Chapter 5

ROSE

Thousands of thoughts cloud my mind. Why did he snap at the twins? Who is he to them? Could he be related to them? I gently stretch out my hand to touch the portrait, but the cracking of the door forces me to withdraw.

"Do you need anything?" Dante asks from behind.

Why is he here? Isn't he supposed to be asleep, or does he have other intentions?

I quickly turn and mutter a "No, I'm fine" with a soft smile.

He nods and hands me a cup of coffee. "Thought you might need this... It's cold outside."

I sip from the cup, my eyes not leaving the portrait for a second, and I guess he notices I'm staring at it.

"That's my second boy, Logan. He passed two years ago," he says, pointing at the boy on the left.

"The guy is also your child?" I ask, raising my brows. I know so well that it's impossible for Conrad to be his son, but I need to know who he is to him, and this is the only way he won't suspect a thing.

"Hell no! He's my..." The beeping of his phone interrupts. He checks his phone and then smiles at me briefly. "I'll take this. Goodnight." With that, he walks out.

I walk back to the bed, still wondering. I'm worried he didn't get to ask me anything. I mean, what if he asks if I know who Conrad is?

The night fades, and it's morning. As I slowly blink my eyes open, the first thing that catches my attention is the sun's rays trying to get through the curtain.

For a moment, I'm lost thinking about what to wear and all that... Then I regret sleeping over. There's no way I'm going to go back home like this.

A knock interrupts, as if someone is reading my mind.

The maid doesn't wait for me to respond before she enters, but that's the least of my problems. It's already 7:30, and I, Arabella, must be at the hospital by 8 AM.

The maid mutters, "Good morning, ma'am," as she drops a bag on the table. Shortly, another maid comes in with a tray; she sets it on the table, and they both leave without saying a word to me.

I almost barge out to ask what just happened, but then Dante walks in, smiling sheepishly. I must admit he looks handsome while smiling, but hell! Why is he smiling at me? He's old, for crying out loud!

I quickly wave off the disgusted look on my face when he walks in with a smile.

"Good morning, Mr. Dante." He responds by gently nodding his head.

"How was your night?" I hesitate for a while before answering, "Great, sir..."

"Sorry about how the maid acted. I knew you were upset; it's written all over your face."

"It's okay. I would have acted the same way if I were in their shoes," I lie.

"I know you're in a hurry, so I asked them to make you something before you leave," he says, pointing at the tray on the table. Wait... is he usually this nice, or is he just doing it because of me?

"Thank you so much, Mr. Dante. I appreciate it..." Again, he nods.

"I got you a dress. Thought you might need it," he says, pointing at the dress lying on the table. Can't he say something without having to move his hands?

"But I..." I try to protest. How can he just get me clothes without my permission? Or is that also normal?

"It's okay, just dress quickly; you'll be late for the hospital appointment. Don't worry, we'll see each other in the evening." After which, he leaves.

I quickly rush into the bathroom, take my bath, and change into the clothes he got me. Funny how he picks a perfect match.

I take a bite from the tray and then rush out.

The maids keep glaring at me as if I've done something wrong. As if I care. I ignore their deadly glares and walk out.

I'm surprised to see him standing outside, waiting for me.

"I thought you'd left already," I say nervously.

"No, I couldn't bear to leave you when I was the one who made you sleep over. Don't worry; I'll drop you off." I want to argue, but then I check the time—it's already 7:53. I only have 7 minutes left. I reluctantly enter, and he drives off.

"Thank you, Mr. Dante. I'm so happy you offered to give me a ride home," I say loudly, making sure my parents can hear my voice.

"It's okay. It's nothing," he smiles and rolls down his window. Then I turn and begin walking away, but all of a sudden, he honks, indicating he needs me to stop. I pause and turn back.

"Don't forget to call me when you're done. I'll come pick you up." Then he drives off.

I turn to see the whole family, including Killian, staring at me.

"So it has gotten to the point of you sleeping around?" my dad questions, his eyes burning.

"Why act surprised? She's been doing it the whole time, so it's nothing new," Mariegold chuckles.

"Tell me, Rose, how did you end up like this? How come you've become so shameless?" my mom questions, her voice cracking like she'll break down any moment. She can cry for all I care; gone are the days I give a fuck about her pretense.

"End up like this? Are you kidding me?" I scoff. Just like before, they want to blame me, but I'll make sure that never happens, not anymore.

"You talk back to us now? I can see the old man you're rolling with is feeding you some guts!" my dad yells at the top of his voice.

I roll my eyes, attempting to walk past them, but Killian, who's been quiet the whole time, grabs my hand and pushes me back roughly. "I saw what you did yesterday; don't think I'll let it go easily." I land on my butt on the floor, and pain follows.

I look down only to see my dress stained. "My baby..." I groan.