Chapter 35

Tyler walked up to Roslyn and said, "You did the right thing, Rose. You gave them exactly what they deserved."

Roslyn looked at him, her eyes welling up with tears. "Maybe I'm not meant to have a family or love," she whispered, her voice laced with despair.

Tyler's expression softened. "You're not alone, Rose. I'm here for you, always."

He grasped her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. "I promise you, I'll be your friend, your rock, no matter what. You'll never be alone."

Roslyn's lips curled into a faint smile, and Tyler's face mirrored hers.

With a final nod, Tyler turned to leave. He got into his car and drove away, leaving Roslyn alone in the grand mansion with only a few guards for company.

The silence was deafening, the emptiness overwhelming. But Roslyn stood tall, her resolve strengthened by Tyler's words. She knew she'd made the right decision, no matter how painful.

As the darkness closed in, Roslyn whispered to herself, "I'll rise from these ashes. I'll rebuild my life, and I'll never let anyone hurt me again."

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

Alexander's lavish study, where his mother, Victoria, paced back and forth, her face twisted in a scowl.

"That treacherous woman!" Victoria spat, her voice venomous. "Roslyn thinks she's so superior, doesn't she? Throwing us out of her mansion, humiliating us in front of the staff."

Alexander slumped in his chair, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Mother, please. Roslyn had every right to be upset. We hurt her."

Victoria's eyes flashed with indignation. "How dare you take her side! After everything she's done to us, you're still defending her?"

Alexander's voice remained calm. "I'm not defending her, Mother. I'm acknowledging the pain we caused. I never meant to hurt Roslyn."

Victoria's face reddened. "Your father would be ashamed of you, Alexander. You're letting that gold digger get away with everything."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "That's enough, Mother. Roslyn is not a gold digger. She's the woman I love."

Victoria's pacing quickened. "Love? Ha! You were blinded by her charms, Alexander. She played you from the start."

Alexander's voice rose. "No, Mother. I was blinded by my own mistakes. I thought our love was strong enough to overcome anything."

Suddenly, Alexander's expression turned serious. "Mother, what did Roslyn mean when she said you manipulated Dad?"

Victoria's pacing halted, her face paling. "Wh-what are you talking about, Alexander?" she stammered.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb, Mother. Roslyn said something about you manipulating Dad. What did she mean?"

Victoria's composure faltered, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "I-I don't know what she's talking about, Alexander."

Alexander's voice turned cold. "Mother, tell me the truth. What did we do to Dad?"

Victoria's face remained pale, her silence speaking volumes. Alexander's eyes widened in horror as he began to piece together the truth.

Victoria's silence was deafening, her eyes avoiding Alexander's probing gaze.

"Mother, answer me!" Alexander's voice rose, his patience wearing thin.

Victoria's hands trembled as she reached for a nearby glass of water, her eyes darting around the room.

"Alexander, I...I don't know what Roslyn's talking about," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Mother. I saw the look on your face. You know exactly what Roslyn meant."

Victoria's composure crumbled, her face contorting in a mixture of fear and desperation.

"Alexander, please...you don't understand," she pleaded, her voice cracking.

"Understand what?" Alexander's voice turned icy. "What did you do, Mother?"

Victoria's eyes flashed with defiance, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Fine," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "You want to know the truth? Roslyn's just trying to drive a wedge between us. She's manipulating you, Alexander."

Alexander's expression turned skeptical. "No, Mother. Roslyn wouldn't lie about something like that."

Victoria's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

"You're still defending her? After everything she's done?" she taunted.

Alexander's voice remained firm. "I'm defending the truth, Mother. And I'll find out what that is, no matter what it takes."

The air was thick with tension as Victoria's eyes locked onto Alexander's, a silent battle raging between them.

Alexander's phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He glanced at the screen, his heart skipping a beat.

"Roslyn's lawyer just sent me the divorce papers," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Victoria's face lit up with a triumphant smile, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

"Excellent," she purred, her voice dripping with malice. "It's about time that gold digger was out of our lives for good."

Alexander's face darkened, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination as he declared, "I won't leave her, Mother; I promise Grandpa that, and I'll do everything in my power to make things right with Roslyn."

Victoria's triumphant smile faltered, her eyes flashing with indignation and outrage at her son's defiance. "How dare you question my judgment and prioritize that gold digger over your own family's well-being?" she spat.

Alexander stood firm, unwavering in his resolve. "I'm not questioning your judgment, Mother; I'm standing up for what's right, and I won't let you or anyone else come between me and Roslyn."

With that, he turned to leave, his departure a clear indication that the conversation was far from over. Victoria's anger boiled over, and she slammed her fist on the desk.

"Charlotte!" she shrieked, grabbing her phone and dialing her loyal accomplice's number. "Get here now; Alexander needs to be taken care of, and I need someone I can trust to remind him of his priorities."

"Victoria, what's wrong?" Charlotte's voice answered on the first ring, laced with concern.

"Alexander's losing his grip," Victoria snapped. "He's going soft on that gold digger, and I need you to remind him where his loyalties truly lie."

"I'm on my way," Charlotte replied, her voice smooth as silk and dripping with reassurance. "Don't worry, Victoria; I'll take care of Alexander and ensure he remembers his family's interests."

Victoria's smile returned, her eyes gleaming with calculation and satisfaction. "Good; Alexander needs someone to guide him, and I know I can count on you, Charlotte."

Charlotte's laughter echoed through the line. "You can always count on me, Victoria; I'll make sure Alexander toes the line and remembers his place."

With a satisfied smile, Victoria hung up the phone, her mind already spinning with plans to ensure Alexander's loyalty remained with her—and not with Roslyn.

