Roseline POV.
The night air was cool against my skin as I wandered the streets, my heart racing with uncertainty. I had slipped away, desperate to escape the suffocating walls of that house, but now I felt lost in the darkness. Each step felt heavy, burdened by the weight of my decision to leave Sinclair.
Just like this, I've been wandering since the time I left his house.
I never knew loving has become a crime that I regretted loving Sinclair as he never appreciate it for once.
My heart wanted to understand him better and I gave myself the excuse that he might be finding it hard to forget his dead girlfriend because of the bond they shared.
However, giving it another good thought, I realized that it's nothing but madness.
No matter how hard you cling to the dead, you will end up getting hurt because they can't back to life. After spending two years with him, he has refused to change how he felt about the past to the existence that we had some intimacy together, but he never changed.
Instead, he kept blaming me for the miscarriage when I was only trying to satisfy him.
Thinking about it hives some creepy feelings and rub my hands together.
I didn’t know where I was going, but I couldn’t go back. I needed space to think, to breathe, away from the chaos of my life. My mind replayed our last conversation, his anger, the desperation in his voice. It was suffocating. I needed to reclaim my freedom, even if it meant forging a new path alone.
"He was so full of himself! He even dare to lock me up?" I muttered under my breathe. I knew that the decision I took was going to hurt me but I disregard it and make the decision.
At least, I would prove to him that I truly need this freedom.
Suddenly, I spotted a café up ahead, its warm light spilling onto the sidewalk. I hesitated, I have no money but the aroma of fresh coffee wafting toward me, but before I could decide, someone bumped into me.
“Whoa, sorry!” a voice said, and I looked up to see a young man with tousled hair and bright eyes. He was wearing a leather jacket and had an easy smile that instantly made me feel at ease.
“It’s fine,” I replied, forcing a smile even as my heart raced.
“Are you okay? You look a bit lost,” he said, concern flashing across his face.
“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice steadier than I felt. “Just... taking a walk.”
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, glancing in the direction of the café.
I quickly reject the offer, it would be better if I hide my secret of being stranded rather than accepting such offer.
"It's just a treat for bumping into you. I felt sorry and I feel like that could clear the guilt" The man insisted.
Deep down in me, I was already dancing for joy when I heard the freebie. If I could make a wish right now, I would beg for ten people like him to bump into me. Maybe, I would be able to get an apartment to stay.
Spending too much time to think about it is like wasted process, I quickly nodded even though I carefully move her head not to show my happiness.
"Thanks so much" He said and I could see the excitement on his face. “I’m Anthony, by the way,” he introduced himself, extending a hand.
“Roseline,” I replied, shaking his hand. It felt warm and genuine, and I briefly considered revealing more about myself. But then I remembered Sinclair’s world, the consequences of being known, and I decided to keep my identity under wraps.
“So, Roseline, what do you do?” he asked as we entered the café, the rich scent of coffee enveloping us.
“I’m... between jobs right now,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “I used to work in non-profit, helping out in the community.”
I couldn't believe that I can lie so smoothly without getting caught in my throat. It seems leaving Sinclair make me realize my special talent of lieing.
I ran away because I want to have freedom, it would be better to lie about my identity and avoid any suspicion.
"Nice! That’s really admirable,” he said, genuine admiration shining in his eye.
I also smiled, appreciating his enthusiasm. “It’s rewarding, but it can be tough. People don’t always realize how much help is needed.”
“Yeah, I get that. You seem really passionate about it,” he said, his tone sincere.
It has been awhile since I got a compliment and I couldn't even remember who compliment me. However, this man has compliment me more than one times within the short period of our encounter. That gesture got me pined to his personality.
We found a table near the window, and then his phone rang out.
"Excuse me, I need to pick the call. It's from my mother" He explained and I nodded instantly.
I can't even believe that he took permission from me, I never imagined being relevant to people in this way.
"Hey mom!" He greeted as soon as the phone line connected.
"Where are you son? You are keeping me waiting?" When I heard his mother's voice, I felt the familiarity but I shrugged the thought off since it was my first time seeing this man. How is it possible for me to know his mother? That's impossible!
I kept telling myself until the man speak out...
"Can you please talk to my mom? She wanted to confirm I truly bumped to you and would like to apologize" He said and I become stunned.
Does this kind of personality exist? I guess he got the personality from his mother.
On taking the phone, I realized it's a video chat. However, my eyes widened in shock when….
