Chapter 22 Alia POV The restaurant was quiet , with Marco sitting across from me , his posture straight as he meticulously cut his steak into precise pieces . Even during a simple meal , he maintained his graceful demeanor in every movement . I noticed how the warm light illuminated the angles of his face . His normally olive - toned skin had taken on a Marco , are you feeling alright ? Your face looks red . " I set my fork down , studying him openly . He paused mid - cut , his dark eyes flickering to mine . " I'm fine . " slight blush . Marco dabbed his mouth with a napkin , his movements deliberate . " I need to go out tonight to handle some family business , and might not be back until tomorrow . " I nodded , mimicking his words : " Be careful . The night security in Portano isn't very good . " His lips quirked in what might have been amusement . " I'll manage . " What I didn't know was that moments after Marco leaving our apartment , Marco had made a very different call than I'd imagined . " Giulio , send a car immediately . Take me to Santa Maria Private Hospital . Don't alert anyone . " The next morning , I woke up to find that Marco hadn't returned home , and I received a text message : Had to go to Altoria for family business . Will return Thursday . Take care of yourself . I sighed , running a hand through my tangled hair . Just when I was starting to feel closer to him , duty called him away . Such was life with Marco Vittorio . Monday morning arrived with a mountain of work at Cortese Tech Company . I'd barely settled at my desk when Berti Mella , the project manager , dropped a thick folder in front of me . " Ms. Rossi , Mr. Vittorio specifically requested you for this market research project . " He tapped the folder labeled ' Phantom Game Initiative . " " We need preliminary market analysis in three days . " I flipped through the materials , my eyes widening . " Three days ? For a complete gaming market analysis ? " Berti shrugged . ' Mr. Vittorio said you were exceptionally capable . " I suppressed a smile at Marco's confidence in me , even as I wondered if this assignment was his way of keeping me busy while he was gone , " I'll get right on it . " by noon , I was so engrossed in research that I'd forgotten about lunch . The Phantom Game project was fascinating - a revolutionary virtual reality platform that seemed poised to transform the gaming industry . If Cortese Tech could secure this partnership , it would be a major coup . I was highlighting a competitor analysis when a shadow fell across my desk . " Alia , you've been working all morning . Join me for lunch ? Flooked up to find Antonio Ricci smiting down at me . With his warm brown eyes and friendly smile , he was easily one of the most approachable people in the office . " Thanks , but I really need to finish this section , " I replied , gesturing to the papers scattered across my desk , " Everyone needs to eat , he insisted . Just the employee cafeteria . Thirty minutes , I promise . Chapter 22 I hesitated . Marco was away , I was hungry , and it was just lunch with a colleague in the company cafeteria . Nothing inappropriate " Alright , thirty minutes , " I agreed , saving my files and grabbing my purse . But instead of heading toward the elevator that would take us to the building's cafeteria , Antonio guided " Where are we going ? " I asked , confused . " Ritz Restaurant . Best Italian food in the business district , " he replied casually . " My treat . " froze . " The employee cafeteria , you said . " Antonio laughed . " Trust me , their pasta is worth the extra five minutes ' walk . " about that . me toward the exit seriou I should have insisted we turn back , but I didn't want to seem difficult . Besides , I reasoned , it was just lunch between colleagues . The restaurant was elegant but not ostentatious , with crisp white tablecloths and soft lighting . As we were seated at a corner table , I couldn ' help noticing how the maître d ' had given Antonio a curious look when he mentioned my name during the reservation . Throughout lunch , Antonio was charming and attentive , asking about my studies and how I was adjusting to Cortese Tech . But as our meal progressed , I became increasingly aware of his lingering glances and the way he found excuses to touch my hand when reaching for the bread basket .