The tension outside the car was weighing on Rose, her palms were all sweaty and her body shook from fear but she kept her eyes up, watching Donovan take majestic steps to the center of the space. Their leader had a wide grin plastered on his face but when Donn spoke, the smile instantly disappeared. “You’re right about one thing, I chose a perfect place where no one can locate and no one could hear screams… that’s because I always clean up flawlessly” His gaze darted between the men and the atmosphere instantly grew to a cutting-edge point. “Cut the crap! - Arghhh!”The rest of the leader’s words got stuck in his throat when Donovan fired a shot to his leg, automatically bringing him to his knees while the rest of the men watched with horror. It was the look of instant regret, just like the saying. ‘Who brings a knife to a gunfight?’From the start, their aim was to capture Rose, so with their numbers they didn’t think it’ll be difficult, especially with the metal bats in thei
Rosella’s POV What happened next? Where am I? My lashes feel too heavy to lift and my neck hurts like crazy.Eventually, I struggled to open my eyes and slowly turned over but my body jerked back in shock. I sometimes forget that I share this bedroom with Donovan, I don’t think I can ever get used to it. He just sat with his back against the bed frame watching me with his fixed eyes and it made me extremely uncomfortable. “I’m the one who took a hit on the head yet you’re the one who fainted. How should I take this?” He questioned with a slightly raised brow. Has he been itching to ask this all the while I was sleeping? He seems so eager! I also didn’t realize I fainted, thinking back at how worked up I was last night, it’s no surprise. Fainting was always a thing that happened easily to me ever since my dad died. “If you want an apology, I can give you” I answered indifferently, he was simply just trying to rile me up and I didn’t have the strength for such a sport. “Why s
Mirable’s POV“Miss Mirable, please sign here”The sight of another delivery man traumatized me. I was really going to lose my mind if this continued. I turned to the side of my desk and saw the stack of different flower bouquets. All delivered this morning!There was no point in guessing, I’m well aware of the not-so-secret conversations going on at the desks next to me. Everyone had so much to say and at first, I didn’t care, but this was really getting out of hand.In the end, I signed the papers, and the bouquet of roses was dropped off. That Mitch of a man has done more than enough!“What are these?”I heard Franklin’s chilling voice from above and immediately locked his gaze. Why was he acting like he doesn’t know all about my struggles with Mitch?“I’ll take care of it” I stated and brought out my phone, I glanced at the numerous missed calls which I purposely ignored and decided to call back. Immediately the call connected. “Hello, I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist”
Rosella’s POV I arrived at Cambridge Lounge in time but I somehow managed to be the last person. They must be super excited about what they had planned for me if they showed up this early. Call me rude, I don’t care! I walked right past everyone seated at the round table and made my way upstairs. I was only here tonight because of Simon, I had a bone to pick with him, elsewise they wouldn’t have had the luxury of seeing my shadow!Sure enough the minute I walked past I heard their clamoring voices and it was clear they weren’t trying to hide their sharp words. One of them even seemed like she was going to charge at me while she yelled “Who does she think she is?! Is she better than everyone because she became the surrogate of a powerful family?!” The hall erupted as I saw from the corners of my eyes a few of them stopping her from following me up the stairs. How hilarious!“Please wait here, Mr. Simon would be right with you”Immediately I reached the upper floor a waitress ra
Mirable’s POVEver since Mitch’s awkward stare at the front of his car, he kept giving me the once over while driving and it was starting to get really uncomfortable. Was my new look that provocative or was he just a freak? Of course, these were my inner thoughts and I didn’t express them! I just awkwardly smiled every time our eyes jammed, which was quite often!I thought to put on some music to alleviate the weird tension but the minute I reached for the radio button he reached out as well and our fingers touched.“I’m sorry!” I pulled my hands immediately and the air got even more suffocating.“Why are you apologizing? I did it on purpose”My head slowly turned in disbelief “What?”“I’m saying it was my pure intention to feel your hands”I was left speechless, unsure of how to react then he spoke again. “Is there something going on between you and Franklin?”He dropped the question so casually yet I felt a surge of anger within me, I can’t recall how many times I’ve been ask
Mirable POVInstead of giving him a reply I turned my neck diagonally and sure enough, Mitch was staring right at me with no intention of concealing his intense gaze. My throat suddenly became dry as I picked up a glass of water but Mitch stood up to raise a toast and everyone held their wine glass up, leaving me with no choice but to switch my option.Even while standing and holding out his glass his eyes were staring at me. Is he trying to make everyone here aware of his weird behavior?!The awkward tension almost made me drink my wine but I refrained. I can’t have alcohol no matter what, the mess I made last time landed me in this spectacle. Cheers followed after his brief speech and each partner clicked their glasses before taking a sip but Mitch was alone, he was the only one without a date, it’s no wonder he could openly fix his gaze on me without restraint. “The dance floor is ours” One of the executives present announced and steadily people made their way in pairs to the
Rosella’s POV With the annoying conversation I had with Simon which was no different from barking at a wall. I was now forced to sit at the round table with every one of the pretentious people in my class.I just realized that not everyone from our session was present, it was only the selected group known for their despicable behavior that organized and showed up for this supposed reunion and I’m yet to see Adriana. Does she think her arrival will be a surprise to me? I’m sorry to disappoint her but I’ve already caught on her passionate display in one of the rooms. They were so into it that they didn’t realize the door wasn’t properly shut.My, my Jake must now be too busy with his stolen company to satisfy her desires, if she had to look to someone like Simon for it then it must be a case of chronic neglect. “Rose”I heard my name from one of their mouths and pretended not to hear. I’m only seated here because I’m now curious about their special plans for me. Since they put i
“Mr. Donovan, it’s a pleasure to meet you again” Simon’s voice cheerfully echoed as he skipped down the stairs. His actions were quite courageous as he stretched out his hand for a handshake with Donovan, where did he get such boldness?Donovan finally let go of Adriana’s hand and she winced in pain while massaging her shoulders. “Who are you?” Simon’s face instantly flushed red from embarrassment and Rose unknowingly muffled a laugh. He acted as though Donovan was his old time friend, was this just because of the one time meeting to make a reservation for this place? Because the hall was quiet and before Simom could recollect his senses, all attention was focused on the videos on the screen.“Someone turn it off” Their low voices whispered between themselves as they scurried like headless chickens trying to disconnect the massive projector from displaying their ‘best memories in school’“Get me the tape and all the copies” “Yes sir”The workers moved swiftly and claimed the
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