Just as Alicia was about to put down her phone and turn in for the night, a headline blazed across her screen.
Heir of the Harboridge elite, Tyrone, announces his marriage.
The story rocketed to the top of the trending list in under ten minutes.
Nervous, Alicia tapped on it. The very first post was from Tyrone's own account: a photo of a marriage certificate, captioned, "A promise kept. I've given you a home."
Alicia didn't fully grasp what he meant, but posting their marriage certificate so publicly was clearly a warning to Vincent.
She was surprisedâTyrone was more protective of her than she'd ever imagined.
Her heart thudded a little faster. She set her phone aside and curled up under the covers.
For some reason, seeing that post made her feel strangely at peace.
It was as if Tyrone could handle all the troubles ahead, no matter how daunting.
She drifted off, half-awake, not sure how much time had passed, when she sensed someone enter her room.
But she was too exhausted to open her eyes, so she let sleep take her.
By her bedside, Tyrone gently readjusted her blanket. He lingered for a while before quietly leaving.
...
The next morning, Alicia woke to find Tyrone already gone.
He'd always planned to head out for a business trip after their marriage registration in Seaview City, so now he was off, rushing to deal with work.
"I'll be back the day after tomorrow and take you to the orphanage," he messaged her, not forgetting his promise.
Alicia smiled and stretched.
Tyrone really was an incredible manâkind, dependable, thoughtful.
She found herself envying Melanie's mother, who once had Tyrone's love. But if that was true, why had she taken her own life?
"Mrs. Foster, do you have any plans for today? I can let the driver know in advance," Wilma asked with a warm smile as she set out breakfast.
Alicia nodded. "I need to go back to campus today."
Her spot for studying abroad had been finalized; the school wanted her to return for the announcement and the graduation ceremony.
Time had flown byâcollege was nearly over, four years fading in a blur.
For Alicia, those years held few happy memories.
Mostly, she'd just wanted to escape.
"Mrs. Foster, Miss Melanie is here again... Mr. Foster said we can't let her in, but she's been sitting on the doorstep..." Wilma's voice faltered as she approached the table, unable to hide her sympathy.
Alicia sighed, pausing mid-bite. "Let her in."
She knew Melanie rarely brought good news, but as the family's âworking aunt,' she couldn't afford to make an enemy of her.
Wilma beamed. "I knew you'd be kind."
Hurrying to the door, Wilma called, "Miss Melanie, Mrs. Foster says you can come in. Breakfast is ready."
Wilma's heart always ached for Melanieâlosing her mother so young.
Melanie, however, just scoffed. She didn't buy Alicia's kindness. "Why is it that the minute she showed up, this stopped being my home?"
"Hush, Miss Melanie. Mrs. Foster's as kind as they come. Don't start another argument," Wilma tried to soothe her.
Melanie ignored her, stomping to the table and slamming her dance bag down so hard it made Alicia flinch, nearly spilling her soup.
Alicia looked up, meeting Melanie's glare.
She was no saint, and her patienceâstretched thin for yearsâwas wearing out. Her brow furrowed in annoyance. "If you're going to act out, take it outside."
"Alicia, you really think you're the lady of the house? My uncle's going to divorce you sooner or later. Just wait," Melanie sneered, dropping into the seat opposite Alicia. "Let me tell you somethingâmy mom isn't dead. She'll be back, and when she is, Tyrone will kick you out. You're nothing but a stand-in."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 68 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions Alicia stared at Melanie in shock. Wasn't her mother supposed to have committed suicide? Not dead?