"If anything comes up with my grandfather, he won't reach out to you directly. He'll come to me first. So, I'll handle any issues for you. All you need to do is trust meâcompletely," Tyrone explained.
Alicia nodded.
The car rumbled to a stop in the orphanage's crumbling old courtyard. Out on the cracked basketball court, a handful of children chased each other, laughter echoing in the air.
Most of the kids who remained at this orphanage had been abandoned because of congenital illnesses or disabilities. Without families willing to adopt them, they had nowhere else to goâso the orphanage became their permanent home.
Some were well past eighteen, but since they couldn't function independently in the outside world, Albertine refused to force them out. This place had become the only family they'd ever known.
"Alicia's back!" Zoe, who worked in the kitchen, spotted Alicia through the window and called out, barely able to contain her excitement.
Moments later, Albertine appeared, leading a few other staff members down the steps.
"Albertine." Alicia's voice trembled as she called out, her throat tight with emotion.
It struck herâshe hadn't been back since leaving for college. Four years. For all that time, they'd only kept in touch through calls and the occasional message.
Vincent had never once offered to come back with her. The bus fare from Seaview City to Willowshire County was too expensive, and Alicia had always found herself unwilling to spend the money, choosing instead to send what little she could to the orphanage rather than visit in person.
"Albertine, how's everything here?" Alicia asked, hugging her tightly.
Albertine smiled and patted Alicia's back. "We're doing well. The paperwork for the orphanage's renovation finally came through. We were on the verge of being shut down for lack of funds. But... the Lynch Foundation reached out to us."
Albertine's voice caught as she spoke, overwhelmed with relief.
It felt like things were finally turning around.
Alicia looked at Tyrone, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Albertine, that's Mr. Lynchâthe president of Lynch Corporation."
Albertine turned to Tyrone, her eyes wide with emotion. "Thank you, truly..."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Tyrone stepped forward and shook her hand. "No, I should be thanking you. You raised Alicia into the person she is today."
Albertine paused, glancing at Alicia in surprise.
Alicia felt a twist of nervousness in her stomach.
Weren't they supposed to keep their marriage quiet? Was Tyrone going to announce it to everyone, even her family here?
She hadn't expected him to mention it. After all, their marriage was only a front for his grandfather's sake. There was no reason for Albertine and the others to knowâespecially since they'd be getting divorced sooner or later. How was she ever going to explain that to Albertine?
"I'm Alicia's husband. My name is Tyrone," he said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Alicia opened her mouth, but the words stuck. Why did it feel like Tyrone was almost eager to announce their relationship everywhere they went?
"Your husband? Alicia, you got married? Oh, sweetheart, why didn't you tell us?" Albertine's voice was thick with concern. She knew Alicia wasn't the type to keep something like this a secret. Was there something more going on?
Looking a little dejected, Alicia replied softly, "Albertine, it's just... Tyrone and I are still figuring things out. I wanted to wait until I was sure about everything before telling you. I was worriedâif we ended up divorcing..."
"Oh, child, a wedding is such a big moment. I haven't prepared anything for you," Albertine said, clearly flustered.
"Albertine, really, there's no need," Alicia hurried to reassure her.
Tyrone stepped in smoothly. "Albertine, there's no rush. Alicia and I have only signed the papers. When we actually hold a wedding, you'll be the first to know. We wouldn't dream of doing it without having you there as her family."
Albertine smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. "Tyrone, you'd better take good care of Alicia. She's had a tough time over the years."
Tyrone nodded and took Alicia's hand.
Alicia's heart pounded. Even if this was all just for show, Tyrone's performance felt a little too convincing. A wedding... how could there ever be a wedding for them?
ï¤Chapter 81 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions