Chapter 3: The Man I Misunderstood

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains.

Roselyn stirred, her eyes slowly opening.

For a moment—

She forgot everything.

Then it all came rushing back.

Rebirth.

Dominic.

Ethan Blake.

Her gaze shifted.

And there he was.

Dominic Vale stood by the window, dressed in a fitted black shirt and trousers. The sunlight reflected off his sharp features, making him look almost unreal.

Cold. Distant. Untouchable.

But Roselyn knew better now.

A small smile curved on her lips.

She got up quickly and walked toward him.

“Dominic Vale.”

He stiffened slightly but didn’t turn immediately.

“…What is it?”

She stepped closer. Too close.

“How long have you been standing here?”

He finally turned, his expression unreadable.

“Long enough.”

Her eyes softened.

You stayed outside my door all night… didn’t you?

In her previous life, she never noticed these things.

Never cared.

But now?

Every little detail hurt her heart.

“I want to go out today,” she said suddenly.

Dominic’s expression darkened instantly.

“To see Ethan Blake?”

Roselyn shook her head.

“No. My graduation ceremony.”

She paused, then added softly,

“I’ll come back.”

He stared at her for a long time.

As if weighing every word.

Every expression.

“If you lie to me again…”

His voice was low. Dangerous.

“I’ll break his bones. Slowly.”

Roselyn blinked.

Then smiled faintly.

Still the same…

But this time—

She didn’t feel fear.

“Okay,” she said gently.

“I’ll be back before evening.”

Later That Day

The café was quiet.

Too quiet.

Roselyn sat across from Ethan Blake and Victoria Belle, her expression calm.

But inside—

Her hatred burned like fire.

“Roselyn,” Ethan said with a smile that no longer fooled her,

“Did you give him the drug?”

Victoria leaned forward.

“You shouldn’t hesitate. He’s just an illegitimate son. A worthless life.”

Roselyn lowered her gaze slightly, hiding the coldness in her eyes.

Worthless?

In her past life—

That “worthless man”…

Was the only one who died for her.

“I’m thinking,” she said slowly,

“…how to make him take it.”

The two of them exchanged satisfied looks.

Disgusting.

Ethan Blake… Victoria Belle…

In this life, I will personally send you both to hell.

“Give me another dose,” she continued.

“The last one was discovered.”

Ethan nodded.

“Tomorrow. Same place.”

Roselyn smiled faintly.

“Alright.”

But inside—

Her plan had already changed.

Evening

The sky darkened as Roselyn returned home.

Rain poured heavily, soaking everything in sight.

She ran through the gate—

Only to be suddenly pulled back.

A strong hand gripped her wrist.

Her heart skipped.

She looked up.

Dominic Vale.

His eyes were dark.

Stormy.

Dangerous.

“You went to see him.”

It wasn’t a question.

Roselyn shook her head quickly.

“I got stuck in traffic—”

“Stop lying.”

His voice cracked slightly.

Not anger—

Pain.

Roselyn froze.

She reached out instinctively and touched his forehead.

“…You’re burning up.”

He had a fever.

A bad one.

“Why didn’t you go to the hospital?”

He brushed her hand away—

But immediately paused, as if regretting it.

“I said I would wait for you.”

Her chest tightened painfully.

Even sick…

He still kept his promise.

“I’ll cook,” he said, turning away.

“No.”

She grabbed his arm.

“This time…”

Her voice softened.

“…let me take care of you.”

Dominic froze.

Before he could refuse—

She had already walked into the kitchen.

Moments Later

The scent of warm congee filled the air.

Simple. Comforting.

Roselyn placed the bowl in front of him.

“Try it.”

Dominic stared at her, clearly surprised.

“…You can cook?”

She smiled faintly.

“I learned.”

Just not for you… in my past life.

She picked up the spoon and fed him gently.

He hesitated—

Then opened his mouth.

“…It’s good,” he said quietly.

Roselyn’s eyes stung slightly.

In her previous life—

She cooked countless meals for Ethan Blake.

But Dominic?

Not even once.

Yet he still ate her leftovers like they were treasures.

“Dominic…”

He looked at her.

“Have you ever thought about the future?”

His expression changed instantly.

Cold again. Guarded.

“What are you planning?”

She stepped closer.

“We could go somewhere else.”

“The seaside… open a flower shop…”

His gaze darkened.

“You want to run away.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

His voice was sharp now.

“The moment you leave, you’ll disappear again.”

Roselyn took a deep breath.

Then—

Without warning—

She leaned forward…

And kissed him.

Dominic froze completely.

His mind went blank.

Roselyn pulled back slightly, her face flushed.

“…Now do you believe me?”

Silence.

Then suddenly—

Dominic grabbed her.

Pulled her close.

And kissed her back.

Harder.

Deeper.

Like he had been holding back for years.

Her heart raced wildly.

This man…

Who always hid his feelings…

Was finally losing control.

When they finally pulled apart—

Both of them were breathing heavily.

Roselyn smiled softly.

“Dominic Vale…”

“This time…”

“I won’t leave you.”