"You're overthinking it. I'm not pregnantâTyrone only said that to get under Maddox's skin." Alicia pulled Vincent's hand away, her touch gentle but firm. "You don't have to worry."
"Even if you were..." Vincent's voice was low, determined, "I wouldn't let you get rid of it."
He looked at her, something almost pitying in his gaze. "Alicia... can we stop this back-and-forth? Tyrone's just using you. Why put yourself through all this for him? Wasn't it better when you were with me?"
Alicia actually laughed at that, the sound sharp. "Did you ever give me three million dollars a year? Did you ever buy me a bracelet worth fifty million?
Did you ever shower me with designer gifts and luxury every day?" She shook her head, her expression almost incredulous. "Compared to what I have now, Vincent, I don't feel the least bit mistreated."
"Alicia, the reason I didn't give you those things is because I didn't want you to think I was toying with you. It's not that I couldn'tâI just... I wanted to â" Vincent stumbled over his words, searching for the right explanation.
He knew perfectly well that among his circle, men were generous with their mistresses, their lovers. He could have treated Alicia the same way. But he also knew that Alicia had her pride.
She called it loveâif he'd showered her with gifts, she'd have felt like just another kept woman.
"Mr. Lawson, let's keep our distance. I'm married now." Alicia shook off his hand, ready to leave.
"Alicia!" Vincent caught her wrist again, desperation in his voice. "Are you only going to come back to me after Tyrone's done with you?"
"I know I messed up before, I could do betterâ" He actually sounded like he meant it, like he was willing to humble himself for her.
But Alicia just found it all absurd. "You've already announced your engagement to Mina. What's the point of saying all this to me now? Are you planning to marry her and keep me on the side as your mistress?"
Vincent's brow furrowed. "Alicia, if I called off the wedding... would you come back to me?"
Alicia was stunned, honestly surprised. Was Vincent really considering breaking off the engagement? He'd always acted like he adored Minaâwhat was this about?
"If you don't marry her, would you marry me instead? You wouldn't, Vincent. You're too cautious, and your family would never allow it." After four years, Alicia knew Vincent inside out.
She understood his predicament. She'd never expected him to marry her.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 105 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions If the Lawsons found out he wanted to marry a penniless orphan like her, they'd seize the chance to make things difficult for himâmaybe even push him out and let one of the illegitimate sons take his place.
"Alicia..." Vincent's voice was soft, almost pleading. "I can give you everything you want. I just need more time..."
Anyone could see the state of the Lawson family these daysâtwo illegitimate sons working at Lawson & Co., and everyone knew Vincent was under pressure.
The only reason the Lawsons supported his engagement to Mina was because the Holloways were powerful in Seaview City.
Vincent needed outside support right now.
He could marry Alicia, but only after he'd secured his position at Lawson & Co., only after he'd dealt with those two rivals...
Alicia was silent for a moment, then gently pried his hand off her arm. "Vincent, stop lying to yourself. You don't love me."
Four years hadn't been enough to win his heart. She didn't believe for a second that she meant anything to him now.
Vincent was just too competitive to let go of a toy he hadn't finished playing withânothing more.
"I wish you and Mina a lifetime of happiness. Really." Alicia turned and walked back into the restaurant.
Vincent tried to say something else, but Alicia was done listening.
Unless Tyrone truly cast her aside and she found herself on that same lonely path from four years ago, Alicia knew she'd never go back to Vincentâ
not ever.