Chapter 40

Alexander's SUV screeched through the streets as he desperately redialed Roslyn's number. Each attempt met with the same automated response: "The number you have dialed is currently switched off."

Panic gripped Alexander's chest, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. He knew he had to act fast. With shaking hands, he scrolled through his contacts and dialed Tyler's number.

Tyler answered on the first ring. "Hey, Alex, what's up?"

Alexander's voice was laced with urgency. "Tyler, it's Rose. I think she's in trouble. We were on the phone, and someone attacked her. She's not answering now; her phone's switched off."

Tyler's tone shifted from casual to serious. "What's her address? I'll get the police there ASAP."

Alexander rattled off Roslyn's apartment address, his words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "Please, Tyler, hurry. I don't know what's happening. I can't lose her."

Tyler's voice remained calm and reassuring. "Alex, stay calm. I'm on it. I'll get the police there in minutes. You get there safely, too. We'll get Rose out of this."

"Thanks, Tyler. I owe you one," Alexander said, his voice cracking with emotion.

Tyler's response was firm. "No need to thank me, Alex. Just get to Rose's apartment. We'll handle this."

The line went silent as Tyler sprang into action, dialing the police emergency number. Alexander floored the accelerator, his SUV racing toward Roslyn's apartment, his heart racing with fear.

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Roslyn stood fRoseen, the knife still clutched in her hand, her mind reeling from the shock. Did she really kill someone? The thought echoed through her mind like a haunting mantra.

Alexander's gentle voice pierced the fog. "Rose, my love, are you okay? Do you know who that man is?"

But Roslyn's gaze remained fixed on the lifeless figure at her feet. Alexander's words barely registered, until he gently jerked her arm, breaking the spell.

Memories came flooding back. She recalled fleeing to the kitchen, the man hot on her heels, his malicious intent clear. The knife had slipped from her grasp, and she'd darted to the living room, desperate to escape.

The man had pursued her, knife in hand, destroying everything in his path. Roslyn's heart had raced with terror. She knew he meant to kill her.

In a desperate bid to survive, Roslyn had fought back, scratching at his eyes. Blinded, he'd stumbled, giving her the chance to grab the knife and defend herself.

Without hesitation, she'd stabbed him, and he'd crumpled to the floor. The sound of the apartment door opening had followed, and Roslyn's world had shattered.

Now, back in the present, Roslyn's eyes locked onto Alexander's, tears streaming down her face. He approached her cautiously, his movements gentle.

"Rose, it's okay," Alexander whispered, his voice soothing. "You're safe now."

With deliberate care, Alexander pried the knife from Roslyn's fingers and placed it on the table. Then he enveloped her in a tight hug, holding her as if he'd never let her go.

Roslyn's body shook with sobs, the weight of her actions crushing her. Alexander's warmth and comfort wrapped around her like a shield, protecting her from the darkness.

As she buried her face in his chest, Roslyn felt a glimmer of solace. Alexander's presence anchored her, reminding her she wasn't alone. He'd face the aftermath with her; together they'd navigate the chaos.

"Shh, my love," Alexander whispered, his lips brushing against her hair. "You're safe. I've got you."

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Within minutes, the police arrived, and to everyone's surprise, the attacker was still alive. He was rushed to the hospital, leaving the officers to investigate the crime scene.

Tyler and Alexander sat beside Roslyn on the couch, offering silent support as she struggled to calm her racing thoughts. An officer, his expression empathetic, began questioning Roslyn.

"Ma'am, can you tell me what happened?" He asked gently, his voice softening the harsh reality.

Roslyn's voice trembled as she recounted the events. "I-I was on the phone with Alexander. Someone broke in. He attacked me. I fought back to protect myself."

The officer nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Did you recognize your attacker?"

Roslyn shook her head, tears welling up. "No, I'd never seen him before. He just kept coming at me."

Alexander's arm tightened around Roslyn's shoulders, offering comfort. Tyler's expression remained grim, his eyes fixed on the officer.

The officer continued, "We'll review the security footage and speak with neighbors. We'll find out who this person is and why he targeted you."

As the questioning continued, Roslyn's anxiety grew. The memories of the attack lingered, haunting her. Alexander's presence kept her grounded.

Tyler leaned forward, his voice firm. "Officer, I want to know how this guy got past security. This building is supposed to be safe."

The officer nodded. "We'll investigate the security breach, sir. I assure you, we'll do everything to ensure Roslyn's safety."

As the officer finished his questions, Roslyn's gaze drifted to Alexander, her eyes pleading for reassurance. He held her close, whispering, "You're safe now, Rose. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Just then, Chris burst through the door, his face etched with worry. Roslyn's eyes locked onto his, and she sprinted toward him, flinging herself into his arms.

Chris enveloped her in a tight hug, his voice trembling. "Oh, Rose! Thank God you're okay! I was so scared when Tyler called me. What happened? Are you hurt?"

Roslyn buried her face in Chris's shoulder, tears streaming down her face. "I-I was attacked. Someone broke in. Alexander saved me."

Chris's grip tightened. "I'm so sorry, Rose. I should've been here. Did he hurt you?"

Roslyn shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Alexander arrived just in time. But... I had to defend myself. I stabbed him."

Chris's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, Rose! Are you okay? Did he...?"

Roslyn nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "The police took him to the hospital. I didn't mean to, but I had to protect myself."

Chris pulled back, scanning Roslyn's face. "You did what you had to do, Rose. I'm proud of you for fighting back."

Alexander's gaze lingered on Roslyn, his heart swelling with love and concern. He was relieved she was safe, but the sight of her in Chris's arms stung.

Tyler noticed Alexander's unease and shot him a sympathetic glance.

