CALEB I swallowed hard as all eyes were directed towards my father and I. He seethed in fury and took heavy steps towards me, his eyes burning in rage. I remained fixed on the spot, not bulging despite the horrified screams coming from my aunt. Dad got to where I stood and grabbed me by the collar. “What the hell do you think you are doing here, haven’t I told you never to set your feet in my house again?” His hot breath fanned my face. I remained mute and stared blankly at him. He had every right to be angry at me. “You wanted the company, right? You have it now, you wanted that company in exchange for your own family,” dad spat, tightening his grip around my collar. My throat tightened and the flow of oxygen around my body became distorted. “Oh my God!” my mom’s horrific scream sliced through the air as she sprinted towards us and grabbed my dad’s shoulder, shaking him with every ounce of strength in her. My dad was heavier and stronger than her, so, a
ROSY I sighed and slipped into the SUV parked outside the inauguration center. “You must be very tired,” Evan chuckled from the driver’s seat and I smiled tiredly. Evan stuck to his decision of being my driver. He resigned from his job in Cuba and became my driver, one of the best drivers I have ever employed. “Why don’t you want people to know about our relationship?” I asked. He pulled to a violent stop, taken aback by my sudden question. “Let’s keep it a secret for now, I don’t want your rivals to use it against you,” Evan replied. “Does it matter, what’s anyone’s business with my private life?” I scoffed. “Your life concerns everyone now, you have become a celebrity,” he laughed. I blushed and twirled the ringlets on my hair. “You have a surprise waiting at home,” Evan muttered and I groaned. “I’m sick of surprises, I just want to be left alone,” I winced. “Don’t worry, this will be your last surprise.” He swerved into the driveway and I stepped out of th
ROSYMy eyes were shut as Veronica touched up my face. Did I just say touch-up? I have been sitting in front of the dressing mirror for an hour and yet it doesn’t seem like it is going to end soon. “You are going to look like the princess of the Connor group of companies that you are,” Veronica bragged and popped a bubble gum. I sighed and groaned loudly, “When is this going to end?” “Uhm… ugh… in an hour or two.” I snapped my eyes open and set my head sharply in her direction. Her lips pursed out as she stared at me. “I don’t have time, Veronica,” I rebuffed. She turned up her lips in disgust and gave me an eye roll. “Keep calm, I want to make sure that you will be the most beautiful woman in that conference,” she chimed, dabbing a rogue on my cheeks. “Be fast about this, Veronica.” “I know, I know,” she repeated, waving her hands in the air. “I have three hours…” “You don’t have to say that a million times.” “Veronica, please throw off your bad vibes,
CALEB Our eyes locked and my heart stopped beating. My breath seized and the words of the lady beside me began to swirl around, sounding like a continuous buzzing rhythm. What is she doing here? Why now, why? The collision of our eyes also had a drastic effect on her. Her eyes bored into mine, as we stood like lifeless statues. My mind spun in guilt when those beautiful laughing chestnut eyes changed to rheumy and dead eyes. She shook out of the shock trance and faked a smile towards me. My eyes dimmed in confusion when she took slow strides towards me and stretched out her flawless hand for a handshake. “Hello, Mr. Thompson,” she greeted, showing off her spotless dentistry. I stared down at her hand and averted the abashed stare to her pretentious smiling face. What is going on? Isn’t she supposed to be angry, isn’t she supposed to run away from me? Or perhaps, spit on my face and curse me for betraying her and flinging her away when she needed me the most
ROSY My blood boiled in joy when the name of my company echoed in the large hall. Thunderous applause rented the air as I was called up on the stage. I let go of Evan’s frozen hand and began to ascend the podium, my head swirled in pride with each step I took towards the microphone stand. I got on the podium and stared at the sea of unfamiliar faces of dignitaries and business legends. My dad used to be one of these legends, he was my idol, the one I looked up to. Even though we never had a heart-to-heart relationship, I have always wanted to be like him, a powerful tycoon, a well-known billionaire, one of the richest in Sicily. Here I am, standing before a crowd of strangers with an award that people die for. How did I get here? How did I make this dream a reality? I never expected this shocking surprise. I don’t even have any speech prepared for this moment. What do I say, how do I begin? I took a deep breath and stared intently at the stream of eyes that gazed at me w
ROSY “Wait… wait… what did you call me?” I stammered, trying to keep my wobbly legs from sending me to the ground. “Do you know who I am, huh?” I spat uncontrollably. I wondered if I was the one talking or if it was the effect of whatever I drank. I should be pleading with this man, not trying to get him upset. But, what if he’s drunk too? I peered at him closely, “Are you drunk?” “Still as sassy as always,” he scoffed and took a few staggering steps towards me. My eyes widened as I realized that the masked man before me would not be of help. I turned around and made to walk away from trouble, but his strong hand gripped my arm and twisted me into a balcony I didn’t notice was there. “What do you want, let me go!” I screamed and twisted to set myself free, but the grip on my arm was too strong. The pace of my heart increased as Caleb’s words echoed in my head. Caleb! This is his doing, he drugged me to get me here to kill me? Why would he do that?
