ROSÉ'S POVIn the dimly lit hallway, leading to the study, the echoes of my desperate knocks on the study door reverberated, as I simultaneously called out to him."Navy! What is wrong? Navy, open the door!""Please open up!" I yelled, banging on the door in despair. My pleas fell on deaf ears, whatever was said to him on the phone must have been quite unsettling because he wouldn't stop screaming in frustration, pulling down shelves and punching the wall.After several knocks on the door, I decided it was best to leave him alone.So I retreated from the door and went to my room.I hadn't been with my phone all day, so when I got hold of it and noticed how many calls I had missed, I was surprised. I even had emails.A frown creased my face as I settled on the bed going through each missed call."Alexander... Paula... and an unknown number."In no mood to talk, I went ahead to check my emails. The first few emails were just spam, about to toss the phone away, a subject topic amidst
NAVY'S POVIn the quiet dawn of a new month, as Washington transitioned from Fall to Winter, I was transitioning from a billionaire to a man who could not afford sleep.Tabitha's words were unsettling, and unbearably so.I hated her for leaving such weight on my heart, but I hated her more for offering no solution or consolation whatsoever. She could've at least let me to inform Elodie about the condition of our baby's heart, but I also understood her advising against it. I spent the night in the study, reading all about the heart diseases there was. Congenital heart diseases didn't seem so much like a killer disease, but the possibility of its early occurrence in a baby was the risk.I exhaled for the umpteenth, running my hands through my hair in frustration.If I was going to save Elodie the news that our baby's life was at risk then I wouldn't go to Doctor Brian.I pried open my laptop and searched for hospitals away from home.I finally decided on one and scheduled an early morn
95For what it is worth, my reluctance to contact Tabitha stemmed from our heated conversation I had with her last night. I couldn't bring myself to dial her number even though it was a necessity.I glanced at the time displayed on my screen and noticed the time scheduled for the meeting was almost up."Is everything okay?" Alexander's voice seeped into my thoughts, shifting my attention back to the present."I'm okay, I uh..." My voice faltered, the situation too heavy to explain."Her number is not going through at the moment..." I lied, Alexander nodded understandably as he said, "We could schedule another appointment, and then you two can come together." "No, that won't be necessary..." I replied absentmindedly, staring at my phone in disbelief. What were the odds that Tabitha would ring my phone just then?Before I answered the call, I glanced at Alexander, “Could you talk to her on the phone?""She needs to be here, Valentino. I won't only ask her questions, I may check her v
NAVY’s POV Elodie’s unexpected appearance at Alexander’s office charged the air with unspoken questions, and the one question asked by Elodie remained unanswered.Seeing Elodie with a bouquet and a gift bag for the Doctor made me curious about their relationship, but it didn't occur to me how being seen with a relatively young woman in a consulting office with a different name would seem.My jealousy gradually dissipated, being replaced instead with a feeling of strange excitement. She wasn't only curious, she was jealous and possessive. Alexander, caught in the midst of our family drama, maintained his professional demeanor, but his eyes hinted his concern."Rosé, you can't just come in here and charge my patients... Please wait outside," "Alexander, this is my husband. So it's alright for me to demand answers..." Elodie retorted."Your husband?!" Alexander exclaimed, pivoting towards me.By the look on his face, he was reconnecting the dots, only to realize that if Rosé was truly
"Emergency, code blue!" That was how both lunch breaks at the hospital ended.Doctors and nurses brisk past us from left and right, adding chaos to the already tense drama unfolding before me.In the midst of that, Avery snatched her purse from the table and stormed away. Her footsteps fueled with anger and determination echoed in the cafeteria as she walked past us.Unexpectedly, Tabitha ran after her, exclaiming her apologies. Rose didn't wait nor turn, she headed straight for the exit and soon she was out of sight.I slumped back to the cafeteria chair and buried my head in my palms. My family was gradually turning into one I swore to avoid- an oddly chaotic family, just like my father's.Not able to catch up with her, Tabitha returned.She had barely sat down when I said, "After tomorrow, could you not contact me anymore? It is a request...""I'm sorry, Valentino. I shouldn't have touched her. I couldn't control it..." She busted out in tears.It wasn't just that she had hit my wi
ROSÉ'S POVTabitha strolled into the house, trailing behind Navy. Seeing her again stirred awake my suppressed emotions. My face contorted into a visible expression of the emotions that were brewing within me.Navy and I exchanged glances before I brushed past them to the door.I suddenly needed a breath of fresh air.Footsteps echoed behind me as I made my way to the garden."Rosé, let's talk about it, please..." His voice echoed dauntingly as he settled beside me on the garden bench."I couldn't just let her go, she's homeless..." I went quiet, afraid that if I said anything, it would leave our relationship in bruises."She apologizes for..." His voice faltered."For hitting me in the face, is that too heavy to say?" I retorted."She was just triggered, just as you are right now...""I don't remember hitting you..." "I do!" "That was well deserved!" I interjected, my voice a little louder than I intended.Navy laid off, releasing a deep breath as he rested on the base of the ben
