Ch. 131..135: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 131-135
Chapter 131: Why would you do that
Noah felt his blood run cold and ran to her, falling on his knees and embracing Alice in his arms.
"Alice, what are you doing...." Noah called her, watching the marks on her hands.
Alice didn’t listen to him and kept scratching herself as if she was being possessed and wouldn’t stop until she was done.
Noah turned off the tap, and the water stopped pouring on then. It was as if Alice sensed it. She looked up and saw Noah.
"Noah... you came," she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
"Look, I erased everything," she said like a person who had lost her mind and smiled, letting her tears fall.
Noah felt helpless looking at how vulnerable Alice looked in his arm. She wasn’t the same Alice he knew but someone else with a broken past.
Alice kept smiling until everything around her turned black, and she lost consciousness falling limp into Noah’s arm.
Noah quickly picked her up, took her out of there, and called the doctor. He then rushed to her closet, took out the towel, and helped her dry.
Soon the doctor came and checked Alice." This is the sign of severe depression, Noah. I suggest you keep her away from the thing that would trigger her mind, or else it wouldn’t stop here" he pointed at the nail marks and continued," She can even take her own life."
Noah’s eyes widened in shock, listening doctor’s words, and he looked at Alice, who seemed so fragile while she slept.
"I have given her sedative, and she wouldn’t wake up for at least four hours," the doctor said and soon left.
Sitting next to her, Noah watched Alice’s arms wrapped with bandages. Her face looked pale while her lips turned dry after she soaked herself in water for god knows how long.
God knows what would’ve happened to her if he hadn’t shown up.
Noah caressed the back of her palm, carefully holding her hand with his thumb.
"I wish we would have met before, or else you wouldn’t have to go through so much by yourself."
Noah could still feel a shiver run down his spine, reminiscing Ashley’s words.
Alice was strong that she stood up for herself and ended up with all the ties with those who never wanted her, including her parents.
*****
Knight mansion
After telling Noah everything, Ashley could only hope that Noah would try to understand Alice. She wasn’t like those girls whose life was sorted because she was born with a silver spoon.
Her life was chaotic because the people whom she called her parents never understood her and only kept her dragging into the mess they created. And now Noah being with her gave her some hope that even she would start a new life leaving behind her past.
Grace came and joined her as she was busy pondering in her thoughts." Here is your juice," she said, passing her the glass of orange juice.
"What are you thinking so much?" Grace asked.
"I was just a little worried about Alice. You know her, right?" she asked and saw Grace nod with a smile.
How can she not remember the girl who finally got hold of a playboy wrapped around her little finger?
"How wouldn’t I remember her? She is the woman who stole Noah’s heart" Grace smiled, remembering her face, but soon her smile dropped.
"Why are you worried about her?" she asked.
Taking a deep breath, Ashley looked at Grace and told her everything about Alice. By the end of the story, Grace’s eyes welled up, and she gasped.
"I didn’t know the poor girl had gone through so much" Grace was yet to meet her in person, but now, listening to her, she couldn’t wait to see her had showered her with the love she always graved from her parents.
"It was hard in the beginning, but she came a long way, yet there are some deep holes in her heart that are yet to heal" Ashley had seen the worst but was proud that Alice had coped with it and achieved her dream.
****
Melanin International
Karl was getting restless with each passing second. How could he keep quiet when Gwen was questioning him? Yes, he wanted time to bring himself to the position where he could declare his love bravely to her parents and brother.
Yes, he was a coward now, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t trying. He had been building his self-confidence by looking at the girl who stole his heart. He wanted to be courageous for her because she trusted him blindly.
"No!!!..." standing up from his chair, he voiced," I won’t let her end this," and walked out with hurried steps, looking for Gwen.
His eyes landed on her desk, and his eyes sparkled but soon dimmed when he saw her sad face.
Taking a step, he was about to walk to her but stopped when he saw other employees working around. His confidence suddenly began to decline, and he took a step back.
"I think it’s not the right time to speak," he said, looking at the people and Gwen.
’I should talk to her after work’ nodding, he turned and walked back into his cabin.
*****
Evening
Gwen finished her work and got ready to leave. Taking a step, she stopped, and her eyes averted towards Karl’s cabin.
Her heart felt heavy recalling the incident that happened in the elevator. Gwen was expecting to hear a positive response from him but what she got was silence.
She just wanted assurance about their future because she felt a little insecure after what she heard from Tristan. They both loved each other but couldn’t proclaim their love to anyone.
