His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50 A Family Fracture

Finished

“Dad, I…” Aria’s voice cracked, shame crawling up her spine. Alicia is now part of the Burton family. What can I possibly do?

Frank’s glare was sharp enough to slice through her. “Quiet. Haven’t you made a big enough scene?”

Austin still had his hand on Alicia’s shoulder. His voice dropped, warm and steady. “You alright?”

Whether it was intentional or not, the worry in his eyes was unmistakable. Alicia nodded faintly. “I’m okay.”

Richard’s tone cut like steel. “You two-leave. Now.” His eyes swept over Kyana and her daughter before turning to Frank. “You stay. We need to talk about Alicia’s wedding.”

The mother and daughter could do nothing but leave, throwing Alicia a final poisonous glare before disappearing through the door.

Alicia simply smiled, her thumb gliding over the bracelet on her wrist while her gaze lingered on the door. This is only the start. My revenge begins now.

Steven told everyone to eat something before getting down to business.

Then Frank’s voice came, cold and hard. “Alicia.”

“Dad.”

They stepped out into the corridor, away from the others. Frank lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his face like fog. His eyes were stormy.

“I’m the one marrying into the Burton family,” Alicia spoke with a small smile. “Shouldn’t you be happy for me?”

“Marriage is a big deal,” he shot back. “Why didn’t you tell me first?”

Frustration flared in his tone. “Do you even see me as your father anymore? Why make me stand there, forcing a smile while everyone watched? Was that fun for you?”

Alicia’s expression didn’t falter. “I should ask the same thing-did you ever once act like a father to me? When I was gone, did you ever bother to call and check if I was okay?”

Frank frowned. “Did I ever let you starve or go without a roof over your head? Now, you call that being a bad father?”

Alicia’s tone cooled to ice. “You were never there for me. Not when I was a kid. Not when I needed you most. Back then, at least I had Mom.”

She looked him straight in the eye. “Then she was gone, and you filled our home with strangers who treated me like trash. When I needed you most, you were nowhere to be found. After everything, you still think you get to ask what you mean to me?

“You never cared who I married, yet you’re furious when I find someone who treats me right. Honestly, would it make you happy if I ended up dead like Mom?”

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11:38 Mon, Jan 5 d

Chapter 50 A Family Fracture

85

Finished

“Alicia!” Frank barked, his voice resonating loudly in the hallway. His gaze fixed on her-the same eyes and face as her late mother-yet the warmth was absent. She resembled a rose blooming in darkness, stunning yet armed with thorns.

“When did you become this bitter?” he asked.

Her lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “Didn’t you make me this way? Tell me something, Dad. After Mom died, did you ever once feel guilty?”

Frank’s jaw clenched. “I’ve said it countless times-It was an accident. It’s been years. Why won’t you let it go?”

Alicia smirked. “That so-called accident took my mother and the father I used to have. Why should I let it go? If you don’t love me, Mr. Gibson, just pretend I never existed.”

“Watch your mouth, Alicia!” His voice rose, raw with anger. “Don’t think you can do whatever you want now that the Burtons are backing you. You’ll always be my daughter-that never changes!”

He flicked his cigarette to the floor and stormed off.

Alicia watched his back disappear, a bitter laugh slipping past her lips. So he really doesn’t regret any of it. Not Mom or what he did after.

Fine. Then I don’t owe this family anything anymore.

She adjusted her clothes, took a slow breath, and turned to leave-only to almost bump into David.

He moved closer, narrowing the gap. His voice was harsh. “Did you enjoy tricking me, Alicia?”

She took a step back, calm and collected. “I lied once, but you lied for three years. So, tell me, David-who truly deceived whom?”

Her eyes were cold and unreadable.

“Yeah, I screwed up,” he explained quickly. “I cheated, for sure. Yet even back then, it was always you, Alicia. Why else would I have stayed?”

She asked fiercely, “You want to talk about feelings, David? Fine. Was it ever about me, or was I just another stupid bet you wanted to win?

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