015

ROSE

Something doesn't just sit right but I couldn't figure out what it was.

I sat down on the couch, my hands placed over my chest as I tried to catch my breath.

"Do you need water ma'am?" A voice came, very close to me and it startled me. I made a little jump from the sofa.

"Sorry I didn't mean to get you scared." The servant apologized. I looked at her only to see her with a glass of water.

Do they really do this too?

"I'll get water when I want to." My voice came harsher than I expected.

I hadn't realize but my hands were jittering.

Am I being stalked? But why?

I know accepting this contract marriage from Derek was a big mistake but that was the only way to save my family.

I really can't tell how I feel but I know for a fact that it's not a good feeling.

Who would I call?

My mom? Nope, I would only make her worry and I don't want that.

The last thing I wanted was to tell Dreak about anything. I don't want him to be redone for my safety.

But I know for a fact that I'm in grave danger.

And Jennifer? There is more to her visit.

"You need to hydrate ma'am." I looked at the person standing close to em and realized it was the servant. Still holding the glass of water.

I took it from her and gulped down the content in one goal.

"I'm sorry for how I sounded earlier." I apologized and started walking towards the stairs.

I was like her few days ago. Or, no. She was far better than I am.

I could tell from her skin tone and how good she looks.

It was clear that she gets paid really well.

And me? Hustling and trying different jobs just to earn a living and eat at least, two square meal a day.

And now, I'm being served.

I stayed upstairs for a while, pacing.

The silence in this house wasn’t peaceful anymore. It was heavy, almost like it was pressing against my skin.

I told myself I needed to distract my mind before I went insane.

After a quick shower, I got dressed in something simple. Jeans, a fitted top, my hair pulled into a messy bun. I didn’t even bother with makeup. I just needed air.

I told one of the maids I was heading out and left the mansion without thinking twice.

The driver offered to take me but I refused. I needed to walk, breathe, and feel something normal.

There was a small but upscale restaurant a few blocks away, the kind with white tablecloths and low music.

I picked a table near the window, ordered a coffee, and just stared outside for a while, letting the world blur past.

“Mind if I sit here?” a male voice broke into my thoughts.

I turned to see him... tall, well-dressed, good-looking in that cocky way that made it clear he knew it. His smile was sharp.

“I’m fine, thanks,” I said, already looking back at my cup.

“Come on, just one conversation. You look like you could use some company,” he said, sliding into the chair before I could say anything else.

I sighed but didn’t tell him to leave. Maybe a little harmless talk wouldn’t kill me.

We chatted about random things, the weather, the city, meaningless small talk. He kept trying to make jokes, laughing at his own words.

Then his time shifted. It wasn't hard to notice.

“You’ve got a beautiful mouth,” he said suddenly, his eyes lingering in a way that made my skin crawl.

I pushed my chair back slightly. “Okay, you need to leave now.”

He leaned in, lowering his voice. “Don’t be like that, babe.”

“I’m not your babe. Get up and go.”

Instead of leaving, he smirked and straightened his posture, raising his voice enough for nearby tables to hear. “You know, for someone who cheated on me, you sure act high and mighty.”

My mouth dropped. “What?”

People turned to look. Whispers started almost instantly.

“Yeah,” he continued, shaking his head like a disappointed boyfriend. “I take you back, and you’re already out here meeting other men. Unreal.”

“That’s not—” I tried to speak but he cut me off.

“You can all record this if you want,” he said loudly. “She’s my girlfriend. She cheated on me. I caught her. Guess loyalty is too expensive for her taste.”

Laughter rippled through the restaurant.

Phones were raised. I saw flashes from cameras, people smirking and recording my face.

“Stop it!” I shouted, my voice cracking. I stood up, my hands shaking. “I don’t even know you!”

He leaned back in his chair, acting calm, like this was some show he was enjoying. “Sure you don’t, babe. Tell them more lies.”

Someone near the back snickered. Another woman shook her head at me, muttering something about “girls these days.”

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, my vision blurring as humiliation burned its way through me.

No one stepped in.

Not even the fucking manager!

My chest tightened and I knew if I stayed another second, I’d break.

I grabbed my bag, shoved past the people blocking the aisle, and pushed through the restaurant doors.

This is bad, this is really bad.

I tried to order an Uber but it kept declining due to poor connection but after, it did.

The uber arrived and I just hopped in without thinking and told him to drive.

When I got to Derek's mansion, a few cars were parked outside.

He's back maybe.

"And where are you coming from?" I head Jennifer's voice when I tired sneaking in.

What's she doing here again?

I raised my head up only to see everyone. Derek, his mom, Oscar, Lauren and Jennifer.

"Oh shit!"