NAVY’s POVAll that silence between us built up within me, something tremendously wrong. I couldn’t sleep. Beside her, I wondered why she was so pissed about Tabitha being around. Apart from the obvious reason that she had hit her, I just couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t move past it after an apology.I wondered if her crankiness could have been associated with Elodie’s possible heart condition.My eyes blinked shut, and they weren’t open again until dawn. I was startled awake by Rosé body brushing on me as she turned. I, habitually, extended my hand and she rested in my arms.The up-and-down rhythm of her breaths fell lightly on my neck as she slept on soundly.Moments like this were all that mattered, I wanted a quiet family life with my wife, despite Tabitha’s presence.The incoming winter in Washington was in no way like the previous seasons. It was colder, grayer, so much that mornings had lost touch with the glow that brought light to the room.I extended my hand to the la
ROSÉ’s POVThe sound of Navy’s phone ringing persistently stirred us from our morning sleep. After the time we had last night, I woke up with a more cheerful attitude, resolving to be better at handling my emotions, despite Tabitha’s facades.Navy scrambled to find the phone, while I threw off the warm sheets from my body, heading to the bathroom. I was in the bathroom when I heard the door creak open, and footsteps that were not Navy’s resounded in the air. Thankful to the splash sounds of warm water, I was blocked from their conversation.By the time I was done, fast paced footsteps retreated from the room and the door slammed shut.“I got to go to work…” Navy announced as I stepped out of the bathroom.“Oh…” I exclaimed passively, “Something has come up,” I sensed the hesitation in his voice before he continued, “Could you take her to the hospital? I know you wanted to rest, but…”“I’ll take her,” I interrupted, saving him the agony, “I just need to have breakfast…”The mornin
It was a cheat sheet, or something like that. But the evening was set. A house wedding, one I had never seen. Mother would turn wherever she was if I ever attempted something like this. Alexander called it a parlor wedding. It was happening right in my living room. We redesignedput my minimalist style living room aesthetic to good use, the chandeliers above creating a dimly lit room as dawn set in.Guests trickled in, their murmurs mingling with our choice of music.Alexander stood by the makeshift altar, being the head of two long feast tables, placed at the center. I stood behind him taking in the sight of everything we had done together.The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, the vibrant colors of the floral arrangements contrasting beautifully with the muted tones of the room.Soft candlelight danced on the two-tier cake, sitting at the center of the table.Alexander was particular when he said there were twenty people coming. As his parents arrive right on time, I couldn
Rosé’s POVI left Amelia straddled to his forefront, with a direction of how the rest of the day would go for her. Navy asked a million questions, yet before we left, Alexander asked the same questions all over again.“Is there anything that comes as an instinct to men?” Paula asked, shaking her head in disbelief.Finn stepped into the driver’s seat with my sister right beside him in the passenger’s seat. Paula instantly exclaimed, “I’m getting married tonight, please let’s focus on the road.”A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I glanced at Finn, “she’s burning you,” I teased, Finn nodded agreeably, “I am searching for a good comeback…”Paula broke into a soft laughter, flailing her arms in the air. “What are we buying first?” “A wedding dress first, before the bridesmaids dresses. We haven’t even decided on the color. We’re wasting time!” Grace exclaimed, strangely motivating us in the right way.“Pink,” Paula replied, her voice cracking with emotions, suddenly she broke down in
Chapter 146Rose's POVAs we all know, every story ends. Sometimes a new story begins where the old ended, other times, it is really the end. Grace's life was about to turn to the next chapter. I could already see the fire in her eyes, she could accomplish anything. I wasn't interested in fighting for her before, but seeing her want things like every normal girl her age felt fulfilling, striving to have a purpose told me we were alike in more ways than just blood. "Maybe having you as my legal guardian won't be so bad," Grace's voice boomed into my thoughts, her excitement evident in her bubbly tone."I was worried about us, about the kind of relationship I would have with you." She continued in a tone calmer than the first.I glanced at her with an eyebrow raised. "She told you about me?"Grace nodded, her gaze softening as she glanced at me. "There are only two people mamañ talks about you, and her mother.""She was always complaining about you." Her voice shivered faintly as she
