Chapter 2: Disappointment

Rosa stepped out of her room to clear her mind, but she was immediately blocked by Andrea.

“Well, look who decided to show up,” Andrea sneered, her arms crossed as she scanned Rosa from head to toe. “The family disgrace. You’re filthy—filthier than you think. You don’t belong here, Rosa. Leave and don’t ever show your face again.”

Rosa clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She glared at Andrea’s mocking expression, a mixture of anger and sorrow swirling inside her. For a fleeting moment, she contemplated ending this torment—ending Andrea’s cruelty with a single blow.

“Do you want to hit me? Go ahead!” Andrea taunted, rolling her eyes. “Let’s see just how strong a pathetic little whore can be.”

Without hesitation, Rosa’s hand flew up, and a resounding slap echoed through the hallway. The force sent Andrea staggering back, her cheek bright red and glistening with tears.

“Did you just hit me?!” Andrea shrieked, her voice laced with both shock and fury. She spun on her heel and dashed downstairs, tears now flowing freely.

Their parents, who were seated in the living room, looked up in alarm. Jon, their father, immediately noticed Andrea’s swollen cheek, and anger clouded his face.

“Dad, Mom,” Andrea whimpered, rushing into Kieshna’s arms. “I was just walking to my room when Rosa stopped me—and then she hit me for no reason!” Her voice trembled with feigned innocence, but her smug smile was well-hidden.

Jon stood from the couch, his jaw tight as he stormed upstairs. Rosa’s heart sank as she saw his approaching figure, his eyes filled with restrained fury. She already knew what was coming.

He stopped in front of her, taking a deep breath. “Get out of this house,” he said coldly. “And don’t come back. Forget you were ever part of this family.”

The words pierced Rosa’s heart like a dagger. Her lips quivered, but she bit back her tears. She knew her father’s decision was final—there was no pleading with him.

Swallowing her pride, Rosa packed her belongings in silence. She placed her passport in her bag, along with a few gifts she had painstakingly prepared over the past few days.

As she descended the stairs, her eyes caught sight of her father and Andrea. Jon held his younger daughter lovingly as she buried her face in his chest, playing the victim. The sight tore at Rosa’s already shattered heart.

She lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching them, her throat tightening. Her father didn’t even look at her—not even once.

Rosa’s thoughts drifted to her late mother, the only person who ever made her feel truly loved and valued. If only her mother hadn’t passed away, perhaps this wouldn’t be her reality. Perhaps she wouldn’t feel like an outsider in her own family.

“Goodbye, Dad,” Rosa whispered under her breath as she walked out, carrying her bags.

From the shadows of the staircase, Andrea watched Rosa’s departure with a victorious smirk. “Finally,” she muttered to herself. “You’re out of my life, Rosa. Just like I wanted.”

+++++

Five Years Later

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound of persistent knocking echoed in Rosa’s small yet cozy apartment. She groaned, rubbing her temples as she reluctantly stood up, her head still throbbing from a long night of work.

Opening the door, she was greeted by two Asian men in immaculate suits. Their stern faces and confident demeanor made her uneasy.

“Who are you?” Rosa asked cautiously, her tone guarded.

One of the men cleared his throat and spoke. “Excuse us, ma’am. Are you Miss Rosa Melandez?”

“Yes, that’s me. Why?” she replied warily.

The two men exchanged a glance before the other one answered, “We were tasked with finding you, Miss Rosa. Your late mother, Rosette Melandez, saved the life of our employer many years ago.”

Rosa froze. Memories of her mother flooded her mind. “Who is your employer?” she asked hesitantly.

“Madame X,” one of the men replied.

The name sent a chill down Rosa’s spine. Madame X was a name shrouded in mystery and power—a figure renowned for her wealth, influence, and ruthlessness. Few dared to speak her name aloud.

“I... I don’t understand. Why now?” Rosa muttered, her heart racing.

“Our employer wishes to repay the debt she owes to your family,” the man explained.

Rosa shook her head, stepping back. “Tell her I’m not interested. I want nothing to do with her or her world.”

“Mommy, who’s at the door?” a tiny voice chirped from behind her.

Rosa turned to see her child, her innocent face peeking out from the hallway. She quickly stepped in front of her daughter, shielding her from the men.

“It’s nothing, sweetheart,” Rosa said softly before addressing the men again. “Please leave. I’m not accepting any visitors.”

With that, she firmly shut the door, locking it behind her.

+++++

Meanwhile, at a Mansion in the Mountains

In a lavish estate nestled on a mountainside, a graceful woman sat by a large window, admiring the vibrant flowers swaying in the breeze.

“Any updates?” she asked, her voice calm yet authoritative.

“Yes, Madame X,” replied a man standing nearby. “We’ve located her. She was spotted visiting a secondhand shop yesterday.”

The woman’s lips curved into a subtle smile as another man, seated on the sofa, typed something into his laptop.

“She’s already been found,” he confirmed, leaning back.

Madame X’s gaze remained fixed on the horizon. “Then it’s time for her to come to me. Let’s see if she can resist what I have to offer.”