《The Wicked Rose》


 Chapter 1

    Rose


    The cold night breeze brushed my cheeks as I stared down at the city lights. Sitting at the edge of a thirty-storey building''s rooftop was nerve-wracking but the glimmering lights somehow eased my inner turmoil.


    "It''s beautiful." I tried to fake a smile but warm tears rolled down my cheeks as I recalled the painful events that brought me to misery.


    My family and friends ostracized and abandoned me. My fianc¨¦ and my two-faced sister whom I cherished and trusted, betrayed me.


    I trusted and loved both of them, so how could they betray me?


    How could they do that to me?


    I closed my eyes, feeling the coldness of the night, trying to put my mind at ease, but memories came rushing in, like an unprecedented storm. There was a sudden surge of unbearable recollections and I was too vulnerable to chase them out.


    "I''m sorry Rose I fell in love with Sophia."


    "Rose, you''re fired and we''ll see you in court."


    "I never knew Rose was such a whore, How can she live with this."


    "Rose...Rose...Rose.."


    "She''s better off dead."


    I guess that''s true, maybe I''m better off dead. Maybe I''m better off as a corpse, then they would just dump my body anywhere to rot since everyone had abandoned me.


    They would never know it''s Rose, ''the slut'', ''the scandalous'', ''the criminal'', ''the miserable'', and they would eventually forget me.


    They would forget my past and woeful life. They would forget the criticisms and judgments they bestowed on me. People would continue to live and time would still tick by, even when I die.


    I chuckled lightly at my bitter thoughts, yet it sounded more like a painful whimper.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    This wasn''t supposed to happen to me. This wouldn''t happen if it wasn''t for Sophia-


    "It was all an act, Rose. You were stupid enough to believe all my lies-" her words were all muffled in my head as I started to feel a pain in my abdomen. The stress and negative emotions had taken a toll on my body and my encounter with Sophia made something in me. . . snap.


    "Sophia. . . help," blood started to roll down my thighs and the pain was unbearable.


    "Sophia, help me. . . my baby." I had whimpered.


    I touched my stomach and felt the emptiness. What was once full of life and warmth greeted me with nothingness.


    My baby. . . my baby who was my light and only hope. The only one who could bring me out of this anguish was gone. The only one who could fill this void in my heart and soul slipped through my hands.


    My baby is dead and gone. I''m like an empty vessel trying to live and breathe without any reason to.


    "They should all suffer! They should all rot and die!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, but the sheer cold and the dark made me realize I was weak. It made me grasp my reality that neither I had anything nor I was anything.


    Yeah, maybe it would be better to die and free myself from this suffering.


    I slowly rose up, holding the railings to support my trembling knees. My hands were cold and numb, and I almost lost strength to grip the railings.


    It''s an understatement to say I was scared. My heart was beating like crazy, my joints felt all mushy, and my head was spinning like crazy but nevertheless, I looked down and felt nausea kicking in. The looming darkness below was pulling me in, taunting me to embrace it.


    I was tired of coexisting with the pain. I was tired of trying to live. I was tired of crying and cursing them all. I just wanted it all to stop. I just wanted to be free. Was it really that hard to be free?


    If death is the only way to stop this endless pain, then so be it. I will gladly embrace it.


    I shut my eyes tightly, mustering up courage, leaving me breathless, and without looking back, I jumped. Plummeting a hundred feet to the ground ensuring me my demise would be certain.


    The wind coursed through my body painfully but it couldn''t be compared to the agony I had been enduring.


    "Aaaah!" I yelled, letting out everything, the pain, the agony, the fear of dying.


    Is this what they expect? Is this what they want?


    Is this what I want?....


    NO!


    I wanted them to suffer as I did. I wanted them to experience the excruciating pain I had been through, like a thousand needles piercing my heart and body. I wanted them to feel the emptiness and the darkness consuming every bit of their existence. I wanted them to feel how it''s like for your soul to be torn apart.


    But I was weak, I was a coward. I couldn''t do anything to protect myself and my baby.


    If only. . . . .


    If only I could bring back time, I wouldn''t make the same mistakes twice. I won''t let them deceive me and trust them easily. I''ll ensure they''ll be the ones suffering instead of me.


    If only I could...

 Chapter 2

    Rose


    "Aaaah!" I jolted out of the bed. Wait, a bed?


    I grabbed the blankets and the pillows. My fingers brushed upon the soft white mattress, feeling the cushioned comfort of the bed


    They''re real?


    Even the room is familiar. Light pink walls with posters about fashion. A white, plush carpet in the middle of the floor and a table is situated near my bed with papers. I picked it up and found designs for clothes and some drawings.


    Wait, this was my room, my room when I was a child.


    I looked around paying attention to details in the room, trying to come up with plausible explanations but my mind remained blank.


    What the hell''s happening. My last memory was jumping off a building and I...I should''ve died. It was a hundred-foot drop to the ground and it''s impossible to survive that.


    I checked my limbs and my body, but everything''s intact, no injuries or signs of harm and it''s all normal.


    It''s all too normal for my own comfort.


    I dawdled around trying to piece everything out. I even slapped myself thinking I''m just dreaming but I felt pain.


    "Hahaha, Maybe I''m in heaven?" blurted out. But things were not as it was rumored to be and why in my room-


    "Agh" I tripped over a book and accidentally looked at myself in the mirror.


    "What the hell!" I exclaimed, startled with my own reflection.


    I caressed my face feeling the soft skin underneath my palm. There are no wrinkles around my eyes and my forehead. The creases have softened and were smooth-


    I looked younger. I stared down at my figure and indeed I looked like a child. My adult appearance was now gone.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    What is happening? How am I back here? How am I still alive?


