“William?” Rosaline tentatively called when he did not say anything for a while.He only hummed in response and did not speak, making his displeasure evident.She turned over in his arms to face him. She held his face in her hands and made him look at her.“You look so cute when you are sullen and pouting. Did you know that?” Rosaline asked.William glared at her.“Why don’t you ask me the things that are bothering you?”“Three years, and you never asked anyone about me. You even interrupted people when they tried to tell you. Why?”“Because our relationship does not need interference from any third party, including Tessa.”“I think boyfriend/girlfriend is a temporary relationship, someone replaceable. I call you that for lack of a better word.”“But in my heart, I see you as my partner - equals, halves, and permanent.”“The way I see it, couples, husbands/wives, and partners are one unit - one united front. I don’t want someone else to tell me how you are doing. Or how you feel.”“I
Rosaline was amused seeing Tessa and William glaring at each other.It looked like she had forced them to sit together.“Are you guys that hungry? Why are you staring at the food like that?”“Rosy, it smells delicious. When did you learn to cook?”“It happened by accident. I started with small things like tea, coffee, breakfast items, and sundaes, and before I knew it, I was already cooking most of my meals by myself.”“Here, try this. I think I got the taste right. Can’t match Grams obviously, but should not be too bad.”Rosaline put a few dishes on Tessa’s plate and asked her to taste them.“I made this for you. You did not eat or sleep well for three years. I get so distressed every time I think of that.”Rosaline scolded William about it again as she ladled soup for him.William smiled at that and took it.“How is it?” Rosaline looked at them expectantly.“It’s so good. And you did not even burn your hands this time. When did you get so good?” Tessa exclaimed.“Good. My woman is e
The dinner ended on a high note as they stopped talking about serious stuff and started joking and sharing things they had missed out on over the last three years.William hardly talked but listened attentively to them, especially when Rosaline would share things.They finished the dinner and worked together to clean up.Tessa stocked even one-quarter of the bowl worth of remaining dishes. William found it funny.It was not hard to see that it was not just because the food was tasty but because Rosaline had made it.Once they had cleaned up, they slumped on the foot of the couch with wine and continued their chit-chat.William sat behind Rosaline, wrapping her in his arms. Tessa snorted at him but did not comment.Rosaline leaned into him as they talked endlessly.William had known they could talk non-stop for hours but was still surprised to see it firsthand.The other thing he was pleasantly surprised with was that they did not gossip.They must have spent around three hours chattin
William and Rosaline had breakfast amidst teasing and making out.She took aspirin for the hangover, drank lots of coconut water, and felt better.She called Tessa, who was similarly hungover but was feeling better after having breakfast and drinks William had ordered for her. Rosaline pecked him on the cheek to thank him, and only then did she realize she was supposed to sleep at Tessa’s place.He showed her the video of her clinging to him.She had clung to him even when he was driving and trying to change his clothes, making her cringe.“Wow. I never knew I was so clingy. Sorry!” Rosaline replied sheepishly. “You can cling to me anytime you want. Well, as long as you don’t drool on me.” William teased her.It was a few minutes before 10 am when they both arrived at William’s office.He held her hand and pointed at the offices along the way, showing her around.At 10 am, they had their usual meeting with the security team, who briefed them on the status. All the people were curio
The people from the Marketing and research team were indignant. It was one thing to be criticized by William, but for an unknown nobody to say the work they had spent three weeks on was useless was a heavy blow.Someone finally muttered discontentedly.“The people who play games don’t respond to surveys. The turnover has always been low.”“That’s because you ask the wrong questions and offer uninteresting incentives.”“Why would a person who spends over a thousand dollars in games every month care about some 10 dollars worth of shopping vouchers? Not only would it disrupt the game, but he would also have to spend more money to use the 10 dollars.”“What’s your suggestion then?”“Ask them if they want to be the VIPs who would receive the release or upgrade of the newest AR group software a day before the global release if they help you with the survey.”“What? How is it possible to release a product in advance for a select few people?”“William, can that be done?” Rosaline asked Willi
The next three months went by in a blur.They all settled into a pattern of sorts.William, Tessa, and Albert would go to work as usual. Rosaline would bring her work to William’s office or stay in the penthouse. She would randomly sleep at Tessa’s apartment or William’s place.She tried to cook as much as possible but did not always get the time. William, Tessa, and Albert all started helping her with CARE-related work. It lessened her workload by a ton.They all traveled from time to time to look into CARE issues and welcomed a lot of new members while finding adoption and foster homes for many.William thought nothing would surprise him anymore after Rosaline explained how closely she had worked with his father over the years.Timothy got admitted to Apex military academy, and William had Felix drive him there.They did not want anyone to know he knew them so that he could earn his keep himself.Felix thought his workload had increased since he was managing CARE as well.But Feli
One day, Asteria happened to be alone with Rosaline in the pantry.She felt awkward. She thought she had done something wrong by liking her man, so she held her head low.Rosaline started the conversation to her utter dismay.“You are Asteria Scott, right? Danial Scott, global CEO of Scott group’s daughter.”“Umm, Yes.” “Nice to meet you. I should have talked to you sooner. I am sorry.”“Uhh?”“Ah, I guess Mr. Scott did not tell you. You made an oil painting that your father hangs in his office.”“Yes. What about it?”“It is brilliant - vibrant colors with unearthly innocence. I begged your father to let me study it carefully for some time. You have no idea how hard he grilled me for that.”“What?”“Yes, I bet he values that painting more than his company. He was afraid I would ruin your masterpiece, so he had a dozen conditions before he allowed him within one meter close to it.”“Really?”“Of course, Miss. Scott. Why would I lie to you? The truth is I owe you.”“You owe me?”“Yes.
