Chapter 15

Malicia's eyes narrowed as she watched Alexander defend Roslyn against his own family. She turned to Victoria, her voice laced with malice.

"Did you see? How that girl has changed your son?" Malicia's tone dripped with venom.

Victoria's face reddened with rage. "I can't let this girl stay here," she spat, her voice trembling. "She's manipulating my son, ruining our family's reputation."

With a sweep of her elegant skirt, Victoria stormed out of the room, leaving Malicia and Lylah alone.

Lylah's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. "Mom...Malicia, this Roslyn has come again. What will happen to me now? You had said that Alexander would marry me. First, it was Ruby, and now this Roslyn... I cannot live without this luxury life. I want Alexander, Mom."

Malicia's expression softened, her voice dripping with false reassurance. "Don't worry, daughter. We will prove her to be a greedy girl in Alexander's eyes again. Alexander is only yours."

Lylah's face lit up with determination. "Yes, Mother. We can't let her win."

Malicia's smile was sinister. "We'll show Alexander her true colors. She's just a gold-digger, using him for our family's wealth."

Lylah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And I'll make sure to 'accidentally' run into him, reminding him of our special bond."

Malicia chuckled, her eyes glinting with malice. "My dear Lylah, you're as cunning as I am. Together, we'll destroy Roslyn's chances with Alexander."

As they plotted, their laughter echoed through the room, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it. Roslyn, unaware of the evil forces gathering against her, remained a pawn in their game of power and deception.

Malicia's voice dropped to a whisper. "We'll start by spreading rumors about Roslyn's past. We'll make Alexander doubt her integrity."

Lylah nodded eagerly. "And I'll make sure to fuel those rumors, Mother. I'll make her life a living hell."

Malicia's eyes gleamed with pride. "My daughter, you're a true valiant. We'll take back what's rightfully yours."

Their evil laughter swirled through the air, a toxic cloud of deceit and manipulation.

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Alexander stood outside Roslyn's bedroom door, his knock firm but gentle. "Roslyn, come on, it's time for dinner."

Roslyn's voice drifted through the door, laced with indifference. "So what?"

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "You know Grandpa's rules are followed in this house, no matter what. The family eats together."

The door creaked open, Roslyn's gaze piercing. "I am not part of your family."

Alexander's expression softened, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "You are, Roslyn. You're still my wife. You're an important part of this house."

Roslyn's laughter was bitter. "I wish you had said this a few months ago. I would probably have been very happy."

Alexander's eyes locked onto hers, his voice filled with emotion. "Roslyn, okay? It will be as you want. But please, you're here for one month, like you said. So please, stay like my wife for this one month. If you think, after one month, it's not working and we have to separate, I promise that I will be the first to sign the divorce petition."

Roslyn's gaze searched his, seeking sincerity. Alexander's eyes held hers, unwavering.

"It's just a month, Roslyn. It's not a big deal, okay?" Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper.

Roslyn's expression remained unreadable. "I'll come down in a while."

Alexander nodded, his face falling. "I'll wait."

He turned to leave, but Roslyn's voice stopped him.

"Alexander."

He turned back, hope flickering in his chest.

"Yes?"

Roslyn's gaze was inscrutable. "Nothing."

Alexander's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll see you downstairs."

With a quiet nod he left.

Roslyn watched him go, her thoughts swirling. She wouldn't agree to his proposal, not yet. But a part of her wanted to believe him, to trust him again.

Downstairs, Alexander took his seat at the dinner table, his eyes fixed on the empty chair beside him. The wait began.

The family's chatter filled the room, but Alexander's attention remained on the stairs, awaiting Roslyn's arrival. Would she come down as his wife or as a stranger?

Only time would tell.

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The dining area was filled with the soft murmur of conversation as everyone waited for Roslyn to arrive. Finally, she entered, her elegant figure commanding attention. She took a seat at the table, her eyes scanning the room.

Lylah's voice cut through the silence, laced with malice. "Hey, why are you sitting there? You should be serving the food. We've been waiting for so long."

Roslyn's gaze snapped to Lylah, her eyes flashing with anger.

Before she could respond, Victoria chimed in, her tone dripping with disdain. "How dare you sit here with us without serving us food? You're just a—"

Alexander interrupted, his voice firm and authoritative. "Why should Roslyn serve food, Mother? There are more than 50 servants in this house whom I pay very well. All this is their work, not my wife's. She is Alexander Valtor's wife, the head lady of this house."

The room fell silent, with everyone's eyes fixed on Alexander in surprise. Roslyn's gaze lingered on him, her expression softening.

Victoria's face reddened with indignation. "What spell has this girl cast on you that you're taking her side? You know the truth about her, about how she's manipulating you, and why she wants to be with you."

Alexander's voice rose, his tone stern. "MOM! You're insulting my wife, which I will not tolerate. Perhaps you've forgotten my warning. Let me remind you: if you can't respect her, then you can leave."

The room seemed to shrink, the tension palpable. Everyone flinched at Alexander's high tone.

He took a deep breath, his voice softening. "Sorry for my tone, Mother. Let's have dinner in peace."

The room remained silent as everyone began eating, the only sound being the clinking of utensils on plates.

Roslyn remained quiet, her eyes fixed on Alexander, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She couldn't believe he had stood up for her like that.

