"I don't really need any special care," Serena insisted, her voice soft but unwavering. "It's just... I prefer being around people. I don't like being alone.
The doctors at the convalescent home said I shouldn't be by myself, and Melanie has school during the day, so she can't stay with me. Honestly, I'd rather keep Alicia company."
She even produced a slip of paper from her purseâa doctorâs note, apparentlyâto reinforce her point, glancing at Tyrone as if to remind him of his responsibility.
Alicia couldn't help but feel a faint chill creep up her spine. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but there was something in Serenaâs toneâa subtle, unspoken threat. As if to say: if you donât let me stay in the house, something bad might happen.
Tyrone turned to Alicia, his expression expectant. "The house belongs to Alicia now, so itâs her decision," he said, hoping sheâd come up with a reasonable excuse to refuse. With any luck, Serena would drop the matter.
But Alicia hadnât seen that coming. Just like that, the problem landed squarely in her lap. She barely had time to think before blurting out, "Serena, Iâm more of a quiet person... How about I ask Wilma to stay with you? I donât really need much help right now anyway."
It was the truthâshe had no desire to live under the same roof as Tyroneâs first love. Who knew what awkward situation might arise, what wrong word she might say?
And, if she was honest with herself, she didnât want to share Tyrone with anyone. Not even in the smallest way.
Tyrone nodded in agreement. "That works. Wilmaâs been part of the family for years, and sheâs always gotten along well with you and Melanie. Youâll have someone to talk to."
Serenaâs face fell. She opened her mouth as if to protest, but seeing neither Tyrone nor Alicia willing to budge, she simply turned away and stared out the window in silence.
Melanie watched her mother, her own emotions tangled and heavy. She knew how much Serena loved Tyroneâhow desperately sheâd hoped to marry him one day. But now, Tyrone belonged to someone else. And Alicia... she wasnât just any woman. There was something different about her.
â
That evening, Tyrone took Alicia, Serena, and Melanie out to a quiet bistro for dinner. The food was simple and mild, chosen with Serenaâs health in mind.
Alicia found herself feeling queasy. She was still in the early stages of pregnancy, so the morning sickness shouldnât have started yet, but the bland aroma of the broth and steamed fish made her stomach churn. Secretly, she longed for something spicier, something with real flavor.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 186 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions The whole meal passed in silence. No one said muchâeveryone seemed to be sizing each other up, wary and guarded.
Alicia knew Serena was on edge around her, and felt compelled to choose her words carefully. She kept her head down, picking at her food.
Noticing Aliciaâs lack of appetite, Tyrone excused himself and stepped out of the dining room for a moment.
The instant he was gone, Serena finally spoke. "So, Aliciaâs pregnant? Was it IVF? That was quick..." Her tone was light, almost casual.
Aliciaâs fork slipped from her hand and clattered onto her plate. Her heart skipped a beatâsheâd been dreading this conversation.
"Uh... yes, right," she stammered, forcing a shaky smile. "These days, the IVF process is pretty straightforward. Once the eggs are retrieved, the transfer happens almost immediately."
If Serena ever found out that she and Tyrone were truly husband and wife, sheâd be furious with jealousy.
Serena just smiled, and reached over to pile more vegetables onto Aliciaâs plate. "No need to be nervous. I was just asking. You need to eat more now, for the babyâs sake. A healthy mom means a healthy child."
Alicia nodded, though the food stuck in her throat. It almost felt like Serena was reminding her that, in the end, the child would belong to her.
"Donât worry. Iâll take good care of your baby," Serena said, smiling sweetly, but her words rang with a quiet challenge. "After all, itâs Tyroneâs child. Iâll treat him as my own."
Aliciaâs jaw tightened. She heard the declaration loud and clear: Iâm here to claim whatâs mine.
"Tyrone promisedâno divorce for three years after the babyâs born. So Iâll make sure the child is looked after." Serenaâs gaze was unwavering.
Alicia bristled. Even though she was barely pregnant, she already cared deeply about her childâand she wasnât about to let Serena cross that line.