CHAPTER 3 : The Terms of her New Life 1

The morning came too quickly, almost as if the night had lost its power.

Rosa hadn’t slept a wink. She'd spent the night watching her aunt's chest rise and fall in a steady pace.

Aunt Nardine had fallen asleep, murmuring prayers under her breath, but Rosa’s mind refused to rest.

Did she do the right thing?

Then, thoughts of bills, eviction notices, job applications that went nowhere and her aunt's medical bills flashed across her mind.

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

Even if she didn't, she wouldn't blame herself.

By dawn, her mind, soul and body was fully prepared for the tides of new beginnings she was about to venture into…or at least, she thought.

When Alexander’s car pulled up outside at 8 a.m sharp, she was already dressed and prepared . She wore a plain pink blouse and black cottage skirt, dragging her box with firm but doubtful hands.

Calm down Rosa.

Her aunt followed her to the door and Rosa could see she still wished she could change her mind at the last minute.

“Are you sure about this?”

Rosa nodded, trying to be confident.

“It’s just a year, Auntie. I’ll be okay.”

Just a year. That sounded odd.

“You’re walking into another man’s world, Rosa,” Nardine warned softly. “Don’t lose yourself there.”

Rosa hugged her tightly. “I won’t.”

And then she stepped outside, closing the door on everything familiar….and home.

The car ride was silent, except for the hum of the engine. Alexander sat beside her in the back seat, scrolling through his phone, his expression unfathomable as usual.

Rosa would occasionally steal glances at him, admiring his chiseled features and the man was aware but didn't say a word, allowing the girl feast on her eyes.

Rosa wanted to say something, anything, but her courage flickered and died each time she looked at him.

What is wrong with you, Rosa!?

She heaved a sigh as she looked away, unable to fuel her courage. He looked too calm for a man about to enter a fake marriage. Wasn't he bothered that something could go wrong?

And he was too composed for someone whose car had nearly killed her a week ago.

Who even got into a marriage with someone who ran them over!?

Rosa Hamon.

She pinched her forehead as she closed her eyes. How did her life turn out like this?

After a while, he spoke without looking up.

“You are feeling okay, right?”

Rosa nodded, clutching her bag. “Yes”.

Did he really care?

He finally looked at her as he lifted his head. A single glance, sharp enough to make her heart skip a beat. Why did it always do that!

“Good. I’ve gotten the legal team to finalize it yesterday. You’ll be moving into my residence immediately, as you are already aware “.

She swallowed.

“Appearances matter. And time isn’t on our side”. He explained as if trying to justify himself.

She exhaled softly and turned back to the window, watching the city fade into hills and gated estates. The buildings grew fewer and the sounds from the hustle and bustle of the city faded away.

When the car finally stopped, Rosa’s breath hitched.

The mansion that stood before her was grand and sprawling, built from pale stone and framed by iron gates. The morning sun caught on its tall glass windows, reflecting its rays in a colourful golden pattern.

It was almost…like a palace. Everything about it screamed wealth, dominance and power.

She stepped out slowly, her sandals crunching on the gravel driveway.

“You live here alone?” she asked curiously.

Alexander’s gaze followed hers.

“I prefer silence and tranquility”.

That, she could believe. The place looked like it hadn’t heard laughter in years…. a bit bleak ..

The front doors opened, and a woman in her forties approached . Tall, polished, with the kind of posture that came from decades of serving people who expected perfection.

Rosa breathed in. Okay. This was really overwhelming.

“Good morning, Mr. Wade,” she greeted. “And you must be Miss Hamon.”

Her eyes went fleetingly to the wide eyed girl, who stared around like a baby marveling at the sight of humans.

“Mrs. Dill”, Alexander said.

“She’ll be staying here. Make sure she’s settled.”

The woman nodded respectfully. “Of course, sir.”

Rosa offered a nervous smile. “Thank you.”

Alexander who was about to start up the marble staircase to head to his room, paused halfway and turned back.

“Rosa.”

She looked up at him. “Yes?”

His eyes stayed on hers and he could see the innocence in them. His lips twitched.

“Starting today,” he said quietly, “it’s Mrs. Wade.”

Her heart skipped several beats, but she nodded.

Mrs. Dill showed her through the mansion, room after room, each more beautiful and intimidating than the last.

It was so magnetic and intricate at the same time.

The living room alone was the size of Aunt Nardine's entire house and there would still be some space left. The Chandeliers glimmered overhead, polished floors reflected everything, and tall windows overlooked acres of green lawns.

Her heart melted at the view of the lush field from the mansion's royal looking windows. It was breathtaking.

Her assigned room was upstairs. Soft cream colored walls, a king-sized bed and even fresh flowers on the table. It looked so beautiful and Rosa couldn't believe she would ever sleep in a room like this in her entire life.

“If you need anything, ring the bell near the bed,” Mrs. Dill said with a polite smile.

“Lunch is at one, dinner at seven. Mr. Wade prefers punctuality.”

“I’ll remember that,” Rosa murmured, her eyes still taking in the view of the room.

As the woman walked out, she casted one more glance at the girl before shutting the door close. Her brows creased as she walked away. There was something…. familiar about her. Too familiar. But, she couldn't just say what it was.