Chapter 14

Roslyn's expression hardened, her eyes frosting over. "Do you think I'll melt in your sweet talks?" she asked, her voice icy. "I've come to know you very well over the past three years, Alexander. Your empty words won't sway me."

Alexander's eyes pleaded for forgiveness. "Please forgive me, I."

But before he could finish, Roslyn's phone rang, shrill in the tense atmosphere. She answered, ignoring Alexander.

"Chris, I'm fine; stop worrying about me," Roslyn said, her tone softening.

"Roslyn, when are you coming home?" Chris's voice was laced with concern. "Is the divorce process over?"

Roslyn's gaze drifted to Alexander, her expression cold. "No, I mean...my divorce wasn't approved."

Chris's surprise was palpable. "What? But why?"

Roslyn's voice dripped with disdain. "Because my so-called husband has suddenly realized that the decision to divorce was wrong. And, to make matters worse, there's a court order that requires me to bear his presence—and his family—for an entire month."

Alexander's eyes locked onto Roslyn's, his jaw tightening.

Chris's outrage echoed through the phone. "That's ridiculous! You can't be serious!"

Roslyn's smile was bitter. "I'm afraid I am, Chris. I'll talk to you later." With that, she disconnected the call.

Alexander's face darkened. He pulled over, stopping the car on the side of the road. "What did you say?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Roslyn's gaze met his. "That's what you heard, Alexander. Nothing but the truth."

The air was thick with tension as they sat there, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.

Alexander's voice held a hint of roughness, a familiar edge that Roslyn knew all too well. "What nonsense is all this, Roslyn? You can't insult me and my family in front of anyone else."

Roslyn's gaze met his, unflinching. "Feel it, Alexander. I too had gone through this same humiliation once."

Something in her words struck a chord within Alexander. His eyes softened, and for a moment, Roslyn saw a glimmer of understanding.

"I promise I'll turn your hate into love again," Alexander said, his voice filled with determination.

Roslyn's laughter was cold, mirthless. "And I promise that I will turn your heaven into a living hell."

Alexander's expression remained resolve. "Baby, please try to understand. People make mistakes, and everyone should be forgiven if someone is truly sorry from the heart."

Roslyn's voice cut through his words, sharp as a knife. "But I'm not so great that I can forget and forgive three years of insults and being labeled a gold digger."

Alexander's eyes pleaded for another chance. "Please, we've got a second chance. We should try."

Roslyn's face hardened, her voice unyielding. "This one month is just a mere obligation for me; a few days I have to endure with you. And as soon as this month ends, I won't wait even a single day to separate from you. This is my final decision."

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken emotions. Alexander didn't respond; he simply started the car and continued driving.

The rest of the ride was shrouded in silence, neither of them speaking a word. The tension between them was palpable—a living, breathing entity that filled the space.

Why is she so stubborn? Can't she see I'm genuinely sorry?

I've lost her trust, but I'll regain it. I have to.

What did she mean by "I too had gone through this same humiliation once"? What did I do to her?

I won't give up. I'll prove my love and show her I've changed.

This silence is suffocating. I want to hold her, talk to her, make her understand.

I won't fall for his empty words again. I've heard them before.

Why did I ever love him? He's toxic, poisonous.

Three years of pain, of feeling worthless. I won't forgive that easily.

I'll endure this month, but then I'm free. Free from him, from his family, from the memories.

The silence between them was oppressive, each lost in their own thoughts, the gulf between them growing wider with every passing mile.

Finally, the car stopped in front of Alexander's grand mansion. Before he could even move, Roslyn opened the door and stepped out, her heels clicking on the pavement.

Without a glance back, she strode toward the entrance, leaving Alexander to follow. The massive wooden doors closed behind her with a resounding thud, a stark reminder of the chasm between them.

Alexander's eyes lingered on the closed door, his expression somber. He knew he had his work cut out for him—winning back Roslyn's heart wouldn't be easy.

