Chapter 4
Rosalyn‘ s. OV
The days that followed were quiet, yet my mind was anything but. I didn’t want to talk to Niklaus. I didn’t even want to hear his
voice. The moment I saw his name flash
across my phone screen the first time, I rejected the call without hesitation. When the calls persisted–morning, afternoon, and
night–I silenced my phone and threw it in a drawer.
The next few days passed slowly. I learned from an old colleague that Niklaus was trying to find me, though they didn’t have details. It didn’t surprise me. He had resources,
- 20% 19:53
1/9
Chapter 4
connections that could unravel even the
smallest secrets. But for now, I stayed hidden, tucked away
a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. Working from home as a freelance designer for a fashion company, I didn’t need to leave. My apartment became my sanctuary–a place where I could sketch, sew, and escape the chaos that once consumed my life.
Then, one afternoon, while running low on groceries, I ventured out to the nearest supermarket. It was a rare moment when I allowed myself to leave my cocoon. My cart was half–filled when I spotted her.
“Rosalyn!” Mrs. Woods‘ voice was warm and familiar, though tinged with surprise.
+ 20% 19:53
2/0
Chapter 4
I froze, caught off guard. Her short, curly hair had turned more silver than I remembered, but her kind es hadn’t changed. In the years I’d known her, she had been more than a cook for Niklaus‘ family. She’d been a confidante, someone who treated me with respect when no one else in that house had.
“Mrs. Woods,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s so good to see you.”
She approached me, her hands clasped over
her chest like she couldn’t believe I was standing before her. “Good to see me? You disappear without a trace, and that’s what you say?” Her voice was firm, but there was no real anger in it–just concern. “Niklaus has been searching for you like a madman. What were you thinking?”
20% 19:53
3/9
Chapter 4
“It was for the best,” I replied, keeping my tone steady.
Mrs. Woods s. fed and shook her head. “I understand why you left. It’s because of that sly woman, Melanie, isn’t it?” She patted my arm gently, her voice softening. “But leaving without a word? That was wrong, Rosalyn. He came to see his mother just yesterday. He’s worried sick.”
“It’s fine. It‘ 11 pass,” I muttered, trying to deflect.
She studied me for a moment, her expression shifting to something softer. “It’s Cherry‘ s birthday tomorrow,” she said suddenly. “Do come.”
Stepped back slightly, shaking my head. “I
20% 19:53
4/9
Chapter 4
don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Rosalyn,” she pressed, her tone patient but
firm. “You kno.. Niklaus would love to see
you. And I would too. It’s been too long.”
“Mrs. Woods, I-”
“No excuses,” she interrupted, her eyes narrowing in that motherly way that left no room for argument. “You‘ ll come, and that‘ s final.”
I hesitated, searching her face for some sign that I could refuse. But she wouldn’t budge. With a sigh, I relented. “Fine. I’ll come.”
“Good girl,” she said, patting my cheek. “You won’t regret it.
35
The next evening, I stood before the mirror,
20% 19:53
5/9
Chapter 4
adjusting the hem of a simple, yet elegant lavender dress. It was understated, something I’d designed self, but it fit perfectly for the occasion. My hair was swept into a loose bun, with a few strands framing my face.
Abby sat cross–legged on my bed, watching me intently. Her skeptical expression was impossible to miss. “I can’t believe you‘ re actually going to this party,” she said, her voice dripping with disapproval. “After everything they’ve done to you?”
I sighed, turning to face her. “Cherry isn’t
Niklaus.
Abby raised an eyebrow, leaning forward.
“Cherry’s no good either. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how she treated you. It’s
20% 19:53
619
Chapter 4
not like she ever really liked you.”
“She’s changed,” I said, though the conviction in n., voice felt weaker than I wanted it to.
“Changed?” Abby snorted. “Rosalyn, I know I’ve been away for a year, but I can vouch for the fact that Cherry hasn’t changed. She’s still the same cocky,
annoying elder sister of Niklaus. She doesn’t care about you.”
I swallowed hard, turning back to the mirror as I clipped on a pair of earrings. “A lot‘ s changed about her,” I said quietly, more to myself than to Abby.
“Really?” Abby countered, crossing her arms. “Or is this just another one of
#.20% 19:53
719
Chapter 4
Niklaus ploys to make it seem like things are different?”
I ignored her, locusing instead on smoothing out an invisible wrinkle in my dress. “Let me just go. This is for Mrs. Woods‘ sake, not Cherry‘ s.”
“Rosalyn…” Abby’s voice was softer now, almost pleading.
“I gave her my word,” I said, meeting her gaze in the reflection of the mirror.
She studied me for a moment, her eyes filled with concern. “You‘ re too good for this,”
she muttered. “Don’t let them drag you
back into their holes.
ララ
I smiled faintly, turning to face her. “Don’t
worry. I’ll be fine.”
*.201. 19:53
8/9
Chapter 4
Abby shook her head, but the look she gave me was a mix of doubt and resignation. “I hope you know that you‘ re doing.”
So did I. As I picked up my clutch and glanced at my reflection one last time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this night would be no different but I hate to acknowledge this, I held on to a glimmer of hope that it would make a difference.
20% 19-54
