Sebastian's eyelids fluttered open, his senses immediately captivated by the distant melody of soft raindrops dancing upon his windowpane. With a subtle grunt, he shook off the remnants of slumber, surprised by how swiftly sleep had overtaken him. This was far from his norm; typically, he'd find himself immersed in the early hours of the morning, absorbed in the dealings of his empire. But tonight, an unfamiliar calm had wrapped around him.
His gaze shifted, alighting upon the form of Rose, a breathtaking vision of serenity. The strands of her hair lay against the pillow, her delicate features illuminated by the dim light. As he absorbed the sight of her, he couldn't help but wonder if her peaceful look was genuine or merely a look masking the turmoil he had inflicted upon her. Yet her countenance told a different story one of surrender to the exhaustion that had enveloped
With painstaking care, he delicately disentangled her fingers from hi
"We are the police and we are here because of the death of Mr Damian who died a few hours ago". Max said. Sebastian frowned. "Okay?"He said exhaustedly. "According to our data, This was the last place he visited and we have a course to question you..sir". Max said again.Max and Lark stood in front of the imposing gate of Sebastian's mansion, their gazes fixed on the small portion of his face visible through the gate's bars. It was hard to deny the man's attractiveness, but Max knew better than to let appearances cloud his judgment.Just as they were about to speak, Sebastian's smooth voice cut through the air. " Please go on, I am waiting, gentlemen?" he saidad, his tone polite but with a hint of curiosityMax stepped forward, his expression serious. "Mr. Wayne, we're here to discuss the recent death of Damian. We have some questions we'd like to ask you."Sebastian's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn
Sebastian's voice held a mixture of urgency and frustration as he repeated the question, his eyes boring into hers. "Rose, do you truly think I'm capable of doing something like that to Damian?" He asked her again.Rose met his gaze, her own expression torn between the emotions swirling within her. She could feel the weight of his grip on her arms, his fingers pressing into her skin. It was as if he was demanding not just an answer, but the truth she held deep within herself.Her heart raced as the silence stretched between them, the intensity of the moment suffocating. She had to choose her words carefully, aware that her response could have far-reaching consequences."I... I don't want to believe it," she admitted softly, her voice wavering. "But there are so many things that I don't understand right now. The doubts, the secrets... It's hard for me to know what's real."Sebastian's grip on her arms tightened, hi
The car rolled to a stop just a short distance from the police station, the engine's soft purr fading into silence. Max and Lark exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring a collective decision. Lark reached for the door handle and opened it, stepping out onto the pavement."Well, I think that's enough for today," Lark said, stretching his arms above his head. "Besides, we've got our day off tomorrow, so might as well save the thinking for then."Max nodded in agreement, his mind still grappling with the events of the day. "You're right," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "I could use a break from all of this."As Lark started to head in the direction of his own car, Max remained seated in his vehicle, his thoughts veering into an unexpected direction. He found himself thinking about Sebastian, his mind dwelling on the man's imposing presence and undeniable charm. Max's thoughts began to wander in
The morning sun cast a warm glow through the curtains, painting the room in gentle hues of gold. Rose emerged from her bath, her skin tingling from the refreshing water. Wrapped in a plush towel, she selected an outfit that felt comfortable yet elegant. The anticipation of the day ahead quickened her heartbeat as she dressed.Dressed in a light floral dress that swayed with her movements, Rose couldn't help but feel a sense of eagerness. The message she had sent to Max had stirred something within her, and the prospect of meeting him held an undeniable allure. With a soft sigh, she ran a hand through her damp hair and applied a touch of makeup.Her steps were light and almost buoyant as she made her way to Sebastian's room. As her hand touched the doorknob, she felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest. She opened the door, expecting to find Sebastian, hopefully in a better mood than the previous night.However, the ro
Rose's phone buzzed with an incoming call, interrupting her thoughts about tomorrow's meeting with Max. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother's name, her heart quickening at the hint of urgency in the call. With a deep breath, she answered, "Hello, Mom?"Her mother's voice came through, but it was unsteady, carrying an emotional weight that caught Rose's attention. "Rose, dear, I need to ask you something," she began, her words betraying her nervousness.Curiosity and concern mingled within Rose as she responded, "Of course, Mom. You can ask me anything."The pause on the other end seemed to stretch for an eternity, making Rose's pulse quicken. Then, with a shakiness in her voice, her mother asked the question that sent shockwaves through Rose's mind, "Were you pregnant six months ago?"Rose's eyes widened, her breath hitching as her heart pounded against her ribcage. She hadn't expected this question, espe
Rose stood in front of her mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a mix of determination and uncertainty. She adjusted the collar of her blouse and smoothed out the fabric of her skirt. Getting ready to meet Max brought a rush of nervous excitement that made her heart race.She carefully picked out a pair of delicate earrings, a gift from her mother, and secured them in place. She took one last look at herself, her hazel eyes reflecting a medley of emotions, before stepping away from the mirror.With a purposeful stride, Rose moved through the mansion, her steps echoing through the grand hallways. She had decided to leave a note for Sebastian, a precaution just in case he returned before she did. She scribbled a message on a piece of paper and left it on the table in the hallway, making sure it was prominently displayed.The note read: "Sebastian, went to see mother at the candy shop. Be back soon. Love, Rose."
