Chapter 34

Roselyn sat alone in a secluded garden within Rose Park, her mind racing with thoughts of her grandfather's passing, Alexander's betrayal, and the overwhelming grief that threatened to consume her. The weight of her sorrow felt crushing, as if she were completely isolated in this world, with no one to turn to.

Her thoughts swirled in chaos, struggling to make sense of the turmoil that had engulfed her life. The pain of Alexander's deception still lingered, and the loss of her grandfather, her rock, her guiding light, felt unbearable. The uncertainty of her future loomed before her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was utterly alone.

As she sat lost in thought, a gentle touch on her shoulder broke the silence. She turned to find Tyler standing beside her, his eyes filled with concern. He sat down beside her, his presence a comforting respite from the turmoil that had been ravaging her mind.

"What are you thinking, sitting here all alone?" Tyler asked softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. "I've been searching everywhere for you," he added, his eyes scanning hers, seeking answers.

Little did Roselyn know, Alexander had indeed been searching for her, driven by guilt and regret. But in this moment, Tyler's kindness and understanding seemed a beacon of hope, a reminder that she wasn't entirely alone. As she looked into his empathetic eyes, Roselyn realized that she couldn't continue down the path she was on and that she needed to distance herself from Alexander, no matter how difficult the journey ahead might be.

One thing was certain: she couldn't stay with Alexander, not after everything that had transpired. The resolve hardened within her, a determination to forge a new path, one that would lead her toward healing and away from the pain that had defined her recent past.

"I've made up my mind, Tyler," Rose said resolutely, her voice laced with determination. "I want a divorce from Alexander. I can't endure this anymore. For the past three years, I've been tolerating everything, and yet he shattered the last thread of trust that bound us together. He proved his mother right—that I'm not worthy of his family."

Tyler's expression softened as he grasped Rose's hand. "You're incomparable, Rose. You're the most precious person in the world. Don't ever underestimate yourself. Alexander and his family are foolish to think otherwise."

Rose's eyes welled up with tears, but Tyler's words brought her comfort. "I know it's hard to believe, but Alexander regrets his mistakes. He's been remorseful for his actions, and I'm not asking you to trust him again. However, rushing into decisions might lead to regrets later."

Tyler's tone turned gentle, his voice measured. "As your friend, I've always respected you. I'm not taking sides, but perhaps you should talk to Alexander, hear him out, and understand his perspective. There's no pressure; take your time. Sometimes, closure requires confrontation, and this might be an opportunity to find answers."

Rose hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face. Tyler's words resonated, but the pain of Alexander's betrayal still lingered. Could she truly forgive him? Was it wise to give him another chance? The questions swirled in her mind, and for now, she remained undecided.

"I'll think about it, Tyler," Rose said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate your concern, but this is a decision I must make on my own." Tyler nodded understandingly, his grip on her hand reassuring.

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The lawyer gathered the entire family, announcing that it was time to read the late Edgar Volter's will. The distribution of his vast estate and properties would finally be revealed, and tensions ran high.

Victoria beamed with anticipation, confident that her son, Alexander, would inherit the lion's share. After all, he was the sole heir to the Volter family fortune.

"As you are all aware," the lawyer began, "Edgar Volter's passing has left a significant void. His will, however, provides clear instructions on the distribution of his assets."

Victoria's eyes sparkled with excitement, her mind racing with visions of the wealth and power that would soon be hers through her son.

"Let's proceed," the lawyer continued, "and may I remind you all to remain composed, regardless of the outcome?" The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the lawyer as he began to read Edgar Volter's last testament.

But little did Victoria know, the late Edgar Volter had a surprise in store, one that would shake the very foundations of their family dynamics.

The lawyer, Mr. Jensen, cleared his throat and began to read Edgar Volter's last will and testament:

"I, Edgar Volter, being of sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament.

"I appoint my trusted lawyer, Mr. Jensen, as the executor of my estate.

"I give, devise, and bequeath all of my property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, wherever situated, as follows:

"Article I: Volter Enterprise

"I leave fifty percent (50%) of my shares in Volter Enterprise to my beloved granddaughter, Roslyn Volter.

"I leave twenty-five percent (25%) of my shares in Volter Enterprise to my son, Alexander Volter.

"I leave twenty-five percent (25%) of my shares in Volter Enterprise to my daughter, Victoria Volter.

"Article II: Real Estate

"I leave my residential property, known as Volter Manor, to Roslyn Volter.

"I leave my vacation home in the Bahamas to Alexander Volter.

"I leave my investment properties to Victoria Volter.

"Article III: Personal Effects

"I leave my personal effects, including jewelry, artwork, and other valuables, to Roslyn Volter.

"Article IV: Residual Clause

"I give, devise, and bequeath the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to Roslyn Volter.

"Article V: Testamentary Guardians

"In the event that Roslyn Volter predeceases me, I appoint Alexander Volter as the testamentary guardian of her estate.

"Article VI: Funeral Expenses

"I direct that my funeral expenses be paid from my estate.

"Article VII: Taxes

"I direct that all estate taxes be paid from my estate.

"Article VIII: Contest Clause

"If any beneficiary under this will contests the validity of this will or any provision hereof, then the share or interest of such beneficiary shall be reduced to one dollar ($1.00).

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 03 day of October 2023.

"Signed, published, and declared by Edgar Volter as his last will and testament, in the presence of two witnesses, who attested and signed in his presence and in the presence of each other.

