" I'm glad you finally have the time to accompany me. Quinn is always busy with work that it's been a while since I've had a chat with him. Tina....you should speak to him. Tell him family is more important that work. "
A middle aged woman said tenderly holding Tina's hand as they browsed the antique shop.
Tina nodded obediently with a smile.
" Rest assured Mrs. Winters, I will make sure I talk to him. It's just that....Now that Quinn is married, it's understandable that he won't have time for you since his new wife may want his attention. "
Mrs Winters pretty face turned into a frown as her eyes narrowed. She pressed Tina's hand gently and sighed.
" This girl is really too much! I didn't object when Quinn decided to get married to her because that was the only way out. You should talk to Quinn more often and don't allow that lowly wench to bewitch him. Quinn is very fickle and almost easy to deceive once he sees a person with a kind heart. "
Tina bit her lip and shrugged her shoulders.
" Alyssa is a very nice girl. I'm sure she will have her reasons for doing so. I think she will make...she will make a good daughter in-law " Tina choked on her last words and a drop of tear escaped her beautiful eyes, running across her porcelain cheek before landing on the woman's hand.
Tina sniffed and quickly wiped her tears. Mrs. Winters stopped Tina's hand and proceeded to wipe the tears.
" Hush! my dear, A pauper like her can never be accepted into our family but with you here...." Mrs. Winters gave her a pat on the cheek. " What more can I ask for other than a beautiful, sensible and independent woman. You are the one for Quinn. Thinking about you two, it's almost time to your engagement party. By then, the world will welcome the daughter in-law of The Winters"
" Mrs. Winters...." Tina smiled shyly and lowered her head.
*
Alyssa adjusted her glasses with great difficulty. Part of the lens had broken off and the handle was also displaced. She squinted her eyes as she got outside her college.
She caught sight of the driver who waved at her. She smiled and held tightly her backpack before walking towards him.
" Good afternoon Madam. Sir is waiting for you " He opened the door for her to get in . She offered him a polite smile and got into the car.
" You're late" Quinn said in a low voice. Alyssa shifted uncomfortably hearing his low voice. She took quite a lot of time to get dressed. She had even tied her hair up in attempt to make Quinn notice her not–so–special neckline.
" What are you thinking about?" Quinn asked in an amused tone. Alyssa licked her lips and turned to look at him.
" I thought you were angry...angry because I delayed you"
Quinn smiled and shook his head. " It's normal for females to always be late..."
"Oh..." She ran her hand through her neck and stared out of the window.
" Grandmother's birthday is in a week time."
Alyssa nodded slowly in understanding. It's no wonde he asked me out. I shouldn't have had another thought. She said inwardly as she pushed up her glasses.
Quinn cast her a side glance and moved closer to her.
" What happened to your spectacles? Is it loose?"
" No...it's nothing. I fell and it got broken. It's manageable "
The air in the car turned cold causing Alyssa to be unable to stare at Quinn. She hurriedly moved towards the car's door and glued her face to be the window.
Quinn noticed her terrified gesture and decided not to comment on it. They ignored each other through out the ride.
*
Alyssa got back to school with slumped shoulders and her head lowered down. On one hand, she didn't want to return to college. One the other hand, she had to return to fulfil her dream.
" Alyssa? " She felt a sudden jerk and turned to look at the person beside her. A big smile was plastered on Bianca's face as she clung onto Alyssa's hand.
Alyssa managed to smile in response and tried to get her hand out of Bianca's grip but failed to do so.
" Um...you"
Bianca didn't seem to notice that Alyssa was uncomfortable. She kept pulling her along.
" I'm really sorry about what happened between us yesterday. I had no choice so I had to follow Natalie's order. You see, in this college, you have to be under someone's protection or else, your life will be miserable if you get noticed by someone and eventually making them dislike you.
Natalie happened to save me from a group of bullies and in exchange, I will have to be devoted to her for two years. So you can't blame me right?"
Alyssa swallowed hard and began thinking what she could do to avoid being noticed or inciting their dislike for her. She pursed her lips and raised her head to stare at the taller girl beside her. She felt instant pity for Bianca when she thought about the pain she has to endure to be Natalie's minion.
" Why are you telling me this?" Alyssa asked in a quiet voice felling complicated.
Bianca was visibly shocked at Alyssa's question but was quick to compose herself. She flashed her unbridled smile that was oozing sincerity and trust.
" Well...I want you to be a very good friend of mine. It's been months since college has resumed and I haven't had a close friend since Natalie feels I'm insulting her if I have a friend that's lower in class. "
Alyssa opened her mouth to quickly protest against Bianca's words but the girl was quick to cut her short.
" Look, I know what you're about the to say. If no one believes me, I will still stand on my ground and if you still prefer to be insincere, I know the truth." She took a deep breath. " At least a little bit of the truth" She huffed her rolled her eyes which made her look fiery and cool at the same time.
Alyssa was a bit satisfied and her lips stylishly curved upwards. She was glad someone was very willing to be friends with her.
" But.... Natalie, won't she try to make my life more miserable that it already is? Also, I don't understand your previous statement. I already told you, I'm not the girl that was in the video. I think you're greatly mistaken. " Alyssa processed to walk away.
" I grew up in a rich family surrounded by lots of wealthy fashionable things, met with several people of high class. I know almost every popular designer in the whole of United States and I can spot any of their creations from afar. I know of course you don't have the air of nobility around you but I don't want to mind either way. I really want to he your friend."
*Is there really someone as desperate as she is* Alyssa wondered strangely eying Bianca.
The two girls stood at the front of library and Alyssa offered an apologetic smile.
" I have to go now. " Alyssa hurriedly entered the library and took in a deep breath. She walked in regardless of the stares she revived from the students occupying the library. She found a spot close to the window to sit and brought out her notes. She had a lot to cover up on her own since she had missed a great deal of classes which would take her quite a lot of time to meet up.
She recounted her conversation with Quinn. Although he told her not to worry about providing his grandmother birthday gift, she still felt the need to do so. She began thinking of ways to impress the matriarch of Winters family whom she has never set her eyes on.
'' I obviously can never afford anything expensive. " She scratched her neck and tried to think.
Beep! Beep!
Her phone vibrated a d she turned her attention to it. From her rear view, she saw other students picking up their phones. It was a circular meant for the students.
Alyssa stared at her phone screen in disbelief unable to comprehend what she was seeing. Different emotions ran through her and it was hard for her to tell if she was happy or sad, whether to laugh or cry.
" As expected, he isn't just Quinn Winters for nothing. He is really capable. ''
Alyssa's heart swelled up. She was really proud of her husband a d her position as his wife. His legal wife.