She understood that he needed time, but how long would it take for him to be brave enough to speak about them?
Heaving out a shaky breath, she looked away and walked from there. As soon as the lift opened, Gwen stepped into it, and the lift closed.
Stepping out of his cabin Karl was about to meet Gwen, but his heart sank when he saw the place empty. Immediately pulling out his phone, he called Gwen, but she didn’t receive it, which made him lose all hope.
"Is she planning to end everything between us" Karl suddenly felt suffocated, and his eyes widened at the possibility?
Taking a long stride, he dashed toward the elevator and stepped in. He soon reached the reception when his eyes caught Gwen walking out of the building.
He was about to run to her when he saw Tristan’s car, and he stopped. Since the entire premise was empty, there was no one to see Gwen stepping into Tristan’s car, and they soon drove away.
Dropping his shoulder in defeat, Karl felt helpless. He wanted to talk with Gwen, but something forced him to take a step back every time.
He looked at the car until it vanished from sight and sighed. With a heavy heart, Karl left from there and drove back home alone.
****
Soon their car reached home, and Gwen stepped out without waiting for Tristan.
Surprised by her behavior, Tristan couldn’t help but smile and followed her quietly without speaking.
Ashley and Grace were busy chatting about different stuff inside the living hall when the main door opened, and they saw Gwen and Tristan enter.
"See, they both are here," Grace said, looking at them, but what surprised her was Gwen’s depressed look.
"Gwen... what happened?" she asked immediately.
Tristan, standing behind Gwen, looked at Ashley, who shrugged her shoulder, asking them, to which he shook his head.
"Mom... can I skip the dinner. I am not feeling well" Gwen wasn’t in a good mood, and she wanted to be alone.
Grace stood up and walked to her," What happened. do you have a fever" she asked, touching her forehead, and yes, her skin was hot.
"No... it’s just I have a headache. I will feel better if I rest," she said and saw Grace nod.
"Okay, go and get changed. I will get some soup for you. You can’t sleep empty stomach," nodding Gwen left there, and Grace, too, headed to the kitchen.
"What’s wrong with Gwen? Did something happen between Karl and her"
Ashley knew Gwen usually came with Karl, and today, when she returned home with Tristan and that depressed look, she couldn’t help but think something wasn’t right between them.
Tristan looked at his wife and grinned, confusing her even more, and she asked," Don’t tell me you did something."
Ashley was aware of Tristan helping Gwen all this while, and his being calm didn’t seem to be digested by her. There was no way Tristan didn’t know anything, or else why would he be at peace knowing his sister fought with Karl?
Wrapping his arm around her waist, Tristan leaned close to her and told her about his plan, which was also the reason for her sadness.
Looking at him in shock, Ashley slapped his hand and stepped away from him," Why would you do that?" she asked, knowing how important Karl was to Gwen.
Karl was yet to figure out everything, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t serious with Gwen. It’s just that he needs some time to bring himself to open up.
Chapter 132: Because I love you
Tristan creased, brushing his arm, which was but soon composed." I did it because I wanted my sister to be happy, okay? How long does he plan to keep her waiting."
Even though Tristan liked Karl, that didn’t mean he gave him the right to keep his sister waiting for him to be bold enough to proclaim their relation to them.
Ashley could only stare at him in disbelief." You are impossible, Tristan." shaking her head, she turned and walked upstairs, leaving Tristan alone.
"Why did you say that" Tristan yelled and ran after her following her to their room and blocking her way once they were inside.
Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath," I know you care for Gwen, but that doesn’t mean you can invade her life. That’s not how it works."
Tristan frowned, listening to her words, and said," I don’t mean to invade her life, Ash. I am just helping them, and trust me, with this plan, Karl would surely realize what he wants from his relationship with Gwen. Will he ever make up his mind, or would he live like a coward and let go of his feeling for Gwen just because he can’t hurt us"
Ashley fell into a deep thought listening to his words, which somewhat made sense. He wasn’t wrong at all. Just because Karl felt he couldn’t hurt Tristan and anyone else, he was holding on.
Yes, they treated him like a family, but that didn’t mean he had to pay them by burring his feeling for the girl who was, unfortunately, the daughter of Knights.
"I think you are right," she muttered when everything made sense, and she looked at Tristan, who pouted.
"I will never do anything that will break anyone’s heart, and you know that still, you got upset," he said, slowly circling his arm around her waist and resting his head on her left shoulder.
Ashley was annoyed with him for nothing, and now she felt terrible for doubting his intentions. Placing her palm on his back, she brushed the surface lightly.
