Chapter 76 - seventy six
Chapter Seventy-Six
Malachi’s POV
I was driving us to the park, watching Alicia out of the corner of my eye. She had the window rolled down, her silver hair whipping around her face as she smiled at everything we passed.
She was happy. Genuinely, completely happy. And I’d done that. I’d given her this moment.
The feeling that gave me was better than any business deal I’d ever closed. Better than any revenge I’d ever taken. Better than anything.
"Look at that dog!" She pointed excitedly at a golden retriever on the sidewalk. "It’s so fluffy. Do you think Pa Wood’s Charlie would like a friend? Maybe we should get him a friend."
"Charlie is fine alone," I said, trying not to smile at her enthusiasm.
"But everyone needs friends. Even dogs. Especially dogs." She was rambling now, her words tumbling over each other. "Maybe a cat too. Do you like cats? I like cats. They’re independent but also cuddly. Like the best of both worlds."
I did smile then. Couldn’t help it. This version of Alicia, unburdened and carefree, was addictive. I wanted to keep her like this forever. Wanted to build a world where she could always be this light.
"You’re in a good mood."
"I’m in the best mood." She turned to look at me with those eyes that saw too much and not enough at the same time. "This is nice. Just us. No mansion. No family. No responsibilities. Just a normal morning."
Just us. Like that was something simple. Something we deserved.