Chapter Five

Leonardo De Luca had always been a man of focus and determination, but the mysterious woman from the club had infiltrated his thoughts, disturbing his usually disciplined mind. Her eyes, her touch, the intensity of their brief encounter—these memories haunted him, refusing to fade. Simultaneously, Alessandra's interview had left a lingering impression, her face and demeanor nagging at his memory. As he sat in his expansive office, the city's skyline sprawling out before him, he knew he had to resolve these distractions.

Determined, Leonardo decided to delve into both mysteries, starting with the girl from the club.

---

In Sofia's modest but cozy apartment, Alessandra paced back and forth, her mind racing with the memories of the interview. It had been a week since she had faced Leonardo and Lucas in the intimidating boardroom, and she was starting to lose hope. Sofia sat on the couch, watching her friend with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"So, let me get this straight," Sofia said, breaking the silence. "The two men who interviewed you were the same guys from the club?"

Alessandra stopped pacing and nodded. "Yes, Sofia. Leonardo De Luca and Lucas. I didn't recognize them at first, but then it hit me."

Sofia's eyes widened. "That's... insane. And they didn't recognize you?"

"I don't think so," Alessandra replied, biting her lip. "I mean, I was dressed differently, and it was dark in the club. But it was so intense, Sofia. I was sure they would see right through me."

Sofia leaned back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Girl, your life is a freaking soap opera."

Alessandra managed a small laugh, though her worry remained. "I just wish I knew if I got the job or not. I can't keep living in this uncertainty."

"You will find out soon enough," Sofia reassured her. "And if not, we'll find something else. You're too talented and determined to let this stop you."

Just then, Alessandra's phone chimed with a notification. She grabbed it, her heart pounding as she saw the email from De Luca Enterprises. With shaking hands, she opened it and began to read aloud.

"Dear Miss Romano, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for the position of Executive Assistant at De Luca Enterprises. We were impressed with your qualifications and look forward to having you on our team. Your start date is in two days. Please find attached the details for your orientation."

Alessandra's eyes widened with barely contained happiness as she finished reading. "I got it, Sofia! I got the job!"

Sofia jumped up from the couch, pulling Alessandra into a tight hug. "I told you! You were worrying for nothing! This is amazing news!"

Alessandra laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I can't believe it. This is such a relief. Now I can really help my mom."

Sofia smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride for her friend. "See? I knew you could do it. This is just the beginning for you."

---

Later that day, Alessandra made her way to the hospital to visit her mother, armed with the good news. She entered her mother's room, her face lighting up when she saw the frail but smiling woman sitting up in bed.

"Mom, I have great news," Alessandra said, sitting down beside her.

Her mother, Maria, looked at her with hopeful eyes. "What is it, dear?"

"I got the job at De Luca Enterprises! I start in two days," Alessandra said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.

Maria's eyes filled with tears of joy. "Oh, Alessandra, I am so proud of you. I knew you could do it. This is such wonderful news."

Alessandra took her mother's hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Mom. I did it for us. This is a new beginning."

Maria's expression softened with motherly pride. "You've always been so strong and determined. I know how hard you've worked for this. And now, you can finally breathe a little easier."

Alessandra nodded, her eyes misting. "I just want to make things better for you, Mom. You've sacrificed so much for me."

Maria shook her head. "I did what any mother would do. And look at you now—you're achieving your dreams. This job, it's just the beginning. You'll go far, my dear."

They spent the next few hours talking, reminiscing about happier times and discussing the future. Alessandra felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time, knowing that she was taking steps toward a better life for both of them.

Remember when you were little and you used to pretend to be a businesswoman?" Maria said with a nostalgic smile. "You would march around the house with your little briefcase, making important phone calls."

Alessandra laughed. "I remember. And you always played along, even when I made you sit through my 'meetings'."

"You were always so serious about it," Maria said. "And now, it's all coming true. I'm so proud of you, Alessandra."

"Thank you, Mom," Alessandra said, her voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you. You've always been my biggest supporter."

"And I always will be," Maria replied, squeezing her hand. "Just promise me one thing."

"Anything," Alessandra said.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself too," Maria said. "Don't work yourself to the bone. You deserve to be happy."

"I promise," Alessandra said, her heart full of love.

As the evening grew late, a nurse entered the room to remind Alessandra that visiting hours were over. She stood up, giving her mother one last hug. "I'll be back soon, Mom. I promise."

"Take care, dear. And don't work too hard," Maria said, smiling warmly.

"I won't," Alessandra replied, her heart full of love and determination.

---

In the dimly lit club, Alessandra, or as she was known there, Alessia, had felt a sense of power and freedom she rarely experienced in her everyday life. Now, as she prepared to leave that part of her life behind and focus on her potential new job

Returning to Sofia's apartment, Alessandra felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. She shared the details of her visit with Sofia, who listened intently, nodding in encouragement.

"You did great today, Alessandra. Your mom must be so proud of you," Sofia said.

"I hope so," Alessandra replied, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "I just want to make things better for her."

"You will," Sofia said firmly. "Just take it one day at a time."

Alessandra nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She knew the next few days would be challenging, but she was ready to face whatever came her way. As she prepared for bed, she couldn't help but think about Leonardo. His intense gaze, his commanding presence—it all left a mark on her. She knew working closely with him would be complicated, but she was determined to stay focused and professional.

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were filled with a strange mix of anticipation and apprehension, knowing that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet fully understand.