Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 3

Maybe I was just too stubborn to die—Alicia survived because someone rescued her.

When she woke, it was already the next morning.-

"Bruising on the right arm, mild concussion, multiple soft tissue injuries…"

The doctor stood by her bed, glancing down at her chart before meeting Alicia's eyes. "Is there anywhere else you feel pain?"

Alicia shook her head, then reached for her phone. Not a single call from Vincent.

But for the first time ever, Vincent—who never posted on social media—had uploaded a photo. The picture was taken on a sunlit beach, the sea a brilliant blue. The view was stunning.

But the real focus was Mina, dressed in a flowing bohemian dress, more beautiful than the scenery itself.

Alicia curled up, pulling the blanket over her head. Quietly, she cried.

Four years with Vincent. What did that make her?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

…

After being discharged, Alicia returned to her cramped apartment, swallowed an ibuprofen, and collapsed into bed.

She must have nerves of steel—she slept for an entire day before she finally felt halfway human again.

After slapping on a few pain relief patches, Alicia dragged herself to work.

She needed that intern paycheck, after all.

"Did you see Mr. Lawson's post? My God, he never shares anything online! He really broke his own rule for Miss Holloway—how romantic is that?"

"He's the perfect man, honestly. All these years, so self-disciplined, just waiting for Miss Holloway."

Alicia had barely stepped into the office when she overheard her coworkers gossiping.

She let out a bitter laugh and dropped into her seat. Vincent really did love Mina.

But "self-disciplined?" Hardly.

Alicia found it all rather ironic. Maybe all men were the same; love and physical desire could be completely separate things.

He loved Mina with his heart. But his body? He'd never hesitated to share that with Alicia.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the elevator.

Alicia looked up and felt her blood run cold.

Mira was here.

"Get out of my way!" Mira's heels clicked across the floor as she strode in, clad in a designer suit and radiating entitlement.

Alicia instinctively ducked her head, shrinking into herself. The shadow of freshman year bullying still hadn't faded.

"Alicia, my brother's coming home today. He and Mina are getting married." Mira leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper, like the devil murmuring in her ear.

She let out a mocking laugh. "I told you four years ago—the day my brother leaves you is the day you're finished…"

Alicia froze, every muscle tense.

Four years, and Mira still wouldn't let her go.

Smack! Mira slapped Alicia across the face, right in front of everyone.

Alicia didn't fight back. She didn't even make a sound.