Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 147

Of course Alicia treated all of this like work...

She was belittling herself—and twisting the knife in Tyrone's heart.

"Alicia, actually, I…" Tyrone looked at her, Adam's apple bobbing as if he wanted to say more, but the words just wouldn't come.

Then, before he could finish, Alicia wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, pulling him close. Tyrone only sighed and ruffled her hair gently. "You should get some sleep. I need to take a shower… I'm pretty tired."

He eased her away, leaving Alicia sitting on the edge of the bed, a bit lost.

Tyrone… he'd already showered when he got home…

This was obviously just an excuse.

Was he already tired of her? Or maybe… did being with her leave him feeling guilty, like he was betraying Serena?

Alicia stared down at her hands, her chest aching without knowing why.

She dug her fingernails into her palm, reminding herself not to fall for Tyrone. Otherwise, any pain that followed would be her own fault. Hadn't she already been hurt enough by Vincent?

She lay down quietly, curling up under the covers, small and alone.

By the time Tyrone came back from the shower, Alicia was already asleep.

He sat at the edge of the bed, gazing at her. Reaching out, he gently brushed her hair. "Let Vincent go," he whispered.

…

Seaview University.

Monday morning, Alicia arrived early on campus.

Today's graduation ceremony was a big deal—everyone was there.

The students all dressed to the nines. Chloe and her friends, whose families had money, showed up in custom-tailored dresses.

Alicia kept it simple but elegant: a light-colored sundress, her long hair smooth and loose, a touch of makeup just enough to look polished and poised.

Chloe spotted her and let out a cold snort. "It's graduation. Everyone's got family here. Do you?"

She was practically bouncing with excitement; if Vincent, with his status and influence, attended and handed her the diploma, she'd be the center of attention for the entire school.

Mina hesitated for a split second but managed a calm smile. "He's busy."

Chloe's smile faltered.

Mina's gaze slid to Alicia, her tone pointed. "Don't worry, at least I'm here for you. That's better than some people—orphans with not a single family member to show up."

Alicia dug her nails into her palm, saying nothing.

She wasn't alone. Tyrone had promised he'd come.

"You're not seriously waiting for Tyrone, are you?" Mina sat down beside her, smirking. "You probably haven't heard—Serena's back in Seaview City. The press already snapped photos of Tyrone picking her up at the airport. He's probably still there right now. No way he's coming here."

Alicia's expression faltered, her eyes stinging with tears.

Tyrone… was he going to break his promise too?