RYAN'S POVAs we step out of my car and walk towards toward the house, Rose remains silent—just like during the ride from the church. Her fingers trembles slightly. I can still taste her sweet hesitation on my lips. She stops before we reach the porch, casually brushing her fingers through her chestnut colored hair. But there's nothing casual about the way she closes her eyes and inhale slowly or the way she cleans her lips as if cleaning off my taste. Her smile, too smooth and rehearsed curves her lips as she shoves the door open and steps in. Like kissing her step-uncle never happened. Or maybe it didn't affect her.The laughter and chatter we heard from outside fades into hushed whispers as we enter the living room."Micah!" Rose calls out too brightly, leaping in excitement into the arms of one of the men on the couch. She throws her arms around his neck in a passionate hug. But her laugh sounds a little forced, I wonder if he hears it too.Micah looks like her, only older—same
RYAN'S POVI twirl the glass between my fingers, watching the bartender finish setting the table. The club is oddly quiet for a Friday night. I glance at my watch. Still early. I need to be out of here before the crowd rolls in. Any other night, any other place—I might have stayed. But this club is not really my kind of crowd. Across from me, Alexander sits tensed in his gray tux, he's probably never been to a club before. He looks too clean, like someone who's never gotten his hands dirty before. I hate it."There are a thousand places in this city," he says with disgust, "and you pick a club for us to meet and discuss?"I adjust the cuff of the biker's jacket I have on and simply smile. "Looking at what you have on, you wanted us to discuss sabotaging a wedding in your office?"His eyes grow dark as he holds my gaze. "Do you even know why I called Ryan?""I was hoping you'd tell me."He scoffs, jaw tightening. "You think I want this?" He shakes his head, then slams his fist on the
RYAN'S POVIt’s been five days since the kiss in the church. Since I watched my Rose run away from me. And still, I can't stop thinking about the taste of her lips, the fear in her eyes, the way she tactically avoided me afterward. Five days of burying myself in business, trying to ignore the truth—but I noticed the signs. The engagement is still happening.I adjust the red bow tie around my neck and glance at the drawer where I locked Desmond’s envelope nights ago. "It’s safe there," I mutter under my breath. "I’ll never open it."I leave my room and move into the hallway. The mansion is luxuriously decorated. Downstairs, the chatters, laughter and clinking of glases overwhelm the piano melody. It's sad really—there won't be an engagement ceremony today. "Good job." I say, tapping the handyman on his back as he scrambles to finish stepup.Leaning against the railings, I watch the guests file in below. The hall glows in beautiful colors, the scent of roses from every corner of the ro
ROSE'S POV "Why am I even doing this again?" I shout over the earsplitting music, leaning closer to my best friend so that she can hear me. The smoke-filled air sticks to my skin, the flashing lights makes it hard to focus on anything for too long. The laughter seem to last forever. The speaker is unbearably loud, I can barely hear myself think, let alone speak. This place feels like a far cry from the quiet, prayer-filled nights I was raised with. I bend my head down but the fear of being recognize rings endlessly in my ears. There's no part of me that wants to continue sitting here, but something keeps me, maybe...it's the strangeness of the night... or the appealing nature of him, maybe it’s the thrill of doing something different. Whatever it is, it’s hard to shake the feeling that I don’t belong here. I should leave...and let I stay. "You haven't even done anything." Monique yells, playfully slapping the ass of a guy walking by in a leather shorts and chains--probably one of
The loud music assaults my ear, the scent of expensive cologne and sweat fills my nostrils, the whole speed of clubbers and activities around me, literally kicks me off balance. It doesn’t feel real. Like I’m watching myself from the outside. Like I’m in a dream, walking toward something reckless. But I’ve thought about this for weeks Every step toward the VIP lounge feels like I’m breaking a rule. Maybe I am. The bouncer steps in front of me, but—surprisingly—he just nods, parts the rope, and lets me in. This is everything my mother warned me against—the exact things I was taught to avoid. I wasn't supposed to walk up to a man like this, I wasn't supposed to wear such revealing outfit in public, nor have any kind of intimate encounter until I was married. "Hi...uhm, I'm sorry about...this." my voice shakes slightly as I struggle to sound confident but fail. The man shifts on the couch, looking up as I step in. "Uhm...I didn't mean to walk in here and disturb you." I'm trying t
ROSE'S POV My skin still feels warm from last night, the memory of our kiss revisited me a thousand times as I slept. But, the moment I step out of my room, Dad's cold voice rings through the walls–the last way I planned on starting my day. Last night was real, I actually went against my parents...particularly mom's expectations. Before I could completely register it in my head, Mom's voice from the kitchen interrupts my thoughts. I adjust my nightwear with a sigh and head toward the kitchen. "Oh Rose, you didn't call last night." Mom face squeezes with worry as she watches me enter the kitchen. "I was worried sick! Where were you?" She say, her voice cracking with concern. "Uhm..." I shift uncomfortably, glancing around the kitchen for a change of subject. "Mom... I was out celebrating my birthday, the regular way." I say with a forced smile, hoping she doesn't figure I'm lying. "Breakfast huh? You're up early." I try to move the conversation in another direction. But I can't ign
