ROSE POVMy eyes tour through the office.My heart feels heavy.I am miserable" I will take I leave now" I beseech them, turning to leave as I whine in anguish, when Roman's voice cuts through my fog."Rose, can I ask a favor?" he ask as though I have a choice.I turn forcing a smile."What is it boss?" I reply.Roman's expression seems oblivious to my pain."Can you drive Crystal and me to Bistro Bliss for brunch?" he requests.My stomach twists in agony.What impetus.Expecting me to drive him and his other woman.Not just any woman. Crystal, the woman who kissed him in front of me.It's either he is just daft or plain evil."Please, Rose?" Roman adds, politely.Unaware of my turmoil.I nod, mechanically."Okay," I manage to say with great difficultyRoman smiles grateful."Thanks, Rose. We'll be waiting," he says.Crystal appears smiling, triumphantTogether, they walk to the car.I follow, numb, resentful as I drive.Silence fills the car.The drive is awkward, uncomfortable.Cry
ROSE POVIt's dark, quiet and peaceful.suddenly an annoying sound echoes.I flutter my eyes open to my parlor ceiling.I guess I slept in the living room.I look to my side, and it's my phone ringing. Brenda's name flashes.I answer."Hey, girl!" Brenda exclaims excited"What's up?" I ask with a yawn as I strength.Normally when Brenda calls this early in the morning it's often for one stupid reason like I have a date tonight and I have nothing to wear, or I think I am getting fat recommend me a diet.Today she seems more excited.I hope it's worth the hype."You're on TV!" Brenda squealsMy heart skips a beat."What?!" I shout unsureI grab the remote, flipping through channels, and boom there I am on the screenMeMy TikTok video.Exposing Roman Rogriguez.Commentators analyze.My words.My messageI watch stunned, proud.Brenda cheers through the phone."You go, Rose! You're trending!. Our celeb" she says and I laugh."This is insane!" I exclaim.Brenda's voice turns serious."Ro
ROMAN POVI grip the steering wheel tightly.My anger is intensifyingRose's words echo."Getting married."To someone else.Unacceptable.We drive in silence to the delivery locationTension building up and finally I snap."Why are you wearing that perfume?" I ask out of the blue.Accusing.Rose looks at me confused."What's wrong with my perfume?" she asks calmly yet puzzled"It's too strong," I growl.Petty but I don't careVince and Alex ( Two of the cindicate's workers and long time friends) exchange a wary glance in the backseat." Roman, ease up," Vince suggests.I glare at the rearview mirror instantly conveying the message mind your own business via stare.Rose sighs, taking out another perfume, spraying it all ovee"I changed perfumes. Happy now?" she ask sarcastic."No," I snap "Fix your hair" " Oh come on" She grumbles in anger.I find fault in everything, her hair, her clothes, her attitude.The other guys intervene but they don't get it, this is between us it's between
ROSE POVI stand tall, confident, negotiating with Viktor, a notorious client."Five million," Viktor insists.Unyielding to My six million for his next supply of drugs in two days" Five point eight" I counter, firm.Showing no weakness at alViktor smirks.He looks impressed for some reason" Five point three" He bargains " Five point five or nothing" I inform with confidence and he burst out laughing." Fine I will pay" He says in a laugh.Suddenly sirens pierce in the air.Police swarming the uncompleted warehouse."Freeze! Hands up!" officers shout.My heart sinks.Time to leave.I pull out my gunViktor follows suit.We dive behind pillars, as gunfire erupts.The police and Viktor's men exchanging bullets.I return fire, precise, controlled.My mask conceals my identity.Protecting my secretsRoman's training kicks inInstincts takes over.I move swift and silently.Taking down some police officers, careful not to hit any vital spots.Police close in, I sprint toward the exit o
