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
ROSE POVI enter my apartment exhausted, emotionally drainedBrenda's worried face greets me"Rose, where were you?" she asks relieved with a hug.Concerned written all over her face"I've been worried sick," Brenda admits releasing me from the hugI collapse onto the couch.Brenda joins beside me." How did you get in?" I ask confused"Spare key," she explains" Came in last night."" What happened to your ankle. I was so worried" She confess with a frownHow thoughtful." I was with Roman," I begin.Story pouring out our confession.Uncle William's surprise visit.Brenda listens quietlyHer eyes widen in shock."In love?" Brenda repeats, skeptical."But he blackmailed you," Brenda reminds.In a way I understand herA valid concern indeed"I know," I nod understanding."He was just hurt and anger," I explain."Beneath all that he truly loves me .Brenda's expression seems rather unconvinced."Rose, are you sure?" she presses protective"I've never felt this way," I assure with convict
ROMAN POVI rush to the carRose's limp body in my arms.She is bleeding profusely from the head."No, no, no," I chant in terror speeding to the hospital." Emergency" Screech to a halt, nurses rush to my side."Help her!" I beg desperately."Sir, please," a nurse calms gently."We need to get her inside."The doctors swarm into efficient actionRose disappears into the ICUI pace outside, anxious.Full of regret.Why didn't I just let her goA doctor emerges sympathetic from the ICU."Mr. Roman, we're doing everything we can," Dr. Lee assures"Please, tell me," I implore, desperat"Her condition?" He manage to askDr. Lee's expression saddens Something must be horrible wrong"Severe head trauma," he explains"Subdural hematoma."He adds scaring the hell out of m"What does that mean?" I demandFear gripping my heart"Bleeding in the brain," Dr. Lee clarifies."Surgery is necessary.""When?" I press with urgency"As soon as possible," Dr. Lee replies.A nurse approaches"Sir, we ne
A WEEK ONROSE POVI blink.Fluttering my eyes open to an unfamiliar white ceiling.A ventilator attached to my nostrils.Private room?Where am I?My memories are fuzzy.I feel pain everywhere.My head is throbbing.My body achingA figure rushes to my side.It's a lady dressed in a white attire.A nurse.She happens to be smiling, relieved."Welcome back, Rose," she says softly."Where...am I?" I croak, with a dry throat."Hospital," the nurse replies.Hospital????How did I get here"What happened?" I ask, confused.The nurse's expression seems rather sympathetic."Let me get the doctor," she says and quickly exits the room, leaving me alone with questions and fears.My mind is racing.Roman's face flashes in my memory, the arguments, tears, stairs, falling. everythinI struggle to sit up.Pain shooting through my headA groan escapes my lips.I need to remember exactly what happene, and why I'm here, alone.====================The doctor enters smiling."Good morning, Rose," he s
ROMAN POV" Thank God you are okay" I say with excitement as he hurry to her side hugging her tight" I thought I lost you" I confess as unexpected tears escape my eyelids." Don't ever scare me like that again" I say as I pull away from the hug and caress her cheek lovingly as our sees meet" I don't know what I would do if I lost you" I confess in ecstasy.Her face is one of confusion and displeasure.I look at Helen, a sick smile plays on lips. She looks so contempted like her biggest wish just came true.Helen stands."Excuse me," she says."I'll give you two some time."Helen exits leaving us alone.That's when she takes the opportunity to push me away." Don't you ever touch me again" She warns in anger. Uncle William enters with a firm expression."Roman, I need to talk to you and Rose," he says seriously."Uncle William, what's up?" I ask, concerned.Uncle William's gaze seems really cold"Rose, you're the BBB behind the scandal?" he accuses.Rose nods, guilty, ashamed."I'm
A WEEK ONROSE POVI sit in my hospital bed awaiting discharge.Nervous about going home with Roman.Uncertainty looms.Suddenly, the door opens and Claire rushes in with tears streaming down her face."Mama!" Claire squeals excited.We collide in a tight hug, tears flowing freely."I missed you so much, Mama!" Claire exclaims, sniffling.I hold her close as my heart moves with geniuine excited."I missed you too, baby girl," I reply, smiling.Claire pulls back wiping her nose on her sleeve."Are you okay, Mama?" Claire ask, concerned.Big brown eyes looking up.I nod."I'm fine, sweetie," I reassureClaire's face lights up"Yay! We get to go home!" Claire cheers bouncing up and down.Roman chuckles.He helps Claire guide me to a wheelchair.Claire sits on my lap, hugging me tight."Don't leave me again, Mama," Claire whispers as tears well up in her eyes.My heart melts."I won't, baby," I promise, hugging her tight.Roman's gaze meets mine, understanding.As we exit the hospital to
ROMAN POVI stand outside Claire's door, a smile on my face,Listening to Rose's laughter, warm and full of grace.Helen's soothing voice calms the air,Claire's giggles infectious, beyond compare.I peek inside, a perfect picture I see,Rose reading a bedtime story, Claire snuggled close to thee.Helen sits beside, smiling bright,The three of them, a happy, loving sight.My heart swells with emotion, for a moment, I forget,The blackmail, contract, and lies we've beset.All I see is love, pure and true,Rose's eyes meet mine, and my heart feels anew.She smiles, and I feel hope arise,Maybe we can make this work, and reach the skies.Claire yawns, sleepy, Rose tucks her in tight,Helen kisses her forehead, "Sleep tight, sweetie, goodnight."Rose turns to me, our eyes meet once more,A connection real, not fabricated, I adore.I step back into the shadows, watching over them with care,Protective and loving, with a heart full of hope to share.Later, Rose enters our bedroom, exhauste
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