“You don’t want her to go pick up the books?” Sandra asked. “It’s not important,” Rose casually replied. She didn’t really care that her books were scattered around the back of the classroom. Those books had no use for her. And even if someone were to pick those books up, it should be the person who had thrown them there in the first place. “I will get another badge and set of new books tomorrow." She told them. The teacher walked into the classroom ready to start the day lesson. Rose on the other hand brought out an English textbook she had in her bag and opened it before standing it right in front of her. She brought out two more books and did the same. Kehlani turned to look at Rose and saw her placing books in front of her, she couldn't help but raise her brow at what her friend was doing. They are having a history class not English so why is she placing the book in front of her. It's understandable if she has no book on her desk since they are mostly lazing in the trash can
“My dear, this would be your room. I have everything prepared for you but if you don't like anything there, let me know so that I can have it changed for you." Karen said as she stood in front of the room door she had paid her attention into decorating for Rose during the week. It was one the reason they didn't visit the Gray mansion earlier because she wanted everything to be perfect before they bring Rose. Rose smiled when she noticed the nervousness in Karen's eyes that she was trying to hide. “Thank you for taking care of me, Aunty. I'm sure you already did a good job with the room so don't worry about anything because I will like it no matter how it looks." She told Karen who blinked her eyes in surprise. “Oh dear, aren't you so sweet? You can tell that I'm nervous that you might not like what I did.” Karen let out a sigh of relief as she smiled back at Rose. She unconsciously reached out her hand and caressed Rose cheek gently. ‘You really left an image of you Ruby and sh
“Oh my gosh, Rosey. You are really trending a lot in school." Sandra suddenly commented with her phone in her hand. She was talking about the trending topic on the school forum. “Huh? Why did you say that Sandra?" Kehlani asked. “Goodness, are you sure you are part of this school? Even if Rose isn't aware of what I'm talking about, I expect you to put her through. Wait….what am l even saying? You still need lecturing not to talk of you lecturing Rosey over here.” Sandra grumbled at Kehlani. " Hey, that's an insult.” Kehlani looked at Sandra with an offended look. Sandra rolled her eyes at Kehlani before turning to look at Rose. “You're trending because of what happened earlier with Senior Nia." She revealed. “Really?" Kehlani asked and Sandra gave her the phone for her to see for herself. “You really know how to keep your cool, Rosey,” Sandra said with a grin. “If I were you, I’d still be fuming over Nia. You didn’t even flinch. It’s like you knew exactly how to handle her with
Rose ignored both of them and stared at the four storey building cafe. This is unlike the normal regular cafe she knew. She knew that there was going to be a VIP floor in the building and it's probably on the third or fourth floor. This place is definitely not a cafe any lower class individual can visit because everything from the look of the building screams wealthy, rich, Luxury. Only wealthy people can afford this type of cafe. “What do you think about this place, Rosey?" Sandra turned to look at the quiet Rose while she allowed Kehlani to be in awe with the building. “It's good." Rose curtly replied. Sandra grinned at Rose. “Okay, let's go.” She hooked her arms with both Kehlani and Rose and dragged them to the entrance. " Sandy, how did you know about this place?” Rose suddenly changed the current topic. They have been sitting here at one of the tables in the cafe for ten minutes and some decided to ask to satisfy her curiosity. " Are you forgetting that my family is into th
Rose paused and looked at the two of them for a while. She can't possibly tell them why she came back even though she trusts them. They might end up seeing her as a crazy girl and run away. “I got tired of staying abroad so I came back here. Also, I don't have friends over there because I was once like Kehlani. I only have my best friend, Alissa." She explained. “You used to be like me?" Kehlani asked. She never expected to hear that Rose used to be shy and have low self esteem like her. It was thanks to both Rose and Sandra that she was slowly able to come out of her shadow. “You can say I was even worse. And I treated my best friend badly back then but we are on good terms now.” Rose replied. " Wow, how I wish she was here. I'd love to meet her since she was your first friend. Though I'm quiet disappointed because I thought I was your first friend.” Kehlani pouted , making Rose chuckle at her antics. " Sure, you're the first friend I made when I came back.” " See, you should s
Only Rose knows how to calm Alyssa down whenever she is getting emotional again. “Really? So why did you call? How's everything going with you? Are you okay?" Alyssa calmly asked in a gentle voice. “I called because I want you to speak to my friends. I told them about you.” Rose said. “Oh my, that's so sweet of you, Rose. I'm happy you told them about me. Quickly let's do a video chat so that I can see them.” Alyssa said. Rose nodded and switched the call to a video chat so that Alyssa can see both Sandra and Kehlani. To her surprise the three girls got along well and they all spoke to Alyssa like she was sitting with them. Most especially Sandra, she got along well with Alyssa because they have similar personalities. After spending a while at the cafe the three girls head back to Kehlani's house and Kehlani handed some school notes to Rose. Just like that, Rose continued with her normal routine, going to school, spending time with her two best friends. That weekend Rose spent