WILLIAMS POVI grip my phone tightly.Anxiety eating away at my composure."Find them," I urge my hedge man Fred.My hedge man seems calm as though being sure of their where abouts.A lifeline in my turmoil."Yes, sir?""Rose and Roman," I press, urgency in every word "Locate them immediately"seconds count my hedge man remains paused."I'll deploy our assets, sir."He informs" We will lunch a search party, leaving no stone unturned" He says" While you are at it. Find out who's behind this," I add.Determination in my voice.Who ever ratted us out to the police will have to pay with his life.I will protect my family at all costs.Hedge man's assent.Immediate."Yes, sir.""I want updates hourly. No faster"I inform"Every 30 minutes," I correct impatience getting the better of me." Understood boss" He says confidently" I will take my leave now" He says excusing himself.My mind racing.Worst-case scenarios playing in my head.Rose, Roman hurt or worse.No.UnthinkableI'll find the
ROMAN POVWe break to the surface gasping.Air fills out lungs.Exhausted.We swim towards shore, emerging from the water.Dripping, cold.Rose is trembling with rage.Not gratitude as expected." Are you okay?" I ask with concern, as I try removing her wet hair from her pretty face." I am fine. Don't touch me" She says in anger slapping my hand away." You're so stupid!" she spits, stunning me.Her eyes blazing with emanating hate.Is she being serious, I just saved her life and this is what I get in return.What an ingrate."What were you thinking?" she demands, furious."You ruined everything!" I stare confused."Ruined what?" I ask, calmly yet nonplussedTrying to reason where I went wrong.Rose's anger boils."You idiot!" she yells."You didn't have to save me!"She says as though I did the biggest mistake ever."I had to," I protest.My protective instincts kicking in."You shouldn't have!" Rose shouts." If I didn't you would have been death" I remind feeling equally angry."
ROMAN POVFlames dance before us.Fire crackling the tension between us.Rose's anger still simmering.My frustration matching hers."You can't keep running like this," I say reasonable calm.Rose scoffs."You think I have a choice?. I don't want you anywhere near me. I don't want your kindness but you insisting" Her voice laced with venomI take a step closer.Eyes locked on hers." Why do you keep tormenting me by sticking around?" She ask in a rather broken voice" Because I care. You mean a lot to me Rose" I confessRose's gaze falter for an instant then hardens."Don't lie to me, Roman," she warns "I mean nothing to you , you have made that clear time and time again. So why are you playing with my feelings?"Her voice trembles.My heart races."Rose," I whisper.My voice breaking."I'm not lying to you. I sincerely do care about you" Her eyes narrow skeptical but I press on."Listen to me for once" "Trust me."She doesn't say a word instead, she burst into laughter." Trust yo
ROMAN POVWe settle into the backseat.Uncle William's driver drives expressionless behind the wheel, while Uncle Williams still has a smile plastered on his face."Comfortable, kids?" he asks, cheerful for reasons best know to him.Rose and I exchange looks in disbelieving.He hasn't mention what happened this morning once.Our awkward encounter."Where are we headed?" I ask curiosity getting the better of me."Home," Uncle William replies nonchalantly as if nothing transpired.I look at Rose and can still see that she's as ashamed as ever.She is still envisioning the seen from earlier this morning.She tries to push the entire drama to the back of her mind in her thoughtless persuit to normalize the scene."How did you find us?" She ask puzzled.The exact same question that weights on my mind.Uncle William chuckles."Roman's smartwatch." He says arrogantly, as though boasting of his unrivaled intelligence."Tracked you down."" Thank you for your help" Rose gratifies with a cute s
ROMAN POVI dismount, approach Darrick with respect,"Thanks for letting Claire go with us," I say, gratitude in effect.Darrick nods, resigned, "No problem, Roman," hollow tone,My eyes narrow, sensing something's not quite shown."Darrick, is everything okay?" I ask with concern,His gaze drifts to Rose, longing in his eyes, forlorn."No, Roman," he admits, tormented, "I still love her so,"Vixen, Rose, my heart sinks, unexpected, I know.My face hardens, protective, "Rose is mine, Darrick," I warn,Firm, Darrick's eyes flash, acknowledging defeat, torn."I know," he whispers, resigned, "But I couldn't help myself,"My voice softens, sympathy, "Darrick, move on," I advise with wealth."For your own good," I add, gentle, Darrick nods, empty, hollow,I return to Rose, mount our horse, "We're leaving," I say, firm, to follow.Darrick watches as we ride away,From him, from his love, unrequited, forever to stay.My arm wraps around Rose's waist, secure, possessive,"Mine," I whisper, cl