    I stared at the walls trying to process what''s happening until I heard some knocking.


    "Rose, are you awake? I heard a loud thump inside your room." I abruptly turned my head towards the door, utterly shocked hearing that voice. It took me a couple of minutes to regain my composure.


    "Rose? Rose?"


    "Ah...ah yes. Everything''s fine" I was almost stumbling as I quickly unlocked the door leaving me dumbfounded.


    "Rose are you sure everything''s ok?"


    It took me minutes to snap back in reality as it was all too sudden for me.


    "Yes n...nanny? Uum please come in," I don''t know what I''m doing and saying but I urged her to come inside and sit.


    She threw me a confused look as I sat on my bed and she hesitantly sat on a chair parallel to mine. I stared at her not believing everything.


    Sena, my nanny should''ve died years ago. She was the one who raised me and treated me like her own child and out of habit I have been calling her nanny, ever since. Sena was also the nanny of my father and she continued to work for us even though father and I were getting old.


    "Rose, you''re acting weird. Are you sick?" She tried to reach out her hands to check my temperature.


    "I''m okay Nanny. There''s just something bothering me..." My eyes darted at the calendar placed on the wall and it read March¡­.2010.


    "Nanny¡­ is that calendar right?" I pointed at the calendar.


    "Yes, It''s the 22nd of March" She withdrew her arms gently and looked at me with a confused expression


    "Um, the year?" Her face looks distorted as I proceeded to ask her weird questions but I couldn''t care less, I needed some answers, some validations.


    "Yeah, It''s 2010, Rose are you sure you''re fine?"


    2010? What is going on right now? I''m sure this year should be 2023. I looked around trying to internalize everything, acting like a child lost in oblivion.


    It''s like I''m back in the past when everything wasn''t going downhill when everything was in their right places.


    "Nanny, my head hurts. Can you leave me alone for a while? Please."


    "Are you sure? Should I bring some medicine? Or food? Or what?" I smiled, she''s still the same as ever.


    I felt tears forming around my eyes, begging to roll down and the urge to hug her was overwhelming but I fought back thinking she would worry more.


    "No, it''s okay. It''s just a normal headache" She looked at me with a worried look and after some contemplations, she went outside.


    I closed the door and curled, knees tucked toward my chest and arms coiled around it, like how I always am when I''m scared.


    I still can''t believe everything that happened. I...I should''ve died that time.


    Did I come back in time? Or was it all just a bad dream? But if it''s only a dream then why does it feel so real, the pain and everything. It felt so tangible, it couldn''t be a dream

 Chapter 3

    Rose


    After a series of self-reflection and understanding the situation, I came up with...nothing.


    I tried searching for clues and reading my diary but there''s nothing pertaining to the reason why I came back in time.


    So, I decided to give up and go down and I saw Dad eating in the dining hall. He noticed me and quickly lifted his gaze at me.


    "Rose, come here and eat your breakfast." Dad coldly called me.


    He was always indifferent to me from the start, although he gives me everything, materialistically speaking. We never had a proper daughter-father relationship since he''s always busy and tired from work. I, on the other hand, didn''t reach out for him and we both fell apart.


    It was also too late for me to realize his true feelings, Dad got into an accident and was in a coma for years.


    I found letters in his office and it was all dedicated to me. I read how he wished he was a proper father and how he wanted for both of us to have a good relationship


    I smiled bitterly remembering it all.


    "F..Dad, last week I was complimented by my mentor when we designed and sewed clothes. She told me I could be a great designer in the near future." I chirped cheerfully waiting expectantly for his reply.


    I also read in his letters how he wanted me to call him Dad and get closer to him.


    He looked at me with a bemused expression for a moment but it quickly changed to a stoic one.


    "That''s good. Keep up the good work" and he continued eating.


    The heck...I expected more, this mending of relationship would take me hundreds of years. Dad''s naturally awkward to the bone.


    "Dad, I also want to change workshops." He looked at me, stunned with my sudden decision.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    He furrowed his eyebrows, his eyes showing clear confusion.


    "But I thought you love fashion? Why do you want to change workshops now?"


    Ever since I was young, I amused myself by joining workshops that entails fashion. For my 28 years here on earth, all I did was design and style clothes. My whole life consisted of clothes, designing, and fashion.


    "I just thought I''ll try something new," I told him which was somehow true.


    "Good morning Daddy. Good morning sis"


    I dropped my spoon and a loud clang resounded throughout the dining hall. My heart was beating furiously like it just went on a rollercoaster ride.


    My insides twitch and I felt my whole body was trembling. I tried hiding my shaking hands under the table as I heard Dad called me but I kept silent trying to calm myself.


    "Rose? Are you okay?" Dad asked me in a worried tone.


    "Y..yes. I...I''m okay. I have just been feeling sick ever since this morning." I stuttered


    "Are you sure Rose? You''re turning pale" I heard the honey-sweet poison-like voice of Sophia and I so badly want to puke and punch her in the gut.


    "Mmhm" I nodded feeling weak. I couldn''t look her in the eye, scared I might have a breakdown.


    "Dad, I think I need to rest more. I feel so sick" He looked disappointed and worried that I wanted to take my words back but seeing and eating with Sophia might not be the best course of action right now.


    I quickly rushed to my room and as I closed the door, I crouched down feeling so helpless and weak.


    "It''s okay Rose. You''re not going to experience that again. It''ll all be alright. You''re alright." I muttered under my breath trying to calm the chaos inside me.


    How can I attain revenge if every time Sophia''s there, I quickly turn away, like a cat tucking its tail between its legs? How can I change my future, if from the start I''m already showing weakness?


