Chapter 24

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Roselyn stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find herself nestled in Alexander's arms, a sense of disorientation washing over her.

She jolted upright, shock etched on her face, her mind foggy and her head pounding with a relentless headache that threatened to shatter her very sanity.

Groggily, she scanned her surroundings, taking in the familiar contours of their bedroom, the plush carpet, and the elegant furnishings that seemed to blur together in her hazy state.

But her gaze snapped back to Alexander, her expression darkening with a mix of confusion and indignation.

"How dare you sleep beside me?" she demanded, her voice laced with indignation and a hint of accusation.

She jerked his shoulder, her fingers digging into his flesh with a force that belied her fragile state.

Alexander winced, but his eyes remained calm, his expression a mask of patience and understanding.

"Roselyn, listen," he began, his voice soft and soothing.

But she cut him off, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"You have no right to be here, next to me, after what... after what I don't even know happened last night."

Alexander's expression turned patient, his eyes filled with empathy.

"Roselyn, you don't remember last night, do you?" he asked, his tone gentle.

She shook her head, confusion and irritation warring on her face, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"What happened?" she asked grudgingly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander took a deep breath, his chest expanding with the weight of his words.

"You had a bit too much to drink at the club, Roselyn. You accused me of stealing your star, and we ended up at the police station, dealing with the fallout of your... enthusiastic accusations."

Roselyn's eyes widened, horror creeping into her voice.

"A police station?" she repeated, the words echoing in her mind like a dire warning.

Alexander nodded, his expression grim.

"You were... quite adamant. But I brought you home, and we've been here ever since, trying to recover from the chaos you unleashed."

Roselyn's face flushed, shame and embarrassment washing over her.

"I don't remember any of that," she stammered.

Alexander's expression turned stern, his jaw setting in determination.

"From now on, you'll obey me, Roselyn. No more drinking. No more reckless behavior."

Roselyn's jaw set, defiance flashing in her eyes.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" she challenged.

Alexander's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity, his voice taking on a commanding tone.

"You're my wife, Roselyn. You'll do as I say. You'll follow my rules."

Roselyn's eyes flashed, protest hovering on her lips.

But Alexander's grip remained firm, his fingers wrapping around her wrists like a shackle.

Their faces remained close, the air thick with tension.

Alexander's eyes bored into hers, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"You won't disobey me again, Roselyn. Not after last night."

Roselyn's lips parted, a whispered protest escaping her lips.

But Alexander's gaze silenced her, his eyes flashing with authority.

For a moment, they locked eyes, the world around them melting away.

Then Alexander released her hands, his voice firm.

"Get dressed, Roselyn. We're going out."

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Roselyn descended the stairs, her white knee-length dress shimmering elegantly in the soft morning light that streamed through the windows, illuminating her poised figure.

Alexander's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes widening in awe as he drank in the sight of her radiant beauty.

He stood from the couch, his jaw slack, his face pale, as if struck by the sheer force of her loveliness.

"Roselyn..." he breathed, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart.

She reached the bottom step, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded him with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice firm, her tone brooking no evasion.

Alexander's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure, his eyes sparkling with intrigue and a hint of mischief.

"It's a surprise, my love," he said, his voice low and soothing, his words dripping with promise.

Roselyn's expression remained unreadable, her face a mask of calm indifference.

"I don't like surprises," she stated, her voice flat, her eyes glinting with a hint of warning.

Alexander chuckled, the sound low and husky, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Trust me, you'll love this one," he assured her, his tone confident and his smile persuasive.

Roselyn raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on his.

"I'm not sure I want to go anywhere with you, considering how you've been ordering me around lately," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Alexander's expression turned contrite, his eyes softening with regret.

"I'm sorry if I came across as overbearing," he said, his voice sincere. "I just want what's best for you, Roselyn."

Roselyn's gaze bored into his.

"I can take care of myself, Alexander," she declared, her voice firm.

Alexander nodded.

"I know you can," he acknowledged. "But sometimes, it's nice to have someone take care of you, to let go and trust that everything will be alright."

He offered his arm.

"Shall we?" he asked.

Roselyn hesitated for a moment before taking his arm.

As they walked out the door, Alexander's smile returned.

"This is going to be a wonderful day," he whispered.

Roselyn's silence was her only response.

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They embarked on the car ride; silence enveloped them, a stark contrast to the bustling city they had left behind. The urban chaos gradually faded into the distance, replaced by the serene vastness of the forest, its lush canopy stretching out on either side of the winding road.

Roselyn had always been enamored with nature's beauty, having grown up amidst its splendor in her village, Oakwood. Her grandfather's rustic home, nestled deep within the woods, had been her haven, where she spent countless hours exploring the secrets of the forest.

As the car glided smoothly along the deserted road, the jungle's majesty unfolded before her, transporting Roselyn back to her childhood. Memories of carefree days spent discovering hidden streams and chasing after butterflies flooded her mind.

She couldn't believe that such unspoiled beauty existed mere miles from the city's steel and concrete landscape, which had been her reality for the past three years. No one had taken her on an outing in all that time, and she had almost forgotten the simple joys of connecting with nature.

Roselyn turned to Alexander, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked.

Alexander's enigmatic smile was his only response.