"I’m sorry... I wasn’t thinking straight. Gwen looked so upset that I thought whatever you did would only make her feel horrible" Ashley now understood that when you know, they are the right person for you, there isn’t any hesitation, and that’s what Tristan wanted Karl to believe.
He can’t suppress his feelings for Gwen because of the favor Knights have shown him. If he loved her, he should accept it without being bothered about anything.
"I will forgive you only when I get my daily dose" he pulled back and pouted his lips, asking her to kiss him.
Ashley burst into a smile looking at this cheeky man who didn’t leave a chance of getting a kiss from her, and without any hesitation, she cupped his face and kissed him.
"Better," she asked, pulling apart and seeing him nod his head like a kid," So much better."
*****
Gwen’s room
Lying on her bed, Gwen kept staring at the ceiling above. Her thoughts couldn’t forget the silence she got from Karl, which made her tear up.
Taking a deep breath, she wiped her eyes and turned, closing her eyes when the door to her room opened, and Grace walked in.
"Gwen, drink some soup before you take the medicines," she said, keeping the tray on the side table and helping Gwen to sit.
Her fever wasn’t that high, but she didn’t know how long it would remain the same.
Gwen took the bowl and started slurping the soup. She finished the soup in no time, and Grace gave her the medicine before she walked out of the room.
Even after taking medicine, Gwen couldn’t sleep as she kept thinking about Karl. ’Will Karl give up on me if he can’t bring himself to speak about our relationship to her parents?
Gwen would have never asked him because she had decided to give him time, but when Tristan suddenly brought up the topic of her dating Luke, she realized they couldn’t keep hiding their relationship for long.
Some day or the other, they had to declare it to everyone. Then why can’t they do it now? But everything went down the lane when she saw the hesitation from Karl’s side, and that’s when she realized that he wasn’t even sure if he wanted a future with her.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and tried to brush off her thoughts until she finally fell asleep.
While the girl had just drifted to sleep, her phone began to ring, but she wasn’t even aware since she had muted the ring.
****
"Gwen, pick up the call, please...." Karl was going crazy because he had been calling Gwen for so long, but she didn’t answer him.
Just like the last one, even this call was rejected, and suddenly, he understood the consequences of his actions.
Karl knew that he loved Gwen and that there was no one he would ever come to love again. But still, he ended up hurting her.
He was feeling like an idiot for being quiet when all he had to do was to assure her. But what he did, he ended up breaking her faith, and now he didn’t know what he would do to make up for the mess he made.
"No, I can’t let you ignore me, Gwen. Not now when I know I can’t live without you even for a single day.
Just a few hours, and he was going through hell. What will happen to him when she comes and tells him that she doesn’t want him anymore?
"No...no, I can’t let this happen. To hell with my fear... I can overcome it if I have Gwen by my side." he said with determination.
"I don’t fucking care what anyone will say about us, Gwen, but one thing I am sure of is that I can’t imagine my life without you, and I can’t lose you because of my insecurities."
Karl had finally understood his mistake and was ready to mend it; for that, he had to talk with Gwen. Looking at the time, Karl decided to meet Gwen as soon as sunrise and tell her that he was ready to face his fear, and now he doesn’t care what will come in front of him.
With this thought in mind, Karl got into bed and fell asleep, waiting for the morning so he would see his Gwen.
*****
Alice bedroom
The morning sun came basking through the window and fell on the bodies sleeping on the bed.
Noah didn’t realize when he fell asleep. He had been next to Alice for an entire day, yet she didn’t wake up. The doctor said she would be awake after four hours, but even when Alice didn’t open her eyes, he began to feel anxious.
He called the doctor, who assured him that sometimes it takes hours or an entire day for the medicine to wear out; in Alice’s case, it was the latter.
Once Noah was convinced, he didn’t bug the doctor again and kept sitting next to Alice without leaving her side even for a second.
"Umm..." Alice tried to turn her body but felt restricted.
She slowly opened her eyes and turned her head and saw Noah sleeping beside her, embracing her petite frame in his arms.
Alice watched him sleep with a frown, reaching out her hand to clear that wrinkle on his forehead. Her eyes then fell on the white strap wrapped around her forearm, and she creased.
Memory about the last day flooded her mind, and she gasped immediately, covering her mouth.
Looking at the man sleeping in front of her, she felt miserable for letting him witness her vulnerable side, showing him how broken as a person she was and how terrible her life was.
