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,
Max leaned back in his chair, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "So, you decided to fulfill my college dreams, huh?"Rose matched his playful tone, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Well, who am I to deny a detective his long-awaited date?"His laughter resonated in the air, the carefree sound a contrast to the intricate mysteries they both carried. "You got me there," he admitted, his gaze fixed on her. "But honestly, I'm more surprised by the 'sudden' appearance."Her lips curved into a half-smile, and she leaned in a little closer, her voice conspiratorial. "Well, detective, sometimes life's more exciting when it's unpredictable."Max's smile softened, a glint of something deeper in his eyes. "Touché," he replied, his tone warm. "But seriously, what brought you here?"Rose's playful demeanor shifted slightly, and she looked at him with a blend of curiosity and sincerity. "Honestl
As the hours went by, the café had become a haven of shared confidences and emotional revelations. Rose had poured out her heart to Max, recounting the unsettling events, the secrets, and her growing sense of unease regarding Sebastian. Her voice trembled with a mixture of fear and relief as she recounted each piece of her disturbing discoveries.Max had listened intently, his eyes never leaving Rose's face. He felt a mix of emotions himself – shock, anger, and a burning determination to help her navigate this treacherous situation. When she finished speaking, her tear-stained face revealing the weight she had been carrying, Max's hand reached out across the table, his fingers brushing against hers.In the quiet aftermath of her words, he took a moment to compose himself, the gravity of what he had just heard sinking in. He had expected to uncover some secrets about Sebastian, but the extent of the darkness that Ro