Rosella’s POV I was being carried away and I kept slipping in and out of mind. My head was dangling over his shoulder and after that I didn’t know what happened.The next thing I felt was a rain of cold water touching my hair and running all the way down to my feet.My eyes peeled open and I gasped for air. The first thing that came to view was Donovan’s figure, it took me a minute to realize my surroundings. He held me in his arms and regulated the water temperature, it was still freaking cold!Was this man tryna freeze me to death!Soon my body was shivering from the cold intrusion and as my head rested on his chest I became aware that his body was the remedy to my current madness.It was almost like every other element of the world was too severe.The air was too sharp, the water was too cold. My body felt too hot but his skin was the balance I was desperately searching for.I wanted more of it, I was like a traveler stuck in a desert and finally stumbled upon a lake. All
Rosella’s POV“You…!” I pointed my finger at him with my other hand supporting my head. “Do you have no shame? How can you do that to someone who was drugged?!”My breathing was chaotic and I was trembling from uncontainable fury! Just how low is this man going to get?! Or am I the problem? Did I offend someone deeply in my past life and I am not paying dearly for it?“Why aren’t you saying anything? Have you suddenly developed a sense of self-worth?! How could you take advantage of my intoxication?!!”I was fuming mad, I knew it wasn’t entirely his fault but I’d deal with myself later. Right now, I needed to express my utmost bitterness and disgust! It greatly irked me to see him seated with a calm expression while my face had turned ashen from rage. “In that case should I have left you to die?” He asked with his huge hands folded across his chest while still partially covered by the duvet. My head was throbbing. I reached for a nightrobe and clothed myself. At the very least
Rosella’s POV It’s not like I had a choice, she already let herself in and sashayed towards me. Her eyes were everywhere but on the supposed patient! This made me wonder if this was her first time entering his room. Since she claimed to have worked with the architects of this mansion, surely she should’ve been allowed to roam everywhere! But the look of awe in her eyes told me otherwise, she placed the box on the shelf beside me and took a moment to bask in the enchanting feel of the surroundings.Truly, Donovan’s room was made with the finest materials, it looked straight out of an ancient palace, and if I hadn't been so irritated by everything he touched, I might’ve even enjoyed living here, but sadly that wasn’t the case!“Sit up, let me see where you’re hurt”I had no intention of receiving treatment from someone who looks at me like I’m nothing but scum, so I remained in my position and said “You don’t have to, I’ll visit the hospital tomorrow”“Do you think I want to? Don’t
Rosella’s POV If there was ever a person who ignored all the obvious signs and still went headfirst diving into whatever suits his agenda, then that spot would already be occupied by Donovan! I know he clearly sees how goosebumps invade my skin just by being this close to him yet, he doesn’t have the decency to spare me some space!I stopped struggling like a fish out of water because I knew it was pointless. His hands moved freely around my thigh, making its way up my waist through my nightgown while my breathing slowly grew rapid. The tension in the air seemed to be boiling. I felt hot all over my body but my eyes weren’t blazing from desires. I was glaring daggers at him!But he wasn’t done! He steadily moved his hands to my chest which was now heaving erratically. I shut my eyes and bit my lips in frustration. It’s not like I could resist, if I wanted to.He leaned and his familiar scent got more pungent. “Keep your eyes open” He commanded.“I’m not obligated to” I retort
Rosella’s POV I looked like a criminal avoiding his sprinting figure and turning my head in the opposite direction. “Please you can’t move while I take the sample” The nurse’s voice stopped my childish display. How foolish was I to move while a needle was being inserted into my skin?!After that, a full body examination was conducted and I ended up getting admitted. So here I was in the VIP ward staring at the ceiling trying to think of my next course of action. I obviously don’t plan to have a child for Donovan so I need to move fast on my father’s company. Luckily my twenty-first birthday is drawing nearer and I will finally have access to my inheritance. When that time comes I need to come up with a plan to get Donovan off my back. Just then, the door opened and broke my train of thought. It was nurse delivering the hospital food. They said my vitals were very low and I’m honestly not surprised. With everything that happened, it’s a miracle I’m still alive.“Please eat ca
Rosella’s POV The next day came fast and I was still laying on the hospital bed. I wonder how long I have to be here, still it’s better than sharing a bed with that man.Here, I could enjoy the sunshine reflecting through the windows for a few minutes longer than usual and even dare a smile to form on my cheeks as I watched the sky from my bed.But all that happiness flew away when the nurse came to examine my condition and announced that I was free to go. “Are you sure there isn’t even a slight chance that I need to rest some more?”She looked at me weirdly but I didn’t care, I would take my chances. Unfortunately, her response was the same and I just need to rest at home, it’s not necessary to be admitted any longer. The door opened some time later and I was beyond pleased to see Mirable. She walked in with a fruit basket and this immediately reminded me of Marcus and his ridiculous offer. “How’re you feeling now? When are you getting discharged?” She asked while peeling an
Rosella’s POV Talk about the worst timing!Donovan’s figure came into view in all his glory and I swallowed the rest of my words. The earlier lively room became gloomy, if Donovan isn’t the seed of discord, I don’t know what is!Even the delivery man stood on edge, poor guy just wanted to do his job but he was having a hard time ignoring Franklin’s death stares. I stayed silent and acted like a series of questions wasn’t thrown at me a while ago. Mirable immediately made a bow and exited the room and Franklin followed behind.To be honest, I was more interested in the discussion soon to happen between Mirable and Franklin than anything Donovan had to say!Sadly, I was left alone with Donovan. “Why did you send a bouquet if you were going to show up anyway?” “It’s the finishing touch” He replied and I stared in confusion. If he was referring to his presence being the icing on the cake then I would gladly add narcissism to his list. “I heard you’re getting discharge, how
Rosella’s POV Is my life not comical enough? Why does the universe keep toying with me?!“I can’t do that, for the love of God I don’t even plan to attend the reunion! What they do is none of my business, I honestly couldn’t care less!”My outburst caused his gaze to narrow. Right, I was too agitated about it, of course he’d find my reaction suspicious.“… The thing is, I don’t care about such events, to me it’s pointless, we all have our lives to live so there’s no point to a reunion” “Is that really all there is?” His response was still filled with scrutiny and I immediately answered.“Yes”“I don’t believe you”My expression cracked, why ask if you’re not going to take my word for it?!My lips drew a thin line and I remained silent. “Of course, I can’t force a kiss from you. You still owe me”He finally straightened his posture and released my shoulders, a sigh I didn’t know I was holding leaked from my lips.I wasn’t completely out of the ditch but at least I have es
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