ROSE'S POV "Step-uncle." He corrects me. "Corey's my step brother. His mother already had him before she married my father, we were brought up like cousins. The title of family was just mere formality." He starts unbuttoning his shirt revealing toned muscles that shows years of devotion to the gym. "The shirt is damp and uncomfortable, mind if I get rid of it?" I exhale deeply. "Did you know I was your niece last night?" My head is spinning faster than a ticking time bomb. I thought I would never see him again. What was I thinking moaning on my uncle's thighs like a slut. I have to set things straight before he gets the wrong impression of me. "I--" "Trust me, I don't see you as my niece... Corey's child, maybe." He takes deep breath and move away, he looks like he's having a fight of his own. "I've never really been in the picture for that long to be considered family." He stares at my lips for a moment saying nothing, then licks his lower lips. "I had no idea that Corey had a chil
Helen, Rose's mother glances briefly from my sweaty, bare torso to her daughter's wrinkled nightwear. "I—'' There's a strange expression on her face, maybe she knows something is off but isn't ready to say it, yet. "What... What's going on here?"Rose's face is strained, probably still rethinking everything that occured in her room just moments ago. She stares at the floor, unable to meet my gaze from where I stand away from her. Her voice is low and very unconvincing to the ears. "I— Mom...I really don't. Uhm... I" Her voice trails off, and she stares at me, confusion masking her pretty face.Helen's gaze stays on me, suspicion crawling into her features. "The two of you are acting weird. "What's going on?" She says calmly but I can still hear the worry beneath it. Is this where I step up, play the role of the gentleman, and come clean? We've already been caught, after all.Helen's stutters, moving further into the room, her eyes moving uneasily between Rose and me. "What's happenin
RYAN'S POVIt’s been five days since the kiss in the church. Since I watched my Rose run away from me. And still, I can't stop thinking about the taste of her lips, the fear in her eyes, the way she tactically avoided me afterward. Five days of burying myself in business, trying to ignore the truth—but I noticed the signs. The engagement is still happening.I adjust the red bow tie around my neck and glance at the drawer where I locked Desmond’s envelope nights ago. "It’s safe there," I mutter under my breath. "I’ll never open it."I leave my room and move into the hallway. The mansion is luxuriously decorated. Downstairs, the chatters, laughter and clinking of glases overwhelm the piano melody. It's sad really—there won't be an engagement ceremony today. "Good job." I say, tapping the handyman on his back as he scrambles to finish stepup.Leaning against the railings, I watch the guests file in below. The hall glows in beautiful colors, the scent of roses from every corner of the ro
RYAN'S POVI twirl the glass between my fingers, watching the bartender finish setting the table. The club is oddly quiet for a Friday night. I glance at my watch. Still early. I need to be out of here before the crowd rolls in. Any other night, any other place—I might have stayed. But this club is not really my kind of crowd. Across from me, Alexander sits tensed in his gray tux, he's probably never been to a club before. He looks too clean, like someone who's never gotten his hands dirty before. I hate it."There are a thousand places in this city," he says with disgust, "and you pick a club for us to meet and discuss?"I adjust the cuff of the biker's jacket I have on and simply smile. "Looking at what you have on, you wanted us to discuss sabotaging a wedding in your office?"His eyes grow dark as he holds my gaze. "Do you even know why I called Ryan?""I was hoping you'd tell me."He scoffs, jaw tightening. "You think I want this?" He shakes his head, then slams his fist on the
RYAN'S POVAs we step out of my car and walk towards toward the house, Rose remains silent—just like during the ride from the church. Her fingers trembles slightly. I can still taste her sweet hesitation on my lips. She stops before we reach the porch, casually brushing her fingers through her chestnut colored hair. But there's nothing casual about the way she closes her eyes and inhale slowly or the way she cleans her lips as if cleaning off my taste. Her smile, too smooth and rehearsed curves her lips as she shoves the door open and steps in. Like kissing her step-uncle never happened. Or maybe it didn't affect her.The laughter and chatter we heard from outside fades into hushed whispers as we enter the living room."Micah!" Rose calls out too brightly, leaping in excitement into the arms of one of the men on the couch. She throws her arms around his neck in a passionate hug. But her laugh sounds a little forced, I wonder if he hears it too.Micah looks like her, only older—same