After a short while of arguing between each other, Rose was victorious and Paige had no other choice but to agree with Rose.“Young miss, take very good care of yourself, will you?” Paige said, still worried about Rose.“Go ahead, auntie. I will be fine.” Rose smiled at Paige who bowed at Rose before taking her leave.Rose watched Paige close the door before the smile on her face dissolved like it was never there before. “I will take very good care of myself, auntie. As long as you are not here to witness what would happen, I will be fine.” Rose muttered to herself in daze.‘I just have to get rid of brother Luthor as well this weekend.” She thought. She is trying to send the people that are important to her away this weekend because there is something she is planning to do to the Gray family. They have been too relaxed lately so she planned to cause a bit of chaos that would shake them off their seats.Another day was coming to an end as the sun slowly set in the west. The clouds wer
Dad, Mom, sis, I’m back!” A young teenager's voice rang out. Instantly Sophia heard the voice, her eyes widened in surprise before lighting up with excitement. And for the first time that evening, a genuine smile spread across her face as she leaped from her chair, nearly knocking it over. “Victor!" She shrieked, her tone so high-pitched and excited as she rushed towards the door with such speed that it seemed as though she had been waiting for this very moment all evening. “He’s back!” Beatrice, slightly more composed, followed behind her daughter, her face and mood instantly changed into a bright smile at the sight of her son. At the doorway stood Victor Gray, the youngest and only son, the crown prince and prized jewel of the family. He was tall for his age, his dark hair tousled in that effortlessly charming way, and his eyes gleaming with the assurance of someone who had never known consequences. His confident and cocky grin spread wide as he walked in. Sophia flung her arm
"Shut up!” Victor snapped sharply, his voice quivering with rage. The injustice he felt burned like a firestorm inside him. “They beat me up! They should be begging for my forgiveness! I’m going to sue them all and throw them in jail!” His eyes blazed as he glared at the crowd, his words venomous. “How dare you mess with me? You’re all dead!” The crowd erupted into sneers and laughter. “If anything happens to us, the world will know it’s the Grays who did it,” someone retorted. “You’ll face justice soon enough.” Another voice chimed in, “Miss Rose Gray, it’s pointless to be kind to people like them. They don’t know the meaning of gratitude!” “They’re heartless,” a third agreed. “The more you tolerate them, the worse they’ll treat you.” “Some people are just born wicked,” an older man said, shaking his head. “Victor Gray is the perfect example.” Rose, standing at the center of the storm, glanced at Victor with a faint trace of pity. She sighed softly and said, “But he’s still my
The Gray couple stood devastated, their carefully constructed façade crumbling under the weight of the truth. William seemed to freeze, his face twitching with barely restrained fury. For a moment, he looked like a man teetering on the brink of madness. How can I possibly agree? Everyone is watching and listening. But those shares are mine. MINE. Rose kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders hunched like a frightened lamb. Her small frame trembled slightly, evoking pity from the onlookers. Poor girl. The crowd whispered amongst themselves. Born into wealth but treated like an outcast in her own family. Even her own father uses her without hesitation. Beatrice’s fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her mind was racing. No. We can’t give those shares back. They’re ours. Sophia’s and Victor’s future depend on them. She can’t take them from us! Sophia stood frozen, her face burning with suppressed anger. Yet, she dared not speak, remembering the backla
"How could a father steal from his own daughter? Or is she not even considered his daughter?” “Is the Gray Corporation really that desperate now?” Outraged whispers spread among the crowd. Some female reporters expressed their disgust. “Do you only see your son as your child? What about your daughter? This is outrageous!” Someone chimed in, “He surely cares for his daughter, it all just depends on which daughter you're referring to. And it's obvious that you mean Sophia. Look at her outfit! That dress alone is worth more than $100,000, and her jewelry must cost a fortune of a million. However , look at the poor Miss Roseline Gray…” All eyes turned to Rose, and the difference was undeniable. “My God, it seems like the ex-wife’s daughter hasn't been treated well.” “It’s clear who gets the love and resources in this family…” Beatrice Gray’s face tightened as she realized the shift in the room’s mood, but it was too late. Sophia, unable to contain her anger, stood up and snapped a