Alexander caught her gaze, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the world around them fading away.

Lylah's whispered comment to Malicia broke the spell. "Mother, did you see that? He's completely under her control."

Malicia's response was inaudible, but her eyes narrowed, her mind already spinning with schemes.

As dinner continued, Roslyn's thoughts lingered on Alexander's words. Was he genuinely changing, or was this just another tactic?

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The dinner table conversation still lingered in Roslyn's mind as she entered their bedroom, Alexander following closely behind. The tension between them was palpable.

"Court has ordered us to live together in one house," Roslyn said, her voice firm, "but it's not necessary that we sleep on the same bed. Go and sleep in your study room as you used to do earlier."

Alexander's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Baby, there's a difference between before and now. I want to sleep with you," he paused, his voice taking on an innocent tone. "I mean, just sleep."

Roslyn raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "And I don't want to."

Alexander's face fell, but he refused to give up. He took a step closer, his eyes pleading. "Please."

Roslyn's expression remained cold, unmoved. "No."

Alexander's lips curled into a pout, his eyes still locked on hers, hoping to wear her down. But Roslyn's resolve didn't waver.

With a sigh, Alexander snatched the pillow Roslyn threw at him and walked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Roslyn smirked, a hint of triumph dancing on her lips. She slipped into bed, the soft sheets enveloping her like a cocoon. The blanket's warmth was a comforting shield against the emotional turmoil outside.

As she drifted off to sleep, Roslyn's thoughts lingered on Alexander's persistent gaze. Was he genuinely seeking reconciliation, or was this another ploy?

In the study room, Alexander flopped onto the couch, his pillow clutched tightly. He stared at the ceiling, his mind replaying the evening's events.

Why was Roslyn so resistant to his attempts? Didn't she see the sincerity in his eyes?

With a frustrated sigh, Alexander tossed onto his side, the pillow failing to provide comfort. Sleep eluded him, his thoughts consumed by the enigmatic woman sleeping just down the hall.

The night stretched out, a seemingly endless expanse of darkness and unanswered questions.

Alexander tossed and turned on the couch, unable to shake off the discomfort. He was used to sleeping here, Roslyn's words echoing in his mind—they rarely shared a bed, and when they did, it was merely a formality.

But tonight was different. Tonight, he yearned to sleep beside Roslyn, to feel her warmth and her presence.

The couch seemed to shrink, its cushions losing their softness. Alexander threw off the blanket, pillow in hand, and made his way back to the bedroom.

Roslyn lay motionless, lost in deep sleep. Alexander's eyes drank in the serene beauty of her face, his heart swelling with emotion.

He slipped into bed beside her, his body curving around hers. His arm wrapped around her slim waist, pulling her close as he spooned her. Roslyn's gentle breathing was the lullaby he needed.

As the night's shadows receded, the morning's golden light crept in. Roslyn stirred, sensing a presence. Her eyes fluttered open to find Alexander's arm wrapped around her.

She turned, her gaze locking onto his peaceful face. For an instant, her expression softened, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

But memories of past betrayals and hurt flooded back. She remembered her resolve—never to share a bed with him again.

Anger flared, and Roslyn's foot connected with Alexander's back, sending him tumbling off the bed.

"What the hell?" Alexander rubbed his sore back, shock etched on his face.

Roslyn's voice was icy. "What nonsense is this? You should have been in the study room."

Alexander winced, standing up. "Ahhh, my back...I know, but I was very uncomfortable there."

Roslyn's eyes narrowed. "Then you should have gone to another room. Why did you sleep with me?"

Alexander shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I didn't do anything to you, anyway."

Roslyn rolled her eyes, exasperation written across her face. "Find another room for yourself. I'm not going to share the bed with you."

Alexander stepped closer, his face inches from hers. "But this is a court order, don't you remember?"

Roslyn's voice rose. "Ahhh, there's no need to remind me every time."

Alexander's smile was gentle. "We have one month to give this marriage a chance. I know you don't care, but I'll do my best."

Before Roslyn could react, Alexander's lips brushed against her left cheek. "Good morning, wifey."

Roslyn's eyes widened, shock rendering her speechless. Alexander's sudden tenderness left her reeling.

As he strolled into the bathroom, whistling, Roslyn's mind raced. What was happening? Was this the same Alexander she thought she knew?

The kiss on her cheek still lingered, a warm, unsettling sensation. Roslyn's emotions swirled, uncertainty clouding her resolve.

"What is he trying to do? Why is he being so sweet and charming all of a sudden? Does he really think a simple kiss on the cheek will make everything okay?

"I don't trust him. I can't trust him. He's broken my trust too many times before.

"But...why did my heart skip a beat when he promised to make this month worthwhile? Why did I feel a flutter in my chest?

"No, no, no. I mustn't fall for it. I mustn't let my guard down.

"But what if...what if he's genuinely changed? What if he's truly sorry for everything?

"No, Roslyn. Don't be foolish. You know better.

"But that look in his eyes... it seemed so sincere.

"Stop it, Roslyn. You're confusing yourself.

"I need to stay focused. I need to remember why I'm here.

"This is just a court order, a temporary arrangement.

"I will not let my emotions get the better of me.

"I will keep my distance.

"I will protect myself."

Roslyn's thoughts swirled—a jumble of emotions and doubts. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead.

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