Chapter 5
Niklaus‘ POV
The spacious living room, decked out in vibrant streamers and fairy lights, buzzed with laughter and chatter. It had been transformed into an open space for Cherry‘ s birthday party. Guests moved about, their voices blending with the soft tunes playing in the background, giving the place a lively, celebratory air. Despite the jovial atmosphere, I found myself lost in thought, my gaze wandering over the crowd.
“Niklaus,” Cherry’s familiar voice snapped me back to the moment. She approached, her sequined red dress
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shimmering under the lights. “How do I
look?”
I offered her a warm smile. “Always splendid, Cherry.”
Her grin widened, though she raised a skeptical brow. “You say that every time. Benson, do I look splendid?” she teased, her boyfriend appearing beside her.
“More than splendid,” Benson replied, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Cherry giggled, her youthful exuberance belying her 32 years. She looked more like a carefree eighteen–year–old, her energy and spirit undimmed. As they moved off to greet guests, I turned, and my eyes fell on someone who seemed almost out of place amid the
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extravagance.
Rosalyn.
She stood near the doorway, dressed simply in a pale lavender dress that flowed around
her knees. Her hair was tucked into a loose
bun, a few tendrils framing her face as she spoke softly to Hayden. The simplicity of her look only heightened her beauty, and a smile crept onto my lips. Mrs. Woods had been right -Rosalyn had indeed come. She had told me earlier that she’d try to convince her, but I
hadn’t believed it.
Rosalyn had always been selfless, putting others before herself. She was here, despite everything. I started toward her, but a voice stopped me in my tracks.
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“Niklaus!” Melanie appeared beside me, clutching my arm. “Could you help me with this?” she asked sweetly, gesturing to her heel. “The lace came undone, and I’m afraid I’ll trip.”
I glanced at her shoe and sighed. “Melanie, walking around like this is dangerous. You need to be more careful.” I knelt and tied the
lace securely before standing.
“Thank you!” she chirped, leaning up to peck my cheek just as my mother
approached.
“Aw, you two look lovely together,” she commented, her eyes twinkling.
I stole a glance at Rosalyn. She stood a few feet away, her eyes on us before quickly
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looking away. Hayden was beside her, his gaze flicking between us before he strode
over.
“You really know how to be charming,” Hayden muttered to me, his tone low. “Pity you couldn’t have done more for Rosalyn to make her happy.”
I bristled but kept my tone even. “She doesn’t seem less happy.”
“Really?” Hayden challenged.
“Yes,” I replied firmly. “She understands me. Don’t make something out of nothing.”
Rosalyn turned and walked toward the hallway leading to the bathroom. My chest tightened, but before I could follow, Melanie’s soft voice broke through my
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thoughts.
“Did I…do something wrong? Is she upset because of me?”
“No, Melanie,” I said, shaking my head.
“Well, you did…” Hayden started, but I nudged him sharply, cutting him off.
My mother took Melanie‘ s hand with a gentle smile. “Come on, dear. Let’s go greet some guests together. You‘ ll enjoy
mingling.”
As they moved away, Rosalyn returned. She looked calmer, but her expression was guarded. I approached her cautiously.
“You look lovely,” I offered, hoping to draw a smile from her.
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But instead of her usual bright grin, she barely nodded. “Thank you.”
“What would you like me to get for you…?”
“Nothing.”
“Is something wrong?” I asked, sensing her coolness.
“No, Niklaus,” she said softly, her tone indifferent.
“You haven’t had anything all evening, right?” I pressed.
She arched a brow. “I’m fine. Don’t act so concerned.”
“But I am concerned. You skip meals after lunch–I know you too well.”
She rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a
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bitter smile. “I’m good. Don’t worry about me.” Her laugh was light but filled with irony. “You‘ re being ridiculous.”
Before I could respond, Cherry appeared, her presence lighting up the air. Rosalyn managed a small smile for her.
“Rosalyn! Good to see you. After all, you left my brother worked up the way you did,
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Cherry said, her tone cutting despite the playful delivery.
“Happy birthday, Cherry,” Rosalyn replied, handing her a wrapped gift. “You look lovely tonight, and the party is wonderful.”
“It’s all thanks to Melanie,” Cherry said, her tone smug. “She made it special, something you couldn’t have done.”
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Cherry’s words felt like daggers, and I caught Rosalyn‘ s discomfort immediately.
“That’s enough, Cherry,” I interjected firmly.
Cherry smiled sweetly. “Enjoy the party,” she said before sauntering away.
“Are you okay?” I asked Rosalyn.
She shrugged, her expression unreadable.
“Yeah.”
I wanted to press further, to talk about us, but Melanie returned, slipping her hand into mine like a child seeking comfort.
“Hello, Rosalyn. I’m so glad to see you,” Melanie said brightly.
“Why?” Rosalyn asked, her brow arching.
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“I wanted to apologize about your wedding. I didn’t mean to take Niklaus away from you that day.”
Rosalyn’s smile was sharp and cold.
“Don’t flatter yourself. You‘ re probably the happiest person alive about what happened.”
“Rosalyn,” I interjected softly, noting the hurt on Melanie‘ s face. “Don’t make her
feel bad.”
“Really?” Rosalyn shot back, her eyes locking onto mine. “And what about me?”
I opened my mouth, but no words came. Rosalyn stepped back. “I need to go.”
“Wait, Rosalyn. We barely talk now.”
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She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“You’ve got a better partner to talk with.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me rooted to the spot.
Melanie tugged on my arm. “I’m sorry if I upset her.‘
“No, Melanie. You did nothing wrong.”
“Okay…” she said hesitantly.
“You’ve done plenty wrong,” Hayden cut in, appearing behind her. “You‘ d know if you stopped to think.”
“Why say that?” I snapped. “Stop it, Hayden.”
“Wake up and realize your mistakes, Niklaus,” he said sharply before
disappearing into the crowd.
Melanie turned to me, her face anxious.
“Will everything be fine?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’ll talk it out with
Rosalyn.”
But when I slipped away to a quiet corner and called her, the call didn’t go through. My heart sank as I stared at the screen.
I staring at my phone in disbelief. Rosalyn blocked me.