She wasn’t good for him because Alice knew she would never let go of the past that kept haunting her every day where she felt like killing herself just so the pain she felt all this time would surpass.
" I wouldn’t be surprised if you left me after watching me go crazy like a mad person," she muttered, removing her hand from her mouth.
"And why do you think I will leave you?" the hoarse sleepy voice asked, and she gasped in shock.
Noah woke up by her slight movement but decided to sleep because he knew Alice would take some time to grasp her thoughts about the previous day.
Slowly opening his eyes, Noah looked at Alice. Her eyes widened in shock, showing the terror she felt when he looked at her.
"If you think whatever I saw will make me give up on you, then you are wrong, Alice. Because now, I know the truth, and there is no way I will give up on you" his words came like an oath that startled her even more, making her gasp like a fish.
Before she could open her mouth to say anything, Noah pulled her by her neck and captured her mouth before saying," I love you, Alice. I love you like crazy."
Chapter 133: Alice past (I)
"I am sure your father won’t oppose your decision about not joining the family business, unlike mine, who always keep pestering me on being responsible" Alice took a sip of her latte and looked at Ashley.
After the class was over, they rushed to their favorite coffee shop and ordered some snacks along with the coffee.
"I know uncle Theon is way more different than any father I have seen. He isn’t even showing any interest in your life" Ashley was Alice’s childhood friend who went to the same kindergarten, then school, and college.
Being the daughters of an influential family, they got everything in their life. But it all came with an expectation of getting something back in return.
In Ashley’s case, Richard never forced his daughter and let her do anything she felt was right, but it wasn’t the same for Alice.
Being the only daughter of Theon and Ashlyn Keller, Alice was indeed provided with all facilities an elite would get, but she lacked parental love.
Theon always wanted a son who would eventually become the successor of Keller Enterprises. Still, after Alice’s birth, Ashlyn couldn’t conceive again, and his dream of having a boy remained only a dream.
"He would’ve bothered if he had a boy. I bet he would’ve brought the whole world under his feet," Alice said, rolling her eyes.
She was used to her father’s lack of interest in her life. She had expected at least her mother would support her, but she was just her father’s puppet who worked, according to Theon.
"Anyways, finish this up. Mom wants me early today. We have some guests over," she said and finished her coffee, and they both left from there.
Alice drove back home with her butler Nathen, who was not only her father’s age but also her father’s loyal attendant.
She soon reached the mansion and hurried inside the house, only to get stopped by her mother.
Ashlyn was instructing the servants when she saw Alice and stopped her." Get yourself changed quickly, Alice, and make sure you look presentable. No ponytails or that dazzling earring. Hurry up the guest will be arriving soon," she said and turned her attention back on her work.
Alice didn’t know who the guest was and why her mother was so pushy, asking her to dress up more like a lady. Slowly nodding her head, she walked upstairs to her room.
****
Alice’s room
Tossing her sack on the bed, Alice entered the bathroom to shower. But by the time she came, the guest had already arrived. She could see the faint sound of their voice, and with her hearing skills, she could tell there was one lady and two men.
She quickly got herself dressed just the way her mother said and removed the earring she wore. Without putting on any makeup, she let her original beauty shine, and just like that glancing at herself for the last time in the mirror, she turned and walked out of the room.
*****
Living hall
"I must say Dylan has grown up into a fine man," Ashlyn’s sugarcoat words echoed throughout the hall.
"Here she is," Theon said when he saw Alice walking downstairs and approaching them.
Alice watched her father smile, which he rarely did when it came to her, and that somewhat overwhelmed her. Averting her eyes, she looked at a man and a woman who were just her parent’s age, but a young man was sitting next to them.
"Dylan, this Alice," she heard her father say, and her stare broke from him.
Passing him a smile, she joined her mother, and then she went to see the middle age man." You have a gorgeous daughter, Theon," said Vincent Grey, Dylan’s father. He genuinely praised her.
"I think we should let the children talk," said Madeline, Dylan’s mother.
Alice was quite surprised by her words and looked at her mother, who kept smiling.
"Yes, sure," Theon said and asked Nathan to take the kids to the pavilion
Alice was skeptical, but when her mother glared at her, she followed Nathan quietly and walked until they reached the pavilion on the west side of the mansion.
Giving them privacy, Nathan excused himself and left from there.
"You have a lovely house," Dylan said as he looked at the vast property and then turned to see Alice, who was also looking the same.
"I didn’t know my parents were setting us up," Alice said without beating around the bush and turned her attention to Dylan.
