Chapter 53 Sweet Morning
The line went dead.
I stared at the black screen, the air in the room suddenly feeling thin and suffocating. I felt a phantom weight on my chest, a crushing pressure.
‘How could this happen? Am I… building a cage around her?’
Throwing my phone away, pressing my head harder into the pillow, a grimace emerged, gritting my teeth to control the frustration.
‘Why don’t we find out?’
Closing my eyes, I also drifted to sleep before going back to work after our nap.
The next day, just as I predicted. The kitchen was no longer a place of starvation; it was a stage for Alyssa’s devotion.
I sat at the head of the table, my laptop open, pretending to work. In reality, I was watching her, her movements, her expressions, everything about her.
She moved with a frantic, quiet grace, her eyes constantly darting to me to check my expression and time. I decided to tease her.
“I am getting late, Alyssa.”
“Just a second, Vince,” Ah, the way she panicked, it was so delightful, it almost made me chuckle.
She placed a plate in front of me, french toast, fluffy, just how l prefer them, forcing a feeble smile.
“Is it… is it alright, Vince?” she whispered, her hands clasped nervously behind her back, waiting for me to check.
I didn't look at the food. I looked at the pulse jumping in her neck.
“You didn’t have to do this.” I offered my hand, pulling her into the chair beside me.
“I wanted to.”
I took a slow, deliberate bite. It was perfect, but I didn't smile.
I let the silence stretch until I saw her lower lip tremble. Only then did I reach out, tracing the line of her jaw with a possessive thumb.
“It’s better than alright, Alyssa,” I murmured, “But you forgot the coffee. You know how I get without it.”
“I’ll get it right now,” she gasped, nearly tripping over her own feet to reach the counter, being so hurried to please me.
“Hey. Watch yourself,” I said softly.
She didn't see the dark smirk that complimented my features, the indulgence of her blind faith, she was too focused on pleasing me.
The caller was right. The more she feared failing me, the more she belonged to me.
She hurried back and set the mug down. I took a sip. I knew I shouldn't but I couldn’t help myself either and commented.
"The coffee is a little cold, Alyssa."
It was steaming.
Her face fell, a flash of genuine agony crossing her eyes, she didn’t question nor argued. She was simply dejected.
"I’m so sorry. I will make another. I will be better, Vince. I promise."
I caught her wrist before she could retreat, pulling her firmly onto my lap. The game was over for now, I had my enjoyment, I had enough.
"What’s with the panic? I was kidding." I whispered into the crook of her neck, savoring the way she melted against me, seeking the very approval I had just withheld.
"It’s perfect. Even better since you made it."
She blinked in confusion, “Huh?”
“I was only teasing. Can’t you tell?” I chuckled, kissing her temple.
“Really?”
“Obviously. You were acting so... devoted. I couldn't resist.” I hummed, resting my chin on her shoulder, breathing her in.
“Thank you for this. But my dear, aren’t you getting late for work, too?”
“It’s fine,” She breathed, still dizzy from the whiplash of my mood, forming her lips in a thin line.
“No. I want you to look perfect. I want you to assert your dominance the moment you walk through those doors.” I pulled away just enough to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, caressing her gently.
“Show them you are the wife of Vince Lysander. Do you understand?”
A flicker of pride, delight, lit her eyes. “I am trying. They’re finally afraid to speak against me.” She beamed, facing me.
I smirked, raising an eyebrow like I had ‘no’ idea how that happened, “And do you like that authority?”
“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but… yes. It feels like I’m finally getting my power back.” She nodded sheepishly.
I pulled her closer, hands locked around her waist, “That’s my girl.”
She blushed, lowering her gaze shyly when my large hands clasped around her body, pulling her flush against me.
“You are more powerful than you know. And whenever you get tired of holding that power… you can leave everything to me. I’ll handle the rest. Hmm?”
“I know.” She nodded with a grin.
Humming, I pulled back, giving her shoulder a pat of reassurance, “Great. Now, go. Show them.”
After experiencing a contentful morning with Alyssa, we both went back to our respective works. The day went fine, I discarded all my troubles and focused on the work for the time being.
After work, Alyssa and I decided to return at the same time. The doors to our private quarters clicked shut, sealing us from the outside world.
The moment we entered, to our surprise, we saw Uncle Andrew there, apparently waiting for us.
“Uncle?” We both called.
“Heard about your spectacular disrespect from my sister.” He chuckled.
“Don’t scold me, please,” I groaned, rolling my eyes.
He approached us, his face etched with concern, but as his eyes met mine, a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Uncle,” I acknowledged, giving him a nod, holding Alyssa’s hand for comfort.
Uncle looked at Alyssa, who was still trembling beside me, then back at me. He placed a heavy, grounding hand on my shoulder.
“I was worried you’d let the weight of your mother crush your spirit, Vince. But what you did there…”
He shook his head, his voice thick with pride.
“It takes a real man to protect his home. I have never been prouder to call you my nephew.”
“I did what I had to, Uncle,” I said firmly.
“You did what was right,” Uncle corrected. He squeezed my shoulder one last time.
“Everything will be alright. Do not vex. I will handle everything else.”
We both smiled, “Thank you, Uncle.”
“Bless you two. I will pay you guys a visit with your Auntie soon,”