Rosella’s POV It was night time and I found my way to Bright Valley. I know it’s not wise for me to be back here after what transpired last night but I can’t return to Castilo Manor just yet. I need a distraction. So here I was, walking straight to the VIP section and brazenly requesting a new uniform.“Hey, what did you do with the one given to you last night?”The lady questioning me wasn’t yelling but she was visibly annoyed and it caused my lips to draw a thin line.It’s not like I can say it was ripped apart by a beast. “Sorry, I left it behind and I live quite far away” was my excuse. It’s unprofessional and certainly unconventional to even carry it home but I still dare to leave it behind.I know the thoughts running through her head but before she spoke a teen guy approached me.“Come, there’s a spare. Let me take you to it”I followed behind and the lady’s hostile gaze traced me until I was out of sight. ‘Phew, I guess I can say I dodged a bullet there, and it’s all
Rosella’s POV I took a huge gulp of saliva and it suddenly dawned on me as I was being yanked and forcefully dragged down the halls that the only person I could think to save me was the very person I loathe the most. It was the feeling of being free from prison but the outside world turns out to be much worse and every day you can’t help but dream of returning.How do you tell such a tale?That the very person which you despised to death was seen as a savior in your eyes in this regard!That the hatred boiling in your heart turned to hope when faced with such vile situations!At that moment I hoped to be in Castilo Manor…This sudden realization sent more shock waves through my being than the tight grip on my ponytail. And it begged the question,Since when did I consider Castilo Manor my home?Am I going insane or is their barbaric way of dragging my figure to the nearest room disorganizing my thoughts?!They say, one truly knows who their protector is when faced with a life or
Rosella’s POV My brain fell short circuit as I stared at him, the veins on his head and neck were bulging and his eyes were fierce with a murderous glare. I was still in a state of utter shock where I forgot how to breathe.The strong smell of blood clouded my lungs and even worse I could feel the texture on my skin. My breathing became more unsteady and haggard and I was at this point gasping for air.Suddenly a warm fabric enveloped my being and I raised my head to meet his gaze but his attention was fixed in properly placing his coat over my tattered clothes.Yet again, the uniform is in ruins! Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this job.My hands folded against my chest protectively and I had not forgotten about my current situation. I watched Donn raise the gun again and I flinched while the other men fell on their knees I’m pleading tears.Before anything, they spoke first.“Please spare us, we didn’t know she was your woman -”“Yes, we didn’t know, we would’ve never dared to to
Rosella’s POV My eyes were filled with nothing but hatred and an intrusive thought clouded my mind.Is this how he felt when he killed my father? Just a life to apologize for and everything returns back to normal or should I say abnormality, seeing as nothing exists properly around him. “Save it!” I snapped in annoyance.An apology from a murderer’s mouth sounds like an insult to my ears.I heard him take a deep sigh before slowly approaching my figure on the bed.He purposely chose to stand and block my line of sight, taking even the view of the moon from me.I gritted my teeth and was forced to raise my gaze to his.“Do you enjoy testing my patience?” He asked in a low tone that rocked fear in my depths. Looking at him from this angle made him appear more terrifying, his eyes stared down at me like I was nothing but dust and I was all too familiar with that look. How could I not?When that very look was cast to me by my own mother the last time I set my eyes on her.She
Rosella’s POV Did I just court death?It seems so because his grip on my neck only tightened, he used just one hand and I already felt my conscience slipping. I didn’t waver regardless, my eyes clouded with flames or anger kept boring into impenetrable orbs. In the next minute, he released my neck and I coughed and gasped violently for air.So he couldn’t kill me then…“Why won’t you listen to me? It’s dangerous outside”I was massaging my red neck when he spoke and my hands immediately stopped.I found his gaze and it dared to have a ting of disappointment! If this isn’t level ten psychopathic shit! I don’t know what is. Even if I tried, I couldn’t stop a scoff from escaping my lips. It's dangerous outside? Says the man who almost killed me a minute ago! “You don’t have to worry, I’ll do my best to stay away from Marcus. I’ll avoid him like the plague just like I do to you. Trust me, the last thing I want is to be stuck between two blood-filled hands. You guys disgust me…
Rosella’s POV Regardless of my rapid struggle to escape Donovan’s fake caring gestures, I really needed that rest. It is unlike me to sleep in but here I was at noon, only peeling my eyes open because my stomach roared out in protest. Still, food wasn’t the first thing on my mind! I just received a message from Mirable that Donn wants to speak with me, and that’s all I needed to lose my appetite. I can’t tell if he knew exactly how I felt but the next text I received was to have lunch with him!I’ll try not to puke! I fully got out of bed and freshened up, I didn’t bother to wear house clothes, I dressed like I was heading out because I had a feeling the conversation would be pricking that topic!“Right this way ma’am” A maid gestured me to the location and it wasn’t the same place where I fed him his allergies. This was a smaller table, likened to a tea table, which means we’d be seated quite close!I felt my hairs stand while approaching the spot and he was already seated wit
Rosella’s POV Luckily I wasn’t the only one seeing things. I honestly thought he had traumatized me to the point I now see everyone as him! Still, maybe that would be better than getting the real deal!“Pinch me…I’m not dreaming right?”“Hey, if you’re dreaming then I’m lost in limbo. Our luck is so good!”The girls in front of me squealed in excitement, they were definitely having the time of their life while I looked as pale as the gleam of a glow-worm. “Oh! If I thought that hottie was paradise, then I’m certainly in heaven now! Our luck is so good….haha”I rolled my eyes at their childish chattering, if only they knew the monster underneath that golden face, would they still think their luck is good?!Donovan’s eyes took a casual scan of the class and rested on me and I held my breath unintentionally. That is definitely my cue to leave, is it not?“Omg, he’s looking this way, do you think he’s checking us out? I think I’m gonna explode” Their senseless talk continued and
Rosella’s blood stilled in that moment and cold sweats rapidly broke out from her forehead. Her eyes were darting aimlessly in confusion and distress but above all it was vying to find even a hint of jest in Donovan’s gaze but the man stayed resolute. “D-Donovan… we can’t do it here…” she said with trembling lips. For crying out loud this is their school’s public restroom! Not to mention he’s now acting as the teacher while she’s a student!Those kinds of rumors are scandalous!“I wasn’t asking you” he pressed her chin up and added “I want to have you here and that’s all that matters” Listening to his words caused her to grit her teeth in hatred. They lay in the same bed for nights yet he was disciplined enough to keep his member in his pants, yet all of a sudden he can’t wait?! Is it that serious that he wants it now? Unless…This is just his sick way of exerting dominance and marking his territory while punishing her. This thought popped into Rose’s head and her anger 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