable.
“I think I have the wrong room. Sorry to disturb you.”
She turned to leave, but his hand shot out, catching her wrist.
His fingers trembled against her skin as tears he couldn’t stop spilled down his face, landing on her hand.
Her expression softened slightly. She hesitated, then reached for a napkin from her cart.
“Hey… are you okay? Here, take this.”
When Alessandro looked up again, he’d regained some composure. He studied her with a mixture of longing and
disbelief.
“How much do they pay you here? Whatever it is, I’ll give you ten times that amount to work for me instead.”
The young woman yanked her hand away, eyes flashing with indignation.
“What the hell do you think I am?”
Anger replacing her concern, she pushed her cart hastily toward the door.
Alessandro remained frozen, watching her retreat–seeing Aria in every movement, every gesture.
His heart hammered painfully. The rational part of his brain screamed warnings: If Aria ever found out he’d pursued a lookalike, any chance of winning her back would evaporate forever. Yet that desperate, broken part of him wouldn’t be silenced.
He wouldn’t cross any lines. He just needed to see that face–a temporary bandage for the wound Aria’s absence had left. When he finally tracked Aria down, he’d make sure this girl disappeared without a trace. No harm done.
08:36
I Love You So Much. But I Just Don’t Like Yo
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Chapter 21
His judgment clouded by grief and alcohol, that desperate voice drowned out all reason.
He called the club owner.
Half an hour later, a file on the young woman appeared on his table.
Willow Harrison, twenty–two, pre–med student whose mother had suffered a stroke. With medical bills mounting, she’d taken this job for its higher wages and tips. New hire, mainly handling drink service and table maintenance.
“Bring her to me,” Alessandro ordered, staring at Willow’s photograph with unfocused eyes, seeing someone else
entirely.
When she was escorted back, her expression was guarded, wary–a look Aria would never have worn around him. Aria had been all quiet confidence and gentle strength. This woman was frightened.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m not some monster,” Alessandro said, irritated by the disparity.
“I’m offering you a deal. Stay with me, and I’ll cover every cent of your mother’s medical expenses. The best specialists, private rooms, rehabilitation–whatever she needs. All you have to do is…” He hesitated, the words sounding hollow even to himself. “Just dress and behave as I ask.”
Willow looked trapped, glancing toward the exit now blocked by security. She raised her chin slightly, meeting his
gaze.
“What exactly would that involve?”
Staring at her face–achingly similar to Aria’s, yet missing something essential–he felt reality slip again.
“Nothing complicated. Just stay by my side.”
“I’ll solve all your problems. Your mother’s health, your tuition, everything. Just do exactly as I say.”
“And the first thing is…”
“Promise you won’t leave me again, Aria.”
Chapter 22
Chapter 22
