Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“I didn’t see my father and Vilem,” she also wanted to ask about her mother.

“I just… saw Bryson,” Alajos hesitated, considering whether to tell Vivian this fact, but Vivian’s pleading eyes told him the answer, “He had a companion, but it wasn’t your mother.”

Vivian’s heart plummeted instantly.

Not because her father might be having an affair, but because her mother was truly missing, she had disappeared.

Oh my! Vivian absentmindedly finished a dance, as the music paused, she lifted her skirts and left the dance floor. She needed to confront her father and find out from Vilem what had happened.

But as she looked around, all she saw were happy people and tipsy guests. Her father and brother were nowhere to be found.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Who?” Her wrist was suddenly grabbed from behind, startling Vivian. Alajos quickly spoke up, “Hey, don’t be alarmed, it’s me.”

“Alajos!” Vivian angrily called his name, tears almost welling up, “You scared me.”

“Sorry.” Alajos chuckled, “I didn’t know you were so easily frightened.”

Vivian glared at him sullenly.

Alajos stated his purpose, “I know where Bryson is, I’ll take you there.”

Only then did Vivian temporarily forgive him and followed him to the second floor of the venue, where they found Bryson taking a drunken rest, with the companion Alajos mentioned by his side.

Vivian had never seen this companion before; it seemed to be her father’s new lover.

Yes, her father had countless lovers outside, this was no longer a secret.

But today was Joseph’s wedding, her father had never so openly brought his lovers to such an important occasion. It should have been her mother by his side.

Vivian’s concern for her mother deepened, and this worry made her forget her fear of Bryson. Anxiously, she asked, “Where is my mother?”

Under Vivian’s questioning gaze, Bryson narrowed his eyes. His look was sinister and dangerous, like a predatory vulture. “Are you speaking to me?”

Bryson’s voice was steady, almost emotionless, which sent a chill down Vivian’s spine. “I…”

Bryson’s sinister gaze shifted to Alajos, for this somewhat satisfactory son-in-law, or perhaps considering the Houston Mafia behind him, Bryson’s attitude was much friendlier, but still condescending, as if lecturing a junior.

“I appreciate your kindness to my daughter, Alajos. But your tolerance and kindness seem to have gone too far, turning my polite and respectful daughter into such rudeness.”

Alajos was disgusted by Bryson’s condescending tone, but he had to temporarily lower his head in front of Bryson. “I don’t think Vivian meant any disrespect to her father. She’s just too worried about her mother.”

Bryson snorted, “She’s married to you now. As your wife, she should care about your well-being and daily life, not constantly interrogating me about my wife, where she is!”

Bryson was getting angry, obviously recalling how Vivian often called the Los Angeles villa to inquire about Tasneem’s whereabouts.

“I just want to know if my mother is safe. I don’t think that’s wrong.” Vivian clutched her chest as if to suppress the deep-rooted fear of her father.

“For you to come and question me, that’s wrong.” Bryson suddenly stood up from the sofa, he was tall, Vivian stood a head shorter in front of him. A man’s overwhelming height over a woman was a natural advantage, not only making Vivian seem small in front of him, but also exerting immense psychological pressure on her.

Bryson’s approach frightened Vivian, causing her to take a step back. Her father glared at her fiercely, as if he might slap her at any moment.

“Bryson!” Alajos stepped in front of Vivian, warning him as he looked at him, “I respect our cooperation and undoubtedly, I don’t pry into your family’s private affairs. I ask you to give my wife enough respect. She just wants to know if her unfortunate mother is safe and where she is.”

Bryson’s deep gaze bore into Alajos, who stood his ground, refusing to back down.

In this confrontation, Alajos made it clear to Bryson that he could compromise on the benefits he had given out, but Houston was not a puppet to be manipulated by Los Angeles.

Los Angeles should give Houston the respect it deserves.

Finally, for whatever reason, Bryson relented, “Your mother is unwell, she’s currently recuperating in Europe. You shouldn’t disturb her.”

“Mom’s sick?” Vivian grew anxious, “Is it serious? Has she seen a doctor? Why hasnshe hasn’t called me?”

“Because she needs quiet to recuperate; the doctor is with her.” Bryson was irritated by Vivian’s questions and shouted, “Enough, Vivian, you already know about your mother’s condition, that should be sufficient.”

“No, I…” Vivian was about to argue, but Alajos tugged at her sleeve.

She looked at Alajos, who shook his head at her.

Biting her lip, Vivian realized that her father was resistant to talking about her mother at the moment. Pressing further would only provoke more resentment from her father, which would not benefit her at all. It might even anger him and cause harm to her mother.

After a moment’s thought, Vivian reluctantly gave up on further questioning.

Leaving Bryson’s lounge and entering an empty corridor, Vivian tugged at her sleeve, holding back tears as she said, “His reaction tells me that my mother must be in great danger now.”

“I’ll have someone keep an eye out,” Alajos comfortingly patted her on the back, “Come on, let’s go downstairs first. Maybe you can ask Vilem; he might know something.”

“Yes, there’s Vilem,” Vivian hurriedly followed Alajos downstairs.

The first floor was still lively, the music resumed, and there were even more people on the dance floor than before.

Avoiding guests inviting her for drinks, she wandered through various corners of the venue in search of Vilem, but he was nowhere to be found.

Just as she started to feel dejected, she saw Luzia.

Joseph had finally let Luzia go, leaving her alone in a corner, lost in thought. There was champagne by her side, but she hadn’t touched it, her gaze vacant, not even noticing Vivian’s approach.

Vivian silently sat next to her on the couch. Only when the leather creaked did Luzia snap out of her reverie.

She was calm, “After tonight, I’m flying back to Los Angeles.”

Vivian felt a pang of sadness, grasping Luzia’s hand, “We will see each other again.”

“I dare not imagine what I’ll be like the next time we meet,” Luzia’s expression grew increasingly sorrowful, “I will live on.”

Vivian couldn’t help but let out a sob, “Luzia, I can’t bear to see you go.”

Luzia embraced her, patting her gently on the back, “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chat like this. I’ve been busy dealing with Joseph; he’s left me physically and mentally exhausted.”

“How have you been recently, Vivian?”