MasukThe city buzzed at a distance, eagerly waiting for one of the wealthiest families to host the most anticipated charity event of the year.“Lex, I won't be able to come,” Alexander heard his dad say over a phone call.He frowned. “Why? You are usually the one who hosts it.”“Yes. But you are the one in charge now. And I have something to attend to here. Don't worry. I'm sure with Rosa by your side, it will go smoothly.”Alexander sighed. “Fine.” The charity event-the one Martha described with that wary glint in her eyes-had finally arrived.Rosa stood at the foot of the grand staircase, smoothing the front of her suit. Martha had been right; it suited her really well. It hugged her neatly, dignified without being too loud. The baby pink camisole underneath the suit really complemented the blend. The pearl earrings Mrs. Dill had recommended to her rested lightly on her ears.She touched them once. They felt heavier than pearls should. Not that she had ever worn them.“Good morning, Mr
Rosa’s breath caught in her throat. Her fingers curled instinctively at her sides, as though gripping invisible edges to steady herself. She immediately felt dizzy. T-this man! He had been there all along. “W-why are you standing there like that?” She blurted, her voice embarrassingly small and her face, tomato red. Alexander’s grin widened, slow and mischievous, as if he enjoyed watching her like a prey. She was a little bunny lurking in the dangerous lair of the wolf. “I live here,” he drawled. “And last I checked, this is my study.” He took a step forward. “Why? Should I put a shirt on for you?” Rosa shook her head far too quickly. “No. I mean, yes. I mean..do whatever you want,” she stammered, heat flooding her cheeks. His expression turned amused. She mentally kicked herself. Oh Rosa! They had kisssed. Two days before. One disastrous, unforgettable, heart-thundering moment… and since then, nothing. He never brought it up. She pretended nothing happened. And now
“Ugh. New York never changes.”A woman in a red dress and a black overcoat strode through the night streets of the big city.She tightened her grip on the cigarette between her fingers. It felt colder than usual. This was September. Should it be this cold?As she passed a dilapidated bar, she heard hoots and whistles from a cluster of men who looked as though they hadn’t shaved since they hit puberty.“Hey, sexy. Wanna do something fun?”“Come on! Try me for one night.”The woman scrunched her face.Her irritation only worsened when one of them detached himself from the group and approached her.“You look hot, baby.”She eyed him with a scoff. “Please. Let me be.”She tried to walk off, but he grabbed her hand.“Come ooon, don’t be so stuck up. I can give you whatever you want. Name your price.” He grinned.She sharply laughed.“Do you think you can afford me? Do you know who I am? Your whole life can’t even afford my panties. Get off me!”She shoved him away, but the quick movement m
“Prepare the documents,” his father said to Luke, “Bring the full file… The inheritance package. Yes. All of it.”He ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket.“The lawyer will be here soon,” his father said. “Be ready.”Alexander nodded once. Finally, all will be his.Boris lingered around the study, crossing his arms. “Ethan told me, he's now the owner of Chuck beers,” he said. “I'm glad you two seem to be doing well.”“I guess Scotland did him good. Can't wait for him to go back though,” Alexander replied, with a flat tone.His father chuckled. “Interesting,” he muttered.After a while, the men returned downstairs to find Rosa and Ethan playing chess.Alexander's eyes dimmed. That was it. Ethan was going back to Scotland.Rosa’s eyes darted to Alexander instantly, as though she had been waiting for him to reappear. Seeing how her face brightened when she saw him, made his eyes warm. He felt a tug in his chest and immediately wanted to be by her side.“Never knew you
Rosa nearly fainted. The expressions on everyone’s faces said it all; this wasn’t like Alexander. Well… they needed to make their marriage look real, right? Right?!She gulped and lowered her gaze. Her heart danced in her chest, far too eager, and she wished it would calm down. It wasn’t helping her at the moment.A low chuckle was heard from his father. Rosa immediately grabbed her cup and took a long sip of water. She really needed it.“Interesting. It really came as a shock though.”Rosa’s eyes lifted slowly to him.“A sudden marriage, news everywhere. I actually thought it was just some media propaganda. But when your mother and brother told me it was true, I was amazed.”Alexander stared at his father but said nothing.“Actually, I have no problem with you getting married. In fact, I was expecting it. You’re thirty three now, and I surely need a grandchild.” He laughed, and Ethan joined him.Rosa coughed and drank more water. She shot Ethan a brief glare. She knew exactly why he
“Hit or miss?”Rosa blinked as Martha twirled, wearing a blue gown she had gifted her. She chuckled.“Definitely hit.”The girl beamed. “Thank you, M’lady! You are so kind, like an angel.”Rosa's eyes trailed downwards as she played with her fingers. Last night's memories were still fresh in her mind and she was trying so hard to push it back …but some things were practically impossible.She sighed, and Martha gave her a worried look. She shook her head with a gentle smile, but the girl's eyes still stayed on her.She wondered if Alexander would talk to her today. Right now, their status was : Bing! Awkward Mode Activated.Rosa fell flat on her bed. She just felt like digging a pit and jumping inside. Her cheeks had turned bright crimson and she suddenly felt giddy. She turned and turned on the bed like a love-struck teenager, muffling squeaky sounds with her pillow.“Hm?” Martha's head tilted as she stared at her, wondering what was wrong with her madam.Mrs. Dill who was downstairs,







