Chapter 59 Stressed
ALYSSA’S POV:-
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
That was all I kept hearing for the past few weeks. It should have been a normal notification but it served as a wall between me and Vince.
It started to bother me more than it was bothering him.
His phone buzzed again in his pocket. It was relentless, a mock, and infuriating. And what was more troublesome was that I knew it was for me but the fact I didn't know why, it was pissing me off.
“Your phone-”
“Leave it.” He sighed, his hand moving gently on my shoulder to my hand, tracing a line sweetly as I was inclined in his laps.
“You can share it with me, you know,” I mumbled, tracing my fingers on the side of his face, worried for him.
“There is nothing to share. Believe me,”
He closed his eyes, feeling the walls of his making closing in. He had built a paradise for me, but it was starting to feel like a vault for him.
He didn’t have to be a silent protector.
I sighed, shaking my head before paying attention back to the movie. The second all my focus was on the screen, Vince checked his phone.
“I have to go to the office, Alyssa,” He said, pulling away abruptly.
“What–” I was left mid sentence when he got out of bed.
He couldn't look at me. He smoothened his shirt, his clouded by a thick and a dark hesitation which distressed me immensely.
“Will you be back for dinner?” I asked, grabbing his wrist to stop him from reaching his coat. This had begun to take its toll on me.
“Maybe. Don't wait up.”
Before he could continue, his phone buzzed and before he could stop me, I unlocked it only to find a highly undesirable message.
“Deadline arrives. A million by midnight, Hero.”
“Vince? What is this?” Disgusted, I threw his phone one the bed. He stood unbothered though exasperation was visible in his eyes.
“I thought this was a one-time thing. Who is it? What is this about? I-I don’t even have a secret. Tell me something, please.” I whispered desperately, losing my composure.
The fact someone or something was bothering my man with me being the reason was unbearable.
“Please tell me. Who is hurting you under my name? Is Astrid? Is it my father? Please share to me… please,”
Utterly hopeless, my hands locked around his waist. My shoulders are loosening, concerned about him.
“I don’t want to bring you troubles, Vince. Please tell me…” To my hopeless whispering, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me.
His embrace was cold. For the first time, I did not feel protected. Instead, I could feel the tentativeness, the string dragging him back.
“Did I do something wrong? Tell me, Vince… anything.”
He kissed the top of my head, speaking in a low but firm tone, bordering on pressure.
“It’s nothing. Stop worrying needlessly,” Before I could react, he extended towards the bed, reaching for his phone and grabbed his coat.
Not giving me a moment to speak or resist, he left me all alone in the room.
I stood still in the room for the next few moments. Blinking to perceive what was happening or why.
I didn’t want Vince to carry my pain alone but apparently he had decided to take all my pain on his account.
I don't know whether I should feel pride or dejection. But, amid all troubles. I knew one fact for sure- He was here for me.
Nonetheless, waiting for him to return late at night, I barely managed to set the table back down and pick up a book before he walked in.
He looked… haunted.
His coat was missing, sleeves rolled to the elbow, his hair disheveled, and his eyes had a hollow look that made me perturbed.
“Vince?” I stood up, reaching his side, “You are late. I kept the dinner warm.”
“I’m not hungry,” his stone-cold voice came. He didn't even look at me. He went straight to the bar, pouring a glass of scotch and Downing it in one go.
I walked after him, observing his agitated posture. I reached out to touch his arm, but he flinched. Not out of anger, but out of severed nerves. His jaw clenched, running his finger through the hair.
“You are shaking,” I whispered, turning him to me worriedly, leading my hand to hold his face, “Vince, talk to me. Is it the company? Is it your father?”
He sighed, pulling away from me, “It’s nothing, Alyssa. Just business. Go to bed.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Just stressed.” He hummed, pouring himself another drink and chugged it down, causing it to spill from the corner.
“Shall I bring you some coffee?”
“No.”
“Vince, are you-”
“Stop persisting, Alyssa! You are pissing me off now!”
His patience was murdered, throwing the glass away. I gasped, jumping back in fright. Holding the hem of my dress when he glared furiously at me.
My body trembled. Having no idea what I did wrong to evoke such wrath from him. I just wanted to help, to not become a burden for him.
Not used to facing his anger, my lips started to quiver, "....I just want to help," I sobbed, the tears finally breaking through.
Not the first time I was yelled at but since it was him, the anguish of it doubled and I ended up failing to control it.
"You want to help?" He leaned down, his face inches from mine, his voice a growl of pure rage that made me shiver and step back.
"Then stay out of it! Stop bothering me when I am already surrounded with my damned troubles.” He hissed, staying away from me, pointing his finger that made my breath hitch.
“Just stay away from me. Do you understand?”
With silent tears glistening, I looked down and nodded.
“I said, do you understand?!”
“Y-Yes…” I whimpered, utterly dreadful when he shouted before going back to his room, ignoring my silent cry or the shattered glass.
I stood immobilized. Unsure what to do or speak anymore. Tears shining on my cheek as I stared at the ground with a heartbreaking thought.
‘What did I do to make him this angry?’