Semua Bab Love Unanswered: Bab 1 - Bab 10

"You'll have 19 chances to get Brandon into bed. Succeed just once, and you win. But if you fail all 19 times, you'll have to give up the title of Mrs. Searle and divorce him."Rosalie Lardner stared at Nina Monroe, Brandon's stepmother, as she pushed the betting agreement across the table.For a newlywed like Rosalie, it seemed like an easy win. She signed the agreement confidently. "Fine. You've got a deal."But after 18 tries, she hadn't managed a single win.On her 19th attempt, Rosalie pulled out all the stops. She slipped Brandon a strong drug and slid into his bed wearing nothing but a sheer, seductive outfit.This time, she was sure she had him. But even with the drug burning through his veins, Brandon somehow found the strength to shove her off the bed with a brutal kick."If you ever spike my food again, don't expect me to hold back just because we're married," he growled. His face was flushed, and his body shook from the drug's effects.Brandon was barely holding hims

Hank Renfrow, the old industry titan, took one look at the situation and immediately understood."Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Searle? You're usually so cold and controlled, but the second someone messes with your stepmom, you just lose it, don't you? Now that you've taken over the Searle fortune, what's next? Are you planning to take her too?"The crowd burst out laughing.Before Brandon could react, Nina grabbed his arm and pulled it down. He swallowed his anger, let go of Hank, and snatched up a glass to ease the tension."I respect every one of you here. That was out of line, and I apologize. Let me propose a toast to all of you."Rosalie stood outside the door, her heart aching as she watched the scene unfold. Everyone knew Brandon never drank. But tonight, he downed three glasses for Nina's sake.Still, the big shots weren't satisfied. They insisted Nina drink three rounds herself.Brandon stepped in front of her, shielding her from their demands. "Her health isn't good. Sh

Seaforth Club was in complete chaos. An electrical fire raged out of control, filling the halls with thick smoke as Brandon frantically searched for Nina.Meanwhile, Rosalie had just stepped out of the private room when the panicked crowd shoved her back inside. The door slammed shut behind her, locking her in. Desperate, she banged on the door. "Help! Let me out! Is anyone there?"But everyone was too busy scrambling to escape the burning club. Her shouts were lost in the chaos.Smoke slithered in through the door gap, sending Rosalie into a fit of violent coughs. She yanked off her coat, pressed it tightly over her nose and mouth, and bolted for the window.Just as flames surged into the room, she clenched her teeth, rammed her shoulder into the glass, and leaped.Seaforth Club loomed three stories above the ground. The landing sent a jolt of pain through her body, leaving her unable to drag herself forward. Her legs burned, and it felt as if they had been smashed to pieces.Ju

After getting discharged from the hospital and coming home, Rosalie started sorting through her things. She needed to pack up before she left.The cardboard boxes were filled with years of memories. She had written Brandon 101 love letters, pouring her heart out to him. In return, he'd only ever sent three replies, but she had cherished every single one.And then there was the saint pendant he'd given her. She'd once mentioned how much she loved the one he wore, and though he wouldn't part with his own, he had a matching one made just for her. Sure, hers was smaller, but just wearing a pendant like his had made her happy back then.Now, though, she knew the truth. He was only wearing his for Nina's sake. And Rosalie wanted no part of it."You're throwing out the saint pendant I gave you?"Brandon's voice snapped Rosalie out of her thoughts.She looked up, startled. She hadn't even heard him come in. Now, he stood there with furrowed brows, staring at the cardboard boxes she'd bee

Rosalie spent the next two days in the hospital. Her left hand was swathed in gauze, the severe burns beneath sending sharp pulses of pain through her with every movement, forcing her to stay still and cautious.Meanwhile, Brandon was swamped with the fallout from the press conference. He didn't have time to visit, so he sent her bouquets—roses and baby's breath, the same flowers she had loved back in college.But the truth was, she had only ever liked them because Brandon liked them. And Brandon's preference? That came from Nina, who always wore the scent of roses.Rosalie stared at the vibrant roses, thinking that no matter how beautiful they were, they had never truly been hers. It was time to let them go.On the third day, which was also her birthday, her immigration paperwork finally arrived. She left the hospital and headed home to gather her things.Brandon wasn't there. The maid told her he hadn't come back in days.But Rosalie didn't care anymore. She slid off her weddin