Nicholas I've been staring at the message Harper sent to me, along with the video that accompanied it. My anger rises as I replay the video again. Just as I'm about to play the video again my phone rings and I see it's a call from Natalia and I ignore it again like I've done the last five times. She's been sending me messages, asking when I'd be coming home. I keep telling her that I've been too caught up with work.I contacted my lawyer when Rosalie was still in the hospital, luckily there are no extreme losses if I terminate the contract with, Jacob Oslo, Natalia's father. So he's preparing the divorce papers and contract termination.Ares's words kept replaying in my head throughout. And I realized that he was right. The contract with Oslo does bring in a lot of money, but I've gotten more and will get more even after terminating our contract.Rosalie has sacrificed enough, and I was the stupid asshole that treated her badly in the past when all she deserves is the world. The
Rosalie The moment Nicholas showed me that recording and uttered those words, my world shattered into a million fragments. The revelation that my parents and brother, the very people who were supposed to love and protect me unconditionally, were the masterminds behind the cruel incident left me passed out and bleeding on my carpets. It felt like the ground beneath me gave way, and I was left free-falling into a chasm of hurt and betrayal.I couldn't recall how I left Nicholas's office; it was as if I was moving through a fog, disconnected from reality. The video of the betrayal played on a constant loop in my mind, it dawned on each frame a painful reminder of the treachery that had been concealed from me. I was so stunned that I couldn't even begin to process the whirlwind of emotions raging inside me. It was like my heart had been encased in ice, numbing me to the pain that threatened to consume me whole. Years of ignoring the abuse and disrespect because they are family, and
Rosalie "When would you like us to go to your parent's place?" Nicholas asks as we had breakfast together that morning. It's the first time since I saw that video I've eaten any food. All I had was liquids and a small amount of sleep. Every time I closed my eyes all I could see was what happened that night. But this time, the thieves didn't cover their faces. I could see my parents and brother laughing as they kicked me and stole from me.It continued like that for two days straight. As usual, I had been thinking of overlooking their manipulation and betrayal, but not anymore. And that was when the nightmares stopped.My family needs to pay for what they did to me."You don't have to come in with me," I mutter lowly. My eyes felt heavy from all the crying I'd been doing."Of course, I have to, I'm not letting you do this alone. What if they try to hurt you? Again!" He adds and I flinch at the memory."They're my family, Nick, I'll be fine."Nicholas shakes his head and mutters, "
Nicholas "Ugh! What the hell is that noise?" I groan loudly as the incessant vibration fills my ears and adds to my headache. Last night was a total blur. I'm awoken by the incessant buzzing sound of my phone going off like crazy, and my head pounding like a jackhammer. I couldn't even think straight, right now. I fumbled around, desperately trying to find my phone, and finally ma naged to silence the damn thing. I picked it up and squint, from how bright the light is. Still feeling quite sleepy I glance at the screen again, and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was already freaking noon! I groan loudly and let out a massive yawn, feeling the weight of an arm draped across my bare chest. And that's when I focused on Rosalie presence. I let my head fall back on the pillow with a loud thud. An action I soon regret when my head aches more.I try to recall my actions from yesterday but I can't seem to remember anything. I don't even remember getting into bed. All I can remember is drin
Rosalie Maxwell Life gets harder as I get older and I’m getting tired of it. My family’s dream is exhausting, and a long time ago it became mine too. I run myself ragged every day, sometimes I come back and I'm too exhausted to do anything other than work and sleep, but I can't because their dream is mine. My parents used to own a general store called Maxwell’s. It’s named after our family and, when they were young, the shop did really well; but now, people buy what they need online, and the business my parents poured blood, sweat, and tears into, is failing. I don’t see us making it another year.Their medical bills are behind, along with their rent that is one month past due and the only reason our landlord is not evicting us is because he has known my parents for thirty years. If it weren’t for that, and the fact I promised to pay him before the month ends, they’d be sleeping in this store. Even right now, the electricity in my parents’ apartment is off, and I need to provide anoth
Rosalie "Rosalie, send the minutes from the last meeting to my email." My boss's voice fills my office through the small communication device he installed here. It's only connected to my office. So, I'm the only one that can hear him. Which is a bad thing sometimes.Mr Sinclair looks up in surprise when I walk in, a frown marring his handsome face as his gaze roams over my attire. I look down at myself, taking in the skirt and long-sleeved blouse I’m wearing, embarrassment rendering me speechless for a moment. I can count the times I’ve been around him in my usual work clothing on one hand. I never compromise on my professionalism, and neither does he.I still remember the warning he gave me when we first started working together. He told me to never walk into his office wearing anything I couldn’t attend a board meeting in, and until today, I never have.I cleared my throat and cleaned my sweaty palm on my skirt, "Mr Sinclair, I brought the minutes you asked for." His hard gaze rema
Rosalie"Grandma! That's a naughty thing to say." I laugh along with my grandmother at something she said.She smiles at me. “I'm not a child, Rosie. I may be old but I used to get it down too when I was around your age." She winks at me and I can't help but erupt into another fit of laughter. I don't think I want to ever hear my grandmother use the term 'getting it down' again. I lift our joined hands to my face and warm her hand on my cheek.Her touch has always felt like home. I've always been at my happiest when I'm around my grandmother."Oh, Lord! Grandma." I throw my head back, laughing loudly. My laugh fills the silence in the house, reminding me that Grams and I were alone tonight, as usual.She shoots me a knowing look. “What happened, Sweet Rosie? Why have you been so upset lately? It’s been a few weeks now, and you haven’t been yourself.""Upset? I'm not upset, Grams. I'm fine," I lie. "Don't worry about me." She places her hands on mine, "Don't lie to me, child. I know yo
Rosalie "Rosie?”I look up, surprised to find David Muller, one of our fund managers, standing by my desk. “I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I was lost in thought and didn’t notice you standing there. God, I’m so sorry. What can I do for you?”He smiles at me sweetly and shakes his head. It’s clear he’s been standing here a while, but I didn’t even notice him. I need to pull myself together.“There was an error in the report I sent you, so I printed a new copy for you ahead of the meeting. I hope I’m in time?”I glance at my watch and nod. “We have about forty minutes left. I can’t thank you enough for catching and correcting that so swiftly.”He shakes his head bashfully. “I never should have made a mistake in the first place. If the boss caught it, my job would’ve been at risk. You know what he’s like.” I do know what it's like, but I refrain from telling him that not only his job would have been at risk, but mine too. With how much, Mr Sinclair detests me, I'm surprised he hasn't fired m