    ''It won''t happen again. I swear it won''t. I''ll be strong and crush them all. I''ll be wicked enough to bring about their own downfall. I won''t experience that again."


    After breakfast, I didn''t take one step out of my room. Honestly speaking I couldn''t muster up the courage to face others.


    Pshh. After all those encouraging words I told myself...I just spent my time lying down on my bed, staring at the ceilings thinking of random things.


    "Rose, your father''s going out for a business trip" Sena informed me outside my door.


    I was contemplating if I should go and see him off but the thought of seeing Sophia makes my stomach churn.


    I coughed loudly hoping Sena would hear it.


    "Nanny, I''m feeling a lot worse," I said in a croaky voice. I''m still in with my sickness act and although I want to stop and get the hell out of this room, I felt weak every time the thought of facing Sophia invades my mind.


    It was also fortunate that I ordered the maids to not let anyone disturb me, except for meals. I also locked my room in case, someone would barge in and check on me, so they wouldn''t notice I''m just faking my sickness.


    "Rose, open the door. I''ll check up on you" I heard Sena say and worry was evident on her voice.


    "No. I''m fine. I just need some rest." I was hoping she would buy my act but knowing Sena she wouldn''t let me off.


    "Rose, open the door" her voice was demanding and I''ve got no other choice but to open the door.


    She checked up on me and when she knew I was alright. She left me reluctantly to let me rest.


    I heard nanny''s footsteps going away and I sighed, I wished I could have bid farewell to father but I know Sophia will be there.


    I decided to stay in my room and laze off, quite dejected that my father''s going on a business trip because I want to fix our relationship early, but there''s no need to hurry, there are more chances to come. I''ve got 13 years to spare.

 Chapter 4

    Rose


    I woke up from a deep sleep and started to stretch, my mood was a tad bit better compared to yesterday.


    It was a first for me to rest that well too, ever since the betrayal, I got insomnia and nightmares that would haunt me every night.


    "Rose, I prepared breakfast. You need to eat because you ate nothing last night. Should I bring it to you?" Nanny asked after she saw me coming out of my room.


    "No it''s ok. I''ll just eat downstairs. Thank you." I replied to her and she nodded as she turned to walk away.


    I sighed and decided to go down only to stop my tracks as Sophia came in the view, eating.


    I felt sick and my whole body was trembling, but it was tolerable and less intense than yesterday. I tried to soothe my mind and heart and soon I calmed down.


    "Good morning Sophia" I greeted her calmly as I pulled a chair parallel to her and sat.


    "Oh, good morning Rose. Are you okay now? I was worried because I heard you got sick." She asked me without giving a look.


    "I always knew you were so weak but take care of your body more, I hope you wouldn''t burden others. I mean it''s your fault you''re sick but it was a mess yesterday." She uttered calmly and it made me flinch.


    Sophia was always like this, she would harass and torment me, sometimes physically, but my young gullible and innocent self would endure everything because I treated her as my real sister.


    Yeah, I was a beggar for love, that I was scared to confront and fight back from her oppression. I was a martyr when it comes to my step-mother and step-sister.


    But after going back in time, It now became a puzzle how I constantly ask for their approval and attention. Maybe it was because Dad was never good at showing emotions and I learned to long for other''s love and then, they came showering me with it.


    Maybe because I always felt lonely. Maybe because I-


    "Hello. Earth to Rose. I never knew your sickness was so severe, you became deaf." She chuckled and I heard the other maids scoffed at her insult.


    I regained my composure and smiled at her.


    "I''m not deaf Sophia. What you say are just utter nonsense for me to listen to. My ears are not designed to hear your shit... Oh my, let me rephrase that, I don''t pay attention to a shit talking shit. " I smiled sweetly at her and she was clearly taken aback.


    Normally, I would stay silent and let her shame me with words but now, I talked and insulted her back.


    "What did you just call me? A shit? You dare call me a shit?" She raised her voice and anger was apparent in her face.


    "Wow besides of being a shit you''re also stupid."


    Sophia became more aggravated and she suddenly rose from her seat. She grabbed a cup of water and threw the contents at me.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    I shut my eyes tightly as the cold water splashed onto me, drenching my face and clothes. I was stunned with her sudden action and for a moment, I was ready to pounce and beat the crap out of her.


    I sucked in a huge breath, letting it out softly, as I tried to ease myself. I looked at her, as she was puffing and panting with rage.


    "Besides being shit and stupid, your personality''s also trash-" I clapped loudly and smiled at her to show amazement sarcastically


    "- Congratulations Sophia you got it all. It would be a great comfort to the world if you voluntarily throw yourself in a garbage can." I wiped my face and clothes with a napkin nearby, but it was all trifle as I feel icky.


    She was getting pale and her face was bright red with rage. Her eyebrows were all furrowed and her lips were pursed in a thin fine line.


    "Curse you Rose, you don''t have any right to treat me like this!"


    "Oh, but you have all the right to treat me indifferently? Is that it Sophia? Do you really think you could abuse, shame, and mortify me forever without me revolting? Do you really think I would just sit idly and take your insults?-" she cut me off with a slap on my cheek, but the wrath in me numbed all the pain.


    I slapped her back, harder than what she gave me. My palms were stinging but I felt my rage subside as she turned to me, tears forming around her eyes. My heart clenched with pity and sorry for what I did to her.


    But she doesn''t deserve my pity.


    "I know you act rubbish but don''t bring that attitude here in my home-" I glared at her and smirked


    "-Well that would be impossible since you''re originally from a dumpster."


    Her hands and lips were trembling and for a moment I felt guilt eating me up from the inside. But I should let Sophia know who''s on top. I was stupid to let her deceive me but right now, I''m a 28 years old woman while she''s just a mere 15 years old girl.