SAPPHIRE POVI watch Roman and Rose, reunited and happy as can be,My heart aches with regret, why did I meddle, why interfere with glee?Darrick's eyes mirror mine, sorrow and remorse we share,We exchanged a glance, regret and guilt we can't bear."What have we done?" I whisper, tears welling up inside,Darrick's voice barely audible, "I lost her," he can't hide."Rose, forever," his eyes well up, tears fall like the rain,"I'm sorry," I offer, useless words, but all I can obtain.Darrick shakes his head, resigned, "It's my fault," he confesses true,Self-blame in his voice, a sorrow that we both pursue.I take his hand, comfort offered, "We both made mistakes," I say,Shared guilt and regret, our hearts heavy, lost along the way.Darrick's gaze drifts to Roman and Rose, happy and free,While we're trapped in regret, a pain that's all we see."Let's leave," I suggest, escape this heartache and sorrow,Darrick nods in agreement, we turn and walk away tomorrow.Away from what could've
DARRICK POVI kneel beside Rose, pleading and desperate,"Reconsider," I beg, one last chance to erase." I was desperate. I was confused. Mom tricked me. She assured me you weren't going to get hurt" He begs in tears as he continues his stupid lies" I love you Vixen with all of my heart. God knows that"Rose's expression remains unyielding and firm,"Darrick," she says, "I don't love you anymore, my heart's torn.""My heart belongs to another," she confesses true,"Roman," she whispers, love shining through.My chest constricts in pain, overwhelmed and defeated,Memories haunt me, what I had, what I've retreated.Self-loathing consumes me, tears fall silent and dark,I whisper "Forgive me" to myself, to Rose, but forgiveness leaves its mark.@@@@@@@@@@@@ROSE POVI wake up groggy, Darrick still kneeling beside,Eyes red-rimmed from tears, a sorrowful, regretful tide."Darrick," I say firm, "we need to talk," I declare,"About Claire, our daughter, her well-being's paramount, we must
ROMAN POV"Sapphire, what happened?" I demand, panic rising."I thought she went with you," Sapphire stammers, fear etched on her face."Darrick took her horseback riding," she adds.My grip tightens on the phone. Alone. No Sapphire. No protection.My mind races. Darrick's obsession. Vixen's past. Danger lurks."Find them," I bark at Sapphire. Now. Get them back. Safe.Sapphire's voice trembles. "Roman, I—" Guilt and regret in her tone."Go!" I shout into the phone. Sapphire's sobs echo as I slam the phone down.Pacing frantically, I plan to rescue Rose from Darrick, protect my love at all costs.============="Sapphire, calm down," I tell her firmly, but she's hysterical."You don't understand," she cries desperately. "What Rose went through with Darrick before."My jaw clenches. "I trust Rose," I insist resolutely.Sapphire's eyes flash. "Trust?" she spits. "You're blind."My patience wears thin. "Sapphire, stop," I warn.The rain intensifies outside."Rain's getting worse," Sapphir
ROMAN POVAs I gaze at Rose, sleeping peacefully in bed,My heart swells with love and protection, filling my head.I lean down, brushing my lips against her forehead so bright,"Good morning, beautiful," I whisper, gentle, without a fight.Then I turn and leave the room, seeking Claire's shining light,My little girl, full of joy, my heart takes flight."Claire, sweetie," I ask, serious, "do you want a new sister to love?"Claire's face lights up, "Yes! Yes!" she squeals, bouncing up and down from above."Why do you want a sister?" I ask, curious, bending down,"To play with!" Claire exclaims, eyes sparkling all around.I smile, knowing what I must do, to make our family whole,Adopting Rose's other daughter, giving Claire a sister to call.My mind is resolute, I'll face any challenge, any test,For my family's love and happiness, I'll do my best."I'll talk to Rose," I tell Claire, "and make it happen soon,"Claire claps, excited, "Yay! Thank you, Papa!" she croons.@@@@@@@@@@@ROSE