As Chris continued to question Roslyn, Alexander's jaw clenched. He felt a surge of protectiveness, wanting to be the one comforting his wife.

Meanwhile, Chris said, "I'm not leaving your side, Rose. You're coming home with me."

Roslyn nodded, her eyes locked on Chris.

Alexander stepped forward, his voice firm. "Rose, you're coming home with me."

Roslyn's gaze drifted to Alexander, her expression uncertain. Chris's eyes narrowed, sensing the tension between them.

"Excuse me?" Chris said, his tone assertive.

Alexander's eyes locked onto Chris. "She's my wife, Chris. She's coming home with me."

The air thickened with tension as Roslyn's eyes darted between the two men, her heart torn.

"Alexander, you don't need to worry about me," Roslyn said harshly, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm safer with Chris. Thanks for coming on time, but you can leave now."

Alexander felt a stinging sensation; his heart hurt by Roslyn's dismissive tone. He tried to reason with her, "Rose, please understand; I want to help you through this. Don't shut me out."

But Roslyn stood firm, her voice cold. "If you really want to help, show up on time for the court hearing. Don't disappear like last time. The sooner this divorce is finalized, the better for both of us."

Alexander's frustration boiled over, his anger fueled by the repeated mention of divorce. "Why do you want to separate, Rose? What have I done wrong? Don't you remember our love? I never cheated on you?"

Roslyn's expression remained unyielding. "You've lost the right to question me, Alexander. If you were truly concerned, you wouldn't have brought that girl to our home the one who destroyed our marriage now staying with you like your wife then why do you need me?"

Alexander's frustration boiled over, fueled by the painful memory. "Rose, I've apologized countless times. She means nothing to me."

Roslyn's voice cut deep. "Save your apologies, Alexander. Your actions speak louder than words. You chose her over me, over our marriage. Now, you're left with her."

Chris stepped forward, his voice firm. "Alexander, it's time to leave. Roslyn needs rest."

Alexander's anger flared. "You think you're helping her, Chris? You're just enabling her to push me away."

Roslyn intervened, her voice icy. "Chris is my friend, Alexander. He's supporting me through this difficult time. Unlike you, he's actually here for me."

Alexander's eyes pleaded. "Rose, don't do this. Don't throw away our love."

Roslyn's expression softened slightly, but her resolve remained firm. "I deserve better, Alexander. And right now, that means being alone, not with someone who's already moved on."

With those piercing words, Roslyn turned away, leaving Alexander shattered, his heart broken into a million pieces.

"You don't understand, Rose!" Alexander called out, his voice cracking with emotion. "I love you!"

But Roslyn didn't look back, her departure leaving Alexander devastated, his love lost forever.

Tyler placed a reassuring hand on Alexander's shoulder, his voice soft. "Alexander, come on. Let's get out of here."

Alexander's eyes remained fixed on Roslyn's retreating figure, his heart heavy with anguish. He felt Tyler's gentle tug, but his legs seemed rooted to the spot.

"Alexander, she needs space," Tyler said gently. "Give her time to process."

Alexander's voice cracked. "She's gone, Tyler. She's really gone."

Alexander slowly turned, his eyes empty, his face pale. "I lost her, Tyler. I lost the love of my life."

Tyler's expression softened. "You made mistakes, Alexander. But that doesn't mean you can't try to make things right."

Alexander shook his head, despair etched on his face. "It's too late. She's moved on. I've lost her forever."

Tyler guided Alexander away from the painful scene, leading him toward the door. As they stepped out into the cool evening air, Alexander felt the weight of his mistakes crushing him.

"I should've fought harder," Alexander whispered, his voice barely audible.

Tyler's hand remained on Alexander's shoulder, offering silent support. "You can't change the past, Alexander. But you can learn from it. Let's focus on rebuilding, one step at a time."

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The car door closed behind her, Roslyn surrendered to her emotions, tears streaming down her face like a relentless river. She wrapped her arms around herself, her hand instinctively caressing her belly, cradling the precious life growing within her.

The gentle motion brought no solace, only deepening sorrow. She couldn't bear the thought of Alexander knowing about the baby—the part of him growing inside her. Fear gripped her heart—would she lose this precious life too, just like she'd lost their love?

Chris's concerned voice pierced the darkness. "Rose, hey, it's okay. I'm here for you." He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Roslyn's sobs intensified, her body shaking with anguish. Chris's touch was a balm to her frazzled nerves, but it couldn't erase the pain.

"Rose, if you're having doubts about divorcing Alexander, maybe give him another chance?" Chris suggested gently.

Roslyn's response was immediate and harsh. "No! He's destroyed everything, Chris. He's ruined our marriage, our love, and now... our child will grow up without a father because of his infidelity."

Her voice cracked, tears choking her words. "I hate him for this. I hate him for taking away our happiness and our future. He doesn't deserve forgiveness."

Chris's grip on her shoulder tightened. "I'm so sorry, Rose. You deserve so much better."

Roslyn's hand remained on her belly, a fierce protectiveness welling up within her. She'd ensure her child's well-being, no matter the cost. Alexander would never have the chance to hurt their child the way he'd hurt her.

As the tears slowly subsided, Roslyn's resolve hardened. She'd move forward, alone if necessary, but she'd never again surrender her heart to Alexander's destructive grasp.

Roslyn's gaze fell upon her belly, her eyes welling up with determination. "This is my child," she whispered, her voice trembling with conviction, "and he is my reason for living. I don't want anyone else, Chris. But I swear on my child's life, I will destroy Alexander and Victoria Volter. They'll pay for what they've done to me."

Her words dripped with venom, her jaw clenched in resolve. Chris felt a shiver run down his spine as he witnessed Roslyn's transformation from a heartbroken woman to a fierce protector.

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