Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 24

Apartment.

When Alicia returned, Vincent was sitting on the couch, waiting for her.

"This tantrum of yours is a bit much, don't you think?" Vincent's tone was low, his eyes scanning the room. "You even packed up your things? Is this supposed to be some kind of protest?"

Alicia walked over, her voice hoarse. "You'll give me back the scholarship spot, right? I brought it up with you six months ago. This study abroad program means everything to me. You promised, Vincent—"

She dropped to a crouch in front of him, her eyes anxious and pleading.

She'd told Vincent about this more times than she could count, but every time, he brushed her off like it didn't matter.

Vincent hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes, but pride kept his tone cold. "It's just a scholarship, Alicia."

The truth was, he remembered now—she had asked about it half a year ago. But yesterday, when Mina mentioned her cousin wanted the spot, Alicia had completely slipped his mind.

"It really matters, Vincent… I've never begged you for anything, not once. Just this one time—can't you help me?" Alicia's voice was desperate, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Call her pathetic, call her shameless—it didn't matter anymore.

All she wanted was a chance. Just one. A way to climb up, to change her life.

Vincent exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Even if you can't go, I'll take care of you. Whatever you want, I'll make it up to you." He couldn't go back on his word to Mina now, not after he'd already promised.

Alicia's eyes widened with panic. She lurched to her feet, her voice trembling. "I don't need that! I don't want your handouts, Vincent, or to be your kept woman. I won't be someone you can toss aside whenever you get bored—a secret you never let see the light of day!"

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stepped back, staring at him. "All I want is this chance…"

Better to fight her way up, no matter how bloody, than spend her whole life swallowing her pride.

But growing up as an orphan at the bottom of the ladder, even the ticket to enter the race could be snatched away by someone with more power.

That's why she needed Vincent, needed this chance more than anything.

"That spot was mine. I earned it—my portfolio, my grades, everything. It was supposed to be mine. How can you just—let someone else take it?" Alicia's voice broke, bitter and raw.