~CALEB~ The blinding lights that pierced into my eyes sent me sprawling to the ground with my eyes shut. I felt something slide out of my hand as I struggled to adjust to the lights. I balled my fists together and my eyes snapped open at the comprehension that what slipped out of my grip was Rosy’s hand. I turned sharply in the direction of her voice and saw her struggling with one of the assassins. In a mad dash, I sprang up and raced towards them as the lean dark-lipped man smacked the nozzle of his gun on her head. My eyes widened in dismay as Rosy’s body stiffened and began to fall freely to the ground. I wheezed to the spot and caught her before her body smashed on the floor. She forced her shaking eyelids open and stared at my face, smiling sweetly as she mumbled, “Am I in heaven, Sherry?” My throat knotted and my heart stopped thumping as those penetrating words stabbed my soul. “Rosy, you’re not in heaven, you’re here with me,” I replied but her eyes wer
CALEB I sauntered across the garage and into the main house with Rosy cupped in my arms. I entered the large sitting room and caught sight of Mrs. Joyce setting up dinner for me. Ever since Rosy left, Mrs. Joyce has been a loving and caring mother figure to me. She has never left my side nor has she ever criticized me concerning the rash action I took like the others did. I sighed, taking my gaze away from her. I began to descend the spiral staircase noiselessly. Mrs. Joyce seemed to perceive my presence as she trotted out of the dining room before I ascended the last flight of stairs. “Welcome back, master,” she called out from the bottom of the stairs. I turned around and nodded in response. Her eyes travelled to the human in my arms and they widened in shock. “You brought someone home, sir? This is unlike you, you’ve never brought anyone home ever since your divorce from ma’am Rosy,” she blurted out, staring admiringly at the lucky woman in my arms. If only sh
With a smile on my radiant face, I watched the kids run around the field aimlessly. I shuddered slightly when I felt wet lips touch my bare neck. I didn't need to turn around to find out who the person was, the scent of his cologne gave him away. “You came here to clear your mind during the holiday, not babysit seven-year-old kids.” He muttered and I chuckled lightly. “I just need to make sure that they're okay,” I replied and he scoffed, wrapping his hands around my shoulders. “Come on, nothing bad is going to happen to them, let's go in,” he nudged. I glanced at our three kids and then back at Caleb's face. “Are you sure?” I muttered and he threw his head back, groaning loudly. “I will be blamed if anything happens,” he said confidently. I turned up my lips and finally relented. Caleb smiled and took my hand, pulling my body against his as he brushed his lips against mine. “Don't try to act weak; what you did years ago still amazes me,” he muttered, and I giggled.
ROSY I took the elevator back to the penthouse, my heartbeat increasing with each step I took from the elevator to the door. I pushed the door open and stepped into the living room. The smell of liquor hit my nose immediately when I stepped in. I turned up my lips in disgust and glanced around the room for him. “Evan?” I called out. My stomach churned when I saw him spin a swivel chair around, his hand holding onto a bottle of liquor. “There you are! I thought you wouldn't show up,” he laughed and got up from the chair. “What do you want?” I snapped, sending a murderous glare at him. He raised his brows in surprise and laughed like a lunatic, waving the bottle of liquor at me. He became quiet and tilted his head in my direction. “All my life, there's only one thing that I have ever wanted.” He gulped a reasonable amount of liquor then shook his finger at me. “You.” My heart shrank and my blood boiled. “Sorry to disappoint you,” I muttered and raised my hand
ROSY "Hello, little red rose, miss me?" The phone dropped from my hand and my heart constricted as I staggered back and panted for air. The excitement in the hall vanished and everyone stared at me in shock. Caleb flinched back at my behavior and stared questioningly at me, but when he realized that I wouldn't give him an answer, he bent down and picked up the phone. It isn't true, is it? That isn't who I thought it was, right? Could it be that Katherine was right? No, no, it can't be. My belly knotted when I saw Caleb's face turn grave. His lips trembled as he forced a name out of his mouth. “Evan?” I felt my heart stop beating and my eyes rolled up. Caleb looked at me, his hand tightening around the phone. He's back! He fucking came back! “Evan?” Mom gasped and murmurs filled the hall. Everyone who knew Evan had a grave look of dismay on their faces. The once joyful atmosphere turned sober and tense at the mention of that terrible and monstrous name. My b
CALEB The large doors pulled open and the sharp rays of sunlight pierced into my eyes. I squinted my eyes, adjusted to the stream of light oozing into the filled-up church, and then looked at the glorious sight some distance before me. She looked angelic; she looked perfect, like a heavenly being. The spotless white dress she wore flowed lazily on the white marble floor as she walked slowly toward me. Her veiled face looked ahead, causing a turbulent feeling in the pit of my belly. The flower she held was Sherry's favorite flower, the blue flower. "Miracle", like Sherry always called it. The rays from the sun surrounded her, making her look like an angel gloriously descending to the earth. Each she took towards me made my heart leap. It felt like I would have a heart attack before she got to me. Everyone's head was turned as hundreds of eyes trailed after her to the altar. I batted my lashes in disbelief when I saw her standing before me, a heart-warming smile on her
