Wife?

“Sis, where are we going? Why is Mother selling the house?” one of the kids asked, concern etched on their faces as they all sat in Alisha's room, feeling stressed.

Mary was busy downstairs, dealing with the situation, while they anxiously awaited her return, hoping to get some answers.

Alisha looked sadly at the children. She didn't know how to ease her guilt, knowing she was the reason for everything. It weighed heavily on her heart.

She didn't know what to say or how to answer their questions. The decision to leave had been made, but neither she nor Mary knew where they would go or what the future held.

Beyond her own regrets, Alisha was heartbroken, especially knowing how much this house meant to Mary. It held so many memories, especially of her late husband, which the kids might not fully understand.

“We will go to a better place. Mother Mary thinks this place is a bit old for us all, and we need a change of surroundings. It will be better,” Alisha lied, forcing the words past her lips.

But deep down, she couldn't bear to tell them the truth—that their future was uncertain, and she bore the weight of that uncertainty.

The burden of maintaining these lies weighed heavily on her, making her feel nauseous.

Alisha forces a weak smile, hoping to reassure the children, but her heart aches with every lie she tells.

As they nod in acceptance, she can't help but feel a pang of guilt. They trust her, and she's betraying that trust by withholding the truth.

"So that means we will enjoy it all? That's so good, I am so happy," the kids exclaimed, jumping happily, feeling glad that they will have a new place and they will enjoy themselves there.

Alisha's heart clenched as she saw their happiness. Here, it looks like they are all happy, but in reality, it's hard to even think about where they will live and how they will protect themselves.

Her heart says that Alice will find her, and that means it will put everyone in harm's way.

She can't think it all through right now because somehow it's all planned, and at the same time, she feels all the plans will fall apart immediately as soon as Alice enters the picture; the plans get broken into pieces like a mirror.

As the children chatter excitedly about their new adventure, Alisha forces a smile, trying to match their enthusiasm.

"Of course, sweethearts," she replies, her voice wavering slightly. "We'll make wonderful memories in our new home."

One kid who is younger than Alisha but older than all, watches Alisha with concern.

"Are you okay, Alisha?" The kid asks.

Alisha forces a nod, not wanting to burden Mary with her fears. "Totally fine.”

Downstairs,

Mary looked up to see who had entered, and her eyes widened in disbelief. It was Alice, appearing without warning yet exuding an air of authority.

"How are you, Mother-in-law?" Alice's dominating presence filled the room as he walked in and took a seat. The man who had been dealing with Mary stood up immediately, showing respect.

"What... what are you doing here?!" Mary gasped, incredulous at Alice's audacity to be sitting in her house.

"This is how you welcome your son-in-law," Alice's eyes narrowed, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"You are not my son-in-law."

"In the future, that's me. I thought I'd pay a visit. The house may be old and shabby, but I bought it because it belongs to my Angel. I don't like the idea of anyone else being inside this house that holds my girl's childhood memories," Alice remarked, his words dripping with possessiveness.

Mary's heart raced as Alice's words sank in, filling her with a mixture of anger and fear. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to barge into the house like this.

"You have no right to just come in here and make demands," Mary retorted, her voice trembling with indignation. "This is our home, not yours."

Alice's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Ah, but you see, dear Mother in law, I have every right. After all, I am your daughter's future husband. What's hers is mine."

Mary's fists clenched at her sides, her frustration boiling over. She refused to let Alice intimidate her, especially not in her own home.

"That's not happening," she spat, her resolve hardening.

The sense of dread that Alice's presence brought is incomparable.

"And just so you know, the man who actually bought this house works for me. So legally, I am the owner," Alice commented, his eyes narrowing with arrogance. "I don't know why you're in such a hurry to sell the house. It doesn't seem fitting for your old bones."

Mary's fists clenched at Alice's condescending tone, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. Had he figured out their plans to leave?

How foolish she had been not to consider his reach and resources. He was a billionaire, after all, and undoubtedly a shady person. Of course, he would have his eyes and ears everywhere.

With a forced calmness, Mary replied, "We have our reasons, Alice. None of which concern you."

Alice chuckled dismissively, his arrogance dipping. "Oh, but Miss Old hag, everything concerns me when it comes to my future wife. And this house, well, it's a part of that now, isn't it?"

"Not your wife. She's not marrying you. We refused before, and we're refusing now," Mary asserted firmly, her voice tinged with defiance.

"I think you should leave. I need to talk with my mother-in-law for a bit," Alice directed towards the man who had been standing there, bowing until now.

"Sure, Boss," the man immediately walked away.

"You don't have to raise your blood pressure. I've given you time to think. I didn't give it to you to deny, though. I don't know where you're finding all this courage, but it's quite new for an old hag like you," Alice sneered, his tone dripping with contempt.

Mary's jaw clenched as Alice's insults cut through the air, but she refused to let him see her falter. She had dealt with his arrogance before, and she wouldn't let him intimidate her now.

"Your threats won't work on me, Alice," Mary retorted, her voice steady despite the anger simmering within her. "We've made our decision, and nothing you say or do will change that."

Alice's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flash of annoyance. "You're making a big mistake, Mary. But fine, have it your way for now. Just remember, I always get what I want in the end."