Vicious knocked on the door and called out,
"Thalia, I didn't mean it."
She came out of the bathroom, her voice sharp.
"And what did you expected. "You want to use the bathroom, right? Go on, take your shower. Then you can leave for wherever you plan to go."
Without another word, Thalia walked out of the room.
He frowned, wondering, What's wrong with her?
He showered quickly, dressed neatly, brushed her hair, and went downstairs for breakfast — but Thalia was nowhere to be found. He waited, confused. After eating, he returned to the hotel room.
Moments later, Thalia came in, muttering under her breath,
"He's such a jerk."
She was about to step into the bathroom when Vicious entered.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you. I even went outside the hotel thinking you might be there."
"It's none of your business," she snapped. "I can take care of myself."
"Why are you giving me attitude all of a sudden?"
"Because you deserve it!" she shouted. "I hate you, Vicious. I wish we never met!"
Her words struck deep. She continued, voice trembling with rage.
"You're just trying to control me to make me obedient, like some slave. You can't buy me, and you'll never own me. I'm worth more than that. You used my husband's debts to treat me however you please. And God knows if Matt is even alive. For all I know, you killed him that day!"
Vicious clenched his fists. "So you care about Matt that much?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "Because he's kind, loving, respectful. He's everything you're not."
He took a step closer. "Do you like him more than me?"
"I don't see him you a man. But Matt is a hundred times better than you."
She turned to walk away, but Vicious caught her wrist.
"Let go of me," she hissed. "Don't touch me. You disgust me."
He tried to calm her. "Thalia, listen to me please. Why are you so upset? I only did what I thought was right. Why would Matt try to kiss you in my house when he knew you were…"
He stopped mid-sentence.
"I'm what?" she demanded.
"Nothing," he muttered.
"Arrogant jerk," she whispered, storming in to the bathroom. "Such a vile creature."
She walked to the bathroom, filled the tub, and sat quietly lost in thought.
Hours Passed.
When Vicious later entered the room, Thalia was nowhere to be seen. He frowned. "Where could she be? She can't have escaped. I have all her documents."
He tried the bathroom door. It wouldn't open at first — then it did.
His heart froze.
"Thalia!"
She was lying unconscious in the filled tub, her body limp, eyes closed.
He rushed forward, pulling her out, pressing her chest, shouting her name. "Thalia! Why would you do this? Why do you hate me so much?"
He called for help. Doctors came and treated her. Hours later, she lay weak but breathing.
When she finally stirred, Vicious's anger burst. "Why would you try to end your life? Don't you value it? Think about your family the people who care about you!"
She looked away. "I didn't mean to," she whispered. "I was just… I slept off thinking."
"Promise me you'll never do that again," he said quietly.
She nodded faintly, and he sighed. "Let me make it up to you. Please let me feed you."
She didn't respond, but he brought food anyway.
"I'm sorry," she murmured after a long silence. "For what I said earlier."
He looked at her. "So… you still think about Matt?"
"Yes," she said softly. "He means a lot to me. I'll never forget him."
"And what about me?" Vicious asked.
Thalia looked up. "And what about you?"
Their eyes locked.