Sinclair POV.The night dragged on, and with each passing hour, my anxiety grew. I had combed through every corner of our neighborhood, retracing my steps, hoping against hope that I would find Roseline. She had vanished, and with her disappearance came a sense of impending doom that weighed heavily on my chest.It was as if I'd made a mistake for running my mouth to her. I couldn't stop myself! Is that even hard? Why can't she stay quietly and wait till I return from work?My plan is to explain things to her and make her understand since I was the one that misunderstood her good intention.I pulled into the parking lot of the café where I hoped she might have gone. It was a long shot, but the familiar sight of the place stirred something in me, a regression and anger. As I stepped inside, the warmth enveloped me, but I found no trace of her.“Hey, have you seen a girl?” I asked the barista, desperation creeping into my voice. “About this tall, dark hair, maybe looking a bit lost?”If
Anthony's POV.The moment I bump into this lady, I felt a string in my heart. Even at night, her beauty was visible as she appears more natural. The most amazing part is that she was humble and carefree.Despite the fact that I bumped into her, she still choose to reject the offer while some girls would grab the chance or probably make a fuss out of it.The night air was cool, and the café’s warm glow faded behind me as I walked alongside Roseline. The conversation had flowed easily between us, but underneath her calm exterior, I sensed a storm brewing. She seemed lost, as if she was searching for something just out of reach. I wanted to know her story, I wanted to share some amazing moment with her. I couldn’t help but steal glances at her. The way the moonlight caught her features, her expressive eyes filled with unspoken emotion, it was captivating. Something about her drew me in, a magnetic pull I couldn’t ignore.When we entered the cafe, I made a decision of asking more about
Roseline POV.Settling into Anthony’s apartment felt surreal. The warmth of the space wrapped around me like a blanket, a stark contrast to the cold, suffocating atmosphere I had left behind. His mother, Theresa, welcomed me with open arms, her kindness a soothing balm for my frayed nerves.I guess leaving Sinclair for now is the right choice, and meeting someone like Anthony is a blessing from above. If not because I saved her mother, I would still be wondering round the street.Theresa did more for me as a stranger, despite the fact that I have no mother, she make me taste of motherly Love. Both mother and son has the same line of kindness.“Make yourself at home, dear,” Theresa said, her smile genuine and warm. “You’re safe here.”Before long, I got adapt to them. I found comfort in the routine Anthony and his mother had established, a simple breakfast, shared laughter, quiet evenings spent watching TV. Yet, even in these moments of joy, a part of me felt hollow.As the days turned
Roseline POV.My heart almost popped out of its place when I caught a familiar figure on the phone with Anthony. I couldn't control my heartbeat as I nearly developed sudden coldness.However, this new Roseline pretends like nothing happened. Ever since I lied about my identity to Anthony and his mother, I have discovered some new things about me. Not only can I lie successfully, but I can still control my feelings and pretend as if I'm not aware of anything. Just like I did to Sinclair a few minutes ago.Although the emotion can't be controlled perfectly, I still make sure I act naturally."Oh my goodness! My heart almost ran wild" I touched my bouncing chest as I muttered to myself."Roseline? Are you there?" I heard Theresa's voice from her bedroom. It was at that moment that I realized the drugs were still with me."Oh, Mom! I'm coming." I rush out instantly; I need to meet up with her medication time.On getting to her room, she has already strode out of bed. I rush to her side a
Sinclair's POV.I stood outside Anthony's house, my heart pounding against my chest. The evening air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of the confrontation ahead. I had to know the truth about Roseline. Anthony's claims had twisted my stomach into knots, and I couldn't let this go unanswered. Even if it is possible to have Roseline's lookalike, it wasn't possible enough for them to have the same name. There was something wrong somewhere, and I needed to find out.Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the stillness. Moments later, it swung open, revealing Anthony, surprise etched across his face.“Sinclair? What are you doing here?” He looked wary as if he sensed the storm brewing within me.“I need to talk to you. Now,” I said, pushing past him into the house. The familiar scents of home wrapped around me, but they felt different today, feeling charged and hostile. I'm not ready to beat around the bush, it's something I must confront.“Wai
