Chapter 582 Toxic
[Bro!?] That was the hesitant, unwilling voice of Linus.
Alvin has changed and become a bit vocal with Anya. But he was still the same with others. As soon as he heard Linus's voice, he involuntarily wanted to ask Linus to leave the job, more like command Linus to quit the job.
However, Anya's words that she had growled at him a long time ago rang in his mind. 'What is right for you doesn't have to be right for everyone.'
Thus he was sensible to know, that controlling or commanding could be worse he could do for Linus who was going through his first breakup or maybe a heartbreak.
Hearing no voice, Linus's voice sounded with a bit of concern, "Bro, is everything alright?"
Alvin grimaced to himself. He always took care of Linus's possible trouble, solved his problem, or helped him silently without the need to be asked or reported.
Poking his nose at one's matters other than his wife and son felt troublesome. But he couldn't ignore Linus either.
Instead of asking Linus or commanding him, Alvin gave the option, more like a suggestion, "Learn the business."
If Linus wanted to lead his startup Manpower, he couldn't get a better organization than Matthews Industries to learn. Linus could expand his network considering the connections of Matthews Industries in Narnia.
There are chances Linus might like his job just like how Anya enjoys her job and he prefers his current business. So he gave Linus the option without a hint of judgment.
Alvin added after a pause, "Then quit if you don't want to work there."
The workload and breakup might have turned Linus a bit serious but Linus could read deeper meaning behind his brother's apathetic words and actions.
A long breath of relief sounded in the call before Linus responded, "Then give me three years."
After working in Matthews Industries for more than a month, he had learned a lot under the guidance of Liam, Harrison, and an assistant Alvin had appointed for him. He also knew there was more to learn. So he won't do his job for Krystle or Alvin but for himself.
Then Linus added in a light tone with a hint of mischief, "You aren't allowed to go back on your words. I will whinge to my sister-in-law." Both knew damn well that Anya will support Linus.
Alvin scoffed at his brother before ending the call. He went and cuddled his stupid wife who could stand against him to support others.
…
After two days,
Alvin and Zane stood at the door of the bedroom, crossing their hands over their chest and narrowing their eyes at Krystle who was wailing in Anya's arms.
"Annie, they are so insensitive. Why did they come inside?" Krystle was embarrassed.
Alvin and Zane shook their heads in resignation. Both were bothered about Anya in tears with Krystle.
Seeing Anya wave her hand at them, Alvin turned around and left, controlling his urge to toss Loudmouth out of the villa. Zane placed a tissue box and water bottles on the bed. Then he silently waved his little hand at Anya and closed the door behind him.
Six hours passed with the two ladies in the bedroom, Zane dozed off in Alvin's arms while the Owen couple were asleep to get over jet lag.
…
When Anya exited the bedroom, she found her husband in their room of the villa. Alvin was leaning on the bedpost, holding asleep Zane in one arm and working on his laptop with another hand.
It was a heartwarming sight that involuntarily brought a blissful smile to her face. And she will never be able to understand these two human beings. They banter like archenemies, join their hands in a crime, and compete with each other for her attention, yet they turn into sweet beings when they need each other.
Climbing on the bed, she shifted sleeping Zane on the bed, threw Alvin's laptop to the far end, and bit his neck before lying on him.
Alvin hid his amusement due to her actions but noted her mood. He just hoped Krystle's presence and her breakup wouldn't affect his surprise for Anya. He might end up throwing Krystle to the sea otherwise.
It was still early for them to sleep. To avoid being shushed by Anya, he carried her out to the living hall, settled themselves on the couch, and tucked them in the warm throw.
Caressing her head that was buried in his chest, he gently probed her, "What's wrong?"
Anya suddenly sat up, straddling him on his lap. She shouldn't spill what her friend shared with her but it also involved Linus.
She sighed loudly when she made up her mind and she revealed, "Krystle broke up with Linus." Yes, it was Krystle's decision and Linus let her go.
A faint frown appeared on Alvin's face. As far as he knew Linus had to change a lot in his life for Krystle but nobody ever pressured Krystle for anything. Linus wasn't someone to intentionally hurt anybody.
Then if Krystle chose to break up with Linus, why was she more miserable than Linus?
Anya could read small changes on Alvin's face. She neither wanted to avoid Linus, nor Alvin to treat Krystle hostile. So Anya carefully chose her words but told the truth.
"Krystle tried to manage her influencer work and the Manpower." It was hard but Krystle gave her all. She didn't mind the heavy schedule at first but slowly started to notice how her busy life changed her lifestyle, her behavior, and her routine.
"Her small sacrifices began to impact during Linus's absence." Maybe skipping their dates or reaching home in the middle of the night, Krystle began feeling lonely but she tried to swallow thinking it was a short time until Linus learned to manage his work.
"She wasn't able to give time for her gym, me, family, her favorite activities like bringing Zane out for a day out. Due to their busy schedules, they had turned into roommates."
The essence of their relationship was gone. Their craziness, parties, fun outings, planning dates, all the more feeling each other's presence in their life became null.
Due to his busy schedule for more than a week, Alvin had missed Anya despite being with her in the same mansion and sleeping in the same room. So Alvin faintly nodded understanding how Krystle and Linus might have felt.
"Krystle decided to leave Manpower to focus on her influencer job and to give time for busy Linus." Krystle knew her priority. She and Linus. Even if it becomes a one-sided relationship for some time, she just wants to protect her relationship.
Nevertheless, "She began feeling guilt for not keeping her promise when Linus was doing everything for her." Then Krystle started avoiding Linus.
She was leaving home early with fake work, pretending to be asleep when he was going to bed, restless whenever Linus tried to assure her that it was alright to leave Manpower and focus on herself.
"She found herself unworthy," a red flag in their relationship due to her actions. She didn't like herself in their relationship.
Thus when Krystle wasn't able to look Linus in the eye and felt undeserving to be his partner, "She chose to walk away before she turned their relationship toxic."
Anya's shoulders slacked after she briefed Krystle's side of the story. She wasn't going to blame Krystle or Linus. The consequences and situation had turned them into different people.
Instead, Anya was proud of Krystle who was able to see through her actions. She wanted to help Krystle get over the guilt so that Krystle could think through and make her decision calmly.
The second time, Alvin found Krystle as high-minded. The first time was for supporting his wife through thick and thin.
Anyway, Alvin focused on his wife who was worried he might misunderstand the situation and treat Krystle hostile.
Grabbing Anya's face, he tenderly pecked on her lips. He assured her, "Loudmouth isn't toxic." Krystle could have cheated on Linus or dragged it out for a long time but she was true to Linus and their relationship. Although he found her a bit brash.
Anya's eyes brightened, and a smile bloomed on her petite face as she nodded in agreement.
With that smile, Alvin was assured that his surprise could leave Anya in awe.
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