Rosella’s mind was in a messy state, she kept rethinking her decision.Not that she could change her mind now. It’s far too late already, still she had a gut feeling that her actions were going to haunt her for the rest of her life. She muted her phone so now only the vibrating feeling notified her of the numerous messages popping in.Her class group was the most active and she could guess their topic of discussion!The news of her and Donovan has spread like wild fire so typically everyone in the group had something to say. She didn’t bother reading through the messages or even opening the chat, she was more focused on what tonight held!What does the universe have install for her?Jake was sure to attend and since the theme was ‘come in pairs’ Adriana would stick to him like a mutt to light! It was noon by the time Mirable knocked on her door.“It’s time, I’ll take you to get ready. This time we will go out”The thought of going out excited Rose, In no time she was ready and i
Rosella’s POV The shining lights and flashes from cameras told me to brace myself because I knew the minute I step on that red carpet with Mr. Dangerous, there was no turning back. Even now it was simply impossible for me to change my mind.My heart pumped louder against my chest as Donovan circled the car to get me. The second my six-inch stiletto touched ground my ears were invaded with loud sounds of chattering.Earlier the car’s sound proof blocked it out. I wasn’t expecting such noise to instantly fill my brain and subconsciously leaned on Donovan for support. By the time I realized my mistake his hand was already wrapped around my waist protectively. I didn’t know if it was to provide support or for the eyes of the reporters. My guess is the latter!We talked side by side and I fixed my face by flashing a smile that wrinkled my eyes. “Can you answer some few questions- ”“We want to have a word with Miss Rose- ”“Does your decision to become Mr Donovan’s surrogate have
(Bellissima means beautiful in Italian)“Do I know you?”Rose softly asked, her voice laced in suspicion. “Sadly no, but I know you”His words marveled Rose, he sounded similar to Donovan or was she just imagining things? Meanwhile Donn quietly questioned Franklin.“Where is Rose?”“She encountered her ex-fiancé on her way to the restroom, she should be over there…”He trailed off at the discovery of her absence.“Find her now”The agitation in Donn’s voice was prominent and the minute they turned, their eyes caught a figure outside the window. A woman embedded in red fabric and a very tall man draped in black. The muscles of Donn’s jaw tensed and Franklin was equally prepared for what is to come. Rose thought Marcus was referring to the articles released about her and Donovan so she didn’t think much into his previous words.After all, everyone knew her face from the rumors spreading like wildfire. “You truly are beautiful, maybe now I can finally understand Donn…”She di
Back at the party Franklin and Mirable used Donovan’s absence as their cue to leave the event. “I’ll give you a ride home”“Oh…no it’s fine, I can manage”“I wasn’t asking”Franklin said and got in his car while Mirable slowly followed suit. She sat in the front passengers seat like before and the ride began fast and smooth. When he got to her community she had to direct him to her street.She lived in a very remote area so the roses were narrow and the lighting was terrible.Some streets had just one streetlight and sometimes it was faulty so driving through the street wasn’t as smooth as the rides in the city. “Turn left, it’s the first house on the street”Franklin did as told and his car came to a stop in front of her house. “Thank you” Mirable motioned with a slight bow and her hands on the door but immediately she opened the door a loud crashing sound came from inside her house and she immediately knew what was going on.“Mom!!”Mirable rushed in and Franklin sensing t
The feeling of being pressed against Donn’s sturdy chest was the only thought in Rose’s head.There wasn’t an ounce of space between them as Donn’s strong hands wrapped her slim waist while he continued chewing on her lips as if they were candy.Rose was definitely not expecting such an outcome when she matched to his room.She couldn’t fathom how things moved this fast.Weren’t they having a heated argument a moment ago?!Suddenly the terms of the surrogacy contract started to replay in her head and she didn’t know what else to do. It has always been her concern to inquire what the clause ‘Whenever and however’ freaking mean!The former is self explanatory but the same can’t be said for the latter! The kiss was deepening by the minute and it was getting hard for her to even think!The smell of whiskey and smoke clouded her senses and his hands lustfully roamed her body.He coped a feel of her rounded ass and she physically shuddered. His touch was magnetic and it seemed to aw
Donovan’s POVDarkness blurred my vision, I find myself in this awfully familiar surrounding but why are my feet small while I’m running helplessly?Why does it feel like the faster I run the buildings get bigger?They’re closing in on me.I’m sad, extremely sad, in tears in fact but I keep running in the dark streets bare footed.The smell of sweat stung to me like the wet shirt to my skin.But…I keep running and calling out “Mom! Dad!”That’s right, my parents are dead. They just died on my fifteenth birthday.All because of me.All because I was too bloody selfish and threw a tantrum about it!All because I wanted them here!My small sized hands flew over my ears in fright, the sound of sirens ringing while the ambulance take their bodies from the mangled wreckage of a car rang in my head.I can’t seem to get it out. No matter how hard I press my hands against my ears the sirens get louder and clearer. There’s chaos everywhere and in that moment of watching the police cover t