CALEB I ran my hands through my disheveled hair as I paced around the waiting room, filled with anxiety. “Calm down, Caleb, calm down,” mom complained, sighing loudly. The door burst open and I spun around, glaring at Mario's pale face. “She has been arrested," Mario said and I grunted in dissatisfaction. “I will sneak into that prison and kill her myself if anything happens to Rosy.” My mom jerked her head in my direction, glaring at me. “You won't do anything like that! And nothing is going to happen to Rosy!” She snapped and I narrowed my eyes, slumping dejectedly into the chair beside me. It was all my fault. If I had gotten there a bit earlier, if I had run up to the balcony instead, she wouldn't have fallen off. She wouldn't be in this critical condition. I'm so sorry that I couldn't save you, I'm such a disappointment,” I muttered, sighing in regret. Perhaps, if I had handled Katherine properly, she wouldn't have shown her face here again. My heart skipped
ROSYThe revolver being pointed at me didn't faze me, the face of the woman standing before me was what kept me stunned. “You seem shocked,” she chuckled and advanced towards me. I gasped out and staggered back, holding onto the railings behind me. “Katherine? What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped, glaring confusedly at her. My eyes darted down to her flat belly and my eyes dimmed. Isn't she supposed to be supposed to be pregnant? “What happened to your baby?” She scoffed at my question in disbelief, narrowing her blazing eyes at me. “Well… I killed it,” she muttered and my eyes widened in dismay. “You did what?” I snapped, pursing my lips in anger. She smirked and lowered the gun then tilted her head to the side. “Why? Is it because you're unable to get pregnant again?” Her snide words pricked my heart, making my blood boil. “Does it hurt to watch a child that should have been yours die? Hmmm… I can tell how you feel at the moment. If only God had given me the
ROSY It's been three months since Evan’s escape from prison, three months of peace and curiosity. My curiosity was only satisfied when his body was found floating on water a week ago. Though his face was badly injured and unrecognizable, his body and the mark proved that it was him. Now, I'm full of peace and happiness, not only concerning Evan's death but also my upcoming wedding day. “There you are!” Juliet shrieked as she barged into my office, pulling me out of my reverie. I stretched my lips into a smile and blinked tiredly. “Don't tell me you're already tired from the shopping; the wedding is in a few days, so you better be ready,” she snapped, and I nodded my head. “Yes, ma'am.” She chuckled and dropped a large bag on my desk. “I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to the pre-wedding party, my schedule is so tight that I can hardly eat,” she muttered, breathing out loudly. “Well… that's the price you have to pay for being one of the most famous models in the country,” I
MARIO "Welcome sir!" the pygmy secretary grinned widely as she led me to my father's office. "Mr Morris has been waiting for you," she muttered, cunningly trying to start up a conversation. "The party lasted longer than I expected," I threw a flat reply. But the girl refused to give up, she tugged on my arm and forced me to look down at her. "Is it true that Miss Rosy and Caleb Thompson are engaged? I saw it on a social page." "Hmmm, it's true," I responded and quickened my pace. I got to the closed door, sucked in a deep breath before pushing it open. My dad raised his head and forced a smile into his face when he saw me enter the room. "I am sorry that I kept you waiting," I muttered and walked to the couch then slumped into it, waiting for him to tell me the reason for his sudden invitation. "I heard that they are engaged," he muttered, and I nodded, narrowing my eyes in suspicion. Does whatever he has to say have anything to do with Caleb and Rosy? "I just couldn't hol
CALEB When I saw her face, I couldn’t help but admire what a beauty she was. Her blue velvet gown flowed behind her as she stepped down from the spiral staircase accompanied by Juliet.From her lustrous curly hair cascading to her spotless shoulders to her angelic face, down to her flawless thigh which the split on the gown revealed. The dress she wore hugged closely to her body, proudly showing off her curves. I chuckled lightly and smiled at her which she returned immediately. I couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms once more, and this time, I had planned never to let her slip out my fingers again. “Happy birthday!!” We all cheered, raising our glasses in the air. She laughed and raised her glass too, her eyes pinned on me and mine on her.It was like we were sending a silent message across to each other. Everyone was present, including her rebellious family members. I was surprised that they didn’t try to kick her out when they found out about the stolen funds. That was a pe