"Edgar Volter"

Mr. Jensen finished reading the will, and the room fell silent. The weight of Edgar Volter's decisions hung heavy in the air, as his family struggled to come to terms with the unexpected provisions.

Victoria's face turned beet red with rage, her eyes blazing. "How can this be?" she seethed, her mind reeling. "This is impossible!"

As the lawyer finished reading the will, Victoria stormed over to Roslyn, her hand flying across the younger woman's face in a stinging slap. The room erupted into chaos.

Alexander leapt to his feet, fury etched on his face. "Mother, stop!" He grasped Victoria's arm, pulling her away from Roslyn.

Victoria's venomous words spewed forth, "This gold digger has been manipulating you, Alexander! She's been using you to get to our family's wealth. She's nothing but a poor, opportunistic girl with no one to vouch for her parents!"

Roslyn's patience snapped. "Enough, Victoria!" she exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "I won't take another word!"

Malicia stepped forward, but Roslyn issued a stern warning, "Stay out of this, Malicia. If you dare interfere, I'll have security escort you out. This is family business; you have no right to intervene."

Malicia's eyes flashed anger, but she halted, heeding Roslyn's warning. The air was thick with tension as the family's dynamics shifted irrevocably.

Victoria's vitriol continued, "You've always been after our wealth, Roslyn. You manipulated my father, and now you've got what you wanted. But mark my words, this isn't over!"

"Should I tell everyone how you manipulated William Volter?" Roslyn shot back, her eyes flashing with anger. "Do you want your son to know the truth?"

Victoria's eyes blazed with fury, her face reddening. "You dare accuse me?" she spat, her hand flying towards Roslyn's face again.

Alexander intervened, grasping his mother's wrist. "Mother, stop!" he exclaimed, his voice firm. "This is getting out of hand."

Victoria struggled against her son's grip, her face contorted in rage. "You're defending her?" she shrieked. "After everything she's done?"

Alexander's expression turned stern. "No, Mother, I'm defending the truth," he said, his voice rising. "You've been hiding secrets, manipulating people. I won't stand for it."

Roslyn's voice remained steady. "You're afraid the truth will come out, Victoria. You're afraid Alexander will see you for who you really are."

Victoria's eyes flashed with venom. "You'll pay for this, Roslyn. Mark my words."

The air was electric with tension as the family's dark secrets threatened to surface.

"Alexander Volter, I want you and your family to leave my mansion immediately," Roslyn declared, her voice firm and authoritative. "You'll receive the divorce agreement within ten days, and until then, I don't want to see your face or any member of your family."

Alexander's eyes widened in shock, his face crumbling as the weight of Roslyn's words crushed him. "Divorce?" he whispered, his voice laced with pain. "You're leaving me?"

Roslyn's expression remained resolute, her heart hardened against Alexander's pleas. "It's over, Alexander. Your family's manipulation and your betrayal have left me no choice."

Alexander's face contorted in anguish. "How can you do this? After everything we've shared?" His voice cracked, and he took a step forward, but Roslyn stood firm.

"Your family's toxic behavior has destroyed us; your betrayal has destroyed our marriage," Roslyn said, her voice unwavering. "Your mother's constant schemes, your cheating... I won't tolerate it anymore."

Victoria, however, refused to budge. "We won't leave," she spat, defiance etched on her face.

Roslyn's expression turned icy. "Don't force me to take drastic measures, Victoria. Remember, my share of the inheritance far surpasses yours. I'd rather not resort to unpleasantness, but I will if necessary."

With a steady hand, Roslyn pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Security, please escort Mr. and Mrs. Volter and their family from the premises immediately."

The guards arrived promptly, and Roslyn's message was clear: "Leave now, or face the consequences."

As Alexander turned to leave, his eyes met Roslyn's, filled with hurt and desperation. "Rose, please... don't do this. I love you," he whispered.

Roslyn's heart ached, but she steeled herself against his words. "Love?" she repeated, her voice cold. "You call manipulating and betraying me love? Leave, Alexander."

With the guards closing in, Alexander's family departed, leaving Roslyn shaken but resolute. She knew she'd made the right decision, no matter how painful.

As the door closed behind them, Roslyn's composure crumbled, and tears streamed down her face. She'd thought she'd found love with Alexander, but in the end, his family's toxicity had destroyed everything.

"How could he? I gave him everything—my heart, my trust, my love. And what did he do? He shattered it all into a million pieces. His family's manipulation, his own deception... it's too much to bear."

"I thought our love was strong, that we could overcome anything. But now I realize I was blinded by my feelings. He used me, played me, and discarded me like trash."

"Remembering the laughter, the whispers, the promises... it all feels like a cruel joke now. His touch, once electrifying, now makes my skin crawl. His eyes, once full of love, now seem cold and calculating."

"Why did I trust him? Why did I believe him? The signs were there, the red flags waving wildly. But I ignored them, foolishly thinking love would conquer all."

"Love? Ha! It's a myth, a cruel illusion. Alexander Volter, the man I loved, never existed. He was a facade, a mask hiding the true monster beneath."

"My heart, once full of hope and joy, now lies in tatters. The pain is suffocating, crushing me beneath its weight. I thought I'd never recover, that the wounds would never heal."

"But I will rise from these ashes. I'll rebuild myself, stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I'll make sure no one ever hurts me like this again. Alexander Volter may have destroyed my heart, but he'll never break my spirit."

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