The weekend arrived, and Asteria found herself in an SUV with William, Rosaline, Tessa, Albert, and Felix.She was closest to Felix, so she stuck with him the entire time.Felix was already used to it and let her be. “Albert, I asked you to look after Tess. Why are you in a cold war with her?” Rosaline asked out of nowhere when they were joking about something else.“She started it,” Albert exclaimed.“Why?” “He said something about you.” Tessa fessed up. Tessa and Albert looked at each other and realized there was no good reason for two years of their cold war.“What did you say about her?” William asked Albert.Albert wasn’t sure what to say to save himself, “Brother, I did not say anything bad. I was just.”Rosaline could read between Albert and Tessa’s expressions, “You doubted my intentions and feelings for William.”William frowned at that. Albert and Tessa gave silent acquiescence. Rosaline turned to Tessa, “Tess! What would you do if the roles had reversed?”“What kind of
William lay on the bed with Rosaline in his arms and little Parth in his crib on the side. “Lexi?” William whispered. “Hmm?” Rosaline hummed in his neck. “Falling in love with you is the greatest achievement of my life. Thank you, darling. I never knew I could be so happy that my heart feels like it’ll overflow.” William said emotionally. “Don’t steal my line. That’s how I feel. With you by my side, I feel invincible.” Rosaline murmured. “I love you so much.” He said hoarsely. “I know. I would argue I love you more, but we both know that’s not true.” Rosaline giggled, peppering kisses on his neck. “Don’t do that!” William sighed. She teased, “Do what?” “Our son is here. We can’t do anything, so don’t provoke me. Besides, you have not healed yet.” William answered. “Teasing you is no fun. You have better control than me.” Rosaline complained. “You should be happy about that. I want you more than you want me.” William teased. “I have noticed our desire for sex and food follow
Everyone had gathered at the AR mansion early as Asteria was to bring Rosaline and William’s baby.Tessa jumped first and ran to the door.She could not snatch the baby from Asteria’s arm, and Asteria would not give him away.They argued as they reached Rosaline’s side.The silent baby finally made a cooing noise as he leaped at Rosaline.“You heartless brat, I have been looking after you for two days, and you did not even speak to me once,” Asteria exclaimed, making everyone laugh.She had become much more cheerful in Apex city. She was unrestrained and happy.Everyone was waiting to hold the baby.Leena whistled and said, “Don’t crowd around him. Give him some breathing space. Rosy will introduce everyone to him.”They all grumbled and sat down.Jack had to grab Tessa and Albert by the collar and make them sit.Meanwhile, the baby rested his head on Rosaline’s shoulders but kept facing outside.“Don’t be mad at Mamma. Mamma was busy. Look, Mamma brought Dada home.” Rosaline convince
Danial, Isabella, Rosaline, and William went to the Scott family mansion.They had identified and reported the spies to the authorities.Someone had screened the entire mansion for hidden bugs.They enjoyed a lively dinner. It was the most peaceful meal in over five months. They shared what was going on and celebrated the reunion.They had planned to fly to Apex city the next day.They had given a week off to everyone in both companies except the support staff. It was to gear everyone up for the drastic changes that were to happen in Scott Group and to set the pace they would pick up at AR Group. Finally, William and Rosaline were alone in their bedroom.He hugged her close as soon as they locked the door.“You worked so hard,” William sounded sad.“It was the only time I had gotten physically involved. I only worked from the sidelines and helped the rescued people. It was emotionally draining to see so much suffering.”“But I tried my best to channel it into helping others, spreadin
Rosaline tried to soothe her.“Forget those vile creatures. That phase in your life is over. It’ll never go away, but it’s only a past now.”“The baby is innocent. It’s 29 weeks old now. Already fully formed.”“That gives you three options - you can keep the baby.”“You can abort it.”“Or you can wait a few more weeks. After the 34th week, we can do a c-section. The baby will be kept in a NICU until it is ready to be taken away.”“It’ll have a very high chance of survival after 34 weeks. You need at least six weeks for your physical injuries to heal anyway. You will be in the hospital regardless.”“And even if you want to abort, you’ll have to wait two weeks before your other injuries are healed enough for the procedure to be safe for your body.”“You can sleep on it and make a choice.”The girl looked at her and asked, “If I give birth, what will happen to the child?”Rosaline answered, “Depends on what you want. You can leave it in CARE if you don’t want to raise it. I promise the c
