Chapter 3

I slowly opened my eyes; the bright hospital lights pierced through my brain, making me wince. But as my gaze fell upon the familiar face beside me, my pain and discomfort melted away. Chris, my childhood friend, my confidant, my protector, was sitting next to me, his eyes filled with concern and care.

I tried to sit up, but a wave of weakness washed over me, forcing me back onto the pillow. Chris quickly reached out and helped me, his strong hands gentle as he supported my back.

"You're here?" I exclaimed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't believe I'm meeting you like this, Chris."

Chris smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Rose, I have the same reaction. Thank God you weren't hurt worse. I was so nervous when I saw you lying on the road."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at Chris. It had been so long since we'd last seen each other, and yet, here he was, by my side, taking care of me.

"How much time has passed since we met?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Chris glanced at his wristwatch before responding, "4 years, 3 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, and 7 minutes." He smiled, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You were counting," I teased, my heart feeling lighter.

Chris chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Maybe a little, Rose."

I felt a pang of sadness wash over me as I thought about our past. "Sorry, I came here without meeting you, Chris," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was so caught up in my own problems."

Chris's expression turned serious, and he reached out, holding my hand in his. "No problem, Rose. At least we met now. But what were you doing alone on that street, especially at night? You know you don't like walking in the dark, and it's winter..."

His words trailed off, but I knew what he was getting at. The memories of that fateful night, the night I walked away from Alexander's mansion, came flooding back. The pain, the heartache, the feeling of being lost and alone... it all came rushing back, threatening to consume me once more.

I gazed up at Chris, his eyes filled with genuine concern, and for the first time in three years, I felt someone truly care for me. The dam broke, and tears streamed down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably. Chris enveloped me in a warm hug, his hands caressing my back in a soothing motion.

"It's okay, Rose, I'm with you," he whispered. "You know I consider you more of a sister than a friend."

I clung to him, releasing all the pent-up emotions I had held inside for so long. I cried for nearly half an hour, finally allowing myself to let go of the sadness and heartache. I vowed that this would be the last time I shed tears for Alexander.

I calmed down. Chris handed me a tissue, his eyes still filled with compassion. I took a deep breath and began to recount everything.

"Chris, I was married to Alexander Valtor, but it was a nightmare. He and his family treated me like a maid, not a wife. They humiliated me, belittled me, and made me feel worthless. I tried to hold on to our love, but it was all a lie. He never loved me, and I was just a trophy to him.

"I finally found the courage to leave him, but the pain and heartache are still fresh. I feel like I've lost myself, like I'm just a shadow of who I used to be. But seeing you, Chris, knowing that you care gives me the strength to keep going.

"I want to file for divorce to officially end this toxic chapter of my life. But I'm scared, Chris. I'm scared of what Alexander might do and of how he'll react. That's why I need your help and your support. Will you be with me, Chris? Will you help me through this?"

Chris listened intently, his jaw clenched in restraint, but he controlled himself at my request.

"Tell me, Rose, what can I do for you?"

I smiled weakly. "You're with me; that's enough for me. Now, I need to file for divorce."

Chris nodded resolutely. "Don't worry, my lawyer will take care of everything. She'll handle Alexander and ensure you get what you deserve."

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, knowing I had Chris's support. Together, we would face this new chapter in my life, and I was determined to emerge stronger and wiser.

Alexander slowly opened his eyes, groggily lifting his head from the study table. He had fallen asleep there last night, unable to shake off the sting of Roselyn's words. His mobile rang incessantly, piercing through his foggy mind.

"What is it?" Alexander growled, his voice laced with irritation.

"Alexander, you're asking me after missing two important meetings?" Liam's voice was laced with annoyance. "Do you even know what time it is? And for God's sake, did you see your mobile? I've been calling you since morning."

Alexander rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. He hadn't slept well, his mind racing with thoughts of Roselyn and her declaration of divorce. He had tried to focus on work, but his concentration was shot.

"Yelling at me could be your last mistake, Liam," Alexander warned, his tone dripping with menace. "I'll be there in 10 minutes. Reschedule the meeting."

He hung up the call, tossing his mobile onto the table. Alexander ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to shake off the fatigue. He couldn't believe he had slept in the study room again, but Roselyn's words had left him reeling.

He stood up, and Alexander caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His eyes looked sunken, his face pale. He needed to get his act together to show the world that he was still in control.

But the memory of Roselyn's tears and her accusations lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was losing everything—his wife, his reputation, his grip on reality.

Alexander took a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead. He would face Liam, reschedule the meetings, and pretend that everything was fine. But deep down, he knew it wasn't.

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