ROSE POVI step into the hotel lobby, elegant and serene,Roman and Helen wait outside, loading luggage, a helpful team.I approach the reception desk, with a smile so bright,"Welcome to—" the receptionist starts, but then a voice takes flight."Sapphire," a voice says, familiar, yet detestable too,I turn to face her, poised, polished, but fake, through and through."Sapphire, darling," I say sweetly, with a hint of disdain,"Still clinging to Darrick?" I ask, with a playful, teasing refrain.Sapphire's eyes narrow, her smile forced, a fake concern,"Don't think you've won this round," she warns, with a hint of scorn.My eyes lock onto hers, "Game on," I say with a grin,Sapphire's gaze falters, before she recovers, but I win.Roman appears at my side, supportive and strong,"Ready?" he asks, and I nod, leaving Sapphire seething, all wrong.Roman's arm wraps around me, "Everything okay?" he whispers low,I nod, for now, but this isn't over, no.===============I step into the hotel
SAPPHIRE POVI storm into Lucinda's room, furious and bright,"Mother, you won't believe, Vixen's alive, it's not right!"Lucinda's eyes widen in shock and dismay,"Impossible," she says, but I nod, rage boiling away."Darrick's obsessed with bringing her back," I snarl and spit,Lucinda's face hardens, "Unacceptable," she says, her anger to fit.I pace around the room, my mind racing with fear,Thinking of all the ways Rose Georgia will bring us to tears.She'll ruin our lives, our marriage, our perfect little lie,Darrick will leave me, and I'll be left to wonder why.I pull my phone, dial Sam's number with speed,"Sam, it's Sapphire, find out about Rose Georgia's deed.""Uncover her secrets," I urge, with a determined tone,Sam's voice calm, confident, "I'll dig deep, alone."Relief washes over me, Sam will uncover the truth,Exposing Rose's lies, and all her hidden youth."Darrick thinks she's Vixen, back from the dead,"But I know better, Rose Georgia's hiding something in her he
DARRICK POV:I pace in my office, waiting with hope,For Mrs. Rose Georgia, our last scope.This meeting could save our company's fate,From bankruptcy's dark and dismal state.But where is he? Late, unprofessional too,Sapphire's voice rises, impatient, "I told you, Darrick, it's true.""You're wasting time with this company's plight,And these people, who can't save the night."I shoot her a warning glance, calm and serene,"Patience, Sapphire, he'll come, our last beam."Sapphire scoffs, rolls her eyes with disdain,"You're naive, thinking some mysterious client will sustain."Our future's on the line, desperation's stake,But Sapphire doesn't understand, my heart does ache.The door bursts open, my assistant's voice so bright,"Mr. Darrick, Mrs Rose Georgia has arrived, all's right."Relief washes over me, but Sapphire's face,Changes from annoyance to shock's dark place."Rose Georgia?" Sapphire repeats, stunned and still,"The woman I have been waiting for?" My heart sinks, wha
ROSE POVWe walk into the studio, hand in hand,Excited for our voice-over session, in a magical land.Roman squeezes my hand, with a grin so wide,"Can't believe we're finally doing this," Roman says with pride.Me too, I smile back, feeling happy and free,We're seated in the recording booth, just you and me.Headphones on, script in front, we're ready to go,Roman leans in, whispers, "Remember that wedding scene, don't you know?"My cheeks flush, "Which part?" I play along,Giggling, Roman's eyes sparkle, with a love so strong."The kiss," Roman whispers, suggestive and sweet,Our lips touching, in the scene, but real, our hearts beat.I blush more, "Shh," I tease, "We're working," I say,Roman chuckles low, sultry, "Can't help it, thinking of you each day."The director's voice cracks through, "Alright, let's start,"Roman winks at me, we begin, our voice-over, a work of art."Action!" the director calls, the intense scene unfolds,Crystal, my rival, confronts me, with anger, youn