Chapter 20 20
|| Author Pov ||
“Who came, Mother?”
The deep voice made all three women look up. Tristian stood at the edge of the living room, still dressed in his office attire. Sharp suit, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal a hint of strength. He looked effortlessly composed like the picture of authority.
“Hello, dear.” Amanda greeted warmly. Her smile widened.
“She’s Alice’s mother.” Martha introduced proudly.
Tristian inclined his head slightly, offering a polite smile. “Nice to meet you, Ma'am.”
“Aw, how sweet.” Amanda chuckled, clearly charmed.
Tristian let out a soft laugh. “Please, excuse me.” he said in a formal tone.
Amanda nodded approvingly. “Of course, dear, go on with your work.”
As Tristian turned to leave, his eyes briefly found Alice’s. For a moment, neither of them moved. Alice's breath hitched. It was just a fleeting glance but it said more than words could.
Then he looked away, walking past them.
“Come inside, Amanda. I have so many things to tell you,” Martha said with a wide smile, guiding her friend toward the sitting area.
The two women quickly fell into a stream of conversation, laughing, reminiscing, and sharing stories of the past. Alice sat beside her mother. Her heart felt lighter just from being near her again.
For the first time in weeks, Alice smiled without forcing it. Now it's time...she wants to leave.
She can't bear her husband vanished every night, sleeping with other women while she sleeps in the loneliness. Ignored. Unwanted.
\---------
Tristian sat in his office. The dim light casted sharp shadows across the room. He rubbed his temples. A rare frown creased his forehead. Restlessness churned through him and he couldn’t understand why.
Or maybe… he did.
The sudden arrival of Alice’s mother had unsettled him more than he expected. Why had she come?
Was she here to take Alice away?
The thought clung to his mind like smoke which was impossible to shake.
And then Alice’s words kept repeating in his head. ‘I will leave soon.’
Did she truly mean it?
A low sigh escaped him. His jaw tightened and he leaned back in his chair. He hated the idea of losing her. Even when he shouldn’t care, even when it was forbidden, the thought of Alice slipping away made his chest ache with a possessive intensity he couldn’t deny.
He needed to do something asap.
\-----
That night, Alice returned from the kitchen. The mansion was quiet. Everyone had retreated to their rooms after dinner.
But Alice froze mid-step. Her eyes widened and heart hammered violently against her ribs.
In the corridor, Tristian was leaning against Chloe. His tall frame was close and protective. Chloe was pressed lightly against the wall, laughing softly while he toyed with a strand of her hair.
Tristian’s face hovered just an inch from hers. His gaze was dark and intense. The closeness, the intimacy, it burned in Alice’s chest.
Her mind flashed unbidden to Nick and his girlfriend, the cruel memory of being ignored while someone else took his attention. The memory stung.
Tears pricked at her eyes. Her chest ached.
No one, no one truly wanted her.
Alice bit her lip, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears. Just when she turned her feet to move, the faint noise alerted Tristian. He smirked inside. The corner of his eyes sensed Alice.
Alice couldn't understand why she could hear her heart breaking like mirror.
“Enough of jokes, chloe. Get into your room!” Tristian firmly says. Chloe pouted and then nodded “Okey Okey!” she stepped inside her room which was right behind her.
Tristian turned his gaze but what he saw sent a sharp pang in his heart.
Alice was standing frozen. Her tear-filled eyes locked with Tristian’s for a fleeting second before she stumbled a step back. Her throat tightened. Then, without a word, she turned away.
Tristian’s eyes widened. This wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted to make her jealous. He didn't really wanted her to cry.
“Damn it.” he muttered, pushing off the wall and followed her.
Alice’s pace quickened. Her tears were blurring everything ahead. Shame and heartbreak twisted inside her chest for feeling those things for her brother-in-law but it really hurts. She didn't know where she was going.
“Alice, stop!”
Tristian’s voice echoed through the quiet corridor and his hand caught her wrist.
Alice spun around. Her tear-streaked face lifted toward him. Her red trembling eyes met his.
And for the first time, Tristian felt something crack inside him.
He clenched his jaw and pulled her closer. In one swift motion, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her in a bridal hold.
Alice gasped. Her hands started striking weakly against his shoulder. “Put me down! Put me down!” Her voice came trembling with tightness and tears.
Without a word, Tristian strode to the door, pushed it open and locked it behind them.
Alice’s eyes widened the moment she realized–it was his bedroom.
Panic flickered in her gaze and she kicked her legs in protest but Tristian plopped her on his bed.
Before Alice could move, Tristian’s broad frame hovered over her. His shadow swallowed the space between them.
“Get away! What are you doing? Get off me!” Alice cried.
Tristian leaned down and brushed a soft, fleeting kiss against her trembling lips just enough to silence her.
“Don’t cry.” he murmured in a rough voice filled with restraint.
“Stop pretending like you care!” Alice shot back, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I do care.” he said fiercely.
“No! All men are cheaters! Every one of them! I don’t believe anyone. Get off!” she cried, her fists striking his shoulder in desperate, helpless blows.
“No one wants me. Everyone leaves me. You’re the same!”
Her words struck deep, leaving Tristian frozen for a heartbeat. Pain flickered across his face.
“I’m sorry, Alice.” Tristian whispered.
“Stop.” Alice snapped through her tears, turning her face away.
“I just wanted to make you jealous.” he confessed hoarsely. “I’m sorry. Trust me, Chloe and I… there’s nothing between us. I’ve always seen her as a younger sister.”
Alice’s chest tightened and the tears kept falling. Shame burned through her, shame for her outburst, for her feelings, for everything. She felt utterly miserable.
Tristian reached for her hands, gently taking both palms in his. His fingers laced with hers before he leaned in and caught her lips in a desperate kiss.
“Mmh–” Alice whimpered beneath him, startled by the sudden softness.
Tristian’s lips moved slowly, tenderly as though afraid she might break. When he finally drew back, his gaze locked with hers.
“I like you, Alice.” he breathed.