Chapter 116 Returning Home

Chapter 116 Returning Home
ALYSSA’S POV:

I stood by the window of my mother’s home, I couldn’t go back to my—Vince’s home. That mansion had become an unfamiliar place.

I was staring blankly at the rain pouring down. The night was thunderous, and frightening.

The same thunder my husband loved and I hated.

Yet I ended up loving it too.

“Tsk.” The thought itself made my jaw clenched. 

I hated how these thoughts had begun to swallow me.

I hated everything about my heart that devoted itself to the man I considered my ‘Saviour.’

His words kept echoing in my head, shattering me from inside.

“I died, too.”

If he was dead inside, then what was the point of any of this? 

What was the point of our marriage? 

What was the point of my heart dying for a lost man’s affection? 

I was losing every last shred of hope I had left and the worst part? The damage was done. What could fix his lies? His words were useless now.

My husband was a liar. He was no savior, no lover, no shore.

Our whole marriage was nothing but a fucking sham.

Fortunately, breaking my trail of thoughts, my mother came to my side, placing her soft hand on my shoulder for comfort.

“You haven't eaten a thing today, Alyssa,” she said softly.

“I'm not hungry, Mama,” I whispered, not taking my eyes off the grey sky, my index finger tracing the rain drop.

“Everything just feels... completely useless.” 

Mother squeezed my shoulder gently, compassionately.

“I know it feels unbearable right now. But you have to be strong. For your father's memory. For yourself.”

Words were at the edge of my tongue, the truth but when her and her husband shut the door on my face.

I doubt I could tell her the truth anymore.

“I don't know how to be strong anymore…” That was all I could speak.

“You don't have to do it alone, dear.” Mother spoke expectantly, giving me a small smile. 

“Despite everything... I am so relieved you have Vince by your side.” The words stung me terribly.

“He truly loves you, Alyssa. Seeing how he stands by you... it gives me peace.”

I stared at her for a long moment. A lifeless smile touched my lips, but I said nothing.

If only you knew, Mama…

I feel like there is no place left for me in this world. 

Within a few days, Vince had suggested we go to the mansion. I didn’t want to but my mother insisted.

“That is your home, my dear. I am glad you two stayed but you have to go to your home one day.” 

Her statement pierced my heart but that left no place for argument.

I had to go…. Back to my husband.

Unwillingly, I left.

The ride back to our mansion was drowned in uncomfortable silence. Not Vince though, he tried to ask normal.

“Should we get some takeout?”

“I am not hungry.”

“Are you comfortable?” With you? Not anymore.

“Hmmm….” 

When the car pulled into the driveway, Vince stepped out first, holding the door open for me.

I didn’t thank him. Why should I?

Keeping my gaze downcast, I entered the place. I couldn’t talk with him anymore, it seemed every word out of his mouth would be a lie.

How could I believe in the man who lied without remorse?

We walked into the quiet house. Vince stopped at the base of the grand staircase, turning to me with a cautious look in his eyes.

“Come up to our room, Alyssa,” Vince said gently, reaching out to take my hand. 

“You need to rest properly.”

I pulled my hand back before his fingers could touch mine, stepping away toward the other direction, not greeting his eyes.

“I know but that doesn’t mean I want to share a room,” I replied coldly. “I will take the guest room.” 

Vince’s jaw tightened, his brow furrowing as he took a step toward me. 

“Alyssa, don't do this. Come to our room.”

I stopped and turned around, looking at him with dead, tired eyes.

“I no longer think I belong there, Vince.”

“Alyssa—”

“Just like you no longer belong in my heart,” I said softly.

Turning my back on him and walking down the hall, leaving him standing alone in the quiet hall.

He opened his mouth but realizing no words could redeem his actions, he closed it. 

The thoughts had begun to eat me up.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck…” 

I was pacing around the room, holding my sides in frustration.

This place would drive me insane. I couldn’t stay here longer.

Every wall carried memories I once cherished now I found them a part of his play.

‘He must be laughing at me…’

Unable to breathe within those walls, I decided to go to work the next morning, trying with everything in me to put on a normal face. 

But every breath was becoming hard on me.

Wick rushed to my side the moment he saw me, placing the tablet away as his eyes filled with sympathy.

“Alyssa... I am so deeply sorry for your loss, child.” Wick said softly, bowing his head. 

“If you need to take more time off, the team can handle—”

“No, Wick,” I interrupted smoothly, forcing a tight smile. 

“Work is the only thing keeping me grounded right now. Thank you.”

“Of course. Oh, also... a delivery arrived for you earlier. I put it on your desk.”

“Thank you.”

I walked into my cabin and closed the door behind me. 

Sitting right in the center of my desk was a modest bouquet of white lilies. Tucked inside the flowers was a small, plain envelope.

I picked up the note and pulled out the card.

Written in dark blue ink were four simple words:

Sorry for your loss

–Arden.

My breaths caught up in my throat, staring at the handwriting I could recognize anywhere. The words were mere but they pierced my heart.

My fingers began to shake, gripping the note firmly accompanied by a tightness in my chest.

The heartache I attempted to hold till now began to burst.

I clutched the note tightly against my chest. 

Placing it over my heart, closing my eyes with a single tear rolling down my cheek powerlessly.

“Oh, Arden…”