    She''s like a bud that is yet to bloom and..


    I''ll crush her when she does.


    I was about to walk away and change my wet clothes until I remembered someone.


    "Where''s Aunt Ysabelle?" I coldly asked them.


    Sophia and the maids were quite dazed, I would usually call Ysabelle mother, mom, mommy, and the likes but I just called her Aunt.


    You see, I was quite clingy to Ysabelle. My biological mother died and I longed for a mother''s warmth and love, that I perceived Ysabelle as a motherly-figure to me. Although she only pays attention to me when father''s present, my young self still sought for her love.


    Yeah I agree, I was pretty ignorant.


    "U..umm she had important matters to attend to" a maid answered me. I glared back at her and she flinched. She must have noticed the tension in the air, well, only a blind man wouldn''t sense the situation we''re in.


    "I was asking Sophia not you, unless my sister became a maid that would speak without asking to. You should be the one sitting there-" I pointed Sophia''s seat "-instead of this mute girl."


    Sophia bent her head and it was a shame I couldn''t see her expression. I know she''s mortified with my actions, but this wasn''t enough compared to the pain I felt because of her. This wasn''t enough to quench my thirst for revenge.


    "Mother went shopping" she answered with a yell-like voice which startled me.


    Ysabelle was reprimanded by Dad, for expending huge amounts of money just by shopping, not too long ago and my stupid self defended her.


    She promised to me and Dad that she would limit herself but look at her now.


    "So she went on a shopping spree again. How much will she spend this time Sophia? You guess."


    "I don''t know." She answered not looking at my way. Ever since we were little, Sophia gets silent whenever the topic''s about her mother.


    "She''s your mother Sophia, you should know her pretty well. I''m rather disappointed by Aunt she promised me, yet she broke that promise so easily. You''re not like that aren''t you, Sophia?" I smiled sweetly at her and I saw her clench her fists. She remained silent and the tension subsided a little bit.


    Now the fun''s gone


    "Well, I need to change my clothes since Sophia ACCIDENTALLY threw water on me. Thank you for drenching me, it''s very nice of you."


    I rushed to my room to change and a smile emerged as I heard loud crashing sounds of plates and utensils. She must be venting her wrath and frustrations downstairs.


    Go on, vent your anger and frustrations now, because there are more to come. I won''t let you go that easily Sophia.


    The kind and gentle Rose is no more. I changed and you were the ones who made me change now it''s payback time.


    "Nothing''s more satisfying than a victory" I uttered to myself


    And I will always remain victorious.

 Chapter 5

    Rose


    "Let''s break up" I was dumbfounded. His words kept ringing in my ears as he looked at me intently, waiting for my answer.


    I slapped him


    "How could you do this to me Aziel? Are you willing to choose that bitch over me? Are you willing to waste our 7 years over your whore?" Questions began to pile up. We were engaged for a year and was going to get married this summer, but now he''s telling me to break up?


    "I''m sorry Rose. I fell in love with Sophia" I couldn''t stop my tears. I knew about their relationship. I know they do things that only lovers do behind my back, but I kept silent and did nothing because I both love them and I know that Aziel will always come back to me.


    I shook my head not believing everything.


    "How about our child Aziel, your child? Please Aziel don''t do this. Please don''t leave me.You can''t leave me" I know I''m being pathetic but I can''t bear the thought of Aziel leaving me.


    He was my childhood friend until I confessed to him. Since I was young, I believed that we would end up together. I believed he was mine and I was his. Ever since I was young, I pictured us to be a happy family. But that dream was crumbling away. How could I get by, when all my life I believed we would end up together.


    "How do I know if it''s my child? And besides, you could just abort it" I slapped him.


    "How could you? How could you tell me to abort our child? I''ve never cheated or dated other men. Tell me, did that whore brainwashed you? Did she order you to do this?" I was furious. I know Aziel was like a loyal dog when it comes to Sophia. One word and he''ll gladly obey as long as it''s Sophia.


    "No. I did this on my own accord." His words were like knife stabbing my heart. I couldn''t mutter any words and just stared at him with tears flowing from my eyes.


    I was waiting for him to change his mind. Tell me it was all just a joke. Relieve me of the pain I''m feeling. But my hope and my world came crashing down when he turned his back on me and left me alone in this lonely park.


    "Aziel Jaxton, come back here!" My knees felt weak and I knelt on the cold ground. "Please come back" I whispered.


    The scene changed and now I was in an office.


    "Ma''am have you checked the news. You''re all over the internet." My panicked secretary came in without knocking.


    "Why?" I was curious and quickly checked it on my laptop.


    There was a sex scandal spread everywhere. It was my scandal with Aziel, but the sex scandal only showed my face.


    How?...Why?...I couldn''t take my eyes off the screen as I was dumbfounded.


    "There''s an emergency meeting Rose and you''re highly needed" Sophia barged into my office. I loathe her and I''m trying to keep every ounce of patience left in my body to stop myself from lunging at her, breaking all of her bones, but we''re here for business and I should separate personal matters from business.


    I nodded at her, clenching my jaw. I was still worried about the video that is spreading but business comes first. I shook the thought about the scandal out my head, but deep inside me, I''m a wreck. Her smirk didn''t escape my eyes and I so badly want to throw her out of this building.


    I hurriedly went to the meeting and was greeted by arguing directors. They stopped and looked at me with judging eyes.


    "Rose, you know the company''s losing money, someone is plundering the company''s money from the inside." One of the directors told me. I just nodded at him, the events earlier wouldn''t leave my mindLove what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    "So tell me what the fuck is happening Rose" he threw the documents he was holding at me and I was baffled with his sudden actions.