As Rose stood there, her gaze fixed on the message she had just sent to Sebastian, her phone suddenly rang, startling her. The screen displayed his name, and a sense of apprehension gripped her as she answered the call."Hello?" Rose's voice trembled slightly, a mixture of fear and determination in her tone."Rose," Sebastian's voice came through the phone, smooth and calculated. "Your mother wants to speak with you."Rose's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her mother. She hadn't anticipated being able to talk to her so soon, and a glimmer of hope rose within her. "Put her on," she replied, her voice still shaky.There was a brief pause, and then her mother's voice came through the line. "Rose, sweetheart?""Mom?" Rose's voice was filled with both relief and concern. "Are you okay? What's going on?"Her mother's voice was strained but tried to sound reassuring. "I'm fine, dear. Don't worry abou
Rose's fingers fumbled with a loose strand of her hair as her mind raced with unease. She couldn't shake off the lingering tension from her conversation with Sebastian. Her nerves were on edge, and the weight of his suspicions still hung heavy in the air. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, before looking up to meet Max's concerned gaze."How are you?" Max asked, his voice carrying genuine concern. His eyes held a mixture of curiosity and care, and Rose's heart skipped a beat as she tried to muster a smile to hide her inner turmoil."I'm good," she replied, her smile perhaps a little too forced, but she hoped it would be enough to deter any further questions from him. She shifted slightly on her feet, a subtle attempt to dispel her nervous energy.Max studied her for a moment, as if he could sense that there was more beneath the surface. His intuition seemed to pick up on the fact that something was amiss,
Four months later.The car moved steadily along the road, the gentle hum of the engine creating a comforting backdrop to the silence that enveloped the interior. Rose's hand rested on her slightly protruding belly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing invisible patterns on the fabric of her dress. Michael, who sat in the back seat, was gazing out of the window, lost in his own thoughts.Max's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his gaze alternating between the road ahead and Rose's profile. He could sense the mixture of emotions in the air—grief for Rose's mother, the weight of their recent experiences, and the glimmer of hope for the future.As they approached the cemetery, Rose's grip on her belly tightened slightly. She took a deep breath and turned to Max, her voice soft but determined. "Thank you for being here with me, Max. I know it's not easy."Max offered her a reassuring smile
The tension in the warehouse reached its breaking point, Sebastian moved with deliberate slowness towards the elevated platform where Michael was tied. His demeanor remained cold and calculating, a dangerous calm emanating from him. He retrieved a gun from his pocket, the metallic click as he removed the safety echoing in the hushed air."Rose, drop the gun," Sebastian's voice was ice-cold, the threat underlying every word.Rose's hand trembled as she clung to the gun, her wide eyes locked onto Sebastian's every movement. The gun was her last desperate card, her only means to keep Michael safe, and she clung to it with a fervent desperation.Max, his eyes flickering between Rose and Sebastian, sensed the imminent danger. He moved swiftly, lunging towards Rose in a desperate attempt to disarm her. His hands closed around the gun, and in the struggle, a gunshot rang out, the deafening sound ricocheting through the warehouse.
