I had loved him too deeply, surrendering without a second thought. But looking back, the truth was painfully clear: he had never feared losing me. He had feared that my talent would outshine Kennedy, so he clipped my wings before I ever had the chance to soar.
How ridiculous.
A bitter laugh caught in my throat as grief swelled in my chest, rising and falling with each ragged breath. Tears streamed down my face, hot and relentless.
Slowly, I pushed the safe back into place and then reached for my phone.
"Professor Cowell, about your invitation to return to the design world, I’ve made up my mind."
"Give me two days. I’ll be there soon."
Determination burned away the last remnants of hesitation. I pulled myself together, packed my luggage with swift efficiency, and set fire to everything tied to Brynn, every trace of him reduced to ash.
Just as I was about to leave, the sound of movement at the door made me freeze. Instinct kicked in. I restored the house to its previous state and walked toward the entrance, my expression composed.
I expected Brynn. Instead, it was Alphonso, the so-called "little brother" I had picked up a year ago.
Back then, he had rear-ended my car, throwing himself onto the pavement with all the dramatics of a street performer.
Despite barely having a scratch, he had clutched his arm, feigning agony, insisting I take responsibility.
Like a pitiful, love-starved child, he had clung to me ever since.
Helpless, I had taken him to the hospital, bought him food, and watched as he devoured it, only for him to grin and declare that he wanted me to be his sister.
Back then, I had believed in fate, convinced we shared some kind of inexplicable bond. But looking back now, knowing how long he had been acquainted with Elijah and Brynn.
Lol. They had likely been scheming against me from the very beginning.
Quietly, I pressed the button on the recording device hidden in my pocket. I had taken precautions long ago, ever since overhearing that conversation outside the private room.
Sure enough, the moment Alphonso saw me, he pouted, his voice sickly sweet. "Sis, are you home alone?"
I gave a cold nod; already certain Brynn had sent him.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Alphonso strolled inside as if he owned the place. His expression turned pitiful as he clutched his stomach, his flushed face adding to the act. Like a stray dog seeking warmth, he tugged at my sleeve, his voice laced with childish longing.
"Sis, my stomach hurts... I miss the meal you made for me when we first met."
"I knew my brother-in-law wasn’t home, so I came rushing over just for you."
Catching the implication in his words, I took a step back, keeping my tone firm. "Alphonso, if you're sick, go to the hospital. And mind your boundaries."
Alphonso shook his head and his eyes, those soft peach blossoms brimming with unshed tears.
"No, sis… Don’t you see? I’ve loved you all this time. That’s why I’ve stayed close, silently watching over you. I…"
His voice wavered as he took a step closer, his gaze locking with mine, and leaned in to kiss me. But I stopped him with a firm shake of my head.
"I’m married. I won’t fall for you, and I won’t betray him. You should know that by now."
I turned on my heel, heading toward the door, when, like some twisted timing, Brynn walked in. His eyes immediately found us, and his gaze hardened at the sight of Alphonso almost pulling me into his embrace.
Feigning shock, Brynn’s voice rose. "You! Allison, behind my back…"
Alphonso didn’t miss a beat, his smug grin spreading as he grabbed my hand and claimed with a self-satisfied air, "Brother-in-law, no more games."
"The truth is, my sister and I…"
I let out a soft, exasperated sigh, keeping my face expressionless as I casually pulled the recording device from my pocket, offering an innocent excuse.
"I was just helping a friend record some music. And look at this, seems I accidentally recorded everything that just happened."
"Cheating or not, shall we listen to the truth? Let’s see what it has to say."
Alphonso’s face turned pale, and Brynn’s expression tightened in disbelief, the weight of their embarrassment sinking in.
With that, Alphonso’s elaborate scheme to trap me crumbled entirely.
Brynn stormed over, his anger palpable as he raked into Alphonso before kicking him out without hesitation.
But in the blink of an eye, his demeanor shifted. He turned back to me, a soft, almost tender smile curving his lips as he pulled me into his arms.
"Allison, it’s not that I don’t trust you. I just acted impulsively because I care about you more than I can say. I’m sorry."
"By the way, my father’s birthday is in two days. You’ll come and send him your regards, won’t you?"
Two days... the very day I had planned to leave.
Inside the safe, nestled among forgotten trinkets, lay a note, one that spoke of the very day Brynn planned his little trip to the museum with Kennedy.
I glanced at Brynn, his gaze warm with affection, and gave a simple nod. “Alright, I’ll go and pay my respects. What about you? Will you join me?”
But Brynn, already wrapped up in plans for Kennedy, hesitated. His tongue darted out nervously as he quickly spun an excuse.
"I have work to take care of. I’ll be back late. We’ll figure it out later. Let’s just rest for now."
He stretched, his movements sluggish, and made his way toward the bed. But I saw through him, saw through everything, and my smile only deepened, a silent promise lingering in my eyes.
The day of my departure arrived faster than expected. That morning, I approached Brynn’s safe with purpose, opening it and placing the note in the most visible spot I could find.
I left my message: [That night in the private room, I heard everything.]
Dragging my suitcase toward the door, I hesitated for just a moment, my hand hovering over the handle. Then, with a quiet resolve, I turned back. I picked up the pregnancy report and the miscarriage certificate, carefully laying them on top.
This time, there was no second-guessing. I left without a backward glance.
Meanwhile, Brynn was at the museum with Kennedy when his phone rang. It was his father asking where I was. His chest tightened.
Of course, I ignored every call that came in. And when he couldn’t reach me, he sent his men after me.
One of them found my home. After a long hesitation, they finally gathered the courage to speak up.
“President, Madam… seems to have left you completely…”