"I can’t tell that about me since I was already informed about this meeting," he said with a smile and pulled out his phone, ignoring her presence.
Alice found his action rude. He was only a handsome face that lacked morals, and Alice didn’t want someone like Dylan to spend her life with.
"I think you should reject the proposal," Alice voiced her thoughts, making him divert his attention from his cell phone.
"Who said you get the choice to reject this proposal?" Dylan kept the phone inside his pocket and crossed his arm.
"What do you mean," she asked, creasing her brow.
Dylan smirked as he looked at Alice and said," I think you should ask your father about it, " He walked past Alice, leaving her clueless about his words.
’What did he mean to ask your parents? What are mom and dad hiding from me’ she thought before she turned and followed the man.
They soon reached the living space where their parents were already waiting. They then had lunch, and soon the Greys left.
*****
"Why didn’t you both inform me about Dylan and over that you even fixed my marriage with him" Alice raised her voice catching her father’s attention.
"Lower your voice, Alice. Did you forget whom you are talking with" Theon was already tense with how Keller Enterprise was doing. To keep their foot firm, he had to do something; for that, he had to let his daughter marry the only heir of the Greys.
Alice pursed her lips and lowered her eyes as if she couldn’t fight her father. Even though he was always indifferent to her, she still loved him. There wasn’t a single day she graved for his father’s love, but she would get ignored every time.
"I don’t want to marry him, dad," she said in a low voice.
Theon raised his brow, looking at Alice," You don’t get to object to me, Alice. You have to marry Dylan whether you want to or not," voicing his final decision Theon walked out of the room.
"Mom..." she then raised her head and looked at her mother, hoping she would help her this once, but her hopes crashed the next moment just like always.
"I can’t go against your father, Alice. Don’t you see how worried he is about keeping the company safe? He needs someone to take care of Keller once he retires, and for that, you must marry someone capable of handling the company."
Alice felt so useless right now. Just because she refused to join the business and pick up photography as her career choice, she didn’t think she had to fulfill her father’s request by giving in to this agreement.
He wanted to marry her off to a man whom she didn’t know. He wanted a successor who would handle his business, and with Dylan as his son-in-law, he would indirectly get their company’s shares.
Her father was an intelligent businessman who had just sold his daughter to save his company from facing a crisis in the future.
Without saying a word, Alice walked out of the room. There was nothing she would do to make them change their minds. Theon was not someone who liked to change his decision.
Entering her room, she shut the door and slid down, feeling helpless. Did they love her? she asked herself, thinking about one moment of her with them being happy.
Closing her eyes, she rested her head on the door. "Would dad be happy if I married Dylan? Would it change his heart on me?"
Alice was desperate to know if her marrying Dylan would make her father look at once.
Rubbing her face, she got up and walked to her bed. Picking the phone from the side table, she made a call.
"Hello," the man said.
"I agree to marry you, but I have one condition," she said.
****
Coffee shop
"WHAT!!!.. you agreed to marry Dylan" Ashley yelled.
"Lower your voice, Ash. Everyone is watching us" Alice covered her face, motioning to calm down.
"Are you even serious, Alice? You are yet to graduate... how can you even think of getting hitched before completing your studies."
Ashley couldn’t believe it when she heard Alice talk about Theon finding a boy for her who was not only his friend’s son but also an investor in his company. She expected her to object, but when she learned that she had agreed to marry that man, she couldn’t accept it.
"He said he wouldn’t stop me from doing anything and would poke his nose in my life," Alice said, recalling Dylan’s words.
It was only a marriage of convenience with no attachment. Dylan wanted Keller, and her father wanted a successor. This was the deal they had made and had agreed to.
Chapter 134: Alice past-(II)
Ashley looked at Alice in disbelief." Why are you doing this, Alice?" she asked.
"Dad will be happy with me, Ash. He would finally see my worth."
Alice only wanted Theon to believe in her and not treat her as his useless child. Though she couldn’t become what he wanted her to be, he would finally see through her with this arrangement.
Ashley knew how badly Alice had craved her father’s attention. But his biased toward having a son destroyed his relationship with Alice, and he started treating her as inferior.
"But what about you, Alice? Are you happy with this? The man you have agreed to spend your life with isn’t even trustworthy," Ashley said, showing her pictures of Dylan and rumors about him being a womanizer.
"You think I didn’t know about this? I do, Ash. But since we both care about each other life, I will ignore it," Alice said casually.
She didn’t care about Dylan because she had searched for him and learned much more about his life in another country.