Max's suggestion was a slim hope, an attempt to gather any useful information from Sebastian, but as Rose dialed the number again and waited for him to answer, there was a sinking feeling that he was always a step ahead."Sebastian," Rose's voice held a hint of desperation, "tell me where my brother is. I need to know he's safe."Sebastian's chuckle on the other end was infuriating. "Oh, Rose, always trying to assert control. How quaint.""Just tell me!" Rose's voice trembled with a mix of anger and anxiety.Sebastian's tone shifted, his voice dropping to a chilling calm. "I know you're with the cop, Rose. And I'm well aware of the audacious plan you're concocting. But remember this, you have limited time."Rose's grip on the phone tightened as she exchanged a tense glance with Max. "Where is my brother?"Sebastian's voice was like ice. "Meet me at the old warehouse by the docks. You remember it, don
They finally arrived at the boarding school, Rose's heart raced as they rushed into the reception area. She could feel the weight of every decision she had made up until this point pressing down on her. The thought of not being there for Michael when he needed her was like a heavy anchor dragging her down.As they reached the reception desk, a middle-aged woman looked up at them with a smile. "Hello, how can I help you?"Max spoke quickly, his voice firm yet respectful. "We're here to see Michael lugard, Is he currently at the school?"The receptionist checked her computer. "Yes, Michael lugardis a student here. However, visiting hours are usually—"Rose's voice trembled as she interrupted. "Please, it's really important. Can we see him? It's urgent."The receptionist's gaze softened as she recognized the urgency in Rose's voice. "Alright, let me make a quick call to the dormitory to see if he's avail
Rose's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove through the dimly lit streets, her mind racing and her heart pounding. Bloodstained and shaken, she knew she had to find a safe place to gather her thoughts and figure out her next move. Just as panic threatened to engulf her, her phone rang, the sound cutting through the tense silence of the car.Rose sped through the streets, her hands trembling on the steering wheel, her mind was a whirlwind of fear and desperation. The events of the past hours had pushed her to the edge, and the knowledge that she was holding a shard of glass that had wounded another human being weighed heavily on her.Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, her phone rang, the sudden sound causing her to startle. She glanced at the caller ID and saw Max's name flashing on the screen. With a shaky hand, she answered the call."Rose, where are you?" Max's voice, steady and concerned, echo
As Rose watched from her hiding spot, her heart raced as Samuel's footsteps echoed through the mansion. She crouched behind a corner, her breath held, as he slowly made his way into the living room. She could see that he was dressed differently, not in his usual attire. Her mind raced to connect the dots, and then the realization hit her like a bolt of lightning – he wasn't here as a servant."Mrs. Wayne? Are you here?" Samuel's voice echoed through the grand room, his tone tinged with a mix of urgency and concern. He seemed to be searching for someone, and Rose's heart pounded in her chest.The sight of him moving slowly and scanning the room sent shivers down Rose's spine. He was different, something had changed about him. He was no longer the calm and collected Samuel she was used to. His demeanor was tense, almost anxious.As Samuel called out for her, Rose felt a surge of fear. She bit her lip to stifle any so
The two women were locked in a physical battle, their faces inches apart, eyes locked in a fierce contest of wills. Rose could see the fear and desperation in Prisca's eyes, the conflicting emotions that seemed to war within her. It was clear that Prisca was deeply entangled in Sebastian's world, but at the same time, there was something else – a flicker of humanity, a trace of regret."Let go, Rose! You don't know what you're getting into!" Prisca's voice cracked with a mix of emotions, and her grip on the journal tightened, her knuckles turning white. Rose's heart wavered for a moment, torn between her determination to uncover the truth and the urgency in Prisca's pleas.But the weight of everything she had learned, the memory of all the lives that had been shattered, fueled her resolve. With a sudden surge of strength, Rose twisted away from Prisca's grasp, breaking their physical contact. The journal rem
Rose stood up from the bathroom, her face still stained with tears, and took a deep breath to steady herself. She whispered to herself, "Stop crying, Rose," as if trying to muster some strength to face what lay ahead. With determination in her eyes, she left her room and quietly made her way to Sebastian's room, her heart pounding in her chest.As she stood in front of the door to his room, her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob. She took another deep breath, as if preparing herself for whatever she might find inside. With a hesitant push, the door creaked open, and she slipped inside, her senses immediately enveloped by the familiar scent of Sebastian's space.The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of a lamp casting shadows along the walls. Rose's gaze scanned the room, her eyes falling upon Sebastian's large wardrobe. A flicker of determination crossed her features as she walked over to it. She fumbled with the handles of th
Rose stepped into the mansion, her heart still racing from the recent phone call with Sebastian. The weight of the situation was almost suffocating, and all she wanted was a moment to gather her thoughts. She entered her room, her steps silent on the plush carpet. As she closed the door behind her, a sense of isolation settled in.The room felt both familiar and foreign at the same time. It was a place where she should have found comfort, but now it seemed tainted by the secrets that had been unveiled. She looked around, her eyes taking in the elegant furniture, the soft lighting, and the delicate decorations that once held some pleasant memories. Now, everything seemed different.With a deep breath, Rose pulled out her phone and dialed Emily's number. The call rang for a few moments before Emily's voice greeted her on the other end."Hey, Rose! What's up?" Emily's cheerful tone was a stark contrast to the turmoil that R