Roseline was aware of the abnormal closeness between her husband and younger sister, but she had chosen to turn a blind eye and trust her husband no matter what. Despite the fact that she wanted to trust Henry, there were sometimes when she got angry and infuriated seeing them together, but she always believed that Henry loved her just as much as she did for him.
‘Perhaps those two are still preparing the surprise, but I can't help but feel impatient seeing how much time it's taking them. I should probably go and find them so that they can show me whatever surprise it is.’ Roseline thought to herself again, starting to feel uneasy with the amount of time both Henry and Sophia were taking and she couldn't find her parents anywhere to ask them.“Please excuse me, I have to go and look for my husband." Roseline told the guest she was with and excused herself away from them and headed to the elevator that leads to the next floor since she had seen both of them entering the elevator earlier.When Roseline stepped out of the elevator, she kept walking in the hallway. Thanks to the sound proof, the loud music from the first floor wasn't able to disturb the guests sleeping peacefully in their room. Not wanting to keep calling out Sophia and Henry's names to disturb the guests in their room, Roseline pulled out her cell phone and dialed Henry's number but it wasn't connecting, making the switch to call Sophia but it was the same thing as Henry's.“How strange, they both aren't picking up their calls. Could this be part of their so-called surprise?" Roseline mumbled to herself as she took another turn leading to another hallway. Her uneasiness grew as she continued to search for Henry and Sophia. Deep down, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something more than a surprise was happening between them. The bond between her husband and younger sister seemed to be crossing boundaries, making Roseline question the trust she had placed in both of them.“Walking around in these heels is killing me. I should probably go back to the party and wait for them. Who knows they might also be looking for me?" Roseline muttered. She had walked to the end of the hallway on the third floor. When she couldn't find them on the second floor, she took another elevator to the third floor hoping to find them in any of the rooms there as well but she couldn't.Just when she was about to turn on her heels and go back to the elevator, she caught a glimpse of one of the room doors being slightly opened, making her raise her brow. ‘Why is the door open?'Roseline took a few slow and gentle steps towards the door. She needed to confirm if something was going on in the room or if there was something wrong with the guest in the room. However, compared to her expectations of seeing someone in trouble, Roseline was shocked to the core by what she saw next while peering through the open gap in the door.She couldn't believe her eyes as she opened her mouth wide in shock. Her husband and younger sister that she had wasted a lot of time and energy looking for were actually in the room together.What was worse was the fact that they weren't just alone in the room. The act in which she saw both of them was unbelievable. Her younger sister Sophia was sitting comfortably on Henry's lap as they both locked lips together.Where was the surprise they told her they wanted to show her? No scratch that, this was even bigger than the surprise she was told. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she watched her loving husband run his hand through Sophia's body, slowly unzipping her dress and groping her breasts while Sophia let out a soft moan.“Are you forgetting that today is your wedding anniversary, Mr. Walker? You shouldn't be doing this when you have a wife waiting for you outside for her surprise." Sophia broke off the kiss and uttered gently, though her words sound reasonable but her actions weren't since she was only taunting Henry.“That fool can wait for all I care. Besides, her term as my wife is already near to being over, I can no longer stand her ugly face any more." Henry spat out, disgust evident in his voice as he pulled Sophia's head closer and kissed her passionately making her let out another moan.Roseline, who was outside the room, covered her mouth in shock. She almost puked in disgust and irritation seeing how the two were trying to swallow each other in their kiss. She was completely paralyzed and didn't know what to do at the moment. Should she turn and leave then act like she hadn't seen anything or burst into the room and point accusing fingers at both of them?‘No, I wouldn't do the obvious.’ Roseline shook the thought away from her head. She bit her tongue in order to keep herself sane then unlocked her phone screen before starting to record the gross event in the room. She planned to do more than just act as a victim. Even though it might hurt her as well, she wouldn't mind publicly humiliating Henry and Sophia today. Thankfully, there were still enough guests on the first floor. She'd probably get a divorce if matters went out of hand after humiliating them.It took all of Roseline's fiber to stand outside the door, videoing the whole scene in the room. However, it got to a point where she saw that she couldn't withstand her nauseous feeling, so she stopped recording and was about to leave when she suddenly collided with the flower vase that was placed outside the room.Roseline gasped loudly when she saw the vase broken on the floor. She turned to pick up the room and saw that both Henry and Sophia heard the noise and they suddenly stopped what they were doing.“Who's there?" Roseline gulped when she heard Henry's voice from the room. She shouldn't get caught by those two so she quickly made a run for it without answering.Henry quickly stood up from the bed when he saw a figure pass through the door. He knew instantly that someone was there and must've witnessed all what they did, making him dash towards the door to see who it was. When he stepped out of the room, he saw the back of a woman running away in her high heels. Instantly, he didn't need to be told who the woman was because he recognized her by her dress and figured that it was Roseline.