ALICIA.

LUCIEN'S POINT OF VIEW. Before I could leave, the sound of him croaking on the floor stopped me in my tracks. He attempts to stand, but his feet are shaking, so he grabs onto the table instead, and says; “I’m trying to help you. You and I both know what her mother means to you, and your mind.” I close my eyes at the memory and the sting, before the face of Sloane rushes to mind, and instantly calms me. A few beats after, I open my eyes, and giving him my deadpan stare, I walk slowly to where he is hunched over. “Don’t you dare use that. We both know exactly how my mother died.” His eyes widen, if it can be called that, because they’re closed shut from how swollen they are. “Lucien,” He says, swallowing, “When will you finally forgive me? I never meant for any harm to come to Alicia.” “You say that, but was my mother meant to smile and dance around at the sight of you sleeping with her friends, her secretary, every fucking woman around her. You and I know exactly why you did that; it’s