Chapter 9 9
|| Author POV ||
Alice stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting the soft floral frock she had chosen for the evening.
The pale pink fabric flowed gently around her, dotted with delicate flowers, giving her a look of innocent elegance. Her heart beat was a little faster than usual; it wasn’t just the dress. She was feeling happy because she thought Nick will admire her even a little when she looks pretty.
Taking a deep breath, Alice descended the stairs, her small fingers brushing the railing lightly as she tried to calm herself.
When she reached the hall, her eyes fell on Tristian, standing perfectly still, clad in black from head to toe. The sharp lines of his suit contrasted with his dark hair and piercing eyes, giving him an aura of dominance that made her breath catch.
For a brief moment, Alice forgot to move. Her eyes traced his strong jawline and the calm, commanding presence he exuded. Tristian’s eyes lifted, catching hers. A slow, knowing smirk appeared on his lips and Alice’s cheeks warmed instantly.
“Good evening, Alice.” he said smoothly. His deep voice carried a calm authority.
“G-good evening,” Alice replied softly, lowering her gaze as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
Alice shook herself slightly and looked away, trying to regain composure. “Um…Where’s he? And Mother?” she asks because Tristian told her they were good on a dinner out, that’s why Alice got ready.
Tristian stepped closer, masking his smirk with a calm expression. “Nick will already be there.” he replied smoothly. “The driver is picking my mother from her sister’s place. I’ll take you there myself.”
Alice nodded, trusting him despite the nervous flutter in her chest. “I… okay.” she said finally, nodding.
“Shall we?”
Tristian led her to his car and started the engine. The drive was quiet, the city lights streaming past the tinted windows.
Alice found herself stealing glances at Tristian from the corner of her eyes. The calm confidence he exuded was intoxicating and Alice couldn’t deny the strange sense of safety she felt in his presence.
Finally, the car pulled up in front of a luxurious building. Tristian stepped out first and opened the door for her. Alice’s cheeks flushed a deep pink when he extended his hand with subtle elegance. “Here.” he said gently, helping her out.
“Th-thank you.” Alice murmured, her fingers brushing his briefly. Her heart fluttered at the contact.
The interior of the building left her momentarily speechless. It looked like a high-end hotel, with marble floors, chandeliers casting soft glows and a reception that shimmered with understated luxury. “Where… where are we?” she asked, turning to Tristian with round eyes.
“This hotel has the best food in the city.” Tristian explained as if reading her thoughts. “Mother insists we eat here whenever she wants something special.”
Alice nodded, her innocent expression softening. “Oh… I see.”
They were shown to a private table. The lighting casted a warm glow over the polished surface.
Alice sat carefully, smoothing her dress while Tristian stepped away briefly to talk to a staff member. Alice watched him from her seat, noting the calm precision in his gestures, the way his presence seemed to command attention without effort.
When he returned, Alice felt a small pang of nervousness. “I… I need to use the washroom.” she said quietly, standing up.
Tristian chuckled softly, an almost imperceptible dark amusement in his eyes. Good… just as planned, he thought silently.
“Of course. Go straight down this corridor, second door on your left. Don’t wander too far. You can’t miss it.” he said with a faint evil smirk.
Alice nodded. Her pulse quickened as she walked down the polished corridor. The soft carpet muted her footsteps and she tried to focus on the end of the hall. But as she turned a corner, her eyes stilled in shock.
Ahead, in the dimly lit corridor, a familiar figure stood with his back to her.
It was Nick. Her husband.
Her chest tightened with relief. A small smile formed on her lips. Maybe the evening wouldn’t be so lonely after all. Maybe he had come early… maybe—
A surge of hope and relief filled Alice’s chest. She stepped forward cautiously. Her breath oscillated, moving silently to follow him.
But before Alice could reach him, another figure emerged from the opposite direction. A woman walked directly toward him. The soft click of her heels against the floor echoed ominously in the corridor.
Alice gasped.
The sound caught in her throat, barely audible, yet it made her stumble backward against the corridor wall. Her breath hitched and for a moment, the world seemed to tilt around her.
Her wide innocent eyes locked onto the scene before her in pure shock.