Franklin closed the door behind him and his eyes locked with Mirable. He couldn’t help staring a little longer.“How are you feeling now?”“Ah…I’m fine…thank you”Her awkwardness didn’t irk him, he strangely found it funny but Mirable was mentally face palming herself in shame. “Donn’s instruction is to let Rose sleep, once she’s awake send her over”“Understood” Mirable replied and watched Franklin take steps away while she fought her inner demons. “Wait…” she called out and he halted.“I didn’t thank you properly for last night…” she adjusted her specs nervously “… Can I treat you to lunch? -”“There’s no need”“Oh…” She murmured while watching his back get further away from her. Now she felt like shit but her gesture was only to repay him for the VIP ward he paid for, the feeling of indebtedness was like a weighing bag resting on her shoulders. An hour later and Mirable received news from a maid that Rose was awake. “Come in”The moment Rose realized it was Mirable her
Rosella’s POV Talk about being distressed!I didn’t think much into the travel plans until Mirable dropped the bomb on me, now that’s all I could think of!It makes perfect sense, the timing of the trip is too spot on, how couldn’t I see that? “Ping!”My phone sound interrupted my thoughts. That’s right, I was scrolling through the internet in search of a job. Anything would do, as long as it keeps me away from Castilo Manor. So far my search has been futile.Should I just go back to my former work place? Everyone was warm there, I miss them.‘No I can’t, my appearance would only cause trouble. I need a job that’s similar to a waitress but I don’t have to meet a lot of people, if that makes sense’“Urgh! I’m tired”I tossed my phone on the bed and spread my hands over the sheets in exhaustion. Tomorrow is the trip, the week ran so fast. The only thing I accomplished was enrolling for a business master class. If I’m gonna take my father’s company I can’t rely solely on
Six months laterThe air at Dalgliesh mansion buzzed with excitement. Workers bustled around, ensuring every detail was perfect for the evening’s celebration. It was a special day, not only a family dinner but also Mr. Dalgliesh’s birthday. Unlike previous years, he had chosen to keep it intimate, inviting only family.The dining table was set, and the first to arrive were Rosella and Donovan, each pushing a stroller. Inside lay their two-month-old twins: baby Eli and baby Ella. The two cooed happily, oblivious to the world around them.Mr. Dalgliesh, waiting in the hall, ignored the couple entirely and went straight to the strollers. He leaned down, his face lighting up as he reached for Ella and cradled her in his arms.“My sweetie pie, you’re so cute,” he crooned. “Don’t mind your parents for not visiting more often. They act like they’re still on their honeymoon, and they haven’t even had a proper wedding. Humph!”He turned to Donovan and swatted at his arm, mock scolding. “Why is
The air was heavy with tension, and two battles were unfolding simultaneously, each in different corners of the world but tied to the same fateful thread.In the Dalgliesh mansion, Rosella set her teacup down and summoned her courage to confront the man seated before her. Mr. Dalgliesh, with his graceful yet aged demeanor, seemed almost serene as he sipped his tea, the epitome of calm.“Was it true?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with intensity. “Were you the one who orchestrated all of this? Did you put Jake in a position where he had no choice but to offer me up for the surrogate selection?”Mr. Dalgliesh lowered his cup and flashed a faint smile, one that revealed both wisdom and mischief. “Truly, all things hidden under the sun must be revealed,” he said cryptically, his voice rich with age and experience. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, “I really thought I’d die with the secret, haha.”Rosella’s breath caught. “Why? Why would you do something like that?”Meanwhile,
Rosella’s POV The next day, I went to the hospital with Donovan by my side. He never left me alone these days, always hovering protectively, and I couldn’t say I disliked it. It made me feel safe, like someone was always there to catch me if I fell.As we reached the ward, I felt a hand grab my arm. Startled, I turned, only for Donovan to react before I could. He moved like lightning, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him against the wall.“Who the hell do you think you are, touching her like that?” Donovan growled, his tone low and dangerous.The man struggled under Donovan’s grip, his face pale and drawn. My eyes widened as recognition struck me. It was Jake. My ex-fiancé.“Donovan, stop,” I said quickly, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Let him go.”Donovan hesitated, his jaw tight with fury, but my touch seemed to ground him. With a warning glare, he released Jake, though his stance remained tense, ready to act if needed.Jake coughed and straightened his shirt, his ey