    "I don''t know what you''re saying sir" I calmly told him, unaware of the mess that''s about to come.


    "Rose, you''re fired and we''ll see you in court."


    The scene changed again and now I was in a rundown apartment.


    The trials went smoothly but I lost all my money. I was down with debts since the company ceased the lawsuit but demanded money.


    "I was not the one stealing" I cried, the company that my father and I worked hard for was snatched from my hands. The Bella Rosa was also adopted into the Rockfeller Company, now named differently.


    The Bella Rosa, my sole fashion company was seized away from me. My dreams were crushed to bits, my hard work was all for naught.


    "Hey, you haven''t paid this month''s bill" I was brought back to reality when someone shouted at my door.


    "I...I need a few days so that I could pay the bill." I opened the door and I found the landlord with arms crossed.


    "No I found someone that will replace you, so pack your things and get out"


    "No...no, please. I just need a few days" I pleaded her trying to earn her pity but she shook her head without looking at me.


    "Leave or I''ll force you to leave." She coldly said.


    The scene changed and now I''m in a park with my luggage beside me.


    I found an empty bench and sat down. I was ousted by the landlord and I''ve got nowhere to go. I called my friends to ask for help but they either blocked me or told me they can''t do anything about my situation. I checked online and read comments about me.


    "I never knew the owner of Bella Rosa was such a whore"


    "That was hot, she can be my bitch"


    "She''s a shit of society"


    "There''s a rumor she was fired because she stole money"


    "Disgusting piece of shit, How can she live with this?"


    "She''s better off dead"


    I turned off my phone


    The scene changed once again and I was at the front of a fancy condo.


    I knocked and someone opened the door.


    It was Aziel wearing a bathrobe with unruly hair.


    "Why are you here?" Aziel coldly asked


    "Aziel-"


    "Who is it, babe?" Sophia appeared with messy hair and a crumpled bathrobe.


    My eyes were tearing up. How could they be so thick-faced. I was having a difficult time and they''re just here having fun?


    I couldn''t contain my rage and rushed to Sophia to pull her hair.


    "Sophia, I treated you like my real sister and this is how you pay me back?" Aziel tried to pull me from Sophia but I was beyond furious.


    "Rose stop! Stop!" Aziel tried to pull me and I clawed myself out.


    I pushed Sophia down to the ground and started to slap her. I poured all my rage that was contained, I was like a bomb that just exploded.


    Sophia started to sob and that was when Aziel pulled me away with force


    "Sophia are you alright?" Other occupants were already staring at us. They started to take pictures and videos.


    "Guards guards, this woman is creating a ruckus " I didn''t notice the guards arrived until they grabbed me forcefully.


    The scene changed again and I was in a park talking with Sophia.


    She was smiling arrogantly.


    "Rose, you''re so dumb and pathetic. The plundering of money was all my doing and I put all the blame on you. I was also the one who posted the sex scandal. I stole everything from you including Aziel" she smiled menacingly.


    "Why? Why are you doing this Sophia? Ever since you were brought to our residence, I gave you nothing but kindness" I couldn''t stop my tears from falling.


    "You don''t know anything Rose. From the moment I set foot onto that house, I pledged to take the Rockfellers down. I planned to take you down." I shook my head.


    "I...I don''t understand why you''re doing this Sophia but please stop. My dear sister, I know you can''t do this to me" I tried to go near, but she pushed me and I fell flat on the floor. Emotions came, rushing in like a raging bull and it was all too sudden.


    "It was all an act, Rose. You were stupid enough to believe all my lies-" her words were all muffled in my head as I started to feel pain in my abdomen. The stress and negative emotions had taken a toll on my body and my encounter with Sophia made something in me, snap.


    "Sophia...help" blood started to roll down my thighs and the pain was unbearable.


    "Sophia, help me...my baby" I looked at Sophia and she was horrified. I started to lose consciousness and saw her panicking.


    "No..no, if I do this, I might lose Aziel. Your baby should...die...Rose. It shouldn''t live." And my last memory was seeing her leave


    The scene changed again and I was sitting on top of a building.


    And without moments of hesitation I jumped.


    ******


    I woke up sweating and my ragged breath was the only thing that can be heard in this silent cold night. I looked around, clutching the blankets.


    I''m still in my room, everything did not happen yet. It did not happen yet. The dark was looming in and I felt empty and scared.


    "It was only a dream Rose, only a dream" I felt the coldness of the night and I rubbed my arms to warm myself.


    I won''t experience that once again, this time they would be the ones suffering.

 Chapter 6

    Rose


    I was in the kitchen looking for food when I bumped a maid and the plate she was holding came crashing down. We were both startled and I lifted my eyes to see her smirking.


    "She''s so clumsy"


    "I know right,"


    "Why is she Master Howard''s daughter, if it was Sophia, it would be understandable."


    "I know right, Master Howard''s so unlucky to have her as a daughter. Sophia''s better in so many ways"


    "Pshhh... You can''t even compare both of them."


    I heard the other maids whisper among themselves, they may have thought I wouldn''t hear them gossiping about me, but I heard them loud and clear.


    They even have the guts to gossip about me who''s present in the room.


    We have about ten maids and most of the maids were hostile towards me.


    I remembered that whenever Sophia does something wrong, she would put the blame on me and act as if it was all my doing, but because Dad was always lenient to me, he would turn to scold the maids, sometimes cutting off their salary.


    In my past life as a child, I was also timid and never stood up for myself and for others. I never made a connection to the maids and they grew to hate me.


    "Pick it up" I ordered the maid who bumped me. She was young maybe around 18, she has freckles spread on her nose and cheeks and she''s quite short for her age.


