Interrupt

"Did you hear that? She herself wanted to marry me. Don't you think now you should give your blessings, even though I don't need them? But for Alisha, they are important," Alice sarcastically remarked, his lips curling into a wide grin as he heard Alisha's words.

He appreciated the way she didn't deny it, but instead, accepted it, and it sounded good to his ears. He couldn't deny that his heart skipped a beat hearing her say she herself wanted to marry him.

He knew it wasn't the truth, and she just didn't want to accelerate the situation, but it wasn't totally bad; it was intriguing.

Mary looked at Alisha, who pleaded with her through her expressions not to say or argue anything.

She sighed. "My blessings are always with my daughter. Will attend the party."

She couldn't do anything but agree, because in her heart, she knew what was true. She also knew her daughter wouldn't lie.

Living with Alice had taught her to hide things and lie about them, which might have been considered a bad thing before. But in this case, Alisha needed to do it to protect herself.

Mary felt a pang of sadness as she watched Alisha's pleading expression. She knew her daughter well enough to understand that Alisha was only trying to protect her and the kids.

"I can arrange for clothes, or you can go shopping with one of my staff. I know money might be tight for you, and even though the party might not be extravagant, there will be many high-class people attending, and I don't want us to be disrespected in front of them," Alice stated, looking directly into Alisha 's eyes, as he finished speaking.

Alisha winced at the disrespect he showed towards her mother, Mary. Despite their financial struggles, they still had their pride, and he seemed to be crushing it without any remorse.

"You don't have to do that; we can buy our own clothes. I don't want you spending money on us," Mary insisted, feeling embarrassed.

"Let me remind you, you agreed to let me help your orphanage. Protecting the kids is one part of the agreement, and the other part is providing the best for them. So, it doesn't matter if you can afford it or not; I'll make sure they have the best," Alice said shamelessly, not holding back.

He didn't even mention his agreement with Mary because he wanted to show Alisha that everyone was important to Mary, except her. He wanted to make it clear that she was only important to him, and to others, she was just a disposable choice.

Alisha felt a surge of anger at Alice's callous words. How could he speak to her mother like that, as if her efforts to maintain their dignity were meaningless? She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her emotions.

Mary felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She knew Alice's offer came with strings attached, but she never imagined he would use it against her like this. She regretted ever accepting his help, but now they were trapped in his web of manipulation.

"I think it's fine. You all should go and do the shopping with one of his staff," Alisha stated calmly, pushing back the anger.

Why should she protect his money? Before, she regretted being here, planning to escape, thinking he would waste money.

But now, hearing how he talks, there's no way she cares. His money can burn, and she doesn't care at all.

One thing is for sure: after talking to Mary in the kitchen, she has to take the chance and fly away. She believes her mother will protect everyone.

She now has to be selfish and protect herself only.

Alisha's mind raced with thoughts as she tried to process everything. She knew she had to prioritise her own well-being, even if it meant leaving everything behind. The realisation left a bitter taste in her mouth, but she knew she couldn't stay in this toxic environment any longer.

As the tension hung heavy in the air, Alice nodded, seemingly satisfied with Alisha's response.

"Okay, whatever you say," Mary finally agreed. She didn't want to deny Alisha's words, trusting that maybe Alisha was already planning to run away, and it would be best if Mary didn't become an obstacle.

"Now that everything is settled, shall we go back?" Alice softly questioned.

Alisha, who didn't want to leave at all, wanted to stay hidden and never be caught by Alice. But she knew better than that; she couldn't do it. He wouldn't let her, and after she escaped, this wouldn't be her home anymore. She wouldn't be able to come back.

With a heavy heart, Alisha stood up reluctantly. She knew she had to play along for now, biding her time until the opportunity to escape presented itself.

As they walked back to the main hall, Alisha couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped. Every step felt like a step closer to a fate she dreaded.

Mary glanced at Alisha, her eyes filled with concern and determination. She squeezed Alisha's hand reassuringly, silently promising to support her no matter what.

Alice walked ahead, oblivious to the turmoil within the two women. His mind was already occupied with plans for the upcoming party and the impression he wanted to make on his elite guests.

As they reached the main hall, Alisha hugged Mary. “Take care, Mother. I really love you.”

Alice felt a pang of jealousy, realizing she never said those words to him, but she said them so easily to Mary.

‘She's her mom, if you forgot,’ his conscience reminded him.

‘So what? I'm her soon-to-be husband,’ Alice felt annoyed whenever reality hit him.

It just made him feel angry and more agitated.

‘A forced one, to be exact.’

Alice pushed back his unwanted thoughts.

“You should take care of yourself too, Alisha, and don't miss me too much,” Mary said, her voice filled with emotions.

“That's not happening, but do keep the kids and yourself safe, Mother. I mean it. And try to sleep on time. You have bags under your eyes that don't look beautiful on my gorgeous mother's face,” Alisha said, breaking the hug as she smiled.

“Let's go now, Alisha. We're getting late; it's already evening,” Alice interrupted.

“Bye.”