Mirable and Franklin arrived at the hospital to take over watching Mirable’s mother. It was clear from their subtle touches and soft exchanges that they were now a couple. Rosella noticed it too, but she didn’t comment, simply offering Mirable a small smile before allowing Donovan to guide her toward the car.Usually, Rosella would have argued to spend the night by her mother’s side, but the news of the twins had left her too dazed to argue about anything. Meanwhile, Donovan was practically radiating joy, looking like a man who’d just won the biggest lottery in history.The minute they reached home, Donovan didn’t give Rosella a chance to walk. He swept her up into his arms bridal style, ignoring her half-hearted protests.“Donovan, I can walk, you know,” she said, trying not to smile.“Not when you’re carrying our twins,” he replied with a wink.She sighed, shaking her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips.Once inside their room, he gently set her down on the bed. “Stay here,”
Rosella began to push herself up, her hand reaching for the edge of the bed to steady herself. She was intent on leaving to check on her mother, but she failed to notice the pained look on Donovan’s face.“Rosella, please,” Donovan said suddenly, his voice soft but filled with emotion.She froze mid-movement, her attention finally turning to him. That was when she saw it, his strained expression, his eyes full of worry and frustration.“What is it?” she asked, her tone hesitant, almost fearful of the answer.Donovan took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “I know you’re worried about your mom. I know it’s hard. But… you can’t keep doing this to yourself,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “If anything happens to you, Rosella, I… I don’t think I’d be able to go on.”His words hit her like a blow to the chest. For a moment, she couldn’t move or speak, only stare at him. The weight of his feelings, the depth of his fear settled over her like
Another month had passed, and the hospital room had become a second home for Rosella. She sat by her mother’s bedside, wiping her face and hands gently with a soft napkin. The steady beep of the heart monitor was a constant reminder that her mother was alive, but the silence that lingered over the room was deafening.Donovan was in the VIP ward too, never straying far. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up, watching Rosella with a mixture of tenderness and concern.“What do you want to eat today?” he asked, breaking the quiet. “And don’t say you’re not hungry. Pregnant women are supposed to eat a lot, crave weird things, and make their husbands run all over the place to find them.”Rosella smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m conserving your funds,” she said lightly, focusing on smoothing the blanket over her mother.Donovan chuckled, walking closer to her. “You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I have enough to fee
The morning sun poured gently through the windows of Rosella and Donovan’s home, casting warm, golden light across the polished floors. Rosella sat quietly on the sofa in the living room, her hands resting on her growing belly, her eyes distant as they stared at nothing in particular. It had been a month since her mother fell into a coma, and the days since had blurred together in a haze of worry, sleepless nights, and moments of hope that felt too fragile to hold onto.Donovan entered the room, his presence always grounding yet protective, like a storm-ready lighthouse. He approached her cautiously, sensing the heaviness she carried. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low with concern clear.Before she could answer, a knock at the door broke the silence. Donovan stiffened immediately, his sharp instincts flaring to life. “I’ll get it,” he said firmly, striding toward the door with the practiced confidence of someone who’d spent his life prepared for danger.When he opened the door, he
The tension in the hospital lingered in the air like an uninvited guest, heavy and suffocating. After the doctor delivered the news that their mother had survived the surgery but was now in a coma, neither Rosella nor Mirable could breathe a sigh of relief. The hope of her waking up was the only thread holding them together, yet it felt too thin, too fragile.Rosella’s knees buckled, her strength waning, but Donovan’s strong arms shot out and caught her before she could collapse completely. His grip on her was firm yet gentle, his eyes filled with concern. “You need to rest,” he murmured softly, but she barely heard him, her mind too occupied with the image of her mother bleeding out in her arms.The room where their mother was moved to was quiet, save for the beeping of machines and the faint rustle of nurses shuffling about. The doctor informed them that they could visit, but before they could take a step, Mirable turned to Rosella and Donovan, her expression conflicted. “Rosella… c
Blood spattered on the ground, pooling beneath the crumpled body of Rosella's mother. The sound of the gunshot still echoed in Rosella's ears, even as chaos erupted around her. Her body froze, rooted to the ground as the weight of her mother's falling figure pressed against her chest."No-No, no, no!" Rosella cried, catching her mother in her trembling arms. The air seemed to thicken, bullets zipping past her in the ensuing firefight. She didn't flinch.The world blurred, focusing solely on the woman bleeding out in her arms. ‘Why did she throw herself in front of me?’ Rosella’s mind was pinned on this thought. "Mom! Stay with me!" she screamed, shaking her gently. Blood seeped through her mother's dress, staining Rosella's hands and knees. "Please, don't close your eyes, don't do this to me!"Her mother's eyes fluttered open, her irises clouded with pain yet filled with a strange serenity. "Rosella..." Her voice was barely audible, a faint whisper under the chaos.Tears streamed d