    "Why would I? You''re the one who bumped into me" the maid smirked arrogantly and I so badly want to erase that smirk off her face.


    The maids in our residence never respected me, well it was quite understandable, since I never tried to clear up misunderstandings and I was a pushover. They favored Sophia more than me, but it was because she was a two-faced girl and she only showed them her better side.


    I smiled sweetly at her, fluttering my lashes and gently touching her face.


    "I think you''re too young to be a maid and that''s why you''re not doing your job properly nor respecting me. But you know I could fire you easily and God knows that I am willing to do it.


    "Now, either pick that all up or pack your things and go home," She was stunned and shock was evident on her but she bent down and started picking up the glass shards. I was about to stop her, as I felt guilt watching her pitiful form but I restrained myself.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    They wouldn''t learn their lesson if I continue to appear weak before them. She groaned as a piece of glass cut her palms and blood started to trickle on the floor.


    I turned my eyes as my compassionate side was getting the best of me, and it''s something I want to bury in the depths of my soul. Being compassionate wouldn''t bring me any good, I learned that in the hardest way possible.


    "You know you could use a broom rather than your hands" I suggested since seeing her picking it all up with her hands was bugging me.


    Other maids and Nanny came to see the ruckus and they were all surprised with what''s happening. I turned away and glared at the maids who were talking behind my back but then I suddenly smiled.


    "Nanny, fire them. I don''t need people who talk behind others instead of doing their work." I pointed at the maids.


    They were all terrified, I''ve never acted like this, in their eyes I''m just a timid and pushover girl for them to bully.


    Well, loyalty comes from fear and fear comes from being cruel.


    "Ready the car. I''m going outside" Nanny walked beside me as I went to change clothes, she was grinning and it was quite troubling me.


    "Nanny, what?" I faced her and she widens her grin.


    "Nothing. It''s just my little Rose is so mature now, it''s like you turned into a complete different person." I smiled at her.


    Nanny always defended and protected me, but the maids always found ways to harass me. I would keep silent about it and made Sena promise to never tell Dad, since as a child I was afraid that their resentment would intensify.


    But, I am now a complete different person than before.


    I walked into my room to change my clothes. I wore a simple loose shirt and jeans and grabbed my sling bag.


    The parking space was packed with luxurious cars and I found a black luxury car parked. I was ecstatic thinking I could drive again and I hurriedly sat in the driver''s seat completely oblivious, then my situation came, slapping me right on my face


    I''m a 15 years old girl right now who never had driving lessons, yet here I am ready to start and drive a car.


    "Oh shoot"


    I caught a glimpse of a confused chauffeur and I felt paralyzed. A light cough was released from my mouth as I slowly went outside, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment as the chauffeur opened the passenger''s seat and I quickly sat.


    "To the Rossette Workshop please" I looked at the window unable to face the chauffer with the simple mistake replaying in my head.


    It was summer break and I usually spend my summer in a workshop. Rossette workshop mainly focuses on designing clothes but they also teach different types of craftwork. I took out a brochure and started reading.


    Hmmm. Maybe I''ll try woodcraft. I''ve never tried learning woodcraft but it seems interesting and it would be pretty convenient later on.


    I walked up to an attendant and signed up. After a while, I was led to a noisy open room.


    We were quite few, I guess there are not that many who are interested in this field.


    I was busy examining the area and I noticed there are mostly boys. But my eyes caught a significant boy, staring intently at me.


    I knitted my brows. I recalled my memories and I had never encountered him but his eyes were utterly familiar. His bemused and vivid electric blue eyes reminded me of deep clear waters, pulling me in and sinking me deeper.


    His chiseled jawline struck me in many ways possible. He exuded a manly aura, seething all throughout his entire body. In short, he''s absolutely breathtaking, like a masterpiece molded by the heavens.


    I coughed looking away. I was just ogling at him and I was embarrassed thinking of my age. I may be a teen now but I was a 28 years old woman.


    How can I find a young teen attractive? How is he very attractive? You stupid woman. We''re clearly more or less 10 years apart mentally.


    "Good morning guys, this is Rose and she''ll be learning alongside all of you. Have fun and be nice to each other..." The attendant looked at me and flashed a smile.


    "Rose your table will be beside Vont."


    I scanned the room and was frozen in the spot as the Vont she was talking about was the guy I was gawking at earlier. To make matters worse, only two tables were at the utmost back and he''s occupying the first one.


    Great, he''s my only seatmate.


    I pursed my lips as I went near to my designated table and sat down directly not giving any care to the stares I''m receiving


    "Hi, I''m Zaireth Vont but you could call me Vont or Zaireth or whichever you like" I lifted my gaze at him and he gave me a cheeky smile.


    I quickly sucked in a breath as our eyes met. It''s a sin to have a face like that. I wasn''t able to wholly observe him, because I was in a panicked state and he''s quite far from me.


    But Oh God, How can you be so unfair sometimes, he''s like on a complete different level compared to boys in his age. I remembered Aziel and scoffed, he''s nowhere compared to this godly boy right in front of me. Aziel''s like a pug with down syndrome and alien-like features.

 Chapter 7

    Rose


    "I know I''m handsome but staring is rude you know." he suddenly blurted out and I almost choke on nothing.


    "Excuse me? I was not staring at you. I was just...looking at you."


    "Oh, that still means you were staring at me" I laughed it off and embarrassment flooded my entire body.


    "Yeah, I must admit I was staring at you but it''s because you''re really handsome. What''s your secret?" I nudged forward seemingly curious.  He chuckled and the embarrassment quickly dispersed into thin air.


    "So you''re saying I''m handsome. Thank you for the compliment but I''ve got no secret since I was just born this way." He said it jokingly and flashed a "checkmark" hand pose.


