Chapter 31

Roslyn POV

I pack these clothes, packing away the shattered remains of our relationship, the fragments of a love that's been slowly disintegrating over time.

I'm exhausted from trying to hold on, from attempting to revive something that's clearly beyond repair. Alexander's selfishness knows no bounds; he only cares about himself, his reputation, and his business, never once stopping to consider my feelings or needs.

The memories of our once-passionate love now seem like a distant dream, a fleeting illusion that vanished the moment reality set in. Our love turned into a toxic cycle of anger, resentment, and disappointment.

I thought this trip would reignite something, would rekindle the flame that once burned so brightly between us. But it exposed the depth of Alexander's emotional absence, his inability to connect with me.

He expects me to attend that event with him? For his reputation? To smile and pretend everything is fine when our marriage is crumbling?

No, I refuse to be his prop, his accessory, his trophy wife. I refuse to be paraded around like a possession, a mere ornament to bolster his ego.

Tyler understands me; he's been a true friend, a listening ear in a world that seems to have gone deaf to my pain. I'll leave with Tyler; he'll keep me safe and support me unconditionally.

I deserve better. I deserve love, real love, not the shallow imitation Alexander has been peddling for years.

Time to leave Alexander and his ego behind. Time to rediscover myself, to find the woman I once was before this toxic relationship consumed me.

Roselyn's hands move swiftly, packing clothes with a mix of sadness, determination, and liberation.

Roselyn finished packing, her suitcase a symbol of her newfound resolve. She pulled out her phone and dialed Tyler's number, her fingers moving with determination.

"Tyler, it's me," Roselyn said, her voice firm. "I'm ready to leave. Can you come with me?"

Tyler's voice was cautious on the other end. "Roselyn, are you sure? Maybe you should talk to Alexander; hear him out."

Roselyn's grip on the phone tightened. "No, Tyler. I've heard enough. He only cares about himself, his reputation, and his business. I deserve better."

Tyler's tone turned persuasive. "But Roselyn, maybe there's more to the story. Maybe Alexander has a valid explanation for his actions."

Roselyn's voice rose, her emotions simmering. "I don't care about his explanations, Tyler. I care about being respected, loved, and being prioritized. Alexander's had plenty of chances to prove himself."

Tyler sighed, his reluctance evident. "Okay, Roselyn. I'll come with you. But please, just consider hearing Alexander out."

Roselyn's resolve hardened. "No, Tyler. My mind is made up. I'm done with excuses, done with empty promises. Come quickly, please."

Tyler's voice softened. "I'll be right there, Roselyn."

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

Charlotte's voice was laced with sly triumph as she dialed Victoria's number, her eyes gleaming with calculated intent.

"Victoria, darling," Charlotte purred, "our plan is unfolding beautifully. Roselyn is finally leaving Alexander, just as we orchestrated."

Victoria's tone was crisp and calculating on the other end. "Excellent. I knew that once we manipulated the situation, Roselyn's insecurities would get the better of her. Now, with her out of the picture, our path to securing the business deal is clear."

Charlotte's laughter was low and conspiratorial. "And, of course, I'll be right there to comfort Alexander, to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart. He'll never suspect a thing."

Victoria's voice dripped with cunning. "You're the perfect pawn in this game, Charlotte. Your history with Alexander makes you the ideal candidate to swoop in and claim him. You're rich, beautiful, and sophisticated—the perfect wife for a man of Alexander's stature."

Charlotte's tone turned wistful, her emotions momentarily exposed. "Yes, we were meant to be together, Victoria. But back then, I was too young, too naive. Now, I know what I want, and I'll stop at nothing to make Alexander mine."

Victoria's knowledge of Charlotte's past feelings for Alexander gave her leverage. "I know you still love him, Charlotte. And I know you'll do anything to make him yours. That's why this partnership is perfect. We'll remove Roselyn from the equation, and you'll be free to claim Alexander."

Charlotte's resolve hardened. "Together, we'll dismantle their relationship, piece by piece. And when the dust settles, I'll be the one by Alexander's side, where I belong."

Victoria's approval was evident. "You're playing this perfectly, Charlotte. Keep manipulating the situation; keep pulling the strings. Soon, Alexander will be yours, and our business empire will soar."