“Shit!" Henry cursed. “Roseline!" He yelled her name through the hallway but he got no response from the woman as she quickened her pace, making him run after her as well.However, it was too late before he could catch up with her. She had already entered the elevator.“Roseline! Stop the elevator and let’s talk!" He yelled at her, but she only stared at him with teary eyes through the elevator before it closed.Not wanting to lose her, he quickly took the next elevator. Each of the elevators on the cruise ship was made only to reach one floor each. That means the floor that the elevator she took was on the next floor, so he quickly rushed to the second elevator.Roseline rushed out of the elevator in hurried steps. She balled her hand into a fist in anger not expecting to see what Henry would chase after. She still doesn't have a full understanding why he would cheat on her with her own step sister and given the way they were so intimate she was sure that they'd been having that secret affair for a very long time.Feeling completely disgusted thinking about what she had witnessed earlier, Roseline decided to change her direction and head to the bancoly of the ship on the second floor. She knew Henry would soon reach the second floor seeing how he had asked her to stop earlier so it's better for her to divert his attention.Roseline gazed at the full moon, reflecting on the ocean water with a blank expression. Her marriage was supposed to be different from this betrayal by her husband. She loved him too much and was hurt by what he did to her. She remembered herself telling him a few minutes ago that today was one of the happiest days of her li
She shivered. She was in extreme pain not from being stabbed but her heart was the one in the pain right now. Her heart sank hopelessly into the dark. Right there and then, her whole world collapsed in front of her. “Aren't you too smart, sister? It was easy for you to connect the dots. That's right you've been poisoned." Sophia admitted, all smiles in mockery at Roseline. Roseline gulped. She remembered that Sophia had brought her drink earlier to drink. She didn't think much about it and happily collected it from her sister not knowing that it was already poisoned by Sophia. “How could you do this to me?" No, why are you both doing this to me?! Answer me, Henry and stop hiding behind Sophia like a coward!" Roseline yelled furiously at Henry. She hadn't had the chance to ask Sophia why she was also doing this to her since it was obvious that she might be jealous of her. She needed answers from Henry himself. “What exactly do you mean by that you've been enduring me for the past te
Every single time that she falls sick, her mother, or to be more precise, her stepmother is the one who always takes care of her. There was even a time when she exhausted herself while taking care of her one time . How could that be all fake? Then it suddenly occurred to her, her father had been acting strangely lately. He kept calling her to have a meal with him, sometimes he'd ask her to visit him and spend a few days at the mansion. He showed her much more love than usual like he was going to lose her to the past few months and days. But she thought that it was because he misses her so much that he was acting strangely. At the same time, her father had also been the one to arrange this wedding anniversary for her. He kept saying that he wanted her to have a memorable wedding anniversary for the past four years she had been married. So how could all this happen of he hadn't planned it or arranged it in the first place? Even if she screamed at this rate, it was useless because no o
“Awwn, where do I start from……. First of all, let me thank you wholeheartedly from the bottom of my heart, sister , for transferring all your money to me and my brother. Hahaha, it's worth tens of billions, sister.” Sophia muttered as she pulled out a few pieces of paper from her bag and held it in front of Roseline. She took a few steps forward, waving the documents proudly at her. “This is what I mean, sister. You see, this paper in my hand, is the paper you've signed to agree to transfer all of your money to us on your wedding day. You're just the most stupid person in the world. Thank you so much, my idiot sister, because you've foolishly signed the documents without taking a proper glimpse of it.” Her pale face was tainted with blood oozing out of eyes, as she took a closer look and read the content on the documents. Her heart went frozen in pain and shock, she shivered and trembled. It felt like her entire body was whipped by thorny lashes. The sudden desire and urge to kill a
“Sophia! Henry! You both are so evil and vicious, you both don't deserve to be called humans at all! Even if I die and become a ghost, I will haunt all you down.” Overwhelming hatred surged within her as she glared at the both of them with bloodshot eyes. “Hahaha, then go ahead and become a ghost. I've been waiting so long for this day to come and it's finally here, did you think that mere threat would scare me?“ Sophia's eyes were filled with a sinister desire for destruction as she moved extremely closer to Rose, she grabbed the dagger bottom and pierce it deeper into Rose's stomach. “My dear sister, you deserve to die for us to lead and live a happy life that wouldn't include you.” Sophia muttered in a gently soothing voice but there was no sort of emotion in her gentle voice at all. “Ahh!" Rose let out a gasp when the dagger pierced through her. The sky stumbled upon her, blood gushing out of her mouth and her heart burned in pain. “See you in hell, sister. I will be looking f
Rose stopped laughing when she heard the loud thud sound in the room. She moved her head down and turned to look at the direction where the sound came from.To her dismay, she saw a beautiful young girl, dressed in a black and white knee-length gown standing by the door. She had a scared, frightened and stunned expression on her face as she stared at Roseline who was still sitting on the bed.Rose glanced at the girl for a few seconds before her gaze trailed off to the white bag on the floor. Obviously it was the bag that had fallen down and caused a loud thud sound in the room. However, Rose was puzzled why the girl was standing by the door without moving except for the shocked expression on her face.She recognized the girl, who was none other than her roommate.“Why are you standing there like you've just seen a ghost?" Rose finally asked, raising a brow at her roommate, who could also be considered as her friend.In a flash, after the question left Rose's mouth, her roommate who w