Navy’s POVLove only took a moment, and I was witnessing that moment right before me.Finn had no notice of the heart that was not beating for him, fascinated by his mere presence.My gaze flickered from Rosé to Finn, before returning to Grace. It was only then I noticed her striking semblance to her sister. Her gaze captured the depth of her desires, her long wavy hair began to bounce as she jumped in surprise, startled by an incident we were yet to see.The server had over poured the coffee, spilling the hot drink on her dress.Finally the incident that would bring them together had finally presented itself. Just the interview was his opportunity to retain Rosé.“I apologize for that…,” Finn paused, swiping his gaze on the features of the inconvenient customer to be certain of the status. From the look on his eyes, it was obvious that he was stricken by her. In that moment, I wondered what could have drawn him to her, I wanted to know if it was her beauty or her smile.I couldn’t
Chapter 144Navy’s POVThe sister’s fight had ended the moment Grace face was flooded with tears. Rosé fragile as usual gave in to her emotions too, joining her in tears. The morning sun was yet to show his face, yet the sniffles from her mother and aunty must have woken my daughter, her presence now contributing to the chorus of tears in the room.I fell into a state of chaos, torn between racing to my daughter or my wife, not knowing who to console first.Amelia got louder, hurling me towards her direction.“I’m sorry,” Grace’s soft voice echoed in the room, “please, let me rely on you… as a sister. I have no one else.”Cradling my daughter on chest, I turned to face them. Rosé was quivering slightly, her face flushed with a mix of tears and relief. “Hmmm,” I exhaled softly, looking between mother and daughter.“Such crybabies.” I remarked, stirring a blush on Rosé’s face.“I think she is hungry…” Grace croaked, her voice barely above a whisper.I nodded, “I think so too… and I f
Chapter 143Navy’s POVI blinked my eyes open, perturbed by the noise in the house. It was barely a minute since I closed my eyes, my eyes were heavy from the the lack of sleep.The first image that came into my view, was an image of Rosé packing a luggage, and instantly, my heart plummeted at the sight of it, thudding against my chest.“Baby, what’s going on?” I asked, the drowsiness in my eyes was completely gone as I jolted to my feet, making my way to Rosé.“Please, tell me, what’s wrong? Please…” Rosé turned to me, her eyes blaring with something I had never seen before.“Let’s go to Paris… let’s go today, now, let’s just go!”“Why?” I asked, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do but I need to understand why first.” “Mamañ, she’s gone…” Rosé replied, her voice quivering as she spoke, “She left Grace here and disappeared, just like me… she’s abandoned her. You think she’s still going to change? You think we still have a chance to her support? That woman deserves to burn in hell!”
Chapter 142ROSE POV Navy sat on the armchair in my spacious room, observing me as I paced agitatedly around, seething with anger at mamañ.“I can’t believe her!” I breathed, “The message Andre sent to us is a clear threat, yet she perceives it as him seeking her. What’d I tell you? She would choose Andre over anyone at any time.”“Elodie,” Navy’s soothing voice interjected, imbued with longing. As our eyes met, I could not help but notice the desire in his gaze. His gaze steadied on me, the intensity of it sending shivers down my spine. Despite my anger at mamañ, in that moment, all I could focus on was the sudden pull between us. His presence filled the room, wafting around me like a curl of smoke.“Rosé,” Navy murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, but it echoed loudly in the silence between us.“Uh,” he cleared his throat, “She is just in love… could you look at it from that perspective?“A wave of disappointment struck me as the desire in his eyes faded while he spoke.I
ROSÉ’s POVA soft exhaled escaped me, as my eyes crinkled with tears, a lump formed in my throat as I struggled to speak.“What… what do you mean, Maa?” Grace spoke out finally, breaking the silence.The answer to that question I already knew. Mamañ had acted as expected.“Henry Benoit,” she sighed sadly, “I’ve wronged him in so many ways. Andre tried to kill him once, or twice…” Our eyes met briefly moment, and I could tell from her expression that it was more than that. “Only the truth mamañ.”Mamañ bowed her head in regret, memories flooding back.“Rosé, Andre tried to harm him so many times that Benoit got a restraining order against him.”“But he didn’t stop, did he?”Mamañ shook her head sadly, her tears welling up.“He didn’t, he tried every means possible.”“Why didn’t he just arrest him?” Navy’s voice boomed into the air, shifting our attention to his tall figure emerging from the hallway.“I put her back to bed,” he explained, planting a peck on my cheek as he joined the
As I stayed in his arms, breathing in his faint fragrance and warmth until a soft coo of a baby interrupted the silence.“It’s Amelia!” Navy gasped, excitement bubbling in his voice.“Wait, you called her Amelia?” I exclaimed, surprised. “Well, I figured she could have two names.”A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I stepped out of his arms. “I’d love that…”Navy nodded, cupping my face in his hands. “I’ll take care of her, you go to the dining.”Taking a deep breath, I made my way back to the dining room, where mamañ and Grace were still seated, their conversation paused as I stepped in. Grace’s appearance was nothing like mamañ’s, and the more I studied her features, I was more convinced that she wasn’t Andre’s daughter.“Mamañ, Grace,” I began, my voice steady, despite the turmoil within, “let’s talk,”Mamañ raised her gaze to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.“Where have you been?” I asked, my voice demanding nothing but the truth.“Here and there…” Mamañ replied, dartin