The two women shared a moment of sinister triumph, their plan to destroy Alexander's marriage and secure their own interests unfolding with ruthless precision.

Victoria's parting words were laced with malice. "Remember, Charlotte, Roselyn must be eliminated from the picture. Permanently. Do whatever it takes to ensure Alexander is yours alone."

Charlotte's laughter echoed through the line, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down the spine.

Victoria joined in, her own laughter dripping with malice and triumph. "Ah, the sweet taste of victory," she purred.

Together, the two women laughed, their sinister amusement hanging in the air like a challenge to the universe.

Their laughter grew louder and more intense, a chilling crescendo that seemed to shake the very foundations of morality.

As they laughed, the shadows around them seemed to deepen, as if darkness itself was closing in to claim its own.

Finally, they composed themselves, their laughter dying down to sinister smiles.

Victoria's voice was laced with anticipation. "Shall we proceed with the next phase of our plan?"

Charlotte's tone was eager. "Oh, let's. I can hardly wait to see Roselyn's face when she realizes she's lost Alexander forever."

Victoria's approval was evident. "Excellent. Then it's settled. We'll continue to manipulate the situation, pushing Alexander and Roselyn further apart."

Charlotte's determination hardened. "Until Roselyn is nothing but a distant memory, and Alexander is mine."

Their sinister pact sealed, and the two women ended the call, ready to unleash their next wave of destruction upon Alexander's crumbling marriage.

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

It was evening, and Roselyn stood tall, her suitcase by her side, as she stepped out of the room, ready to leave. Alexander, dashing in his event attire, caught sight of her and made one last attempt to reason with her.

"Roselyn, please don't go," Alexander implored, his voice laced with desperation. "We need to talk about this."

Roselyn's expression remained resolved. "There's nothing left to discuss, Alexander. I've made up my mind."

Alexander took a step closer, his eyes pleading. "But you're not giving me a chance to explain. You're not listening to me."

Roselyn's voice was firm. "I've heard enough, Alexander."

The door swung open, and Tyler arrived, his presence a beacon of support for Roselyn. Alexander's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Tyler's timely arrival.

"Tyler, what are you doing here?" Alexander demanded, his tone laced with accusation.

Tyler's response was calm. "I'm here for Roselyn. She needs my help."

Roselyn's voice was resolve. "Let's go, Tyler. I've had enough of this conversation."

As they turned to leave, Alexander's frustration boiled over. "Roselyn, wait! Please don't go! You're not giving me a chance to make things right."

Roselyn cast a parting glance at Alexander, her words piercing his heart like a dagger. "Perhaps our marriage was a mistake from the start."

Alexander's anger and despair mingled. "How can you say that? Don't you know I love you? Only you?"

Roselyn's expression remained unyielding. "Your love comes with conditions, Alexander. And I deserve better."

With that, they departed, leaving Alexander's pleas unheeded. The door closed behind them, and Alexander's world crumbled around him.

"Why won't she listen?" Alexander's anguished thought echoed through the silence. "Doesn't she know I love her, only her?"

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

Alexander stood frozen, his heart heavy with despair, as he watched Roselyn walk away with Tyler. Every fiber of his being screamed to stop her, to beg her to stay, to make things right.

But the weight of his responsibilities anchored him to the spot. He couldn't abandon the event, not now, when his business partners and clients were waiting for him.

With a heavy sigh, Alexander resigned himself to his duty. He would attend the event, put on a brave face, and then fly back to Roselyn. He would make things right, no matter what it took.

As he turned to leave for the event, Alexander's mood was ruined. His mind was consumed by thoughts of Roselyn, of their shattered relationship, and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Alexander arrived at the venue, and Charlotte greeted him with a warm, radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Alexander, darling! You look stunning tonight," Charlotte said, her voice husky, as she took his hand in hers.

Alexander forced a smile, his mind still reeling from Roselyn's departure. "Thank you, Charlotte. You look lovely yourself."

Charlotte's gaze turned inquiring. "And Roselyn, how is she? I was expecting her to join you tonight."

Alexander's mask slipped for a moment before he recovered. "She's not feeling well, I'm afraid. Couldn't make it."

Charlotte's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Please send her my best wishes."

Alexander nodded, grateful for the quick escape from further questioning. "I will, thank you."