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Alexander's POV

She's still so beautiful, so fiery. I've missed that spark in her eyes.

I've hurt her deeply; I can see it. But I'll make it right, I swear.

Why does she push me away? Can't she see I'm trying?

I remember the way she used to smile at me and laugh with me. I want that back.

Mother will be furious when she finds out about Roslyn's back. She never liked her and always called her a gold digger.

I know Mother manipulated me and fueled my doubts about Roslyn. But I'm seeing the truth now. She never understood Roslyn. I was blind and foolish. I let Mother's poison consume me. I shouldn't have listened to her lies and her toxic whispers. I'll protect Roslyn from Mother's venom this time. Why did I let Mother control me? Why did I doubt Roslyn's love? I see now that Mother's hatred stemmed from her own insecurities. I won't make the same mistake again. Roslyn deserves my loyalty. I envision us rebuilding our lives together, free from Mother's toxic influence. Roslyn, smiling, laughing, and loving me again. Children, a family, a future filled with hope and happiness.

Alexander's thoughts reflected his growing determination to break free from his family's toxic dynamics and make amends with Roslyn.

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Roslyn's POV

I'm stunned by Alexander's sudden change of heart. Where was this concern, this devotion, when his mother mercilessly insulted me, degraded me, and labeled me a gold digger?

He never once took my side, never stood up for me against his family's toxic behavior. Instead, he joined in, perpetuating the hurt and the doubt.

And now, after three years of emotional anguish, he expects me to forgive and forget? To blindly trust him again?

I won't fall for his charming smiles or his sweet words. I've heard them before, only to be left shattered and heartbroken.

Why this sudden reversal? What's driving his desire to save our marriage? Guilt? Panic? Or just a desire to control me again?

I won't be trapped again, manipulated by his empty promises. I deserve better than a love that's conditional, better than a husband who only values me when it's convenient.

Alexander's transformation seems too good to be true, too sudden to be genuine. I won't risk another three years of misery.

I want out of this marriage, no matter how much he protests, no matter how many grand gestures he makes.

His words, "I love you," once music to my ears, now ring hollow. I've heard them before, only to be left broken.

I'll endure this month, but my mind is made up: I'm leaving him, freeing myself from this toxic cycle.

No amount of apologies, no amount of tears, can erase the memories of his indifference, his cruelty.

I'll protect myself this time; shield my heart from Alexander's charming deceit.

This marriage is over, and I won't look back.

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Roslyn stepped into the grand foyer of the Valtor mansion, and the atmosphere grew thick with tension. Alexander's mother Victoria and her aunt Lylah stood fRoseen, their faces etched with shock and disdain.

Victoria's voice dripped with venom. "Why did you come here, Roslyn? You're no longer welcome in this house."

Lylah's eyes narrowed. "You got divorced from Alexander, so why are you here now?"

Roslyn ignored them, her gaze fixed ahead as she strode toward the staircase.

Lylah snorted. "She's here to collect her things, but she'll leave empty-handed."

Roslyn's calm demeanor fueled their irritation. She ascended the stairs, leaving the stunned trio behind.

Victoria's face reddened. "How dare she ignore us?"

Just then, Alexander appeared. "Mother, Aunt Malicia and Lylah, I see you've met Roslyn."

Victoria's anger boiled over. "Why is this girl in our house, Alexander? Look at how she ignored us."

Alexander's expression turned stern. "Roslyn is my wife. I expect respect from all of you. If you can't manage that, you can leave. But Roslyn will not go anywhere. She's my wife, and I won't let her go."

The room fell silent, with Victoria, Lylah, and Malicia staring at Alexander in stunned disbelief.

Victoria's face paled, her eyes wide with outrage. "Alexander, how dare you!"

Alexander's gaze never wavered. "I'm choosing my wife, my partner. You've made it clear how you feel about Roslyn, but I won't stand for it. She deserves respect."

With that, Alexander turned and followed Roslyn upstairs.

