Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 69

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 surprised—Tyrone 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 man—kind, 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?

Hurrying to the door, Wilma called, "Miss Melanie, Mrs. Foster says you can come in. Breakfast is ready."

Wilma's heart always ached for Melanie—losing 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 patience—stretched thin for years—was 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 something—my mom isn't dead. She'll be back, and when she is, Tyrone will kick you out. You're nothing but a stand-in."

Alicia stared at Melanie in shock. Wasn't her mother supposed to have committed suicide? Not dead?