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

Chris's sleek car glided through the grand entrance of Roslyn's estate, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires echoing through the stillness.

As he stepped out of the vehicle, Roslyn burst out of the mansion, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Chris!" she exclaimed, rushing towards him with open arms.

Chris opened his arms wide, enveloping Roslyn in a warm, comforting hug.

"Hey, kiddo," he whispered, holding her tightly. "I'm here."

Roslyn buried her face in his shoulder, her body shaking with sobs.

For ten long days, she'd been alone in this vast, empty mansion, her nights spent tossing and turning, her mind consumed by thoughts of Alexander.

The pain still felt like an open wound, but Chris's presence brought a sense of solace.

He held her for what felt like an eternity, letting her tears soak into his shirt.

"Sorry, Chris," Roslyn whispered, finally pulling back.

Chris smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No apologies needed, Rose. You know I'm always here for you."

Roslyn's gaze locked onto his, her eyes searching for answers. "Why did he do this to me, Chris? Why did he lie?"

Chris's expression softened. "I don't know, Rose. But what I do know is that you deserve so much better. You deserve someone who'll love and cherish you, not manipulate and hurt you."

Roslyn's lips trembled, but Chris's words brought a glimmer of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, she could heal and move on.

With Chris by her side, Roslyn felt a sense of peace wash over her.

For the first time in ten days, she felt like she could breathe again.

Roslyn led Chris into the mansion's cozy living room, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.

As they settled onto the plush couch, Roslyn turned to Chris, curiosity etched on her face.

"Chris, how did you know I was here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chris's expression turned serious. "Tyler told me everything, Rose. About Alexander's betrayal, his mother's manipulation... everything."

Roslyn's eyes widened, surprise mingling with gratitude. "Tyler?"

Chris nodded. "He's been keeping an eye on you from afar. He knew you'd need someone, and I'm honored he thought of me."

Roslyn's gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "I feel so alone, Chris. Like I've lost everything."

Chris reached out, enveloping her hand in his. "You're not alone, Rose. Not ever. I'm here for you, and I'll always be here."

Roslyn's eyes welled up with tears, but Chris's words brought a sense of comfort.

"Thank you, Chris," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Just knowing you're here for me... it means everything."

Chris smiled softly. "I'll always be here, Rose. Through every storm, every tear, and every smile."

Roslyn's expression turned grave, her eyes locking onto Chris's with an intensity that underscored the weight of her words.

"I need to confide in you about something, Chris," she said, her voice barely above a whisper yet laced with a determination that hinted at the turmoil brewing inside her.

Chris leaned in, his attention riveted on her, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and concern.

"What's been troubling you, Rose?" he asked, his tone gentle yet probing.

Roslyn took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I've been consumed by doubts about Grandpa's sudden passing; I just can't shake off the feeling that it wasn't an accident, that something more sinister was at play."

Chris's eyebrows shot up, his expression a picture of surprise and intrigue.

"What specifically makes you suspect foul play?" he inquired, his voice measured and thoughtful.

Roslyn's eyes clouded, her gaze drifting into the past. "It's just a feeling, but when I hinted to Victoria that I knew what she did to William, Alexander's father, her expression changed; for a fleeting moment, I saw guilt and panic flicker across her face."

Chris's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "You think Victoria's involved in Grandpa's death, and that she's hiding something from Alexander too?"

Roslyn nodded resolutely. "Yes, I'm convinced of it; Victoria's secrets run deeper than anyone suspects, and I'm determined to uncover them."

Chris's grip on her hand tightened. "We'll investigate, Rose; together, we'll leave no stone unturned until we uncover the truth."

Roslyn's determination hardened, her voice dripping with resolve. "Victoria thinks she's won, but she's wrong; I'll expose her secrets, no matter the cost or consequences."

Chris nodded, his voice firm and unwavering. "You're not alone in this, Rose; we'll navigate the darkness together, and we'll emerge stronger, armed with the truth."

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

Roslyn expertly stirred the sizzling vegetables in the pan, the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air as Chris sat at the kitchen island, watching her with a warm smile.

"Dinner's almost ready," she announced, sliding a perfectly seasoned steak onto a plate.

Chris's eyes widened in appreciation. "You know I love your cooking, Rose."

Roslyn chuckled, serving him a generous portion. "I'm glad someone appreciates my culinary skills."

As they sat down to eat, Chris's expression turned serious. "So, what's the plan?"

Roslyn took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with determination. "I sent the divorce agreement to Alexander today."

Chris's eyebrows shot up. "That's a big step, Rose. Are you sure you're ready?"

Roslyn's jaw clenched, her voice laced with conviction. "I've never been more certain. I trusted him, Chris. I gave him my heart, and he crushed it. Cheated me, lied to me... I deserve better."

Chris nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "You do deserve better. What's the first thing you want to accomplish?"

Roslyn's gaze hardened. "Divorcing that cheater is my top priority. I want to erase him from my life, move on, and start fresh."

Chris reached out, covering her hand with his. "I'm with you every step of the way, Rose. We'll get through this together."

Roslyn's eyes welled up with gratitude, but she blinked back the tears. "Thank you, Chris. Just knowing you're here for me makes all the difference."

As they continued eating, Chris's expression turned thoughtful. "What about Victoria? Do you think she'll try to interfere?"

Roslyn's expression turned wry. "Actually, I think she'll be thrilled. She always wanted me to separate from Alexander; she made that clear from the start."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "You think she'll just sit back and let the divorce happen?"

Roslyn nodded. "Yes, she'll probably be celebrating behind closed doors. This is exactly what she wanted—Alexander and I apart."

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