Chapter 19 19
|| Author Pov ||
The mall shimmered under golden lights. Chloe wandered from one rack to another. Her eyes sparkled as she ran her hands over the latest dresses.
Alice trailed behind silently. Her fingers brushed absentmindedly against the fabrics. Her mind was far away, tangled in thoughts she didn’t want to acknowledge.
Across the boutique, Tristian stood tall near the counter. His presence was enough to make the entire staff tense. No one dared to meet his eyes. Everyone in the city knew the name Tristian Volcov.
The feared mafia lord.
“Tris! Come here!” Chloe’s bright voice broke his quiet watch.
Tristian exhaled a faint sigh but walked toward her with confident and unhurried steps. His shoe clocked against the floor. Chloe grinned when he approached. She immediately held up a sequined dress. “Cool, isn’t it?” she asked with shining eyes.
Before Tristian could reply, she slipped her arm through his.
Alice froze behind a stall of pastel gowns. Her eyes flickered to them, Chloe’s radiant smile. Her hand was resting on his arm like she belonged there. Tristian didn’t push her away, just looked down at her with a restrained expression.
Something inside Alice twisted painfully. Her fingers clenched around the fabric she was holding.
For a second, she couldn’t breathe.
It wasn’t about Chloe. It was the realization sinking in-
She was losing everything. Everyone. Slowly, silently. Piece by piece.
Tristian’s gaze flicked over his shoulder, landing on Alice.
The moment their eyes almost met, Alice jerked her head away, pretending to be lost in the display of dresses.
Tristian licked his bottom lip with a frown. She shouldn't be avoiding his eyes.
A few minutes passed. Chloe had wandered off to another section. Her laughter echoed faintly from across the boutique.
Alice stayed by the racks. Her fingertips traced the silk of a pale gown. She admired its soft shimmer, unaware of the quiet footsteps approaching behind her until a warm breath grazed her neck.
Her pulse skipped.
“Did you like it, Alice?” Tristian’s deep velvety voice brushed against her ear.
Alice froze. Her hand clutched the fabric tighter.
Tristian leaned closer enough for her to catch the faint scent of smoke and cologne clinging to him. “I bet you’d look stunning in it.” he murmured in his low and dark tone. It was more a confession than a compliment.
“Don’t you crave a moment with someone who actually gives you his full attention?” Tristian’s voice dropped lower against her ear. “Your husband doesn’t care anyway, Alice.”
Her chest tightened. “Please, go.” Alice’s whisper barely carried with defiance.
Tristian straightened. His expression was unreadable. He lifted a hand and gestured toward one of the staff nearby.
“Pack all of these dresses.” he ordered coolly.
Alice’s eyes widened. “What–?” She spun toward him, “What are you doing? I don’t need them, I was just looking! I–”
“Shh.” Tristian stepped in closer, “No more talking.” he stated firmly.
The staff smiled but continued collecting the dresses. Alice reached out helplessly in her small voice. “Please, I don’t want this. It’s too much.”
Tristian’s gaze darkened, “I said, no more talking.” his words were edged with quiet command.
The warning in his eyes silenced Alice completely.
Alice looked around helplessly, “Why are you after me?” She finally lifted her gaze to Tristian. Confusion and fear swirled in her eyes.
Tristian’s lips curved into that familiar, dark smirk. “Why after you? I already told you, Alice…” he leaned closer, voice dropping to a low murmur, “I want you.”
Alice's breath hitched. “I’m your brother’s wife.” she whispered barely loud enough for him to hear.
Tristian’s eyes glinted, his tone turning dangerously soft. “And yet-” he said, tracing the air near her cheek, “you still react to me. You can lie all you want, but your eyes-” his gaze locked with hers, “—they’ll never lie to me.”
“Prove it.” Tristian added “Prove that you don’t want me.”
Alice froze. Her breath caught in her throat and eyes widened at his audacity. “I don’t have to prove anything!” she snapped and turned sharply, walking away before Tristian could say another word.
Tristian watched her retreating figure. A slow smirk curled his lips. “Run all you want, Alice.” he muttered under his breath. “Let’s see how long you can keep pretending.”
He leaned back against the counter. His jaw tightened. Deep down, he already knew, sooner or later, she’d come to him on her own.
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|| The Next Day ||
Martha’s cheerful voice echoed through the hall as she greeted her guest.
Alice stood at the edge of the living room. Her heart tightened the moment she saw her mother.
Without a second thought, Alice walked forward and wrapped her arms around her. “Mom.” she whispered lowly. It was full of emotion.
Amanda hugged her tightly, as if afraid to let go. “My sweet daughter. I missed you so much.”
“I missed you more, Mom.”
Martha smiled fondly at the sight. “We’ve been waiting for you, Amanda.” she said warmly.
When Amanda and Alice finally pulled apart, Amanda brushed her daughter’s cheek with a soft hand.
Amanda and Martha had been best friends since childhood. Two women was bound by memories and a promise made long ago that one day, their children would marry.
And that’s how Alice had become Nick’s wife.
“How’s my little daughter? Are you happy here?” Amanda asked, eyes full of motherly concern.
Alice forced a weak smile, her gaze flickering down. “I’m fine.”
“I’m glad you’re healthy.” Amanda said softly. Her eyes almost glistened. “I was dying to see you.”
Alice smiled sadly at her mother. “Me too.”
Amanda patted Alice's cheek with a warm smile and stepped forward before hugging her old friend tightly. “It’s been so long, Martha.” she said with a laugh.
Martha chuckled, patting her back. “Far too long.” They pulled apart.
Amanda glanced around the hall. Her smile brightened. “Where’s my son-in-law?”
“I think Nick has gone to the office.” Martha said in a gentle tone.
Amanda nodded. Her eyes flickered toward Alice. “He must be busy, I suppose.” she said with a faint smile.
“Who came, mother?”