The moment she entered the banquet hall, the night of the anniversary celebration, she had caught my eyes. Not mainly because of her looks but because of her graceful yet ferocious demeanor. And her eyes speak for it.

It's interesting to watched how the woman shut the world behind her as she walked towards the bar and taking the seat beside me. It fascinated me...the way she coolly answered the bartender on what drink she would have. She had the guts to point at my direction. No one ever did that to me. Pointing a finger on me, I mean.

I heard my assistant, Sergei, asked if he needed to make the woman go away but I said, "No need."

I watched her sat down while she thought of something and offered my drink since it seems she didn't know anything about consuming alcohol at all.

I simply told her and she took my glass and sipped it until the last drop. Then she laughed a little. It's enchanting.

I picked up the new glass of wine that the bartender gave her and drank it in her place. 'She's had enough', I thought.

I heard the emcee announced something then the stunning woman stood up and moved forward shaking her head because she's going back to the reality she has.

Then I knew from that moment that I wanted to protect her. I needed to defend her and hear the musical laugh once again. But, dang.. 'She's taken.'

After contemplating, I stood up and have sensed something's not right. I saw two servers awkwardly walked towards the cake's direction just behind her and the woman in white. I strode forward sneaking through the crowd to check and caught her falling body right on time.

I wanted to snatch her away and make her the happiest if she would want me to. But I can't.

I told her...thinking of the people that are plotting against her.

After the commotion, she went out of the hall and my feet willingly followed her.

The stillness of the night suited the woman as she quietly stared at the black horizon. I wanted to know about her and the people whose hurting her. I will make her free.

--------------

After few months, an invitation was sent from the Zimmer company and without much thinking, I made a word that I will make an appearance. Such a fool.

I saw Natalia again with a lovely gown, which in my eye's delight, hugged her well-defined feminine features. As I scanned more of her, I saw her arm linked with the liar whom she doesn't deserve. I was raging inside but kept it for the right time.

The night went on and I heard her name called for the auction. I was contemplating if I will bid or just continue to enjoy my wine. I was avoiding to look at her but to no avail, I was still hypnotized. After hearing bids after bids, I just can't let her be with another man. I casted a little amount of money and rightfully, the auctioneer ended the bidding. I'll have Natalia for the night.

------------

Up until today, my assistant has done a great job on doing the right things even the ones that I didn't tell him to. Sergei efficiently gathered information about the Zimmer and Yushkova families; had ordered my private investigator to aid Natalia on extracting some clues and intel concerning her marriage and other things and also followed my orders to used my two voting rights as the chairman of the board of Zimmer company and let Jake Zimmer remained as the president of the company.

He even reminded me to keep tabs on Natalia, which I willingly do. Just like today. I'm aware that she visited her own shop.

Getting up off my chair, I walked out of my office and stopped by Sergei's cubicle.

"Clear my remaining schedule after lunch." I told him and went on my way.

It's time to claim the first night with her.

#######

Present

"Are you sure...you're free tonight?" Natalia asked me teasingly as she closed the unit's door.

I just nodded at her still drinking her appearance. It's modest yet emphasizes her figure. I like the fact that even wearing a stiletto, she just reached the level of my nose.

I stood behind her and instinctively placed my hand on her little back as we approached the lift. Her vanilla scent filled my nostrils once the electronic machine closed. I tried to focus as much as possible and thankfully, the lift opened signaling we reached the ground level.

Every staff looked at our direction. They wished to greet me but I waved my hand to dismiss them. I don't want Natalia to be put on an awkward situation.

As we approached the exit doors of Zion Suites, Sergei was right on time to park the silver BMW convertible sports car in front of us.

"Not bad." I heard the woman say. I just chuckled and guided her to the only passenger seat before I sit on the opposite side.

-------------

After a long drive, we reached our destination. It's a secluded restaurant far from the city capital. I've chosen this place to avoid the many eyes of the media.

"Oh. Mexican. Is it your favorite?" Natalia inquired as we stood at the entrance.

"Do you prefer something?" I asked instead of answering her. I pulled out my phone ready to make another arrangement.

"Alexander, stop. This is more than fine. I'm fond of the cuisine. Come." She said to me smiling and invited me to walk forward.

We ordered what we thought we can eat. Natalia, in my relief, didn't get bored with a not-so-talkative man like me. Most of the time, she asked random things that I willingly answered.

"Where's your mom and dad?" Another question of hers.

"They have a long term vacation at one of the beach islands outside the city. They're living the life." I answered smiling.

"That's wonderful. Every loving parent deserve those kind of things."

"I agree. How about you?"

Natalia suddenly stopped eating and tried to regain her composure. The condition of Daniel Zimmer slipped my mind.

Before I can change the topic, she cleared her throat and answered my query.

"It's okay. My mom already passed away after my wedding. As for my dad... He's still in coma. We're currently looking for another opinions and drugs that can help him." She told looking at her plate all throughout with no expression at all.

"If it's alright with you, I can ask my friends in the medical field to inquire and have other experts check on Daniel." I genuinely told her hoping to lift up some of her burdens.

"That would be a great help. Anything or any tiny progress would make a difference. Thank you, Alexander." She sincerely accepted my suggestion.

We enjoyed eating and talking for two hours. Then, we decided to go back to the city because it's getting late.

I drove her to the Yushkova mansion as she requested. I sucked my breath for a while but didn't say anymore.

"Thank you for tonight, Alexander." She said smiling. Her smile was warm like the spring which can make the flowers bloom. I was mesmerized.

"..."

"Are you that full...you can't even talk?" The woman teased. I just shook my head and went over the other side of the car to open the door for her.

Her hand settled into mine like it is where it rightfully belongs. I looked at the mansion and hesitated to let her go. I closed my eyes contemplating.

"Come with me." I blurted out and stared at her ocean-colored eyes hoping she would.

"No. I need to do this, Alexander." Natalia rejected in a gentle voice. I know she has plans and own reasons.

I leaned my forehead into hers. "I'm just here."

"I know."

"They might see you with another man right now."

"I'm aware."

Natalia kissed my cheek and walked away.

I swore with the winds.

#######

A/N: Alexander overload. :)

I will try to edit this in the future. Hope you enjoyed.