Rosaline was chatting with Tessa when she received Maddox’s call.“Hey, bro. What’s up? Did my sister-in-law’s phone run out of battery?” She teased immediately.Maddox was not in the mood to joke with her. He got straight to the point.“Lina, what have you been doing recently?”“Nothing important. Why, bro, is there anything I can do for you?”“I ran into Tris the other day. And someone called Evelyn. They said that you were seeing someone.”“Yeah. Kind of, I mean. I’m not sure where it’ll go yet.”“Damn it! I thought you were seeing Liam.”“Why would you think I was seeing Liam? Besides, I told Mom and Dad that I would not get engaged to him. You know we have never met before. I thought that was over already.”“Well, uncle and aunt did not inform anyone that you have refused. Liam is pursuing someone these days. Your sis-in-law and I thought you two were seeing each other. Ah! What a mess!”“Oh! Well!” “Can you text me Liam’s number? I'll clear things up with him directly.”“Alright
The next day, Rosaline woke up earlier and texted William “Alex” that she had some private matters to attend to and won’t be available today.He immediately replied that he was busy as well and that he would call her later. She then quickly made her way to her parent’s home for breakfast.When they were all seated at the breakfast table, her mother started her interrogation before she could even say one word. “Where have you been these days?” Rosaline’s mother, Elisa, asked. “At Tessa’s. I am helping her and her colleague with renovations on their place, so I have been busy.”“Did you have to stay there to work for them? Can’t you commute from home?”“It’s convenient that day. Besides, Tessa is moving to S city, so we’ll be in different cities in the future.”“You are also going to a different city from us, so spending time with your wayward friends is more important than staying put at home. That way, at least you could pick up some household chores and learn how to be a good wife
Rosaline locked herself in her room and surveyed it carefully.She slowly swept her eyes on each item in the room.Fragments of her childhood played in her mind like a movie on a reel._______‘Mom, Dad! I got the first prize on an interstate quiz for primary level.’‘For next time, try winning fair and square rather than begging Tina to drop out of it. It’s okay to fail, but you can’t succeed by stepping over your sister.’‘Mom, I did not ask her to drop out. She got disqualified from the selection.’‘Don’t slander your sister. She already told us the truth. The poor girl was crying but still tried to protect you. Yet you slander her like this.’_______‘Mom, I was selected for a piano competition.’‘Well, that’s good enough considering your standards. Tina would have won it if she had not injured her fingers while playing with you.’‘Mom, she has not injured her fingers. It was painted and not bruised.’‘You are getting more and more out of hand. Why do you always have to hurt your
Choking on her childhood filled with grievances and longing for her parent’s trust, Rosaline took deep breaths to calm herself.She was a grown-up, not a child longing to be loved and accepted.She had responsibilities and things and people to care for as an adult. She did not have time to wallow in self-pity.She then quickly texted Liam -“It went as bad as it could. Not only did my parents not listen, but they also told me not to slander you and not to mess around. Hope there’s some positive news from your end.”Unbeknownst to her, things were just as bad at William’s end.His mother had an emotional outburst, started crying, and said she would rather die than face her-in-laws in disgrace of having such an unfilial son. She said that a girl selected by his Uncle was a million times better and more cultured than the tramp he was screwing.William could only look at his mother, and remind himself that she gave birth to him, so he should respect her no matter what. But it was getting
Ria was having a blast teasing William.“Brother, how about you pick something you think your girlfriend might like? Since Lina and she are the same age and have common interests, it might suit Lina well.”“I don’t want to pick things for others. ““Brother, please help! I’m the bride.”“Fine.”“Hehehe. Brother, the ‘I’m the bride’ thing always works.”“Of course! You will be an old maid after marriage.”“Brother!” Ria stomped her feet in annoyance.“Alright! Alright! Let’s go.”“Fine. Since you are helping me.”“Does the gift have to be jewelry?”“Yeah. I mean, I have only seen people give jewelry only as in-laws’ gifts.”“Alright, how about this?”William pointed at a pair of platinum diamond studs with two diamonds knotted between platinum bands. The asymmetrical design looked quite simple but gorgeous. William did not know about Lina, but he could picture his ‘Lexi’ wearing something like that. Since it was small, she could wear it casually.“Looks good, brother. I’m sure Lina w
William checked Rosaline out head to toe. The more he looked at her, the more he felt her emotions were all over the place. Usually, she was shy, but when she had held his gaze earlier, it was like she was trying to search for something. Like she was trying to access him.When she had held his arms before breaking free, she seemed to seek comfort and, at the same time, deny it. He wondered what she had gone through so early in the morning. When he left her yesterday, she was doing fine. When he talked to her in the morning, she seemed fine.Then he remembered she had gone home that morning.She was staying at Tessa’s the whole month. She barely went home. Mostly she just went home to pick something up.‘What’s wrong with her family? How can they make her so sad in such a short time?’William got lost in thought.When Rosaline called him, she realized he seemed to be elsewhere. He was looking at her, but his mind had drifted far away.Suddenly she had an impulse to tease him.So, sh
William was lost and confused.He was afraid of being unable to control himself, so he pulled himself back.When he was still trying to push the various naughty images forming in his head, Rosaline pulled him towards herself, but he subconsciously resisted. Just as he realized what had happened, she bit him and ran away. He could only see hurt swimming in her eyes as she pushed him away. He quickly gathered his emotions and the shopping bags he had dropped and ran after her.Rosaline ran away and exited the Mall. She had walked briskly, almost running. When she reached the fountain outside, she calmed down a lot.She walked around in the flower garden outside the mall and sat in the fountain. She let out a sigh and tapped on her forehead. However, she did not think it was enough and tried to knock on her head several times.But before she could do that, William stopped her, “Don’t hurt yourself.”William had run after Rosaline only to see her inside the lift closing down. He kept h
Rosaline felt like she was melting in the kiss. She looked at William with half-closed eyes as he continued to savor it.She was lost and could not think straight. Her thoughts were all over the place as she felt like she was slowly going limp and breathless.However, she felt something beneath her that jolted her awake. She pulled back with eyes wide open. William looked at her with hooded eyes, aware of what shocked her, as he slowly took deep breaths, in no hurry to explain.After a minute or so, when realization dawned on her, Rosaline went from being shocked to being embarrassed.Then he finally broke the silence. “Now, you know how much you affect me.”“I am sorry. I didn't mean to.”“Don’t be. It’s good to know I affect you too.”William kissed her on the corner of her eyes and hugged her taking deep breaths to ease his tension.“I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say.”Rosaline said as she realized he always thought of her no matter what. “Then don’t say anything. Just le
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