As he entered their bedroom, Roslyn stood by the window, her back to him. Alexander approached her.

"Hey, I'm sorry about downstairs. I know it's not easy facing them."

Roslyn's voice remained detached. "I just need this month to be over."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, determination burning within. "We'll get through this, Roslyn. Together."

Roslyn's silence spoke volumes, but Alexander refused to give up.

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Alexander's phone buzzed, breaking the tense silence in the bedroom. He glanced at the screen, his expression turning apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Roslyn, I have to go. Tyler's calling; there's an urgent meeting at the office," Alexander said, already heading for the door.

Roslyn didn't flinch, her gaze remaining fixed on the windowpane. "Do what you need to do, Alexander. I'll be here."

Her indifference sting, but Alexander knew he couldn't linger. "I'll be back soon, Roslyn. We'll talk more then."

Roslyn's voice was barely audible, her words dripping with disinterest. "I'll be here, but don't expect me to be waiting eagerly."

Alexander's eyes lingered on her, searching for a glimmer of the woman he once knew. But Roslyn's mask of indifference remained firmly in place.

With a heavy sigh, Alexander turned and left the bedroom, the sound of the door closing behind him echoing through the silence.

As he descended the stairs, he could feel the weight of Roslyn's detachment settling upon him. He knew regaining her trust wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to try.

"Tyler, what's the emergency?" Alexander asked, answering the call.

"Alexander, we have a crisis on our hands," Tyler replied, his voice laced with urgency. "The Harrington account is on the line, and we need to act fast. Their CEO is threatening to pull out due to the recent discrepancies in our reports."

Alexander's focus shifted to the business at hand, but his mind lingered on Roslyn, wondering how to bridge the chasm between them.

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Alexander arrived at the office, his mind still reeling from the tension with Roslyn. He pushed aside his personal worries and focused on the crisis at hand.

"Tyler, what's the latest on the Harrington account?" Alexander asked, striding into the conference room.

Tyler's expression was grim. "It's not good, Alexander. The discrepancies in our reports have cost us their trust. They're threatening to pull out unless we can rectify the situation."

Alexander's eyes scanned the room, meeting the anxious gazes of his team. "Alright, let's get to work. We need a solution, and fast."

Hours of intense discussion and brainstorming yielded no concrete results. The losses were mounting, and Alexander knew they needed an innovative solution.

"Tyler, do you have any ideas?" Alexander asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Tyler hesitated before speaking. "Actually, I do. What about Shine Group? They're known for their turnaround expertise."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Shine Group? That's a bold move, Tyler. But it might just work."

With a deep breath, Alexander picked up the phone and dialed Shine Group's CEO.

"Hello, you've reached Christopher Martin," a smooth voice answered.

Alexander's grip on the phone tightened. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Christopher Martin, this is Alexander Valtor. Tyler suggested I reach out to Shine Group for assistance with the Harrington account."

There was a pause on the other end before Christopher responded, "Alexander Valtor, I've heard of you. What seems to be the problem?"

Alexander explained the situation, and Christopher listened attentively. "I see. And what makes you think Shine Group can help?"

Alexander hesitated before responding, "Tyler assures me your company has a reputation for turning around failing businesses. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save the Harrington account."

Christopher's pause was palpable before he responded, "I'll send my team to discuss the details. But, Alexander, be warned: our help comes with conditions."

Alexander's curiosity piqued. Why did Christopher Martin's name sound so familiar?

"Thank you, Christopher. I appreciate your willingness to help," Alexander said, a sense of relief washing over him.

"Don't thank me yet, Alexander," Christopher replied. "Our terms may not be what you expect."

Alexander's determination hardened. "I'm ready to do what it takes, Christopher. Name your price."

As the call ended, Alexander turned to Tyler. "Where did you hear about Shine Group?"

Tyler shrugged. "Industry rumors, mostly. But I knew they were our best shot."

Alexander nodded, his mind still lingering on Christopher Martin's name. Where had he heard it before?

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