‘ I was partially the cause of your accident, if you hadn't come back to California because of me you wouldn't have been involved in that accident.’ Rose thought to herself, feeling guilty for what happened to Alisa. ‘ However, in this life, there wouldn't be a wedding that would make you come back.’ “You know that you're the only one who I think truly cares for me apart from my mother." Rose suddenly remarked, making Alisa turn to look at her with a confused expression." What are you talking -” Before she could finish saying her words, Rose suddenly hugged her which took her by surprise."Thank you, Lisa.” Rose mumbled softly , hugging her tighter. This was supposed to happen when she saw Alisa again but she was too consumed by the thought of getting revenge to organize her thoughts. “Hey, why are you suddenly acting this way?" Alisa asked after Rose released her from the embrace. She couldn't help but feel like Rose was acting completely different from what she knew ever since sh
*************California, Los Angeles airport.There were crowds of people who exited and entered the airport. Despite the fact that everyone had their destination to run to, they couldn't help but have their attention drawn to a particular direction. In that certain direction that had almost everyone in the airport staring at was none other a slender tall man at the height of 197cm. He was wearing a tailored black suit, white dress shirt and black tie. Just take a glance at his dressing, and one could tell instantly that what he was wearing was filthy expensive.His silky black hair was neatly styled in a short comb over, silver rimmed pilot sunglasses were propped comfortably on his high nose, his thin lips were a shade of peach. He was seductively handsome, however, he emitted a cold and aloof aura.Trailing behind him was his personal assistant and five fully built bodyguards. Each one of them dressed in black suit with the King crest embroidered on the chest of their jacket. Hi
---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
Rose, who heard Beatrice’s voice paused and looked at Beatrice, her expression blank but her posture poised.Beatrice clasped her hands together, her tone pitiful. “Rose, I… I know I’ve made mistakes. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have let things get so out of hand. Please, don’t leave. We’re family. Let me make it up to you. What would the people say if they knew you left home?”‘Tsk, you're still worried about your safety and reputation.’ Rose scoffed.Her gaze fixed on Beatrice. She tilted her head slightly, her tone soft and innocent. “Oh, Mother, I don’t blame you at all. It wasn’t your fault. These things just… happen.”Beatrice’s eyes widened, taken aback by Rose’s response. “I—I’ll do better, I swear. I’ll talk to Victor, and we’ll make this right. You don’t need to go.”Rose offered a small, sweet smile. “You’re too kind, mother, But Uncle Julian is right—I need a change of scenery. It’s not about you. I just need a little time to heal.”Beatrice reached for her hand, h
---The Gray mansion loomed under the overcast sky, its towering structure a stark reminder of the battles fought within its walls. Two days had passed since Rose signed the contract, transferring her shares to William. But her mind was far from defeated. She had called her uncle, Julian Anderson, with one clear directive: take her out of this house.As the sleek black car pulled up to the grand entrance, William stood at the threshold, his expression unreadable but his stance stiff with tension. Julian stepped out, his tailored suit and confident demeanor a sharp contrast to William’s simmering hostility.“Julian,” William greeted, his voice laced with forced politeness. “What brings you here today?”Julian’s gaze swept over William coldly. “I’m here for Rose.”William’s jaw tightened. “Rose is perfectly fine where she is.”Julian smirked, his sharp features hardening. “Fine? Is that what you call being bitten by your son? Victor’s behavior was barbaric. She’s covered in bruises, an
‘My wife is right. She's changed. She's plotting something,’ William thought, his suspicions solidifying."So, she’s put her guard up against me," he muttered in a tone only he can hear, his expression darkening. If that’s the case, I’ll have to get rid of her soon.But the tens of billions he craved wouldn’t be his until Rose turned twenty.Rose felt the sudden wave of hostility radiating from her father and shivered. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do, even to his own daughter, to get what he wants. She was certain of it.That was the real William Carter: calculating and ruthless. With no power, money, or connections of her own, Rose wasn’t a threat to him—yet. But her time for revenge hadn’t come, and until then, she had no choice but to play along.Quickly, she donned a sweet smile and replied in her softest voice, "You’re my dad. There’s no need to borrow anything. Whatever you need, I’m happy to give it to you and help in any way I can."Her thoughts told a different story. This is
"Father?!" William snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Rose's voice next to him. Rose frowned at the way William jolted at her words. It's obvious he was daydreaming, but the fact that he was wasting her time was even more annoying to her.“Do you have something else to.say?" She asked.For a moment, as though remembering his true purpose for coming, he cleared his throat and turned to look at her properly.“There’s something I need to ask you, Rose.” He hesitated, his tone softening. “Do you remember the 10% shares your grandfather gifted you? I need you to lend them to me. It’s critical for stabilizing the company. I promise, once we get through this tough time, I’ll return them to you.”The words landed exactly as Rose had expected. She had been waiting for this moment.When she was born, her grandfather had gifted her 10% of the company’s shares—a sizable stake, even by Gray standards. Those shares had remained untouched, protected by a clause that prevented their use unti