Chapter 24
Rhea’s POV
“Where are you taking me to?” I looked outside the window, this place wasn’t anywhere I recogni
“To meet my mother.” Alaric said softly.
I frowned, “Aren’t we going too fast? I agreed to the engagement but…” I stopped speaking when Alaric suddenly slammed on the
breaks, stopping the car. He then looked back, his eyes cold and his face serious. Somehow, I could see the future cold CEO in his
expression.
“Do you have someone else whom you wish to get married to?”
“No. I…”
“Are you sure?” His eyes narrowed.
“Why? Do you think I’m going to ditch you before the wedding?” I crossed my arms, making sure he could hear the sarcasm in my voice, “I’m just a little bit confused. I thought you would not want anything to do with a family like ours. The engagement was agreed on by our grandparents just because they were friends in the past, it’s been over twenty years now, there’s no need for us to get married anymore.”
“For you, that is. Unfortunately, I have to get married.”
“Unfortunately?” I repeated, blinking.
“Don’t worry, it’ll only be for a few years, if you want a divorce, I can give it to you. I didn’t expect you to agree to the marriage either.” Alaric finished, then he continued driving.
I had a disgruntled look, why was he acting like this? He made me feel like we were on amicable terms, and yet… Divorce? I looked out of the window, hiding the twisting feeling in my chest. I shouldn’t care. This engagement wasn’t for love, but rather for appearances and convenience. But the cold detachment in his voice made me angry.
It was a stark difference from how he had cried for me.
The rest of the ride was in silence. When we finally arrived, I blinked in silence. Grand was an understatement to describe the mansion that was in front of us. Alaric stepped out, and opened the door for me. His expression had drastically changed.
“Come.” He stretched out his hands, motioning for me to take them which I did. We walked past a lot of places I didn’t bother to remember. We reached a smaller room, with a woman sitting in the middle, quietly, like a doll.
“Mom.” Alaric called out gently, and I almost stumbled. It was scary, seeing him so gentle. The image of him in the future frowning, cold, detached was still embedded in my mind.
“Child.” She greeted back, her chestnut brown hair flowing gently as being directed by the wind, “Who is this?”
Chapter 24
“Rhea Thorne, my fiancé.” Alaric responded, pulling me towards her.
+25 Bonu
Beautiful and fragile. Those were the words I would use to describe her. She also looked quite sick and frail. She wore a light
cardigan that covered her arms but despite that… My eyes darkened when I saw the red bruises around her neck.
Was she being abused?
Alaric followed my gaze. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I saw a flash of something dangerous behind his calm mask. Then
was gone, tucked neatly behind his usual aloof expression.
His mother smiled softly at me, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, “Rhea, is it? Such a pretty name. Come, sit with me.”
I hesitated, but Alaric gave me a gentle nudge. I sat beside her, careful not to make any sudden movements.
“I heard about you from Alaric’s grandfather, you are even lovelier in person. I hope my son didn’t get you angry with his gruff demeanor, he can be very annoying at times.”
“No. Not really, ma’am.” I shook my head.
“Oh no.” She waved her hand, chuckling softly, “Please, don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel ancient. Just call me Elena.”
“Then, I’ll do that, Elena.” I said, my lips tugging into a small smile of my own.
She turned to him with a playful tilt of her head, “You never told me she was this pretty. Or this poised. Honestly, I thought you’d bring home someone cold, like you.”
Alaric raised a brow, clearly unimpressed, “Mother.”
I laughed softly before I could stop myself, and Elena’s eyes sparkled, “There it is.” She said with delight, “A real laugh. I haven’t heard a woman laugh like that in this house for years.”
“You’re flattering me too much already.” I replied, a bit shyly. Kevin’s mother didn’t treat me this nicely, not even before we got
married.
“Not at all.” She said, then reached out to gently pat my hand, “You have a warm energy, Rhea. And I like the way you carry yourself. Quiet but not weak. There’s something strong under the surface.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but her kindness surprised me.
Elena turned to her son, “This one, Alaric… I like her. She’s not afraid of you.”
“I’m not that scary.” Alaric muttered under his breath.
Elena and I both gave him a look.
She leaned back into her chair, sighing contently, “I was worried when I heard the engagement had been revived. Those old arrangements made by grandparents rarely end well. But seeing you two now… I feel something good may come of this after all.”
Her words warmed something inside me. I wasn’t expecting this visit to go well, let alone feel this comfortable.
Chapter 24
+25 Bonu
“I must admit.” I said, “I was nervous about meeting you.‘
“Well, I’m glad you did. It’s been far too long since I had company worth dressing up for.” She chuckled again, and then added,
more seriously, “You’re welcome here any time, dear. This house could use a little more laughter and a lot more life.”
I caught the faintest hint of sadness behind her smile, but she quickly masked it with grace.
When it was time to leave, she stood and pulled me into a gentle hug, surprising both me and Alaric.
“I’m glad he has someone like you now.” She whispered in my ear, “Don’t let him push you away.”
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