The LockHearts were on vacation. Thank God they were.
As I stood in front of my home, several sirens wailed down the road.
The family villa was on fire.
Standing on my shoulder was the King of Mice, PuriPuri.
"How the hell did you do that?" I finally asked.
PuriPuri shook his head violently. "I was merely binding with you! It was my first time, so maybe…that's why…"
We both fell silent.
The LockHearts were going to murder me when they returned.
"Alice!"
"....?!"
A voice I knew far too well.
I turned, and there he was, Alexander White, storming toward me with pure rage stamped on his face. His eyes narrowed, smoke practically puffing from his nose as he pointed at me.
"What have you done this time?! Are you acting out again?!"
"...….?!"
Before I could open my mouth, he marched forward and grabbed my wrist.
"Ouch! Let me go!"
"I've had enough of you!" he snapped. "Are you really that jealous of Jasmine? Jealous because no one took you to Greece? Your parents already told you, it was your punishment for pushing her down the stairs!"
"Let me go, Alexander White! I didn't do anything!"
But of course, he didn't hear a word.
"Did you really have to set the villa on fire?! If even one thing of Jasmine's is damaged-"
SLAP.
His words cut off. Alexander froze, covering his cheek in shock.
I glared at him with fury.
"Hey! Did you go deaf overnight? I said I didn't do anything! Or has your hearing gotten so bad from worshipping Jasmine that you've developed an ear infection?"
Alexander's jaw practically hit the ground. He stared at me like I had grown two heads.
"Alice… you're insane."
I snickered, giving him a slow, mocking smile.
"Is everything okay here?"
A female officer hurried toward us.
Perfect.
I inhaled sharply, widened my eyes, and let them shimmer with fake tears as I turned dramatically toward her.
"O-Officer… hic...hic… t-that man physically assaulted me!"
I pointed at Alexander like he was a serial criminal.
The female officer immediately wrapped an arm around me protectively before glaring daggers at the speechless Alexander.
"It's alright, dear. You're safe now. We'll protect you."
Then she turned on him with full fury.
"And YOU! Young man! How dare you hurt a girl?! Right in front of the police?!"
Alexander finally snapped out of his shock, rage shaking through his entire body.
"She's LYING! I didn't do anything! I just grabbed her hand!"
His eyes flicked down to my wrist.
The purplish bruise was still there.
Alexander's words died in his throat.
His eyes trembled in confusion.
He knew he didn't grab me that hard so why did the mark look so horrible?
He swallowed hard and finally shut up.
***
Turns out, the police give you ice cream when you're hurt.
I was thoroughly enjoying my double scoop, chocolate and vanilla, the perfect combo.
The trip to the station had been surprisingly pleasant. The only person not enjoying himself was Alexander White, still stuck inside getting a lecture from the officers. Since the harm wasn't severe, he got off lucky, a mere slap on the wrist.
"Oi, you really are a despicable villain," Puripuri said, taking another bite of my ice cream. "Honestly, you live up to your reputation."
"Where did you disappear to while I was dealing with Alexander?" I asked.
"I was binding with you."
"...?!"
"Oi! Turns out the OtherWorldians liked you so much that now they want you to be the female lead. A small fraction still oppose, but Oi, they taught me a little trick to bind faster. That's why I could become invisible, Oi!"
"….That was faster than I expected."
My heart practically leapt with joy. Could this day get any better?
I had officially become the female lead of this world, My family villa caught fire, and that rude, egotistical brat was finally getting a lecture from the police.
Alexander finally walked out after another half hour.
The moment he spotted me, he marched over with fury radiating off him.
But before he could open his mouth, I simply pointed toward the officers who had followed him out.
He froze.
Then, very slowly, he swallowed his anger and muttered,
"I… I'm sorry."
Oh God.
That felt so good.
Without another word, he spun around and headed toward his car.
I gave him a cheerful little wave and took the final bite of my ice cream.
Beep.
I glanced at my phone and immediately cringed at the contact name.
Hubby:Come outside RIGHT NOW!
"You're screwed.Oi. Aren't you?" I ignore PuriPuri and replied back.
Me: Is this how you beg?
Hubby: Don't test your luck.
Me: I can't hear your "please."
He didn't reply.
I took that time to change 'Hubby' in to 'Boot Licker'.
With a sigh and a smirk, I stuffed my phone in my pocket.
Fine.
Time to go meet Alexander.
After all, I also had a few things to say.
I walked outside of the station after saying goodbye to all police officers. Then I tried to spot the fanciest car in the parking. Honestly, It wasn't that hard.
"Did you buy a new car?"
I asked casually as I slipped into the front seat.
He completely ignored the question.
For a full minute, he just stared ahead-then suddenly whipped his head toward me.
"Did you hit your head somewhere?"
"…What?"
He studied me with growing confusion. He was probably thinking how could someone like me who always shaked in her boots in front of him suddenly became so defiant… until something flickered in his eyes.
"Oh. OH. Wait-don't tell me."
His face lit up with unbelievable confidence.
"You did it on purpose, right?"
"...….?!"
"I know you better than anyone, Alice."
He jabbed a finger at me, proud like he solved a mystery.
"You're trying to get my attention. Aha! That's it!"
"Have you finally lost your mind?"
He smirked.
Cocky and Infuriating.
Oh God, I can't believe I fell in love with that.
"No. But you will once your parents return-"
"Let's break off our engagement."
"…What?"
I lifted my head, letting the coldest expression settle over my face.
My voice was sharp and ice-cold.
"I hate you, Alexander White. So let's end this engagement."