Roseline's POV.I sat on the edge of the bed, my heart racing. The soft glow of the lamp barely illuminated the shadows creeping into the corners of the room, amplifying the eerie silence that enveloped me. I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that hung thick in the air, a palpable reminder of my earlier encounter with Sinclair.What have I done?It's the truth that I'm a liar, but I never thought of acting so smoothly when my heart would end up aching. I never thought it would hurt this much.If he didn't want me and chose his dead girlfriend instead, why was he looking for me? This wasn't what I expected, I only ran away to give him space.The moment Anthony had mentioned Sinclair’s name, my stomach had dropped and I knew something like this would happen. I had wanted to scream, to run, but instead, I had played along, pretending she didn’t know him. The way Sinclair looked at me earlier, he seemed desperate, searching, which sent chills down my spine. I had felt the weight of his
My heart almost stops beating when someone holds me, I'm pretty sure that my soul already left my body by then.Roseline!” Anthony’s voice broke through the tension, and I felt an immediate rush of relief. He stepped inside his expression with a mix of concern and confusion.“What’s going on?” he asked, taking in the panic etched across my face. “I heard you talking to yourself”When I realized that it was Anthony who held me, my body shook, and I almost lost balance."Easy on yourself!" He warned me before he carefully held my waist as he helped me sit on the bed."Are you okay?" Anthony asked the concern in his voice palpable.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. “I thought… I thought someone was outside,” I stammered, pointing to the window. “There was a shadow. I thought it was...”“It's a tree” Anthony finished for me, his lips quirking into a small smile. “You know, the branches can play tricks with the light.”I s
Roseline POV.The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Time was fast passing. I didn't know how night turned into morning and I woke up again with my tears and fear.I had barely slept, my mind racing with thoughts of Sinclair and the inevitable confrontation looming ahead. The fact that he was sleeping in the same department as mine kept my heart racing.After a quick shower, I dressed in a simple outfit, hoping that the mundane act of getting ready would ground me. The tension in the air was thick, and I could feel it in my bones. I didn’t want to think about the past, but it hung over me like a storm cloud.As I made my way to the living room, the sound of voices reached my ears. I froze, recognizing one of them immediately. It's Sinclair!"Is this a joke or what are you trying to say?" When I heard Anthony's voice, I drew myself closer and listened to their voice. Keeping my heart alert as sweat broke out of my body."I'm sorry for causing
Roseline POV.No matter how I tried to hide, the truth will come throwing itself at me.A few days ago, After I refused to go to the hospital, Anthony insisted I attend a clinic center, which I eventually did.After the check-up, I was asked to come back for the results.On my way back, I saw a strawberry cake which happens to be my father's favorite. At that moment, I thought of him; I hadn't set my eyes on him since I ran away from him."Are you interested in buying?" The middle-aged woman asked, showing the warmest smile I've ever seen."Huh? I will respond as I move closer. I might get the chance to see him because of this. An idea pops into my head, and I smile proudly; my father always ordered this cake on a particular day.Checking the time, the delivery would be made in the next few minutes. The distance from here to his company is just twenty-five minutes which indicates that I can still buy time for myself before the delivery arrives."Can you please wrap the cake up? I'm in
Sinclair POV.It sounds like a joke. It felt like a mystery but all is reality. When I heard the word "Court,” I thought I'd got in trouble with my hearing, and I couldn't deny the fact that my heart skipped a beat. However, I never expect much from Jonathan at this point.The very thought sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had never imagined it would come to this. My heart raced, not just from the threat but also from the gnawing absence of Roseline.Who could have thought I would have to face such huge consequences because of her absence? It seems it's a great thing to appreciate others. I now realize the worth of her presence around me, but I never cherish it."Are you going to take me to court over this?" I managed to ask, my voice steadier than I felt. Jonathan leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of smug satisfaction and barely restrained fury."Don’t play games with me, Sinclair. You signed a contract, and this is your chance to make things right.