ROSE'S POVI'm kissing my step-uncle???I push against his chest, stumbling back, stunned and breathless. Ryan blinks, his fingers combing through sunburned blonde hair, just as disoriented. "I'm so confused. Oh my gosh, I'm sober—you're taking advantage of me.""I didn't." He snaps, eyes narrowing. "You kissed me.""So it's all my fault?" I rise from the swing, backing away to create some space between us as panic rises within me."I'm not blaming you—just stating the facts." He sighs, voice tight with frustration."It's wrong, okay? This whole thing is just wrong.""Why?" He steps closer, slowly unbuttoning his jacket. He shrugs it off, revealing tuant muscles beneath his thin shirt, flexing with each breath."Can we not do this right now?" I avert my gaze, trying to focus on anything but the way his body draws me in like a magnetic sin."If we keep waiting, there will never be a good time." He tosses the jacket onto the swing, and steps forward, blocking my air supply. "Why not now
ROSE'S POVIt's Ryan. My stomach knots. I quicken my pace. I don't need comfort—especially not from him. Not tonight. My feet move faster than my thoughts, but they know where they're going. The lyrics passes from the headphones straight to my brain. You're shattered like you've never been before.Tell your heart to beat againI run past buildings surrounded by high fences, down a quiet street with only a few vehicles driving by, and no soul in sight.My legs only stop when I reach the wide, open field. I’m out of breath. The church comes into view. Holy. Untouched. My knees buckle and I drop to the ground. I try to fight it, to stop the tears from dropping but tears still come, soaking my face as I stare at the church building in the center of the cleared field. I can't explain why I’m here, why I still feel safe here. I’m not religious. I’m not anything anymore.One of the window is cracked open. The priest is likely inside, but I don't want to disturb him. I silence my sobs and
ROSE'S POVI press red. Silence. I choose silence. Desmond reaches for me, but I step back."Don't," I say. "This isn’t forgiveness. It’s not a second chance. It's just... unfinished history."He blinks, like I slapped him. "I still love you."I don’t respond. I don’t believe it. Not anymore. Ryan's green eyes and blonde hair flash through my mind. I regret not picking up when he called. It's wrong—he's practically my uncle, mom married into his family—but the way he looks at me... No one has ever looked at me like that.Before Desmond can say more, the bathroom door creaks open."Rose, are you still in there?" The door slides wider, and Monique bursts in. "I was so worried—" Her voice fades as she sights the compromising closeness between Desmond and I, suspicion shining in her eyes.I step away from him. "Thanks. I'm okay." I stare at the floor, counting the tiles partition, unable to look at her. "Uhm... Bye.""Yeah. Uhm... I should leave now." He rubs his hands together. "Don't
ROSE’S POVI spent the night locked in Monique's apartment. Now it’s morning and reality is waiting.The bitter coffee burns my tongue, but I accept the pain. It’s the only thing keeping me balanced. "I panicked, Mon," I whisper. Monique says nothing, she stares at with understanding. "I couldn't go through with the engagement. I couldn't continue saying 'yes ma'am' to my mom forever. I had to get out. Thanks for letting me crash at your place." My voice cracks. "I need to go home soon."Monique finally sets her coffee down. "Home? You call that home?""It’s where my mom is." "Correct."I struggle to let out a hollow laugh, but it dies in my throat. My phone vibrates for the seventh time in an hour—Mom. I don't need to check."Did you call him?" Monique asks, staring at my phone.I nod, fingers trembling around the paper cup. "Ryan picked up after two rings. I told him not to let them find me," but that's not all...He asked where I was, and I couldn't give him an answer.Monique fl
RYAN'S POV I sit still, trying not to frown at the ridiculousness of it all. An engagement, and I’m supposed to care? Not when the bride’s hasn't come down yet, and everyone’s slowly panicking. The only thing I care about right now is getting out of this mess without losing my head and Rose not wearing another man's ring. And I also have a doctor's appointment.Way to go with no stress.Helen signals a maid, who scurries over to clear the table. "Can you kindly call Rose to come down?"What's going on? What am I missing out? This is the third time Helen's sent for her, and still—no Rose. My feet shuffles restlessly against the marble floor. I want to check on her. The last time we were together on the balcony, she confessed her feelings to me and I was about to say the same thing—not the same thing though because while hers is a crush, I think mine is more of an obsession.But she decided immediately that her feelings were a mistake, I wonder why? Was she lying? Or did she regret fa
ROSE'S POVI’m still trying to process everything. One minute, I’m sneaking out of my room, hoping to escape before the entire house wakes—and more importantly, to avoid the engagement—and the next, I'm being dragged back upstairs after accidentally opening the door to my future in-laws.The next hour is a blur—hired maids setting the living room, gifts piling in from the McGregor's, my parents scrambling down the stairs half dressed, pretending like this wasn't a surprise attack. Apparently, it’s a closed-door event. Only the wedding will headline the papers.Now, I'm sitting on the bed while the maids run around, eager to get me ready for an engagement I have no interest in. This is all Ryan's fault, if he had'nt delayed me with that stolen kiss, I would have been sipping coffee in a gas station three towns over, instead of getting prepped like a sacrificial lamb. My eyes drift to the Bible study guide on my top shelf—a reminder of the woman I'm supposed to be. Obedient. Gracious.