Future
In the car, as Alisha and Alice sat, Alice drove and glanced at Alisha with a side glance, noticing her sad expression.
“Are you feeling sad, sweetheart?” he asked, knowing she wasn't happy about being separated again.
This time, she knew the truth, that God protects kids, and Mary pushed Alisha for help, which somewhat eased the anger she had before. Alice didn't really care if her anger was easing, but he did care about seeing sadness in her eyes.
“I'm not exactly sad, just not happy either. I miss my mother and the kids,” Alisha answered truthfully.
“I'm here with you now, don't worry. You won't even have time to miss them. We'll be together and have lots of fun,” Alice tried to soothe her.
‘That's the problem. I don't want to have fun or happiness with someone like you,’ Alisha mumbled to herself, unable to say it to his face.
Before, she would have spoken up no matter how scared she was, but now she didn't want to provoke him and ruin her plan. She wanted things to go smoothly.
Alisha stared out of the window, her mind consumed with thoughts of escape. She couldn't stand being in the car with Alice, pretending everything was fine. But she had to keep her cool, biding her time until the right moment presented itself.
Alice glanced at her again, noticing her distant expression. He frowned, sensing her unease. He wanted her to be happy, to enjoy their time together, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she was slipping away from him.
“Are you sure you're okay?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Alisha forced a smile. “Yeah, totally,” she replied, looking at him, trying to relax his suspicion.
He was way smarter than anyone she'd ever encountered, and she knew that even the slightest slip-up could give her away. She couldn't afford to be caught before she even had a chance to try.
One chance. Just one. She couldn't let it slip away like this. She would fight for it with every ounce of strength she had.
“Okay, but if it's about missing those orphanage kids and your mother, maybe I can take them in at my mansion? It's big, and it would be more comfortable. For you, I can do that,” Alice offered.
He gulped down his words, speaking without his usual calculated precision.
But he didn't see any issue in bringing them to his mansion after their marriage.
After all, once they were married, nobody could take Alisha away from him. And with Alisha under his control, she wouldn't even think of leaving.
It would be good to have more people around his mother. She was often alone with just the maids, while he was busy with work. Having Mary and the kids around would be a welcome change, even though he couldn't stand Mary.
Alisha's heart shakes at Alice's offer. She knew it was just another way for him to tighten his grip on her life. She couldn't bear the thought of Mary and the children being under his control too.
“No, thank you. They're fine where they are,” Alisha replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Alice's eyes narrowed, sensing her resistance. He didn't like being denied, especially by Alisha. But he knew he couldn't push too hard without risking her defiance.
“Alright, suit yourself,” he said, his tone clipped.
He couldn't believe that she denied bringing Mary and the kids to his mansion when she had this chance, just once. It didn't sit well with him.
Maybe she saw him as a threat to everyone? And of course, he was.
She could also see how he reacted around Mary. He couldn't even bear her presence, so living with her was out of the question.
That's why Alisha maybe didn't want issues and wanted to keep them separated. It made more sense to him.
But deep down, Alice knew there was more to it than just Alisha's reluctance to bring them into his mansion. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Alisha was trying to keep Mary and the kids away from him for a reason.
Was it because she saw how he treated Mary and feared for their safety? Or did she suspect that he had ulterior motives for wanting them there?
Both could be true, for sure.
He didn't want to dwell on it too much because their marriage was tomorrow, and he wanted to enjoy it.
“Sweetheart, I'll drop you home. You can sleep with my mother if you feel scared, or if you don't, then sleep in our room. I'll be at the office working late. I have a lot of things to take care of tomorrow,” he said as he parked the car.
He looked at Alisha with warm eyes, getting close to her. Alisha's breath quickened as she felt him being so close to her.
Even though the car was big enough, the way he hovered over her felt suffocating. His breath falling on her face didn't make it any better.
Alisha nodded silently, her heart racing with unease. She knew she had to play along, at least for now. As Alice leaned in closer, she forced a small smile, trying to mask her discomfort.
"Okay, Alice. I'll figure it out," she replied, her voice slightly strained.
Alice's smile widened, but there was a glint of something else in his eyes that Alisha couldn't quite place.
“That's so good, sweetheart. Now your soon-to-be husband is going to work. You're not even going to give me a hug?” Alice pulled her seatbelt, gazing deeply into her eyes.
Though he wanted to ask for a kiss, he just couldn't, knowing she was already uncomfortable. No matter how she tried to hide it, he could see it plain as day.
“Hug?” Alisha repeated it.
“Yes, sweetheart. I'll be late, away from you. I'm going to miss you. I hate this feeling of being away from you. Just a hug, it would mean a lot.” Alice poured his heart out.
Alisha hesitated a bit, but still leaned towards Alice and wrapped her arms around him in a brief hug.
Alice held her tightly for a moment, relishing the closeness. “If you need anything, you can ask the maids or my mom for it. And I'll call you, so wait for my call. Love you, sweetheart. Sleep well, future wifey.”
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