Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 8

The headmaster had scraped together what little she earned, pinching every penny to put her brightest student through college. Alicia couldn't just die before she'd even had the chance to give back.

Over the years, Vincent hadn't sent Alicia much money. He'd simply handed her a supplementary credit card and told her to use it for whatever she needed.

But what could Alicia really buy? That designer bag she'd splurged on for over four thousand dollars had been, by far, the most extravagant and selfish thing she'd ever done.

All through school, Alicia still worked three part-time jobs a day, sending every cent she could spare back to the orphanage.

"God, this is so damn boring," Henry muttered under his breath, leaning against the wall as he took a drag from his cigarette.

Mira glanced at him. "Well, my brother's done with her. You've always wanted a shot, haven't you? Why don't you take her with you?"

Henry's eyes lit up, but he sneered, "Please, like I'd want leftover trash."

Alicia pushed herself up off the ground, ignoring all three of them as she strode straight for the door.

"Seriously? Does she have a death wish or something?" Cecilia, the most hot-tempered of the group, bristled. They were so used to being adored and obeyed, they couldn't stand Alicia's stubbornness.

Vincent had proposed today, and even called Alicia over in front of everyone. It was basically his tacit approval for these three to keep tormenting her. So Cecilia didn't bother holding back.

She lunged and kicked Alicia hard from behind, sending her sprawling right into the garden's decorative pond.

It was November in Seaview City, already chilly, and the water was icy cold—sharp and biting.

Alicia scrambled upright, drenched and shivering, hastily wiping her face.

She couldn't tell if she was crying. It didn't matter—her tears were lost in the freezing water anyway.

"Are you done?" Vincent's voice finally broke through the chaos; maybe even he couldn't stand to watch anymore.

Alicia knew deep down that Vincent didn't want to intervene in front of Mina. He knew what these three did to her, but he wanted Mina reassured, free of suspicion or doubt.

Vincent was willing to sacrifice her for his own love.

Mina stepped out as well, taking in Alicia's dripping, miserable state with wide-eyed surprise. "Oh my god, Alicia, how'd you end up in the pond?"

"She fell in herself…" Cecilia's voice trembled as she lied, glancing away.