Chapter 013
Kelvin stormed into his office, his cheek still burning from Alina’s slap, though it hurt his pride more than his face. He slammed
the door and threw his keys on the desk. Just as he turned to sit, the door creaked open.
Donovan and Noeul stepped in, Donovan already laughing.
“Tell me I didn’t just see that happen,” Donovan said, wiping a fake tear from the corner of his eye.
They had followed Kelvin in secret, wanting to see if Alina was still the same girl they remembered. Clearly, she wasn’t.
Donovan laughed louder. “That slap echoed, man. Like a church bell in a cathedral. I swear my ancestors felt it.”
Kelvin shot them a deadly glare, but it only made them laugh more.
Donovan leaned on the desk, grinning. “Be honest, did it hurt?”
Kelvin didn’t reply, but the way his jaw tightened said enough.
“Alina’s got some serious aim,” Donovan said, shaking his head. “I respect that.”
Kelvin’s fists clenched. “Get out.”
“Alright, alright… relax,” Donovan said, rolling his eyes. Then his tone shifted, more serious now. “You’re really just gonna let her
walk away after that?”
Kelvin’s lips pressed together.
“You’re going to let her go without a warning? Did she forget you only dated her because you pitied her? I mean, she was so
desperate for your attention,”
Kelvin let out a slow breath, his voice cold. “Alina’s always been emotional. All I have to do is pull the right strings. She’ll come
running back… crying and begging.”
Donovan raised a brow. “What are you planning to do?”
Kelvin didn’t answer. He turned his chair toward the window, staring out at the city. Alina’s angry face flashed in his mind…
followed by the sting on his cheek.
He touched his cheek lightly, then clenched his hand into a fist.
“She’ll regret ever raising that hand against me,” he muttered.
*****
At work, Alina quietly looked at the flower arrangement she had just finished. She gently touched the petals, admiring the soft mix of colors she had picked. A small smile appeared on her face as she read the hidden meaning behind the combination.
Never in a million years. That was what the flower language translated to.
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Chapter 013
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“Who’s the unlucky person getting that message?” her boss asked, stepping behind her with a raised brow.
Alina took a breath. “Grandma Linda.”
“Who is it? And what did she do to deserve that?”
Alina laughed softly. She had just wanted to convey the message that she’d never marry Grandma Linda’s grandson since she didn’t like him, but now it didn’t feel like the right one.
“You’re right… that doesn’t suit her.” She gently pulled the arrangement apart and began selecting new blooms. This time, ones that spoke of health, peace, and longevity.
She smiled and took in the fresh scent of the flowers. Soon, the day was over and it was time to go home.
When Alina got home, she saw Lorraine on the couch watching a documentary.
Without taking her eyes off the screen, Lorraine asked, “So, how did it go with Aiden?”
Alina sighed, remembering how all the men at his house weren’t wearing gloves, but everyone else was.
She shared a few small details, enough to give Lorraine a glimpse without going too deep. Lorraine listened intently.
“Wait, his grandma actually said that? She wants you two to get married?” Lorraine said, surprised.
Alina arched an eyebrow. “Why do you sound excited? This whole thing ends in a matter of days.”
“What do you mean, ends?” Lorraine finally muted the TV and turned fully to face her. “Don’t you want to be part of that world? To be respected? To be Mrs. Blackwood?”
“Lorra, you don’t get it, do you? I should fake-date him, maybe even marry him, when I don’t love him?”
“Love can grow. You didn’t plan to fall for Kelvin, but it happened,” Lorraine replied.
Alina stared at her, stunned by how easily Lorraine could throw around words like “marriage” and “love” as if they were items to be picked off a shelf. Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, she stood up.
“I’m going to bed,” she said, turning to leave.
But Lorraine grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down.
“Not tonight. You’re not walking away over something this minor.”
Alina sighed. “I’m exhausted, Lorra. I’m seeing Aiden again tomorrow, and I’ve got work to catch up on. I need sleep.” She gently
freed her hand.
“But you haven’t eaten anything.”
“A coworker treated us to dinner earlier,” Alina said, and Lorraine nodded.
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Chapter 013
“Goodnight,” Alina added as she stood and walked away.
+25 BONUS
“Most people would kill for a chance like this… Why isn’t she thrilled even after all the news?” Lorraine muttered under her
breath.
The next day passed quickly. Alina looked at the bouquet she’d just finished, picked it up gently, and checked the time-almost 4 PM. She grabbed her bag, called out to her boss, “I’m off, Fred,” and rushed to catch a cab to Aiden’s mansion.
She arrived just as the clock struck four.
Inside, Aiden sat checking the time. As the door opened, he looked up; first at her, then at the bouquet in her hands.
“This is for Grandma Linda,” Alina said, holding the flowers out.
Jesse stepped forward and took them from her.
Aiden walked toward her, and she instinctively stepped to the side.
“Follow me,” he said. Alina raised an eyebrow but followed him anyway.
They got into the car, and Jesse took the wheel, driving them to a location Aiden had instructed.
Soon, they stopped in front of an upscale boutique.
Alina looked at him. “Why are we here?” she asked, but he was already stepping out of the car without answering.
Just as Alina was about to follow, she spotted someone approaching…Jennifer. Her sister’s sly smile made Alina instantly
suspicious.
A familiar sense of déjà vu washed over her. Then it hit her: this was just like the stunt Jennifer had pulled the day she and Kelvin
officially started dating.
“Hey, sis,” Jennifer called out sweetly right before pretending to trip, aiming to fall conveniently into Aiden’s arms.
But Alina moved faster.
She grabbed Aiden’s wrist and yanked him toward her. He stumbled, crashing into her chest. A surprised gasp escaped Alina as his
hands instinctively landed on her waist, steadying them both.
Meanwhile, Jennifer hit the ground with a thud, letting out a dramatic cry. “Alina!”
Aiden turned to her in concern, but Alina grabbed his tie, pulling him back to face her, so close their lips almost touched.
“Don’t look at another woman.” she said, eyes steady on his.
Aiden remained still, eyes locked with hers. What if he was right? What if he was just a pawn in her game?
Letting go of his tie, Alina turned to Jennifer, who was still on the ground.
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“Oh no, you’re on the floor? Who pushed you?” Alina asked innocently, crouching beside her. “You know how jealous I get, Jen. I don’t take it lightly when someone touches my man.”
Her smirk widened as she watched Jennifer’s expression twist in fury.
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