Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 187

"I don't really need any special care," Serena insisted, her voice soft but unwavering. "It's just... I prefer being around people. I don't like being alone. The doctors at the convalescent home said I shouldn't be by myself, and Melanie has school during the day, so she can't stay with me. Honestly, I'd rather keep Alicia company."

She even produced a slip of paper from her purse—a doctor’s note, apparently—to reinforce her point, glancing at Tyrone as if to remind him of his responsibility.

Alicia couldn't help but feel a faint chill creep up her spine. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but there was something in Serena’s tone—a subtle, unspoken threat. As if to say: if you don’t let me stay in the house, something bad might happen.

Tyrone turned to Alicia, his expression expectant. "The house belongs to Alicia now, so it’s her decision," he said, hoping she’d come up with a reasonable excuse to refuse. With any luck, Serena would drop the matter.

But Alicia hadn’t seen that coming. Just like that, the problem landed squarely in her lap. She barely had time to think before blurting out, "Serena, I’m more of a quiet person... How about I ask Wilma to stay with you? I don’t really need much help right now anyway."

It was the truth—she had no desire to live under the same roof as Tyrone’s first love. Who knew what awkward situation might arise, what wrong word she might say?

And, if she was honest with herself, she didn’t want to share Tyrone with anyone. Not even in the smallest way.

Tyrone nodded in agreement. "That works. Wilma’s been part of the family for years, and she’s always gotten along well with you and Melanie. You’ll have someone to talk to."

Serena’s face fell. She opened her mouth as if to protest, but seeing neither Tyrone nor Alicia willing to budge, she simply turned away and stared out the window in silence.

Melanie watched her mother, her own emotions tangled and heavy. She knew how much Serena loved Tyrone—how desperately she’d hoped to marry him one day. But now, Tyrone belonged to someone else. And Alicia… she wasn’t just any woman. There was something different about her.

—

That evening, Tyrone took Alicia, Serena, and Melanie out to a quiet bistro for dinner. The food was simple and mild, chosen with Serena’s health in mind.

Alicia found herself feeling queasy. She was still in the early stages of pregnancy, so the morning sickness shouldn’t have started yet, but the bland aroma of the broth and steamed fish made her stomach churn. Secretly, she longed for something spicier, something with real flavor.