Chapter 9

Rosalie spent the next two days in the hospital. Her left hand was swathed in gauze, the severe burns beneath sending sharp pulses of pain through her with every movement, forcing her to stay still and cautious.

Meanwhile, Brandon was swamped with the fallout from the press conference. He didn't have time to visit, so he sent her bouquets—roses and baby's breath, the same flowers she had loved back in college.

But the truth was, she had only ever liked them because Brandon liked them. And Brandon's preference? That came from Nina, who always wore the scent of roses.

Rosalie stared at the vibrant roses, thinking that no matter how beautiful they were, they had never truly been hers. It was time to let them go.

On the third day, which was also her birthday, her immigration paperwork finally arrived. She left the hospital and headed home to gather her things.

Brandon wasn't there. The maid told her he hadn't come back in days.

But Rosalie didn't care anymore. She slid off her wedding ring, set it on the bedside table, and wheeled her suitcase out of the Searle residence.

The moment she stepped outside, Nina got out of a car, smiling at her. "I knew you'd be leaving today, so I came to say goodbye."

Rosalie's eyes flashed with resentment as she strode toward Nina, her expression darkening. "Congratulations, Nina. You've won, and what a glorious victory it is. The signed divorce agreement will be delivered to Brandon today. Once he signs it, our marriage is over.

"Now, there's nothing left standing in your way. He won't have to play the chaste martyr for you anymore. You two can do whatever you want. And I hope you both stay out of my life for good. This marriage will stay buried, like it never existed. The Lardners and the Searles will go right back to being sworn enemies."

Rosalie gave a scornful laugh and brushed past Nina without a second glance.

Nina called after her, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "Thanks for knowing your place and giving him back to me."

Rosalie stiffened, her breath catching. She bit down hard on her lip before stepping into a cab.

As her cab pulled away, she spotted Brandon's Bentley approaching. The two cars passed each other, heading in opposite directions.

Through the window, Rosalie caught a glimpse of Brandon, but he didn't see her. He sped straight into the Searle residence.

Rosalie slowly turned her face away. Instead of sweet memories with Brandon, all that flashed through her mind were scenes of him chasing after Nina.

When Declan accused Nina of seeing another man, Brandon had begged for mercy on her behalf. He took the lashes meant for her and knelt in the pouring rain all night. When Nina had acute gastroenteritis, Brandon abandoned Rosalie—who was lying in the hospital after minor surgery—just to rush to Nina's side.

Even Rosalie's birthdays hadn't been spared. Every year, he had walked out the moment Nina called.

Rosalie let out a bitter laugh. Then, before she could stop them, tears spilled down her cheeks. She swore this would be the last time she cried over Brandon.

This year, she wouldn't waste a single hope of him showing up for her birthday. She was done putting up with his half-hearted companionship.

Just then, her phone buzzed. A message from Brandon appeared.

"It's your birthday today. Did you use the key I gave you to check the wardrobe in the walk-in closet? There's a surprise waiting for you."

Rosalie didn't reply. She wiped her tears away, blocked Brandon's number, and erased every trace of him from her contacts. Then, she pulled out the SIM card and snapped it in half.

The cab dropped her off at the airport, and she made her way to the departure gate. She looked up at the clear blue sky. The sunlight seemed brighter than usual today.

Rosalie took a deep breath, savoring her hard-won freedom.

"Goodbye, Brandon. Let's not cross paths again," she thought.