Ashley sighed, looking at how normal it all seemed for Alice. Did she not know the consequences of being with a man who whore around with many women? Will she ever be happy in that marriage?
*****
A year went by, and finally, Alice got graduated. It was the same year when her engagement with Dylan happened.
Everything was going well. Theon had started to interact with Alice. He even went to attend her graduation day, which was the happiest moment for Alice as she finally started to see the change in her father’s behavior towards her.
She didn’t tell her parents about the condition she put in front of Dylan when she agreed to marry him. Theon and Ashlyn thought Dylan was a man with a clean image, but only she knew what he was in person.
They told her she was lucky to have him as her man, and she would eventually know to appreciate him for marrying her.
****
"Alice, where is your phone? Dylan has been trying to reach you for some time now," Ashly said when she saw Alice returning home.
Alice stopped in her track and checked her phone. Looking for it in her handbag, she found it only dead." It had turned off, mom," she said.
"Okay, now go and call him. Don’t make him wait," she said.
Alice reached the room and quickly plugged her phone into the charging. Once it was charged enough, she made a call to Dylan.
"Why couldn’t I reach you? Didn’t I tell you I don’t like to wait" Dylan voiced his disappointment on the call?
Alice had always seen Dylan as a self-centered man who wanted everyone to pay attention to his request. She never said it but sometimes felt pissed because of this overbearing behavior.
"Stop yelling and come straight to the point," she said as she didn’t want to keep listening to his rant.
There was a long pause, and Alice could tell Dylan was trying his best not to burst on her. But she didn’t care as she wasn’t his servant or his parents to handle his tantrums.
"If you don’t have anything to say, then I will end the call," she said and was about to cut the call when she heard his voice," I want to introduce you to my friends. They couldn’t make it to our engagement ceremony, and now that they are in town, they want to see my fiancé," Dylan said, holding back his anger.
"I am busy," she said, making him more furious.
"Alice... if you don’t come, then I will talk to your father about it, and then it’s your responsibility to answer him," he said and ended the call.
Alice slammed her phone on the bed after listening to his words. Dylan was getting on her nerves with each passing day, which was frustrating.
This wasn’t the first time he had threatened her. Many such incidents occurred when he called Theon, asking permission to let her come with him. Whether it be shopping or just for people’s pleasure, he used every way to show their parents that they were a happy couple.
Knowing that he would call Theon, she agreed to meet his friends.
Alice had thought she would get used to Dylan’s aggressive behavior, but with every passing day, she felt like she was losing her mind. If she weren’t selfish to get her parent’s love, she wouldn’t have paid a glance at such a spoiled brat.
After a few minutes, she got a text from Dylan, who sent her the location and the timing.
"Is he serious? He wants me to meet his friend at the club" Alice thought they would be meeting his friend at some coffee shop or something, but when she read club, she started to have mixed feelings.
Alice had never stepped foot in a club, and she felt strange when Dylan sent her to the club’s location.
"I will just meet them and leave," she said casually, but with little did she know that it wasn’t going to be what she was thinking.
*****
Evening
"Don’t tell me he just asked you to come and meet his friend in the club." When Alice told her about today’s arrangements, it didn’t sound good to Ashley.
"I know, even I found it weird. Who introduces your friends to a club? Others may do, but not me," Alice voiced as she applied some makeup, and as usual, she kept it decent and not over the top.
"Exactly," she heard Ashley and smiled.
"Okay, now I have to rush. Dylan must be here anytime, and as you know, he doesn’t like waiting," they both said in unison and laughed.
Ashley had met Dylan, and just as she heard about the rumors, he gave her some creepy vibes. The way he looked at her left a wrong impression on her, but she never said it to Alice as she was aware of his behavior.
He liked checking out every girl he met or saw, which made them both confirm that he wasn’t someone who would change.
She quickly got ready and walked out of her room. As soon as she reached downstairs, she saw Dylan waiting for her and her parents, who had this happy smile whenever they met him.
She still couldn’t understand how he could act so professionally that he even went on to fool his and her parents. Brushing off her thoughts, she composed herself.
"Time to act, Alice," she muttered and smiled as she walked to them.
"Look, she is here. What took you so long, Alice? Dylan has been waiting for you for so long" Theon smiled and looked at Alice.
Alice could do anything to keep this attitude of her father towards her. What she had been craving for her whole life was finally happening, and she didn’t care if this man next to him wasn’t the one she imagined as her life partner.
If this could bring Theon to care for her once, she would sacrifice herself.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said, looking at Dylan and seeing him approach her.