Charlotte's grip on his hand tightened as she led him through the crowded room. "I want you to meet my parents, Alexander. They're eager to finally meet you."

Alexander's polite mask slipped into place as he exchanged pleasantries with Charlotte's parents.

"Delighted to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Fournier," Alexander said, his voice smooth.

Charlotte's mother beamed. "The pleasure is ours, Alexander. We've heard so much about you."

Charlotte's father, a portly man with a firm handshake, added, "Yes, Charlotte speaks highly of you. We're glad you could join us tonight."

Alexander's thoughts drifted to Roselyn as he nodded and smiled, his responses automatic.

Next, Charlotte introduced him to her grandparents, who welcomed him with warm smiles.

"Alexander, dear, we've heard wonderful things about you," Charlotte's grandmother said, patting his hand.

Alexander's fake smile faltered for a moment before he regained composure. "Thank you, ma'am. It's an honor to meet you."

As they mingled, Charlotte's business associates approached, shaking Alexander's hand and exchanging small talk.

"Alexander, great to meet you. I've heard about your impressive deals," one associate said.

Alexander's responses were courteous but distracted, his mind consumed by visions of Roselyn's departure.

Charlotte noticed Alexander's distant gaze and leaned in close. "Is everything alright, Alexander? You seem... preoccupied."

Alexander quickly masked his emotions. "Just tired, Charlotte. Long day."

Charlotte's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained bright. "Of course. Let's get you a drink, then."

As Charlotte led him to the bar, Alexander's thoughts strayed back to Roselyn. Where was she now? Was she thinking of him?

Little did Alexander know, Charlotte's warmth and charm were calculated, designed to keep him distracted from Roselyn and primed for her own manipulation.

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

Tyler and Roselyn sat in the airport lounge, waiting for their flight announcement. Roselyn's eyes brimmed with tears, her emotions raw.

Tyler noticed her distress and gently took her hand. "Hey, it's going to be okay, Rose."

Roselyn's voice trembled. "I don't know, Tyler. I feel so lost."

Tyler's expression softened. "Alexander loves you, Rose. I've seen the way he looks at you. He's changed since you two got together."

Here's the revised continuation:

Tyler and Roselyn sat in the airport lounge, waiting for their flight announcement. Roselyn's eyes brimmed with tears, her emotions raw.

Tyler noticed her distress and gently took her hand. "Hey, it's going to be okay, Rose."

Roselyn's voice trembled. "I don't know, Tyler. I feel so lost."

Tyler's expression softened. "Alexander loves you, Rose. I've seen the way he looks at you. He's changed since you two got together."

Roselyn's thoughts drifted to the forest house, where she and Alexander shared unforgettable moments. Memories of laughter, whispers, and warm embraces flooded her mind.

She recalled the way Alexander's eyes sparkled in the fireplace light, the way his touch ignited her soul. A bittersweet smile touched her lips.

Tyler, oblivious to her thoughts, continued. "Alexander's still in there, Rose. He's just lost his way. Give him a chance to make things right."

Roselyn's inner turmoil intensified. Part of her yearned to flee, to escape the pain. Yet another part longed to stay, to fight for their love.

"I don't know, Tyler," Roselyn whispered, her voice torn. "I want to believe him, but..."

Tyler's grip on her hand tightened. "Believe in yourself, Rose. You know what's best for you. If your heart still beats for Alexander, don't give up yet."

Roselyn's gaze met Tyler's, her eyes searching for answers.

The flight announcement interrupted Roselyn's turmoil, and Tyler stood, helping her up.

"Come on, Rose. Let's get you on that flight. You can figure things out later."

Roselyn nodded, her heart still torn. As they walked toward the gate, she couldn't shake the feeling that a part of her was leaving behind with Alexander.

Roselyn boarded the plane; her phone buzzed in her hand. She answered, expecting a routine call.

"Hello?" Roselyn said.

She listened for a moment, her expression changing from calm to shock.

Her eyes widened, and her face paled.

Roselyn's grip on the phone tightened, her knuckles white.

She hung up, her mind racing.

She frantically dialed Alexander's number, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Tyler, I need to see Alexander now," Roselyn urged, her voice laced with panic.

Tyler's expression turned concerned. "What's wrong, Rose?"

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