Chapter 3 The third chapter

Laura woke up like every other day, the sun was rising and the birds were chirping. She performed her usual ritual of going to checking up on her mum immediately she wakes up, made her breakfast, helped her with her medications, made sure that everything she needed was within her mother's reach and finally got dressed for work ready to tackle the day as it comes.

Despite the tiredness that gripped to her bones, Laura maintained her usual calm determination, hiding her exhaustion beneath an appearance of composure. The day was sure going to be a hectic one as Laura had taken on an extra shift at the firm where she worked as a receptionist.

There was going to be a meeting with some investors and partners of the firm and someone had to stay late to supervise the front desk. Laura had been asked to work additional hours several times before so it was nothing new to her and when this opportunity presented itself, she jumped on it without hesitation.

Laura was a valuable asset to the company, known for her reliability, hard work, and eagerness to earn extra money. As she sat at the front desk, constantly answering calls and sorting papers, her thoughts kept returning to her mother.

Elizabeth was having a particularly terrible day, with more extreme pain than normal, and Laura couldn't help but feel awful for not being there for her. She had asked Anita if she could help check on her and luckily for her she was off work but it was not the same as being there herself.

It was during one of these moments of worry, the door to the firm's office opened, and the almighty Alexander Russo walked in. Laura hadn't noticed him at first. Her eyes were fixed on the computer screen in front of her, while typing an email. It wasn't until she heard approaching footsteps that she looked up, and what she saw made her heart skip a beat.

"Alexander Russo?" She muttered under her breath.

In his usual manner, he was dressed in a well tailored suit that highlighted his tall, muscular build. His dark hair was nicely combed as usual and his piercing grey eyes swept across the room as he made his way to the front desk.

Laura was taken aback for a short while, she struggled to catch her breath as their gazes connected. She'd seen images of Alexander Russo before, his face was frequently featured in magazines and newspapers, and his name was associated with high-profile deals and events but she has never seen him in person before and damn the photographs did no justice at all cause this man is fine as hell. In person, he was even more incredible, with an aura that was impossible not to notice.

However, Laura was not easily misled by appearances. She had long learnt that the surface frequently masks far deeper truths, so she instantly controlled herself and smiled politely and professionally at him.

"Good evening sir. How may I help you?" She asked. Her voice firm despite the wave of anxiety in her chest.

Alexander's gaze remained on her for a moment quite longer than usual. He was used to meeting all kinds of people, those who adored him, those who envied him, and those who were frightened by him but something about this young woman aroused his interest.

She was obviously attractive, but not in the kind of manner of the women who he was used to. Her natural beauty was raw yet intriguing, and her eyes had a gentle firmness that drew him in.

"I'm here to see Mr. Carlos" He said.

His voice deep and filled with authority that showed that he was a man that always got what he wanted.

Laura nodded, recognizing the name as he was one of the top partners in the firm.

"Alright, Mr. Russo. I'll just let him know that you are here." Laura said, her tone steady and professional.

She immediately picked up the phone and dialed Mr. Carlos' number informing him of his guest.

Alexander got a closer look at her while she spoke into the receiver. Something about her attitude, the way she seemed to radiate a quiet determination caught his interest. She wasn't like the ladies he normally met; those who were always trying to impress, flaunt their connections, or introduce themselves to him.

This woman, on the other hand, appeared completely engaged on her work, her mind clearly preoccupied with something other than the present setting.

When Laura concluded the call and turned to Alexander, she observed that his eyes had not left her which made her quite uncomfortable.

"Mr. Carlos will be with you shortly." She said while motioning to him to the guests seats.

"Thank you" Alexander replied but he still remained at the desk, his eyes still on her.

"You work here often?" He asked Laura blinked in surprise at the question.

Clients, particularly high-profile ones like Alexander Russo, rarely engaged her in conversation other than the conventional pleasantries. She paused for a moment before responding.

"Yes, I do. I work during the day but I took up this extra shift for the evening. I hope there isn't a problem." She asked still confused

"No, not at all." He said as he finally made his way to the seat.

"Busy day?" He asked again immediately he sat down.

"You can say that" Laura replied with a soft smile.

Alexander was just about to ask another question when Mr. Carlos appeared

"Mr. Russo. Welcome" He said while stretching out his hand for a handshake.

Alexander straightened, returning to his usual sleek and businesslike appearance. He shook Mr. Carlos' hand and exchanged pleasantries as they prepared to enter one of the private conference rooms.

As they turned to leave, Alexander gave Laura one last glance. Their eyes met briefly, and something happened between them, an unspoken acceptance, a wordless connection that neither could entirely understand.

Then, just as soon, it vanished, and Alexander followed Mr. Carlos down the hall, leaving Laura behind the desk, her mind racing. Laura struggled to concentrate throughout the evening. Her thoughts kept returning to that brief encounter, repeating the conversation in her head, scrutinizing every word and look.

Alexander Russo caught her interest while also making her nervous. She had met wealthy, powerful men before, but none had struck her in this manner. It was as if he had recognized something in her that no one else had, and the realization both thrilled and terrified her.

However, Laura instantly discarded the thought. Men like Alexander Russo did not pay much attention to ladies like her. She was a receptionist, a woman trying to make ends meet, while he was one of the city's most prominent men. Their worlds were totally different, and it was best if they remained that way.

Meanwhile, Alexander became similarly distracted. As he sat across from Mr. Carlos, discussing business concerns that usually occupied his complete attention, his mind kept returning to the woman at the front desk. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about her aroused his interest. It was unusual for anyone to capture his whole attention, and even more unusual for him to find himself thinking about them later. But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on the meeting at hand, his thoughts kept returning to her, the way she had looked at him, the way she spoke to him. This was strange.

As the meeting came to an end, Alexander made a decision, he would discover who Laura Thompson was and why she had influenced him in this way. It wasn't about chasing a romantic interest or so he told himself. It was about satisfying his curiosity and solving a mystery that stood before him.