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*LATER IN THE DAY, SIX HOURS TO BE PRECISE*

Alex came of his room to the living, wearing a sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt. He seems as though he just woke up from a deep slumber as he wiped his tired hands with the back of his hands slowly.

"You aren't going to work today, Alex?" His mother, who has been patiently waiting for him to come out of his room, asked as soon as she saw him. "Did you announce a general holiday to your staffs or something?"

"Well..." Alex started slowly, shrugging his shoulders. "Why should I go to work when I'm going to stop soon? I'm trying to learn how to spend the day lazying around without doing anything."

"What do you mean?" She asked, her brows creased. "Why are you stopping work soon?"

Alex picked up the remote control on the table and switched the television on, sitting on the couch next to him. "Didn't you said you have to take everything away from me to leave Rosy?" He asked casually. "Well, this is my answer, I won't leave her no matter what you do, even if I'm to sacrifice my licence for it."

"Oh, right, I see." Mrs. Williams nodded knowingly. "Then you should also learn to live a less comfortable life as well because I'll be sure to take that too. You wouldn't mind, right?"

Alex snickered. "I did not realize you have this in you, mom." He enunciated. "Go ahead and do what you want, I've done enough for you already, I can't be a puppet forever!"

"Sure, fine." His mother shrugged her shoulders lightly before picking her bag to take her leave. "Don't forget you asked for this, Alex and don't come beg me later like you always do!"

"I won't, don't worry." He uttered as he watched her leave, letting out a deep and tired sigh afterward.

***

Rosy had received a message from Mrs Williams that morning and wondered why she would text her. Curious, she decided to read the message. “Let's meet at the restaurant downtown, the same place you usually go on a date to with Alex...” it reads.

Rosy decided to give it a shot, who knows, she might have something important to say. She quickly dress up, being on her best look —she might not need to impress Alex's mother but she thought it would be best to appear confident through her look as well.

She got to the restaurant, took the VIP room Mrs. Williams had booked earlier that day and waited for her patiently. Rosy might not be the patient type but she knows when to apply patience; especially when it involves meetings like this!

Soon, Mrs Williams came. As she entered the dimly lit room, her eyes met with Rosy's. She had a knowing look on her face as she silently , observe the young woman's body language intensely, already knowing her intention. Rosy didn't appear to be intimidated by Mrs. Williams' presence, meeting her gaze unwaveringly.

Mrs. Williams noticed a determination in Rosy's eyes, which intrigued her. She could sense that there was something important that Rosy wanted to share, but she isn't interested in creating a safe space for her to do so; she only needs less time with her and she's gone.

"How did you know this place?" Rosy was the first to speak, breaking the eerie and uncomfortable silence between them. "Have you been watching the both of us this whole time? This place was supposed to be our secret hideout for dates."

Mrs. Williams only stared at Rosy in an unexplainable look and without a word, she took a seat in front of Rosy, hitting the nail straight on its head. "Leave Alex alone." She started slowly in a calm yet firm voice. "Break up with him immediately, I don't want to see you anywhere around him ever again!"

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Williams but I won't leave Alex. I can't leave him." Rosy stated firmly, her conviction showing in every word. "In fact, I've proposed to him and I'm confident that soon he will accept my proposal. That's how much I want to be by his side."

Mrs. Williams' face twisted with anger at the boldness of the young woman before her but she maintained her composure; it wouldn't be better to loose herself in such a place. "Name your price..." She offered sternly, instead of a reaction. "I will pay you to leave Alex alone, whatever amount you want!"

But Rosy simply shook her head. "Money can't buy love, Mrs. Williams. I'm not leaving Alex." She enunciated, her voice was calm but surprisingly firm. "—and I don't want your money."

"But I have more than enough to pay you to leave that naughty feelings behind." Mrs. Williams countered. "Love is just a feeling that doesn't even exist anyway but money does exist. Why would you not want any in exchange for love?"

Rosy's eyes sparkled with defiance as she took a deep breath. "Mrs. Williams, my love for Alex is not driven by monetary gain." She responded calmly, already getting worked up. "I understand your concern but rest assured, my intentions are genuine and I truly believe in the strength of our relationship."

Mrs. Williams took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She could feel her anger simmering beneath the surface, but she knew that she needed to keep a level head. "We will see how long your confidence lasts, girl." She said icily and stood up, turning and leaving the room as well as Rosy to her thoughts.

Rosy watched as Mrs. Williams leave the room, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. She knew that building trust takes time, but she wasn't bothered by whatever threat Alex mother might make nor the price she has to offer; she can get something much bigger from Alex.

On the flip side, Mrs. Williams' mind was already working on a plan to ensure that her son didn't get entangled with someone like Rosy. Rosy may have thought she had won this battle, but Mrs. Williams was not one to be underestimated. She would do whatever it takes to protect her son and make sure he ends up with the right person, Lisa.