It was a speech prepared and arranged for Rose to deliver, and it would have sounded far more convincing if she had done so. However, Rose had stayed quiet the entire time, leaving William Gray with no choice but to do it himself."Fake? Photoshop? That’s the best explanation you can offer? Ridiculous! Do you think we’re so blind that we can’t tell the difference between fake and real? Does he truly think we’re stupid?"Some reporters exchanged skeptical glances, their pens pausing mid-sentence. The crowd seemed to share the same sentiment, murmuring in agreement, except for a small group of reporters.Before the other reporters had the chance to challenge him, a few voices rang out from the front row.“Mr. Gray is absolutely correct," one reporter said with exaggerated conviction. "The video lacks credibility. It's easy to manipulate footage these days, especially with advanced editing software."Another voice quickly added, "I agree. It’s well-edited, but if you look closely, you
---The press conference was held at the luxurious Riverview Grand Hotel, a venue known for hosting high-profile events. The large conference room was packed to capacity with journalists, photographers, and reporters from various media, all eager to catch a glimpse of the trending Gray family.As soon as Rose entered the room with William, Beatrice, Victor, and Sophia, the reporters surged forward like a swarm of hungry predators."Roseline Gray, what’s your opinion on the recent video?""Roseline Gray, how do you feel about being attacked by your half-brother Victor Gray?""This isn’t the first time, is it? Why have you stayed silent about the abuse?""Your father didn’t defend you—have you ever resented him for it?""How do you feel about the way your stepmother treats you?""Doesn’t your stepsister Sophia support you either? Do you feel completely isolated?""Roseline Gray, I heard you came back to the country, so what did you do to be beaten up by your step brother?”Question afte
………The next day, Rose dressed carefully for the press conference. She applied a touch of makeup to cover her bruises, though some marks were still visible. She chose a white summer dress, its delicate design giving her an air of fragility.When she descended the stairs, Beatrice was waiting, her irritation evident as Rose had made them for a long time on purpose.“Why are you wearing that? Pick a brighter color! You look better in something cheerful. And put more makeup on!” Beatrice protested as she scanned what Rose was wearing.‘What is she trying to do? Is she trying to look weak on purpose?’ Beatrice fumed internally. ‘This conference is meant to prove the video was false, not the opposite! If anything bad happens to my son, you’ll pay for it!’ she seethed.Rose’s eyes filled with tears as she replied meekly, “Dr. Noah said makeup could cause scarring if applied before my cuts heal. But I thought it would look too obvious without anything, so I used a little to cover most of the
They began the game in silence, the soft clink of chess pieces the only sound. Frank’s moves were calculated, deliberate, but he quickly realized Rose wasn’t an easy opponent. Her strategy was sharp, her responses precise, and it wasn’t long before she had him on the defensive.Frank leaned back in his chair, studying the board with newfound respect. “You’re quite skilled. Your mother must have been an excellent teacher.”“She was,” Rose replied, her tone tinged with fondness. “She always said chess was like life. Every move matters, and you have to think several steps ahead.”Frank nodded, his expression thoughtful. “A wise woman. And what have you learned from this game?”Rose paused, a small smile playing on her lips. “That you’re cautious but adaptable. You test your opponent before committing to a strategy.”Frank raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “Well observed. You’ve got a sharp mind, Rose. A rare gift.”“Thank you,” Rose said, warmth creeping into her voice.As the game p
Rose smiled, caught between the two. “I… I didn’t mean to start a competition!” she said, laughing lightly.Frank chuckled and placed a hand on Anne’s shoulder. “It’s not a competition, dear,” he said softly, his voice carrying a reassuring note. “Let her call us whatever she feels comfortable with.”Anne smiled, the playful edge fading. “Well, as long as she knows I’m the most important one,” she said with a wink.Julian laughed, crossing his arms and leaning back casually. “I’ll tell you what Rose, in order to soften the situation. It would be best if you call mom ‘Grandma’ and father ‘Grandfather,’ Deal?”Rose laughed, feeling the warmth of their banter. “Deal!” she said, her heart lightened by the playful atmosphere. She totally forgot that she felt stiffened up earlier.“Well,” she said, giving Anne a quick hug, “I’ll call you Grandma, if you prefer that. I just... I think it slipped out. It feels right.”Anne’s face softened, her smile returning. “Of course, darling. I suppose
*********The grandeur of the Anderson Ancestral home was as breathtaking as ever, with its ornate architecture and sprawling gardens. Though Rose had visited before, this time felt different. It wasn’t a casual visit—it was her escape, her refuge after the chaos at the Gray mansion.Julian guided her inside, where Frank and Anne Anderson awaited in the living room. Despite the familiarity, Rose still felt a twinge of hesitation as she approached them.“Rose, my darling,” Anne said warmly, pulling her into a gentle hug. Her soft hair brushed against Rose’s cheek as she held her close. “I’ve been worried about you. I’m so glad you’re here now.”“Thank you, Grandma,” Rose replied, her voice steady though her heart fluttered at the kindness."My goodness, how on earth did you end up in this state? How dare William Gray let his incompetent fool do this to my precious child? Does he have a death wish?" Anne fumed, her voice trembling with rage. Though most of the wounds were finally heali