LOGINRosie stepped into Regina’s apartment and found the older woman sitting on the sofa, watching some random news programme on television.“Morning, Regina.”She greeted her with a smile.“Morning.” Regina smiled back. “I thought it might take you a while to come back. After all, you're living with Sebastian now. You need to be careful, you know.”“Ahaha, don't worry.” Rosie settled beside her and placed the tumbler on the coffee table. “He hasn't suspected a thing.”“Are you sure?” Regina raised an eyebrow. “I don't think you're particularly good at lying. Sebastian isn't stupid, either. He's perceptive enough to recognise when something isn't right.”“Well, I suppose he's just too busy with work to notice.” Rosie tried to reassure her. “Although I do feel guilty about lying to him. I can't exactly bring you into the penthouse and pretend we're all getting along, can I?”Regina sighed.“No, I suppose not. You're right.” Her expression softened. “Still, I miss Izzie terribly…”Rosie glan
Sebastian ended the call and slammed his phone down on the desk.For a moment, he simply stared at the empty surface, his head bowed as he struggled to clear his thoughts and regain control of himself.It was no use.His mind was a battlefield of suspicion, jealousy and fury. His heart seemed to be beating with enough force to crack his ribs, and the violence of his emotions left him feeling as though he could kill someone that very instant.Then his gaze fell upon something at the edge of the desk.The tumbler.Rosie had given it to him that morning. Inside was the banana-and-apple smoothie she'd made especially for him, a small gesture that had become something of a family ritual. It was one of those simple things she prepared for the people she loved.Or so he had thought.A bitter laugh escaped him.“Heh. So you're giving it to another man as well. How disgusting.”He tried to look away, but the tumbler seemed to demand his attention. The sight of it became unbearable, a cruel rem
Rosie released a relieved breath once Sebastian had left the penthouse with the tumbler in his hand. At least he hadn’t seemed particularly angry with her. Perhaps he was simply in a foul mood because of work, which explained the naturally stern expression he’d worn throughout breakfast.‘See? I’m overthinking things,’ she told herself, attempting to put her worries to rest. ‘He hasn’t noticed anything, and that’s a good thing. I don’t want him finding out about Regina’s presence too soon. I still need to work out the best way to introduce her to our little family.’She picked up her phone from the kitchen counter and sent Regina a message, asking whether she was available. The reply came almost immediately.Regina:Please come at seven. The door will be slightly open, just as it was yesterday.I also want to tell you about the progress of my plan to disrupt Charles’s charitable activities.‘Brilliant!’ Rosie exclaimed under her breath.She checked the time and realised she only had t
Sebastian woke to the sound of his alarm, feeling as though he hadn't slept at all.He was in an appalling mood. Throughout the night, he'd woken every hour, only to drift back into the same wretched dream.Rosie would be smiling at him, her arms wrapped around another man. Sebastian would scream and struggle, doing everything in his power to reach her. She was supposed to be with him. She belonged by his side!But no matter how desperately he tried, he couldn't get to her.He was trapped inside a glass box, forced to watch as the woman he loved remained in another man's arms. He would pound against the invisible barrier, his voice hoarse from shouting, until he finally woke with a start.And every time, he felt worse than he had an hour earlier."This is bullshit!"Sebastian cursed under his breath as he got ready for work.It was only six in the morning, yet he was already dressed and prepared to leave. In a strange way, he preferred it like this. It reminded him of the days before
Sebastian remained silent.He wouldn't even look at Rosie, despite the fact that his face had grown as flushed as hers. He pressed his lips together, occasionally biting down on his lower lip as he struggled to keep his composure.Rosie glanced down and noticed the unmistakable bulge beneath his slim-fit trousers. It looked almost painfully tight."Um... I... I can take care of that," she murmured.Tentatively, she placed her hand over his crotch.His cock twitched beneath her palm.Sebastian felt a rush of blood travel straight to his groin. The instant Rosie touched him, pleasure surged through his body, threatening to overwhelm what little restraint he had left.His baser instincts were screaming at him to forget everything else. Had it not been for the thorn lodged in his heart, he would have swept Rosie into his arms, carried her into the bedroom and made love to her until morning.But he refused to give in so easily.He didn't want Rosie to think she could distract him with a li
"Fuck..."Sebastian's trousers suddenly felt much tighter. He had only meant to tease her, but her unexpected willingness sent a rush of pleasure through him. Every instinct urged him to sweep her into his arms and forget about the rest of the evening.She would make a rather wonderful dessert.Sebastian folded his arms across his chest and closed his eyes, taking a slow breath to regain some control.He wanted her. There was no denying that.But there was something important they needed to discuss first."We can do that later," he said, opening his eyes. "We need to talk about Izzie's transfer.""Ah, yes."Rosie straightened in her seat and looked at him properly."Just as I said, I asked Izzie whether she wanted to find another school, and she agreed.""I see..."Sebastian considered it for a moment."What’s her reason? Children don’t usually want to change schools. Most of them would be upset about leaving their friends and familiar surroundings.""It’s the bullying," Rosie explai
Rosie sat at the dining table, the candlelight flickering softly against untouched plates. The roasted chicken—Isabella’s favourite—had long since gone cold.She glanced at the clock.Nine o’clock.Charles Sterling was not home.He had promised. He had promised their daughter he would return before
Rosie scarcely realised she had begun to run until the corridor stretched before her like something endless, her heels striking sharply against the marble as though urging her forward. Tears blurred her vision, spilling freely now, unchecked and unwelcome.This family… they’re all monsters.The tho
Her fingers trembled as she dialled his number.He picked up almost immediately.“Yes?”“Where is my daughter?” Rosie demanded.A soft chuckle. “You mean our daughter?”Her jaw tightened. “Don’t play games with me, Charles.”“She’s fine,” he said casually. “We’re at the toy store. She’s picking wha
Rosie reacted at once, catching hold of her daughter’s arm and gently but firmly pulling her aside.“I’m so sorry, Sebastian,” she said quickly. “P–Please don’t be upset with Izzie. She’s only a child, I—”“Tch. It’s fine,” he cut in, dismissive. “Just make me the same smoothie. And from now on, yo







