Chapter 9 {Knee Hurt)

In the morning, as the sun gently peeked through the curtains, Alice stirred from his slumber. His eyes fluttered open, and he immediately noticed the wounded hand resting by his side. A pang of pain shot through his injured hand, but he found solace in the thought that soon his angel would be by his side, soothing not only his physical pain but also the ache in his heart.

"Mine," he whispered softly, his voice filled with longing. "Mine to ruin, mine to soothe, just mine to do whatever I desire." With these words, he rose from his bed and began his morning routine.

Making his way to the dining table, Alice took a seat, his mother already seated across from him. She looked at him with concern in her eyes and spoke gently, "Alice, my dear, let that poor soul be. She is not meant for you and your cruel world."

A surge of anger welled up within Alice, causing his eyes to turn red. He retorted fiercely, "Mom, she is meant for me, and even if she isn't, I will make her mine forever, no matter the cost."

His mother sighed, realising the depth of his infatuation. "But Alice, you must treat her with kindness. You have hurt her before, both physically and emotionally. If you continue down this path, she will only come to despise you."

Alice smirked, his determination unyielding. "Whatever she feels, whether it be love or hate, it is mine to claim. She has every right over me, just as I will have every right over her."

"Hate may be stronger than love," he continued, his voice filled with conviction. "But I want our bond to be unbreakable. I am prepared to endure whatever she throws at me, even if it means her hatred. My love for her will not bind her to love me, but it will bind her to be with me."

His mother was taken aback by his words, realising the depth of his obsession. She knew that no one could save the poor girl from his clutch.

After finishing his breakfast, Alice left for the office, his mind consumed by thoughts of his angel. As he drove, he whispered to himself, "I know, my angel, that you will be mine. Just wait for me, even if you choose not to. I will make you mine."

Arriving at his office, Alice wasted no time in retreating to his private cabin. His personal assistant knocked on the door, seeking permission to enter. Alice granted him access, and the assistant handed him a file containing the information he had requested.

Alice nodded his head in acknowledgment and dismissed his assistant. Opening the file, he read the name "Alisha" and discovered that she was an orphan, only eighteen years old, and studying fashion design at a prestigious college on a scholarship.

A smile played on Alice's lips as he pondered the contradiction between her intelligence and her innocent demeanour. She resided in the Autumn Orphanage and had never had a boyfriend, oblivious to the numerous suitors who had pursued her.

"Oh, my angel," he thought, his smile widening. "You truly are an angel, unaware of the cruelty of this world. It is my duty to show you the truth. I can protect you from anyone, but who will protect you from me? Perhaps I should start by visiting your orphanage."

Without hesitation, Alice called his personal assistant and instructed him to gather more information about his angel's whereabouts within fifteen minutes. As he waited, he fantasised about the day when she would be in his arms, in his bed, and in his home, knowing that no one could separate them.

His assistant returned promptly with the information, and Alice set off for his destination .

On the other hand..

In orphanage,

Alisha woke up and went about her morning routine.

She joined the other children at the dining table, where they all sat together, sharing a meal.

"Today is your holiday, right ?"Mary, the caretaker, mentioned that it was a holiday for Alisha's college.

Alisha confirmed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes, Mother Mary, that's why all the children are going on a picnic today."

Mother Mary smiled warmly and encouraged them to eat before they embarked on their adventure. The children quickly finished their meal and set off for the beach, where they would spend the day.

At the beach, they laughed, played, and enjoyed each other's company. As the day wore on, their appetites grew, and they requested Alisha to fetch them some food. Obliging, she made her way to the ice cream parlour, returning with a tray of ice cream for everyone.

As they savoured their treats, the children asked Alisha about her college life. She shared a story about a boy who had approached her, but she dismissed him, finding his attempts to introduce himself rather foolish.

"You are so innocent, Alisha," one of the children remarked, causing the others to giggle. Another child inquired about Lucky, a missing dog of the orphanage.

Alisha's eyes welled up with tears as she recounted the story of Lucky's disappearance.

The children embraced her, assuring her that they would protect her. In a playful gesture, they smeared ice cream on her face before running off, their laughter filling the air.

Alisha chased after them, her heart filled with both joy and pain. In her pursuit, she stumbled and fell, scraping her knees. Tears streamed down her face again as she saw the blood, and the other children rushed to her side, helping her up and guiding her to a nearby bench.

"How can you be so clumsy?" one of them asked, concern etched on their face. "You always seem to hurt yourself."

Alisha sniffled, wiping away her tears. She looked at her friends and smiled through the pain, grateful for their support and love.