Chapter Thirty three

Alina’s POV

“Victor? What sort of sick game is this?” I snapped suddenly, fully awake now.

“I take this as a yes, you saw them. I care about Alina, and I wouldn't stop until I get you back.” His voice was calm. Not at all like Victor.

“Fuck you Victor!” I hung up.

He was an asshole and I hated him with all my heart. How dare he?

“Fucking asshole!” I yelled. “God damnit” I slammed my fists onto the mattress angrily, feeling the sting of pain as I hit my palm repeatedly.

I lay still on the bed and after that, I let the warm water from the shower soothe my aching muscles, washing my hair vigorously, trying to wash all of the memories, feelings and emotions away.

Afterwards I dried myself quickly and threw on a pair of jeans and a dark grey T shirt. I tied my hair into a messy bun and grabbed a random sweatshirt out of the closet before exiting the room.

Sebastian wasn't, until he walked in, his face cool.

“You have a guest” There was no trace of joke in his voice, I could tell that we were back to putting up with each other.

“I am not expecting anyone.” I shrugged.

“She wants to see you.”And he left, heading downstairs

Damn, who is she?

I followed him downstairs to the living room to find Vanessa casually sitting in the dining room with Sebastian’s family, drinking tea.

“Sister.” She waved casually as if we were the best of friends. Or rather sisters.

“Good morning.” I greeted everyone , feeling awkward and a little scared.

No one responded, and I earned a snicker from Vanessa. Sebastian cleared his throat and gestured to me to sit but I didn't.

“Can I talk to you for a minute Vanessa?” I asked instead.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Sure.”

She followed me outside the house and closed the door behind her.

“What are you doing here?” I glared, crossing my arms in front of my chest defensively.

She chuckled darkly. “You mean aside from visiting my darling sister?” She raised her hands innocently.

“Yeah, besides that.” I narrowed my eyes at her, not believing anything she was saying. “Drop the act and leave now.” I commanded her.

She studied me for a second, her smile disappearing. “Your in-laws seem to like you.” Her voice reeked of sarcasm .

“What do you want?” I growled, narrowing my eyes again.

She smiled brightly again. “What do I want? Oh please, you've got to be kidding me?”

“Yes, what do you want Vanessa?” I repeated, growing more annoyed by the second. I didn't like how this conversation was escalating.

“How about we start with what wouldn't I want? The life you stole from me? The position?” She continued, smiling and shaking her head as if this was amusing her.

“Well?”

She laughed. “This is going to be fun! So let's see… I'll start small. Do you believe you deserve to live the happy life you have always dreamed of? Well clearly you are not happy here, who knows?” Her expression darkened as she looked me in the eye.

“You don't deserve this. You have never deserved this...” She continued slowly, her tone getting louder with each passing second and by the end, I just wanted to punch her in her smug face.

“I am done waiting for our grandfather’s approval and I am taking things into my hands. So now that I have given you a little heads up, why don't we go back inside and play little happy family?” She clapped her hands together and turned around as if to walk away and I pulled her back.

“Leave.” My tone was dangerously low.

She looked up at me surprised by my sudden change of attitude but only flashed me a wicked grin. “Or what? Will you kill me? Is that it? Will you try to seduce me as you do the others? You are aware that is incest, right?”

“You're full of shit!” I spat furiously.

“Oh? Are you sure? Are you absolutely certain?” She challenged me. “Because if you piss me off, I will yell out your dirty little secrets, your inlaws don't like you already, it could be worse, maybe they will decide to kick you out,” She shook her head and started laughing hysterically. “Wouldn't that be so funny?”

“Shut up! Shut the fuck up!!” I shouted, my anger getting the better of me.

She stared at me wide eyed, finally shutting her trap. “Wow. That's the first time someone has ever told me to shut the fuck up,” She said dryly.

My jaw clenched and I clenched my hands balled into fists.

Just then the door opened. “Is everything alright ?”

Sebastian asked, stepping into the hallway as he came in.

Vanessa and I immediately stood up straight as we faced him.

“Of course. My sister and I were just trying to catch up, isn't that so darling sister?” Her voice reeked of false cheeriness.

Sebastian stared at her intently and for a moment I thought he was going to say something. Then he turned to me as if to confirm.

“She is right, everything is fine. We are just catching up.” I replied, forcing a smile on my face.

He studied me even harder but thankfully, kept quiet and nodded. I know Sebastian wasn't a fool, he could tell when something was wrong. I didn't want him asking about it later on. I couldn't tell him about Vanessa or anything else. He knew enough.

Moreover this was not an actual marriage, this was a temporary inconvenience and I was going to find my way out of it. I always did, I always will.

He stepped away from us and started making his way back to the dining room.

I sighed and ran my hands down my face tiredly. I was completely exhausted from what had happened in those few minutes. I followed him and I could feel Vanessa following closely as well.