Rosaline broke the silence before the reporters could ask anything.“This little girl needed 30 stitches to heal the wound caused by rape. I had qualms about signing the consent form to terminate the pregnancy, which she called a monster. It would have undoubtedly torn her already vulnerable body apart.”The host silenced the reporters and played another clip.It showed a hospital bed and a young woman with a big pregnant belly. Her face was blurred, but she looked young.A police officer took her statement while a nurse and Rosaline stayed in the room.“Miss , let me confirm the details as you have mentioned previously. You met Peter a year ago in a cafe. He asked you out, you refused, he started to harass you, and then you filed a complaint against him.”“We found the complaint in the FIR box in the police station of south branch-9, which is close to your house. You and your parents met with an accident five days after you had filed an FIR.”The girl trembled, and Rosaline hel
Rosaline asked.“Whose permission do we need to terminate any possible pregnancy? They are too young to consent to anything, and god knows when we will find their families.”She slumped down and leaned on the wall as she sighed.“On top of everything, I don’t want them to have to carry a pregnancy to term. Under a proper environment, there is a chance they might heal and have a life, a family, and a future ahead. Let’s protect that.”“Thank you, Chief!”“Can we also get permission for the girls to choose if they want to return to their homes or stay in CARE?”“I suspect one of the girls got sold by her family. The others were in unwanted, improvised conditions. Only the 13-year-old seems to come from a loving family. If they don’t have a healing environment at home, let them stay in CARE. When they are better, they can move out anytime they want.”“Thank you, Chief. I will get the documents from you and prepare them after I get checked at the hospital.”“Don’t worry! I won’t mess with
A reporter asked a question that was not related to the case.“Miss Dayne, there are rumors that all the rescued rape victims get forced to have an abortion before being admitted to CARE. Could you shed some light on the matter?”The host replied, “Please keep the questions limited to the case.”Rosaline smiled at the host and answered, “That is not true. But I think I should be able to answer more clearly if your question was specific.”The reporter was stunned but soon asked, “Is it true that you have signed the consent form for abortion for the rape victims who were underage?”“Yes, that is true.”The reporter sneered, “In that case, it is true.”Rosaline countered, “I think you should get your facts straight and understand the nuances while discussing a sensitive topic.”“I have signed a consent form to terminate the pregnancy caused by six months of continuous rape of an 8-year-old who was in no way capable of sustaining a pregnancy on her physically undeveloped body that needed
Chief Green continued after the reporters quieted down.“After an in-depth investigation, we uncovered some evidence which indicated Mr. Jackson Senior’s involvement in the accident of Mr. Andrew Scott’s pregnant wife.”“Mr. Jackson Junior’s involvement in missing funds and misappropriation of money and resources within Scott Group subsidiaries came to light. We also found evidence of him bribing many staff members of Scott Group.”“Ultimately, there was evidence of their involvement in child trafficking. It linked both cases together.”“Furthermore, Mr. Jackson Senior was the leading investigator of the case of Mrs. Andrew. He was also the senior leader overseeing the capture of the suspect - Peter.”“However, there was no motive linking them, and their accounts were clean. And the evidence was not enough.”“So, we had to dig deeper, and we uncovered Mr. Jackson’s sister, who had wanted to marry into the Scott family, had gone missing and was presumed dead two years before Mrs. Andre
“You bitch, you called the cops,” Michael said venomously, spittle spraying from his mouth.“Someone is indeed helping you from the inside. No wonder we failed three times.” Rosaline said calmly.“Hahaha, you are smart. No wonder you found all my hideouts. Too bad you can’t catch me, though.” He sneered.“For what you did to those little girls, I will make sure you get caught, even if it’s the last thing I do,” Rosaline vowed.“Those little cunts were so tight. I am getting hard just thinking of them. The youngest one, how old was that bitch again? Ah! 8, 7 when I bought her. She was one feisty bitch, so much like you. When I shoved myself inside her, she begged until she passed out. One day, I will make sure you do the same. I won’t kill you today. I am going to fuck you bloody first. And, you won’t be able to do anything because you can’t touch me.”Michael punched her on the stomach, spat on her face, and left.Rosaline took a minute before she managed to stand.She took off her ea