All Chapters of Seven Floors Down, Seven Years Back: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

"Fine, let's settle this now. Call Rosa and get me enrolled in a university," I said, meeting Dad's eyes with resolve.He stumbled over his words. "Well… What if we wait until Rosa's awake and talk it through then?"I grabbed my luggage with a smile and waved goodbye.Mom and Dad didn't hurry after me. They silently watched as I faded into the distance, feeling embarrassed.When I started at Quinver University, I threw myself into my studies like never before. I wasn't about to be the same fool who had once given up on life. I was determined to make something of myself.Magnus came to Basleton on business during my sophomore year and stopped by to see me.The moment he showed up, he started grumbling, "That bitch has gone off the deep end overseas. She's gone wild!"I asked him what had happened.After a moment of hesitation, he admitted through clenched teeth that Rosa had cheated on him while abroad. Worse still, she had been gambling, doing drugs, and hitting up nightclubs.

I shook my head and dialed the police. They arrived soon after and took Rosa away. Once I gave my statement, I called Mom.She was so thrilled to hear my voice that she practically started babbling, "You finally reached out, Cora! You haven't been home in ages. How are you? I heard your startup is doing amazing. Are you feeling tired—"I cut her off. "Pick up Rosa from the 20th Precinct.""What?"I quickly explained what had happened and was about to hang up.She broke down in tears. "You're my real daughter, Cora. Rosa is out of our lives now, and I don't want her back. Will you come back, please?"I was busy."No," I replied.After being named Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year, another year was drawing to a close.I leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window of my office, kicked off my heels, and poured myself a glass of red wine. I took a slow sip as I watched the busy streets below.I was already 30 at that point. Those 15 years, from 15 to 30, felt like a lifet