"Shall we leave Alice?" he said once he stood in front of her and reached out his hand for her to hold.
Looking at her parents, she smiled and held his hand as they walked out of the house.
"I am telling your darling, Dylan was the best choice for Alice. Look how caring he is towards Alice, and I hope my decision of handling Keller in his hands is the correct decision," Theon said and saw Ashlyn nod." You can never be the wrong darling."
*****
Club Dazzle
Soon Alice and Dylan reached the club. Alice looked at the entrance and sighed," Look, I won’t be staying here for too long," she said.
Alice was suddenly feeling uncomfortable looking at the crowd. Maybe she had never been to a place like this which made her feel awkward.
"As you wish," she heard Dylan say and watched him walk ahead.
Alice quietly followed him and entered the club. The loud sound of music burst into her chords, and she flinched.
Just five minutes and she was already regretting her decision to come here. She had to leave this place before she lost her ability to listen.
Alice walked a little more profoundly through the crowd when she noticed Dylan waving his hand towards the two men who stood as soon as they saw them.
"Hey man... it’s been so long," one with the blonde hair said.
"How are you, Dylan? We thought you forgot us," the other, as same Dylan’s height, said.
It looked like they hadn’t met for so long, and now they couldn’t stop hugging each other when they did. Alice felt left out until Dylan turned back at her and pulled her next to him," I would like to introduce you both to my fiancé Alice Keller."
Alice looked at the astonished faces of the two guys, who gasped at her.
’Isn’t she looking fine, or did they see a ghost’ Alice thought, but soon their expression calmed, and the one with the blonde hair said, "I am Brook, and he is Adan. We are Dylan’s friends."
Brook extended his hand to Alice. There was something strange with how they both had been acting when they saw her.
The amused look in Brook’s eyes was replaced with desire. And the way he looked at her made her hesitate for a bit before she reached out her hand for a handshake.
Chapter 135: Alice past-(III)
Pulling away her hand quickly from his hold Alice held her purse. He intimidated her with his burning gaze.
The four of them then settle down, taking their respective seats. Brook and Adan took one couch while Dylan and Alice took the one opposite.
Dylan ordered drinks for them knowing Alice wasn’t a fan of Alcohol. He instead ordered her a soft drink to keep them accompanying.
As time passed by, Alice suddenly began to feel hot. She looked at Dylan, and her vision blurred, but she quickly shook her head, keeping her thoughts intact.
"I will be back," she whispered and got up, heading towards the restroom.
Something wasn’t right, and she thought as she felt her body losing its strength. Her legs wobbled as she finally reached the restroom and entered in.
Standing in front of the sink counter, she looked into the mirror. Her face had turned red, and her forehead was covered with sweat buds.
"What’s happening to me," she said and turned on the tap. Taking had full of water, she splashed it over her face until she felt the heat on her face subside a little.
Even after two or three attempts, Alice still felt something strange with her body.
"I think I should go home," she said and picked up her bag before walking out of the restroom. Just as she stepped outside, she saw Dylan and his friend standing a few distances from her and talking about something.
She stumbled on her step as she tried to reach them when she heard Dylan," She is all yours. Do whatever you want to do with her, and she wouldn’t even remember anything" Alice stopped in her track and hid behind the pillar next to her to listen to them.
"Are you sure she wouldn’t create a scene?" Adan asked because the way Alice avoided talking to them all the time made him guess if she would even give in to them.
"She won’t because the drug I put in her drink must have started working" Dylan’s voice was so cold that scared the shit out of Alice, and she felt betrayed.
"She thinks she can disrespect me every time, and I would keep ignoring it and let her insult me. Not this time. She needs to be taught a lesson. She will realize it is not good to mess with Dylan Grey."
’And it will also help me to get rid of it without hard work,’ he thought further.
Dylan wasn’t someone who took insult lightly, and Alice happened to insult him many times. He was waiting for the right time to get back to her and make her realize her mistake.
Did she think he would keep accepting her rude behavior and disgust-filled gaze whenever she saw him? He had had enough, and now it was time for her to pay. But more than avenging her, he wanted this plan to get successful so he would finally reach his exact goal.
"After tomorrow, I won’t have to keep watching her ugly face. Once Theon transfers his share under my name, I will break off this engagement" Dylan’s eyes turned dark, and he continued," So make sure you complete this task without making any mistakes, or else you won’t be rewarded," he said, instructing both of them.
Alice felt her blood run cold. He planned all this with his friend. She couldn’t believe Dylan would stoop so low to get her to avenge. Yes, she gave him a hard time because he forced her, but she didn’t think her ignorance toward him would make him envy her.