"Be patient; you'll understand soon enough," he said.

Roselyn's eyes lingered on his, searching for a hint of their destination, but Alexander's expression remained maddeningly opaque.

Undeterred, she returned her gaze to the passing scenery, the forest's allure captivating her senses once more.

As the car continued on its journey, the silence between them grew, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

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Before long, the car veered off the main road onto a rugged dirt path that wound its way through the heart of the jungle. The road was unpaved and uneven, but navigable, flanked by towering trees and dense foliage that seemed to stretch up to the sky.

The air resonated with the sweet melodies of birdsong, a chorus of chirping and trilling that filled the air. The atmosphere was tranquil, peaceful, and alluring—a haven that soothed the soul.

As they drove deeper into the jungle, the sounds of civilization grew fainter, replaced by the rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs, and the gentle babbling of a hidden stream.

The trees grew taller and closer, forming a canopy above, filtering the sunlight, and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The scent of damp earth and greenery filled the air, invigorating Roselyn's senses.

The car bounced along the rough road, its tires crunching on gravel and leaves, but Alexander's skilled hands guided it smoothly through the twists and turns.

Roselyn's gaze roamed over the breathtaking scenery, drinking in the beauty of the jungle. She felt her tension easing, her heart rate slowing, as the serenity of the surroundings wrapped itself around her like a gentle embrace.

"Where are we?" she asked again, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander smiled, his eyes never leaving the road.

"Almost there," he promised.

The car rounded a bend, and suddenly, a stunning vista unfolded before them.

The car came to a gentle halt in front of a breathtakingly beautiful house nestled beside a serene river, its tranquil waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding foliage. The property was modest in size, but the house itself was a masterpiece of architecture, exuding luxury and elegance.

Roselyn's eyes widened as she took in the stunning vista, her mind racing with memories of her grandfather's home in Oakwood. The similarities were uncanny, yet this house surpassed her childhood haven in every way.

As they stepped out of the car, Roselyn turned to Alexander, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Whose house is this?" she asked.

Alexander's smile was radiant.

"It's yours," he said.

Roselyn's eyes widened in astonishment.

"You mean... mine?" she stammered.

Alexander nodded.

"I built it for you," he explained.

Roselyn's gaze drifted back to the house, her mind reeling with questions.

How had Alexander chosen this location? When had he commissioned this magnificent structure? And how had he known her tastes so intimately?

She had never shared her preferences with anyone, not even her closest friends, except for Chris.

Yet here stood a home that seemed tailor-made for her, a sanctuary that echoed her deepest longings.

"It's... breathtaking," she whispered.

Alexander's eyes crinkled at the corners.

"I'm glad you like it," he said.

Roselyn's gaze returned to his.

"But how did you...?" she began.

Alexander's smile deepened.

"I've been paying attention," he said.

Roselyn's heart swelled with emotion.

No one had ever understood her so profoundly.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Alexander's arms enveloped her.

"Welcome home," he whispered back.

****************************************

Alexander paced in his spacious office, his mind consumed by thoughts of Roselyn.

"I want to know everything about my wife," he declared to Tyler, his trusted friend and confidant.

Tyler leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement on his face.

"Alex, you're already obsessed," he teased.

Alexander halted, his eyes locking onto Tyler's.

"I need to understand her," he said.

"Her likes, dislikes, tastes, favorite colors... everything."

Tyler's grin faded.

"You're serious, aren't you?"

Alexander nodded.

Tyler sighed.

"An investigator can only give you surface-level info. You need someone close to her."

Alexander's gaze drifted to the bubble gun on his desk.

"Chris," he muttered.

"The guy's been friends with Roselyn forever."

Tyler nodded.

"Good call."

Alexander picked up the phone.

"Get Chris on the line."

Tyler stood, walking to the window.

"Alex, you're changing," he said.

"You're putting Roselyn's needs above business."

Alexander's voice was low.

"I'll do whatever it takes."

The call connected, and Alexander asked Chris.

"Chris, I need to know about Roselyn. What does she love? What does she hate?"

Chris's voice was cautious.

"Alex, why do you want to know this now? You've been married to her for three years."

Alexander hesitated.

"I realize I've been... distant. I want to make it right."

Chris paused.

"What kind of man are you, Alex? You've controlled her life, made decisions for her... without even asking what she wants."

Alexander's grip on the phone tightened.

"I know I've made mistakes. I want to change."

Chris sighed.

"Okay, Alex. But be warned: if you're just trying to manipulate her, I'll be the first to call you out."

Alexander's voice was resolute.

"I swear, Chris, my intentions are genuine."

Chris nodded, his tone softening.

"She loves nature... her grandfather's home, Oakwood."

Alexander's ears perked up.

"Why?" he pressed.

"Because it's close to nature," Chris explained.

"She finds solace in the natural world."

Alexander's mind racing with visions of Roselyn amidst lush greenery.

"Thank you, Chris."

He hung up.

Alexander hung up the phone, his mind buzzing with ideas.

"Tyler, get me the city's best architecture firm on the line," he instructed.

Tyler raised an eyebrow.

"Which one, Alex?"

Alexander's gaze was intense.

"The best. I want to build a home for Roselyn."

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