    I chuckled lightly with his silliness and I felt comfortable talking to him.


    I thought he would be intimidating because of his physical appearance but it was the complete opposite.


    "Anyways, where''s the instructor?"


    "He''s somewhere out there in his pants." I squinted my eyes at him at his smart-ass answer and I heard him stifle a laugh.


    "I don''t know but I think he''ll be here soon."


    The door swung open and the instructor came exactly after he said that.


    "Oh talk to you later. He''s here"  I turned my gaze at the front to listen to the instructor.


    The instructor taught us how to use the necessary tools and safety equipment, he then instructed us to make a simple flower with five petals, the one kids usually drew for school and he calls it a periwinkle, although I doubt it is. He made a simple fucking flower for two hours and we were all gawking and waiting for his ''amazing result'' which costed us 2 hours only to see a ''periwinkle''.


    Yeah, a ducking periwinkle.


    But I don''t have the right to judge since mine was....utterly a disaster. My periwinkle looked nothing like a flower. The petals were not emphasized so afar it''s like a deformed circle with five long slices and the color of the wood was not helping at all. It made it look like a poop. A poop flower.


    The carving knife and my hand were not listening to me at all.


    I heard someone snicker and turned to see Vont/Zaireth/ or whatever his name was holding back his laughter.


    He clearly couldn''t contain it and burst out a laugh. Embarrassment and irritation flooded my whole body, as I threw him my wooden poop flower. I don''t know what''s with me but I''m completely comfortable with him, comfortable enough to throw him my wooden masterpiece.


    "Hahahaha, sorry, sorry but pffft...how were you able to make that?" He was holding his stomach, and although his laughter appears to be music to my ears, it was one hella annoying music that I would strangle the one who''s making it right now.


    "Stop laughing. How nice is your work to criticize mine" I stretched my neck to see his crafted flower and I was absolutely amazed and stunned. It was a well-made rose resting on a stem with five serrated leaves and I was absolutely speechless. He took it all up to a notch, he even crafted a rose with leaves even though we were only tasked to make a simple ''periwinkle''.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    He was smiling arrogantly as I retracted my gaze to my poop flower feeling defeated. It''s not helping how it lays flat on the floor, and my inner self wants to bring my foot up and crush it.


    "Psh ok, that rose looks amazing compared to mine. But so what?" I told him while trying to carve another one.


    I was busy carving if you could describe it as carving until I noticed him behind me. He snakily glided his hands beside my waist and stopped me, and I almost went to heaven and back by getting surprised.


    He was taller than me so it was easy to sneak his hands behind me. I felt his breath on my neck and I was startled.


    "What are you doing?" I said in a not-so-convincing tone.


    Really Rose really?


    "You''re doing it in the wrong way"


    Jesus Christ, I was doing it like how the instructor did it.


    He went beside me and took his carving knife, chisel, and a wooden mallet and started chiseling.


    "Ok observe me. You need to carve here deeper then going to a curve, make a--" his words were muffled as I stared at him intently. Did I say he was handsome cuz he''s really stunning right now. His serious face is so...sexy and refined.


    "Rose, are you listening?" He caught me staring and daydreaming at him.


    I coughed lightly "Y...yes you told me to take a curve." he chuckled and once again I''m at awe. He shouldn''t smile like that, it may result in numerous women in jail.


    "I said that ages ago." he shook his head while his lips curved into a smile.


    We spent the afternoon carving wooden flowers and talking about stuff. I must admit I improved. It looked like a decent simple flower already, although it paled in comparison to Zeth''s one, at least it''s passable.


    And I''m calling him Zeth, short for Zaireth since Vont''s an unusual name and Zaireth is too long.


    "Zeth, I think you should replace the instructor. You''re very good at teaching other people"


    "Naah. The instructor just sucks" and we both laughed.


    I was brimming with happiness and positivity as I went home, I was able to carve a flower and it was enough to make me happy.


    It was unusual for me to feel this kind of happiness, the last time I was this optimistic was when I celebrated my 5th anniversary with Aziel which quickly faded as it was replaced with betrayal as I saw Sophia and Aziel lapping their lips off each other.


    Oh, speaking of the devil, I saw Aziel sitting at the front of our main door, and my short-lived happiness instantly dissipated.


    "What are you doing here?" I coldly asked him. He quickly lifted his gaze and our eyes met only to see me completely dissatisfied with his presence.


    Confusion flashed on his face when he heard me asking in an unfamiliar tone. I always greeted him cheerfully, like how a dog would with its owner. I would treat him like a prince, treat him like he''s the only man out there for me.


    The "there are many fishes out there in the sea" was never applicable to me.


    For me Aziel Jaxton Clemonte was my life, my everything, I lived only for him.


    My eyes stung as I remembered my baby and the betrayal. The memories came in, flooding my mind and soul, but instead of crying, my heart burst with rage and wrath.


    "Get the fuck out of here Aziel, I am done with you!" he looked at me aghast, with my sudden outburst. I was pushing him out but he was as strong as a wall.


    "What did I do wrong?.... Why are you suddenly acting like this Rose?" I laughed bitterly. Of course, you wouldn''t know the hell you put me through. Of course, this bastard wouldn''t know what he did to me. And that made me more frustrated, my heart clenched with rage as I looked at his flabbergasted face.


    "Aziel, just ,, just leave before I do things, I would regret." I shook my head as tears started to flow. The frustration was enough to bring me to tears. He wrapped his arms around and tried to comfort me but I squirmed and pushed him away.


    "Rose just tell me what happened? Just tell me so I would know." I glared at him.


    The fuck would you know.


    "Aziel please leave. I''m asking you nicely right now. Fucking leave before I''ll drag you out here."