She wiped off her face and reached into her purse, pulled out her phone, and made a call to Ashley.
"Ash picks up the call," she mumbled. The drug was slowly hitting her system, making it hard for her to control her body and mind.
After many rings, finally, the call was picked." Hey Alice, did you get bored that you called me" Ashley could hear the faint sound of music, making her believe that Alice was still in the club with Dylan?
"I am drugged," her ragged voice spoke as she gripped her phone tightly next to her ear.
Ashley went silent for some time when she again heard her," Dylan drugged me. I don’t know how long I would hold onto stand my foot, but I want you to come here to take me."
Alice could now finally understand Dylan’s intention toward her, and she didn’t want to fall into his trap which would make her hate herself her entire life.
She was a fool to think they would spend their life without meddling in each other’s life. Alice felt so stupid not to be able to see through him.
Stumbling back, she collided with the pillar. "I am sending you the location. Please, Ash, take me out of here," she begged, and the phone in hand fell.
Ashley, on the other end, got, gulped in fear and called her name." Alice are you there? Keep talking to me," she kept shouting from the other side, but apart from the sound of the music, she could hear nothing until she heard," Look there she is."
"Shit..." she cursed, climbed down from her bed, took the car keys, and dashed out of the room.
*****
Inside a room
Alice was lying on the bed, her tired eyes looking at the people. Though her thoughts were clouded, she could remember who those men were.
"Let me go, please..." she pleaded, barely raising her voice.
Her body had lost its strength. She could move as if she had been paralyzed and was restricted from doing anything.
"You think we would let you go just like that? No girl, we got paid for this," Broke said as he started to remove his clothes.
Alice frowned as she listened to his words. ’Why would Dylan pay his friend for doing such a ridiculous thing?’ she was already on the verge of passing out, and Brooke’s words confused her even more.
"I will go first," she heard him say to Adan, who stood up from the couch and turned on his camera, ready to take the pictures.
Slowly crawling onto the bed, Brook reached for Alice and saw her cry." Why are you crying, baby? I am going to make you happy," he said, slowly moving his hand on her arms.
"Don’t... touch me, please... I beg you" even after being unable to do anything, she still managed to speak. Lifting her hand, she tried to jerk his hand but couldn’t as her strength didn’t match his.
"You are surely going to love it, Alice. I promise by the time we reach the end, you will be asking for more," he said and pulled the strap of her dress down, exposing the skin and burying his face into her shoulder.
He kept kissing her and heard her cry, asking him to leave, but he didn’t listen. His hand roamed all over her body, making her feel disgusted.
Alice didn’t want such a horrible fate for herself where she wouldn’t be able to face herself and her parents. She tried to save herself. She wanted to run away from these predators.
That lustful gaze and the touch of his hands all over her body were burning her skin. She felt terrible. She felt tainted by just his touch, and as if she could take it anymore, she used all her strength and pushed him away, making him fall from the bed.
"You b**ch," he grunted, feeling the pain.
Alice quickly forced herself to climb down from the bed. Her hair and clothes were messy, but she kept her guard. Her eyes looked around the room when she found a vase on the table.
Quickly running towards the table, she took the vase and broke it before she pointed the sharp thing in front of her.
Adan and Broke got shocked by her quick reflex that they couldn’t move from their place. The girl looked as if she was being possessed. Her red bloodshot eyes screamed danger.
"Alice throws it away," Adan said as he tried to reach her but stopped when she sprung her arm around." Don’t come near me," she warned, making them cringe.
"Alice, don’t act stupid. Throw it away" this time, it was Brooke.
"No... step back, or else I will hurt you" Alice wasn’t going to listen. She was desperate to get out and reach home. She wanted her parents to know what Dylan planned to do with her.
"Ash... where are you" she mumbled, pleading for her arrival. She tried to keep her eyes open but failed when she felt adrenaline rush through her brain and stumbled.
Before she could stabilize, Brook sprinted to her and slapped her, making her fall to the ground, and the next moment, she passed out.
"B**ch," he slapped her again as he couldn’t contain his anger and picked her up from the floor and walked, throwing her limb on the bed.
"Start the recording," his cold voice made Adan gulp. Brook had lost his mind, and now all he could think was to complete the work given to him using a brutal way.
He hovered over Alice and reached his hand to take off her clothes when the door to their room sprung open, and Ashley stepped in with the help of the bouncer, who guided her to rooms in the club.