CALEBA slight feeling brushed against my chest quickly, my eyes snapped open, and I welcomed the lights that pierced into my eyes. I groaned lowly and tilted my head to the side. My lashes batted in surprise as I stared at Mario who was sleeping peacefully on the bed. I muttered a short prayer for his recovery with a heart full of sadness and anger Mario has always risked his life for me. Why can’t I do the same for him? I can’t watch someone else die because of me, and neither can I give up everything after coming this far. I have to find Sherry and Madam Helen’s murderer, but I will have to do that alone from now henceforth. I can’t involve any other person aside from Rosy. I won’t let Mario get hurt because of me. I will help him find his family and go back to the peaceful life he was living before he met me. I chuckled and tried to shift closer to him but the pain that shot through my body stopped me. My face creased as the pain doubled up, shrinking my bre
CALEBAs I struggled to keep my eyes from snapping shut, a loud noise from outside filtered into my ear.I slowly raised my fist and banged it desperately on the window.I groaned loudly and clenched my fist as a skull-breaking headache took control of me.Footsteps approached the car, and familiar eyes peered at me from outside.The door clicked open, and I tumbled out of the car, breathing heavily as I gasped out the toxic gas that had filled my lungs.“I knew you wouldn’t be able to survive without me,” Mario’s mocking voice muttered.I raised my head and stared at his face which had anger scribbled on it.He bent over and helped me get to my feet, leading me to the car.I cranked my head and stared disappointedly at my ruined car.Everything keeps getting ruined because of me. I’m nothing but a curse to everyone, a useless son.Mario dropped me into the passenger seat and got into the driver’s seat then ignited the car and drove away.“How did you find me?” I asked when
ROSYMy eyes remained on Caleb’s hardened face until the doors of the elevator slammed shut. I batted my lashes, not understanding what he meant by Daisy’s safety.“Where is Daisy?” I asked Theresa after some minutes of silence.“I asked the driver to pick her up, she should be home by now.”Theresa's answer should have given me comfort and relief; instead, it caused a wave of tension in me.I paced around my office, wondering why I was suddenly restless.Could there be any issues? Was Daisy safe?Different negative questions rang in my head, making it more difficult to survive in the air-drained room.“The inauguration—”I raised my hands and Theresa stopped talking.“Call the maids and find out what Daisy is doing at the moment,” I instructed.Theresa tilted her head in confusion but nodded and walked off to carry out my instructions.I slumped down into the chair and heaved loudly, rubbing my forehead which was burning all of a sudden.“Are you okay?” Casper's bugging q
ROSYI kept fidgeting restlessly in the car till we got to Harold’s industries. When my eyes fell on the building, all anxiety and fear were gone; the only thing in my heart was anger and hatred.I got out of the car and trudged briskly into the famous building, ignoring greetings from the staff.“Miss Rosy Connor?” A voice called out behind me as I headed for the elevator.I stopped walking and cranked my head, narrowing my eyes at the stunted middle-aged man some distance away from me.“Hello,” he waved and sauntered close to me. His slow strides irritated me greatly as I watched him approach me with a smear of disgust on my face.“Are you here to see Mr. Harold?” he asked, his curious eyes darting across my face.“Yes, I am here to see Harold Geld,” I responded and surprise flickered in his eyes.“Well…” he trailed.I huffed in annoyance, slowly losing my patience and temper.“If you don’t take me to his office, then I will go by myself,” I snapped a reply and spun aro
ROSY My blood froze and my body went numb when those words slipped out of Theresa’s lips. I batted my lashes as my throat suddenly became parched out of shock. Drug addict? Who could accuse me of such a thing? Could it be Caleb? Is he against me now? I gasped out in dismay and stared at Theresa’s horrified gaze. “It is not true, right?” Theresa asked, her eyes full of disbelief concerning the allegation. My lips parted and slammed shut. I kept wondering what reply I would give to Theresa, she trusted me so much. Telling her that it is true will be a disappointment to both of us. The doors of the elevator pulled open and I staggered out, leaving Theresa behind. My mind was blank and my heart wouldn’t stop thumping as the thought of people’s opinion hunted me. If this is out then there will be a narrow chance of me taking over the Group. Who could have done this to me, who? Only Veronica and Caleb knew about my addiction. Veronica wouldn’t dare betray me. But Cale
ROSY Mariano was taken aback by my outburst. He shifted the chair back, staring at me in shock. “Are you scared? Do you all think I’ll sit in my bedroom crying over some fake news?” I muttered, glaring at their pale faces. I was bent on justifying myself with lies. I have never tasted hard drugs, that will be my answer to every question asked. I won’t go down like this, never. I will never let my past bring me down. “Fake news?” Mariano gasped, exchanging glances with Melanie, his right-hand partner in committing crimes and crafting evil plots. “Yes, fake news,” I smiled confidently to her dismay Their jaws dropped and they looked at each other, filled with shock. Silas chuckled loudly and glared at them with a hint of mockery in his eyes. “Why don’t we talk about something real?” I said and the room fell dead silent. “Who amongst you kidnapped my daughter?” I asked. I watched them fidget in discomfort, pointing accusing fingers at each other. “All of you?” I mu
ROSY Each step he took towards me made my heart skip madly. His mesmerizing grey eyes were fixed on me with a smile tugged on his lips. I gasped out, wondering if this was a dream. Evan was back? He walked closer to Karen who was immersed in shock at his sudden appearance. “We meet again, Mrs. Karen,” Evan muttered, smiling at her. Karen batted her lashes, returning to her senses. Karen scoffed and narrowed her eyes. “Who let you into this place? You have no business with our Group, so get out!” Karen snapped, waving her hands towards the door. Evan glanced at me and then back at Karen. “My fiancée is the future chairwoman of Connor Group. Don’t I deserve a little respect for that?” Evan said and my brows shot up in surprise. “What is this gold digger doing here, huh?” Mariano snapped, glaring intimidatingly at Evan. “Gold digger?” Evan chuckled and leaned closer to Mariano. “You barely know me, Mariano; I can make you beg for your life,” Evan
CALEBKaren didn’t seem to look surprised or frightened when I walked into the house.She narrowed her eyes and picked up the teacup before her, raising it slowly to her mouth.“I can’t remember the last time you visited, Caleb. It looks like you’ve gotten into some trouble, haven’t you?” She muttered, her eyes fixed on the tea cup’s designs.“I knew it was you; no one will do that aside from you,” I went straight to the reason why I was in her godforsaken house.She tore her gaze away from the cup and looked at me, a smile of triumph tugged at the corner of her lips.“Oh, you’re not as dumb as I thought you’d be. I apologize for the underestimation,” she chuckled and waved her hands towards the couch before her.“Why don’t you take a seat, let’s have a peaceful dialogue,” she muttered, evil dancing in her dark eyes.I scoffed and walked over to the couch.“It’s so disappointing that you keep fighting for a woman who doesn’t even care an ounce about you. You keep looking for
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