Chapter 9

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 into a week, I settled into a fragile routine. Each morning, I would wake up to the smell of coffee brewing and the sound of Theresa humming softly in the kitchen.

Although I never know about Theresa's past, but I guess she wanted to have a female child. If not because of my past, I would have said, she treated like her daughter-in-law. Truly, I want someone like her as my mother-in-law, it's just so sad that my husband never treated me this way not to talk of his mother.

Anthony and I would share breakfast, his easygoing nature making me laugh more than I had in months. But even in these moments of joy, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider.

I still don't belong here! I lied about myself!

I still felt guilty for telling them lies but I can't control the situation at hand. 

I missed Sinclair. The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. I had fought so hard to break free, yet his absence carved a void that was hard to ignore. I guess all lady that fall deeply for someone always felt this way.

Sometimes, I felt like hitting myself over again because of Sinclair. The man who despair me! The most annoying part is that the more Sinclair cling to his dead girlfriend memories, I also cling to his memories even though it's not as memorable as I imagined.

But then I shook my head, reminding myself why I had left. The weight of our relationship felt like a chain, dragging me back to a past I was desperate to escape.

I don't know how to warn myself but I keep telling myself to stop thinking about it.

“Roseline, are you alright?” Anthony’s voice pulled me from my thoughts one evening as we sat on the couch, a movie flickering on the screen. His brow was furrowed with concern, and I realized I had been staring into space.

“Yeah, just thinking,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“About what?” he asked gently.

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. “Just… everything has been a lot lately.”

I can't believe that I've turned into professional liar and I could lie through my teeth without missing a word. Everything come out of my mouth freely as if it has been processed into my system.

Nice Job Roseline! Keep Lying! I I scream loudly in my head as I have a short conversation with myself.

“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Just know I’m here for you.” I heard Anthony's voice, reminding me that he is there with me.

The sincerity of his words warmed my heart, but the tension in my chest remained. I appreciated Anthony’s kindness, but a part of me felt guilty for lieing to him. I was in his home, living off his generosity, while my heart was still tangled up in Sinclair’s world.

That night, as we sat in the living room, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The familiar sounds of the city outside mixed with the low hum of the TV, creating an atmosphere that felt almost normal. I curled up on the couch, grateful for Anthony's company. 

I could name his my best friend!

Suddenly, Anthony’s phone buzzed on the coffee table, breaking the comfortable silence. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting from casual to smitten.

Hold on a second,” he said, picking up the phone. “i need to pick this call.” 

The expression on his face shows that he was happy about the person calling. At first, I would have thought that the person was his girlfriend but he haven't been talking to anyone lately or seems to be in a relationship.

However, I keep my calmness and await till he pick the call.

I watched as he answered, a smile forming on his face. “Yo bro!” he said, his tone friendly.

“Anthony!” A deep, urgent voice came through the line. My heart stopped—there was something familiar about that voice. It was so familiar that I felt like I've listened to it everyday.

"How are you doing? It felt like I've speak to you in a century! Where have you been?" The volume of his voice increase as he release the Joy he felt.

It seems the person was his friend but I'm still worried about the familiar voice. I don't want to think about it but I couldn't stop myself.

"Since you missed me that much, why don't we met for a drink? I'm not feeling myself right now and I needed to pour out my feelings" the voice said over the phone.

"No wonder you decided to call me. Anyways, let's get things done tomorrow! See you at the usual bar!" Anthony responded and the phone disconnect

.

I couldn't get over my curiosity, I turn to him and asked. "Who is that person?”