Chapter 54 First Appearance
Unwillingly, we had to leave for a gala where the list of people I resent and would never bother to see again were going to be there.
I didn’t want to but I had no choice but Alyssa was highly thrilled as it would be our first appearance as the couple.
She wanted to give her best.
“Haven’t you decided yet?” I asked, knocking on the door.
“Nt yet. Can you help me?” She called out.
I stepped into the dressing room to find Alyssa standing before a literal mountain of silk, wool, and sequins with utter confusion.
She looked small against the clutter, clutching a high-necked lace dress as if it were a shield. The frown is not removing from her lips.
“Vince?” She didn't look up, her thumb tracing the delicate collar.
“I was thinking of this for the gala... or is it bad? We are stepping out for the first time as a couple. I don’t want to… embarrass you.”
I crossed the room, the heavy carpet muffling my footsteps until I was right behind her.
I slid my hands over her waist, pulling her back until her spine flushed against my chest.
Leaning down, I let my lips graze her ear, feeling her breath hitch, body melting instantly under my touch, too satisfactory for me.
“The lace is elegant, Alyssa. But…”
“But?”
I reached past her into the depths of the closet, pulling out the deep, blood-red silk gown I specially chose for her. I was looking forward to seeing her in that.
It had a dangerously low back that was both sexy and elegant.
“I was hoping for something... dazzling,”
In the mirror, her eyes met mine. I saw the flicker of hesitation, the dress was a challenge, a bold statement, but it was quickly softened by that familiar, quiet need to please.
“I don’t usually wear things so... revealing,” She said softly, taking the gown nonetheless, “But if it’s what you want.”
“Do you think I’m the kind of man who forces his wife, Alyssa?” I turned her in my arms, tilting her chin up so she had to look at me.
“This is a suggestion, not a command. I’m not Ken. You wear what makes you feel like yourself.”
“No, I didn’t mean-” She bit her lip, looking back at the red silk, hesitation fading gradually, “If I wear it… will you wear the same shade of red? So we match?”
I took her hand, my lips planting a kiss on her knuckles. The tension in her shoulders began to fade, blinding believing in me.
“I would love to.”
“Great.” A small, genuine smile finally broke through.
I tucked a stray hair behind her ear, my gaze darkening with a sudden, fierce protectiveness. She nodded hastily and went to get ready.
I was also prepared, waiting for my bride to arrive from the salon and the second she emerged, my heart skipped a beat.
“Vince, I-” She paused, her eyes locking on me with a dropped jaw, “You look devilishly handsome, Vince,” She complimented without thinking twice.
She wasn’t used to seeing me like this either but since she wore the gown for me, I wore this suit for her.
“You also look divine, Alyssa. I’m glad I found you before the rest of the world could claim you.” I stepped closer, placing my hand over her waist firmly, kissing her temples.
“I won’t let them break you. I am here. I am always here.”
Alyssa turned fully into my embrace, burying her face against my lapel. “I know, Vince. In fact... you’re the only one I have.”
Ah, what could be a better reply than this?
The gala was a blur of gold leaf and forced laughter, but the weight of the phone in my pocket felt heavier than the diamond watch on my wrist.
I managed to slip away to the balcony, the cold night air a sharp contrast to the suffocating scent of lilies inside.
A figure emerged from the shadows of the stone pillars. He wore a grotesque, porcelain crow mask that caught the moonlight.
When he spoke, the voice was mechanical. That asshole, hiding his whole identity.
The man in the mask tittered, the sound distorted and metallic.
“Playing the devoted husband a little too perfectly, don’t you think, Vince?”
I didn't turn around. I kept my gaze fixed on the city skyline, my knuckles whitening as I gripped the marble railing.
“What the hell do you want?”
“You know exactly what I want,” the voice grated.
“A million dollars. A small price to pay for a man of your... stature.” The crow mask tilted.
“Unless, of course, you’d rather the truth burst the fragile little bubble of your marriage. I wonder what Alyssa would think of the man she actually married?”
I turned then, my movement slow and predatory. I stepped into his space, my voice a low, lethal snarl that didn't need a modulator to sound terrifying.
“You won’t dare open your mouth.”
I won’t. As long as you keep that mouth fed. Greed is a quiet master, Vince.”
“Tsk. Fine. You’ll have your blood money. But if you ever stand this close to me- or her- again, I’ll make sure you never have a mouth to feed.”
The figure bowed mockingly, melting back into the darkness of the corridor.
“Fine. Business is business, after all.”
I stood alone on the balcony for a moment, straightening my cuffs and smoothing my expression back into the mask of a perfect husband before heading back to the light.
I was halfway back to the ballroom, my heart still thundering against my ribs from the confrontation, when a shadow stepped out from the alcove.
I tensed, my hand curling into a fist, thinking the crow-masked man had returned.
“Vince.”
“Dad,” I breathed, forcing my features to smooth into a mask of calm, “You startled me.”
“Son, I…” He hesitated, his voice thick with regret and disappointment.
“I don’t know what to say. I am- I am so sorry about what happened. I know it was wrong. Your mother, she wants to apologize-”
“Will it fix anything, Dad?” I cut him off, not with anger, but with a cold, weary clarity, “Will an apology alter what she did to Alyssa?”
He looked down at his shoes, unable to meet my gaze.
“Don’t take this as disrespect,” I continued, stepping closer.
“But when she gives up on Lucia, she will do the same to Alyssa. Some things don't just 'change'.”
My father’s shoulders slumped further, “Vince, she’s still your mother.”
“And you are both my parents. I love you, and I won't abandon you- I’ll still visit. I’m not that monster.” I paused, my voice hardening.
“But Alyssa won’t be coming with me. She suffered enough at her hands. It’s better for everyone this way, don’t you think?”
There was a long silence, filled only by the distant, muffled swell of the orchestra inside.
Finally, he nodded slowly, “I… I understand. Thank you for that, at least. And I truly am sorry.”
I reached out, squeezing his shoulder briefly, “It’s alright, Dad. Go back inside. I’ll be there in a moment.”