Sinclair's POV.Eating the food doesn't feel like one when my entire world is crumbling to my face. I didn't feel like myself while Roseline was in front of me but she felt like someone different."Are you okay? Is the taste bad?" I heard Mother Theresa's voice as she asked me after noticing my reaction.I quickly wore a smile, I was about to respond when my phone rang out."I'm fine Mom but I need to pick up this call""Sure go ahead"When I turned my phone upside down to see the caller's ID, my heart throbbed in pain as the name on the phone screen appeared to be Jonathan, Roseline's father."Bro, Is something wrong?" Anthony questioned, and I could see his concern all over his face.With a fake smile that looked real, I stood up. "It's a business call, I gotta go!" With that, I rush out without waiting for any response.What I know for sure is that Mother Theresa won't let me off easily without packing the food for me. However, I escaped this time.As soon as I got into my car, I dr
Roseline POV.The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Time was fast passing. I didn't know how night turned into morning and I woke up again with my tears and fear.I had barely slept, my mind racing with thoughts of Sinclair and the inevitable confrontation looming ahead. The fact that he was sleeping in the same department as mine kept my heart racing.After a quick shower, I dressed in a simple outfit, hoping that the mundane act of getting ready would ground me. The tension in the air was thick, and I could feel it in my bones. I didn’t want to think about the past, but it hung over me like a storm cloud.As I made my way to the living room, the sound of voices reached my ears. I froze, recognizing one of them immediately. It's Sinclair!"Is this a joke or what are you trying to say?" When I heard Anthony's voice, I drew myself closer and listened to their voice. Keeping my heart alert as sweat broke out of my body."I'm sorry for causing
My heart almost stops beating when someone holds me, I'm pretty sure that my soul already left my body by then.Roseline!” Anthony’s voice broke through the tension, and I felt an immediate rush of relief. He stepped inside his expression with a mix of concern and confusion.“What’s going on?” he asked, taking in the panic etched across my face. “I heard you talking to yourself”When I realized that it was Anthony who held me, my body shook, and I almost lost balance."Easy on yourself!" He warned me before he carefully held my waist as he helped me sit on the bed."Are you okay?" Anthony asked the concern in his voice palpable.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. “I thought… I thought someone was outside,” I stammered, pointing to the window. “There was a shadow. I thought it was...”“It's a tree” Anthony finished for me, his lips quirking into a small smile. “You know, the branches can play tricks with the light.”I s
Roseline's POV.I sat on the edge of the bed, my heart racing. The soft glow of the lamp barely illuminated the shadows creeping into the corners of the room, amplifying the eerie silence that enveloped me. I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that hung thick in the air, a palpable reminder of my earlier encounter with Sinclair.What have I done?It's the truth that I'm a liar, but I never thought of acting so smoothly when my heart would end up aching. I never thought it would hurt this much.If he didn't want me and chose his dead girlfriend instead, why was he looking for me? This wasn't what I expected, I only ran away to give him space.The moment Anthony had mentioned Sinclair’s name, my stomach had dropped and I knew something like this would happen. I had wanted to scream, to run, but instead, I had played along, pretending she didn’t know him. The way Sinclair looked at me earlier, he seemed desperate, searching, which sent chills down my spine. I had felt the weight of his
Sinclair's POV.I stood outside Anthony's house, my heart pounding against my chest. The evening air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of the confrontation ahead. I had to know the truth about Roseline. Anthony's claims had twisted my stomach into knots, and I couldn't let this go unanswered. Even if it is possible to have Roseline's lookalike, it wasn't possible enough for them to have the same name. There was something wrong somewhere, and I needed to find out.Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the stillness. Moments later, it swung open, revealing Anthony, surprise etched across his face.“Sinclair? What are you doing here?” He looked wary as if he sensed the storm brewing within me.“I need to talk to you. Now,” I said, pushing past him into the house. The familiar scents of home wrapped around me, but they felt different today, feeling charged and hostile. I'm not ready to beat around the bush, it's something I must confront.“Wai
Roseline POV.My heart almost popped out of its place when I caught a familiar figure on the phone with Anthony. I couldn't control my heartbeat as I nearly developed sudden coldness.However, this new Roseline pretends like nothing happened. Ever since I lied about my identity to Anthony and his mother, I have discovered some new things about me. Not only can I lie successfully, but I can still control my feelings and pretend as if I'm not aware of anything. Just like I did to Sinclair a few minutes ago.Although the emotion can't be controlled perfectly, I still make sure I act naturally."Oh my goodness! My heart almost ran wild" I touched my bouncing chest as I muttered to myself."Roseline? Are you there?" I heard Theresa's voice from her bedroom. It was at that moment that I realized the drugs were still with me."Oh, Mom! I'm coming." I rush out instantly; I need to meet up with her medication time.On getting to her room, she has already strode out of bed. I rush to her side a
Roseline POV.Settling into Anthony’s apartment felt surreal. The warmth of the space wrapped around me like a blanket, a stark contrast to the cold, suffocating atmosphere I had left behind. His mother, Theresa, welcomed me with open arms, her kindness a soothing balm for my frayed nerves.I guess leaving Sinclair for now is the right choice, and meeting someone like Anthony is a blessing from above. If not because I saved her mother, I would still be wondering round the street.Theresa did more for me as a stranger, despite the fact that I have no mother, she make me taste of motherly Love. Both mother and son has the same line of kindness.“Make yourself at home, dear,” Theresa said, her smile genuine and warm. “You’re safe here.”Before long, I got adapt to them. I found comfort in the routine Anthony and his mother had established, a simple breakfast, shared laughter, quiet evenings spent watching TV. Yet, even in these moments of joy, a part of me felt hollow.As the days turned