Cradled

“Shopping is done?” Alisha asked as she followed Alice out from the store, feeling better than before.

She took a deep breath; at least now she wouldn't have to face the hateful looks she got in there. Somehow, it did feel like her mistake, but she wasn't the one to blame when the real issue was Alice.

“Yes, but I think your slippers are still left,” Alice said.

“I don't want slippers. I can manage with the shoes I have. They won't even show under gowns, and I'm literally tired. I don't want to shop for anything more,” Alisha immediately replied, her feet aching and her mind exhausted.

Moreover, leaving aside her tiredness, she couldn't ignore how he behaved like an arrogant person. She didn't want to step foot inside another shop.

Who knew how he would behave and then drag her into the worst-case scenario she never wanted.

“What are you tired for, sweetheart? It's barely been three hours, and all you did was rest in my office. When I was working, what tired you out? That's why I always say, eat healthy, so you won't feel tired,” Alice taunted softly.

‘Thanks for the opinion, I never asked for,’ Alisha remarked in her head, knowing she couldn't say it to his face.

Alisha sighed inwardly, feeling her frustration mounting. She wanted to retort, to defend herself, but she knew it was pointless.

"I'll keep that in mind," she replied, forcing a tight smile.

“Okay for now let's go home,” Alice smiled .

As they walked to the car, Alisha couldn't shake off the feeling of exhaustion and irritation. She was tired of constantly having to justify herself, of being criticised for every little thing.

Once they were in the car, Alisha leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment. She needed a break from Alice's constant nagging and condescension.

Alice glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

Alisha opened her eyes, surprised by the change in his demeanour. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice softer than before.

Alice reached over and squeezed her hand. "Wanna eat something?," he said, sincerity evident in his eyes.

"No, then again you will complain about me eating junk food," she said.

Alice chuckled. “So who said you can only order junk? Plenty of healthy options are available too. You can choose from those, unless you just want to feed yourself junk.”

Alisha facepalmed in her head. “Thanks for telling me. I didn't know you were a dietician.”

“I love it when you talk savagely, but I won't lie, I know better about diet. Don't you see my body?” Alice teased, as he flexed his bicep with his free hand, causing his shirt to tighten around his arm.

Alisha rolled her eyes, trying not to let his arrogance get to her. "Yeah, I see it. It's hard to miss," she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Alice grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "Well, I know I am hard to miss," he said, flashing her a smug smile.

"Thanks, but I think I'll stick to my own choices," Alisha replied, giving him a tired look.

“You're not going to eat junk; it's like a mass murder on your body. Maybe you can have it on weekends. I'll make sure you get your protein and other vitamins intake good, because how will you handle me with this thin body?” Alice put his hand down, still holding Alisha's hand.

He pulled it and shook it, making it float. “See how thin you are.”

“Being thin doesn't mean I'm ill, though. But whatever floats your boat. I'm just tired, and about food, I think it should be my choice,” Alisha lazily claimed, pulling her hand out from his grip as it wasn't that tight.

Alice smirked, releasing her hand. “Your choice needs to be toned down a little, sweetheart,” he concluded, his tone lightening.

Alisha leaned back in her seat more comfortably, not bothering to reply. She was already mentally exhausted and not in the mood to talk to him. It felt like talking to a wall.

And why bother arguing when she knew she would soon escape? His behaviour only confirmed her decision to leave.

As the drive continued, Alisha closed her eyes, not sleeping but trying to ignore his presence.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when they arrived home. Driver parked the car.

"We're here," Alice said, his tone cheery as if nothing had happened earlier.

Alisha opened her eyes and forced a smile in return.

He's talking as if she's the happiest person to be here, but it's not even her own home. She might sound ungrateful, but her true home is the orphanage, from where he made sure she was thrown out.

Now she's forced to be at his place, and his cheerful demeanour only makes it worse.

It's like he's rubbing salt in her wounds.

“Want me to carry you?” Alice asked, coming around to open the car door for her like a gentleman.

Alisha looked at him, his face shining in the moonlight. She couldn't deny that he actually looked good, like a devil in charming looks.

His appearance was saintly, but in reality, he worked like a devil.

Alisha shook her head, trying to push aside her thoughts.

“No,” she replied curtly.

“Still, I'm going to carry you. It doesn't matter,” Alice insisted, lifting her effortlessly. He could see she was tired and didn't want to be carried, but he loved carrying her, whether she consented or not.

Alisha let out a small sigh as Alice carried her towards the house.

As they entered the house, it was unlocked already.

Alice gently spoke. “There, all safe and sound,” he said with a smile.

“Mhmm.. Thanks,” Alisha replied, not entirely sure why she even had to thank him.

“Why was the door unlocked?” Alice loudly asked, calling for the maid.

The maid immediately came running out.

“Sir, it was opened because your mother said you would come, as you were outside. That's why we kept it open, and the guards are already protecting the mansion, so it wasn't something dangerous,” the maid explained, trying to avoid facing his wrath.

“Send some food to my room,” Alice ordered, as he led Alisha inside, still cradled in his arms.