Chapter 109 Cutting Off Ties
Chapter 109 Cutting Off Ties
The hotel room was suffocatingly quiet, saved only by the shallow sound of Alyssa’s breathing.
The doctor had come, he was done checking her.
He turned toward me with practiced scrutiny that made my shoulders tense.
“She has a high fever—nearly 103,” Dr. Evans said.
“Her body is completely exhausted, Vince.”
“Will she be alright?” I asked.
“I gave her something to bring the fever down, but she needs rest,” he replied, taking a subtle glance at the reddened mark on my jaw before meeting my eyes again.
“And try to minimize her stress. It's... normal in her condition to react intensely under this kind of emotional strain.”
I nodded slowly. “I understand.”
“Don't push her right now. She needs a complete bedrest. Take good care of her, Vince.” Dr. Evans warned softly, opening the door.
I nodded.
“Call me if the temperature rises.” He added before walking out of the door.
“I will. Thank you, Doctor.”
Once the doctor left, silence consumed the room again.
I walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, pulling the duvet over her shoulders.
Alyssa looked so small, her skin flushed, her breathing unstable.
I stared down at her with endless questions lingering.
I had my revenge.
Arden had lost everything.
My revenge was completed.
Everything I had planned had been achieved. I had won the war, and I had Alyssa right here under my roof.
Now what?
What was I supposed to do now that the game was over?
“Alyssa… Oh, Alyssa.”
I looked at her face, remembering how she used to look at me—like I was her entire world, her absolute sanctuary.
Slowly, very slowly I had reached that point. Earned her trust, her love, her devotion, her very life. I had spent months gaining it all only to shatter it.
“I know, I had built our world with ulterior motives, but I won’t let it crumble now.”
Delcaring, my hand extended to her, holding her ankle.
Else, what purpose would be left in my own pathetic life? I need you more than you can imagine.
Before I could speak those words, a knock on the door shattered my thoughts, forcing me to pull away from her.
Mr. Whitlock stood in the hallway, looking pale and thoroughly ashamed.
Though it could no longer undo his actions.
“Vince…” Arthur started, his tone tight, refusing to meet my eyes. “Is she here? Is Alyssa alright?”
Frowning at his arrival, I folded my arms at my chest, “What are you doing here?”
”I... I realized I was too harsh earlier,” he stammered, stepping forward, his eyes falling on Alyssa then back to me.
“After you hung up, I couldn't rest. I came to see her. Is-Is she alright? Can I see her?”
I didn't budge, blocking the doorway entirely.
“She’s asleep.” I spoke sternly.
“Vince, please,” Mr. Whitlock pleaded, his face flushed with humiliation.
“I made a mistake. I just want to talk to her, to bring her home—”
“Oh, a 103-degree fever had brought you here to see your daughter?” I interrupted, rolling my eyes.
“Where was this worry when she almost did suicide? Or when she came seeking acceptance?" I mocked.
Maybe he had forgotten the list.
“I was trying to protect her marriage!” He argued desperately.
“I thought she was just being dramatic! Please, just let me make this right.”
“You can't.”
“I am her father, Vince!”
Another voice joined us.
“You were.”
We both looked and saw Alyssa was awake.
Alyssa remained frozen in bed, her shoulders trembling under the sudden weight.
The fire that had burned in her eyes just moments ago extinguished instantly, leaving behind only hollow exhaustion.
We both turned to her. “Alyssa…?”
“Leave. You have no place in my life, Mr. Whitlock.” She hissed.
“Alyssa, I was only trying to make you understand and stop being irrational.”
“This is not the first time you have done this.” Her features hardened, her grip tightening on the blanket.
“It was my fault to still turn to you despite being thrown out constantly.”
“It was a lesson for the wrong “It was a lesson for the wrong choices you have made,” He countered, his defensive pride coming despite his shameful appearance.
“Those wrong choices killed me already. What I needed was support, and you did?” Alyssa let out a bitter laugh, rolling her eyes.
“You disowned me.”
“I–” She didn't let him continue.
“I married Ken, you said don't return. You abandoned me after the divorce. Insulted Vince and my marriage.”
Her glare locked on him, burning with eternal resentment.
“Once again, you did the same. You don't care about me. You never did. You want this eyesore gone.”
“No— No, that’s not what I meant…” he stammered, his posture faltering as he tried to take a step past me but I didn't let him.
“I agree my method was wrong, but it was to teach you a lesson. Alyssa, don’t do this. I didn't mean to be so harsh—”
“You weren’t harsh. You were cruel. Always.”
The statement pierced him.
He went numb, hand left hanging in the air, unable to persuade another word.
Her fever-flushed face contorted in sheer anguish as she looked right through her father.
“May no child get a parent like you.”
“Alyssa….”
“Leave, Mr. Whitlock. You and I have no relation.”
She hoped to hear a sorry, a breakdown that might melt her heart. I could tell.
Even through the wrath and hatred in her exhausted eyes, a desperate, hidden part of her was waiting for him to fall apart.
To embrace her while apologizing.
He didn't.
His pride was still intact.
Just as I expected.
“Fine,” he said quietly, lowering his eyes. “If that’s what you want.”
Without another word, he turned and left. I didn't say a thing to stop him—I simply stepped back and shut the door.
Locking out the man who had shattered what little faith she had left.
Once the door clicked shut, the silence returned, heavier than before.