Chapter 6

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….