Chapter 48: Chapter fourty eight: Mask of indifference
Since Uncle Steve lived abroad with his business, he rarely had ti for the company. The only connection between him and the company was the shares he held along with Aunt Annabelle. Whenever he visited, we usually discussed company matters.
While we were reviewing so stock reports, Uncle suddenly changed the topic—bringing up sothing I had been trying to avoid.
"I heard Lilian is back from abroad and is now collaborating with the company."
"Mm. She returned just recently."
He stayed silent for a mont, studying my expression.
"Are things okay between you and Alicia?"
I suddenly looked up. "Why did you ask?"
"Alexander, I’ve been following the headlines here at ho. Even though I’m abroad, I know everything that’s been happening. And honestly, it doesn’t feel right. You know Mum wouldn’t like it."
I remained silent.
He sighed when he saw my expression.
"Whatever you do, just rember that you now have a wife. Whatever happened three years ago wasn’t her fault. You shouldn’t let whatever you used to feel about Lilian affect your relationship with your wife. And what happened to Lilian wasn’t your fault either, so don’t let guilt destroy your marriage."
He paused before continuing.
"Alicia might seem rough on the outside, but you don’t know what she might be going through. She always appears strong and brave, but deep down she’s the most sensitive and insecure person I know."
Uncle was right.
The real Alicia was fearful, insecure, and sensitive.
She was scared of the rain but never openly said it. She never had friends because she feared ridicule and loss, so she buried her feelings beneath a mask of indifference, as if that would protect her from being hurt.
"My greatest concern is you, Alexander," Uncle Steve continued. "Don’t make mistakes driven by guilt that you will later regret."
That was Uncle Steve—always the sensitive and observant one. He was the complete opposite of my father and Aunt Annabelle.
But Alicia also wanted the divorce, didn’t she? I thought quietly,She seed very interested in her lover, Aiden. She couldn’t even wait for the divorce to be finalized before resigning from the company.
I didn’t know what to say to my uncle, so I stayed silent.
After that, we returned to our main discussion and didn’t realize how quickly ti had passed. By the ti we left the study, it was already four o’clock. The event was scheduled for five, and guests would start arriving soon.
I hurried to the room to get ready.
When I arrived, the room was empty. But when I entered the bathroom, the air still carried the scent of vanilla. Alicia must have just taken a shower.
But where was she?
I quickly showered and returned to the room. Inside the walk-in closet, I put on my suit. As I was wearing my leather shoes, I heard the door open.
"Alicia, is that you?" I asked.
"Yes. Are you done yet? We have to go and present our gifts to Nana now."
"Almost done. Are yo—"
The words died in my throat when I saw her.
She stood there wearing a light blue off-shoulder gown that exposed her shoulders and made her skin appear porcelain white. Her figure was slender and graceful, the dress hugging all the right places, her curves subtly evident even though the fabric wasn’t tight.
Her almond-shaped eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, were bright and expressive. Her oval face, small straight nose, and full lips looked even more striking when she smiled, revealing the dimples at the corners of her mouth.
That was when I realized she was wearing makeup.
Her eyes were softly lined, her lips painted in a shade that matched her eyeshadow, giving her a seductive yet lively appearance. Her hair wasn’t styled elaborately—just left down, the ends slightly curled to fra her face.We had been married for two years, yet every ti I saw her like this, I couldn’t help but feel srized by her beauty....
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