LOGINThat evening, Emily received an urgent call from the hospital just as she was preparing to return to the Black mansion. Rose was sitting near the window, watching the sky slowly darken when Emily approached her with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, Miss Rose. There’s an emergency at the hospit
By the following afternoon, Rose had grown tired of staying inside her room. She had spent most of the past few days resting because of her injuries, but now that she was becoming more familiar with the mansion, remaining in bed for hours at a time was beginning to feel suffocating. Emily had just
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Alex sat behind the desk in his study, surrounded by reports that had barely been touched. He looked nothing like the composed man everyone was accustomed to seeing. His shirt was wrinkled, his hair was slightly disheveled, and dark circles had formed beneath his eye
“Because you knew?” Hayden nodded. “He believed that if I'd told him about her feelings earlier, he could have noticed what was happening and gotten her help before things became that serious.” Rose was quiet for a moment. “What happened to her?” “She was sent overseas for rehabilitation.” “
The next morning, Hayden came personally to take Rose from the hospital. Emily had already gathered the few things Rose had been given during her stay, while the hospital staff completed the final arrangements for her discharge. Once everything was ready, Hayden pushed Rose's wheelchair himself as
The nurse remained quiet for a moment before giving her a small nod. “It's alright.” “I really did scare you.” The nurse gave an awkward smile. “You did.” Rose couldn't help feeling a little guilty. “I didn't mean to hurt you.” “I know.” The nurse's shoulders relaxed slightly, and the tensio
The next day. It was still early in the school day, just before the second bell. The halls buzzed faintly with the murmur of students heading to first period, but Victoria wasn't in class. She excused herself with the calm assurance of someone used to moving unnoticed—just a quiet nod and a vague
Inside the office, Lopez shut the door with a sharp click, crossing to her desk. “Jesse,” she said, folding her hands, “I’m going to ask this once—who told you to start those rumors?” Jesse’s breath hitched. “I… I don’t know what you’re—” “Stop,” Lopez interrupted, her voice slicing clean through.
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of Rose’s bedroom, painting her sheets in warm gold. She rose with a stretch, letting the early light wash over her before beginning her routine. After dressing in her uniform and pulling her hair into a loose yet tidy ponytail, Rose grabbed her
“Well,” Rose replied with a small laugh, “it’s not like I handed them keys in a bow.” “Still,” Nancy teased, “the house is already prepped. You don’t need to stress about that one. You did well choosing the location too—it fits them.” “Anyway, your own house is fully ready. You can swing by tomo