    "No, I won''t leave unless you tell me what''s wrong." I scowled at him and called the guards. They were just near the scene as they hurriedly came as soon as they heard someone scream, yet they didn''t have the guts to stop us. They were just there scoping up news to gossip to others.


    They quickly ushered Aziel outside. "Ban him, and never let him inside." Aziel tried to struggle and called my name but I turned quickly and went inside. The maids greeted me politely but I was feeling so off that I simply nodded at their greeting.


    One reason why Aziel was so invested with me was for the partnership of our family''s company. They need the partnership to bring them out from bankruptcy but I would gladly let them suffer.


    I would never let them taste success.

 Chapter 8

    Rose


    A day passed since Aziel''s visit and it was time for Dad to come home too. I waited patiently in my room writing in my diary.


    I guess I still have a thing for diaries. Well, there are many who still keeps and writes in their diary, including me.


    I listed all my major plans that I should focus on given my second chance in life.


    First: I need to start my business as early as possible, I know the fashion trends each year so it would give me a boost, but I should make my business independent from The Rockfeller''s, I can''t make the same mistake twice.


    Second: I should have a social life, I was bad at socializing and thought it was pointless, but I could really make use of the connections now.


    Third: Exile Sophia, Step-mother, and Aziel from my life, and of course I won''t forget making their lives a living hell.


    Fourth: Avoid the misfortunes that would come in my life. After 5 years, my father would be in a huge accident and will be in a comatose for years. The Rockfeller would also declare bankruptcy in this time, someone bought shares and invested which in turn made him/her the highest stockholder, and he/she ousted me from our company. Blah blah blah.


    I hate thinking back at my misfortunes, my mood would quickly plummet down.


    Oh god, how can you shower me lots of mishaps in this short life? I might go crazy just thinking about them. But I vowed to be happy this time, and I will be.


    I heard some chattering and it was getting noisy downstairs so I presume Dad''s home. I quickly ran through the door and almost tripping on the stairs.


    "Be careful Rose" I heard Dad yell and I was so happy to hear his voice again.


    "Welcome back Dad" I threw him a huge hug and he also wrapped his arms around me.


    "I brought gifts and some souvenirs from the trip. I think you''ll love them, Rose. I also bought some dresses and accessories since you love fashion. And I bought some plushies to add with your collection" He is obviously eager to make me happy. His joy was apparent to me and I was on the verge of tears. I just realized my father''s precious and adorable, he''s like a child who denies his feelings but there are moments where he couldn''t resist and this is one of those moments.


    He''s gradually showing me his warm and caring sides and my heart felt full. I never had this experience with Dad before but I''m happy seeing him this happy.


    I won''t lose you Dad, I swear, not this time.


    I wiped some of the tears that were about to fall and giggled. "I love all of them. Thank you, Dad, I am very happy with all these gifts."


    I saw Sophia in the corner of my eyes and turned to her.


    "Dad, how about Sophia?" I asked him innocently while looking at Sophia with a victorious smile. Dad paused for a while and I could clearly see he''s taken aback.


    "I''m sorry Sophia. I''ll just buy gifts for you next time." I smirked at her. She was ogling the gifts my Dad brought thinking she''ll be having some, but poor Sophia, none of it is hers.


    Well, I planned it all, I texted my Dad''s secretary saying I want gifts, leaving Sophia out of it because I lied telling him, she just received presents from Aunt Ysabelle


    I smirked and I saw Sophia''s face filled with envy, Dad just showered me with presents but she has none.


    It may be immature of me to do this, but I want her to feel despair in every way possible.


    Go on, envy me more. Show that despicable side of yours.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    "It''s ok Dad, you can buy me lots of gifts next time." She cheerfully stated but her eyes told me otherwise.


    "It''s ok Sophia, you have Aunt Ysabelle to give you presents" I mocked her, fully knowing her mother would never do anything like this, giving gifts and all. She was greedy for money and is selfish with it.


    Aunt Ysabelle came in the scene and greeted Dad annoyingly. Her high-pitched voice was extreme torture for my ears. Dad just nodded at Ysabelle and I wondered. Even in the past, Dad never showed his love for Ysabelle, it''s like he never loved her at all.


    It was like she was enduring her all this time but I never knew the reason why?


    "Rose, I''ll just be in my office for a while, there are some things, I need to do" I nodded at him. Dad called the maids to bring the gifts to my room and left us in the living room.


    Oh, I almost forgot.


    I faced my step-mother smiling. "Aunt, We''ll be cutting the amount of money you can spend on a yearly basis if you want you can refund some stuff you bought that are useless." I blurted out, Aunt took time understanding my words and her face contorted to an ugly one.


    "You can''t do that, All that I bought are not useless and I bought it with my money" I scoffed. The audacity of exclaiming it was all her money.


    "Your money? Tell me how is that possible Aunt, you never worked your ass off for any money here. I would understand if you did some chores or helped in business, but you are living like royalty here" I said calmly. She was turning as red as a tomato, her face full of rage hearing me uttering blasphemous facts.


    This would also be discipline for them since, in my past life, they were living extravagantly and the money they used was enough to give Dad a headache.


    "And we''ll be cutting off the allowance of Sophia."


    "What? Why including me? I never wasted any money" I sneered at her and raised my brow. They''re such petty liars, it''s making me sick to the core. Sophia buys expensive things and usually boast it to other people, and now she actually dares to tell me, she never wasted any money?


    "I''ll talk to Howard about this!" Aunt yelled to my face, trying so hard not to lose her patience and cool.


    Well, it would be a disaster if she does.


    I shrugged at her and smiled sweetly.


    "Suit yourself"


    I talked with Dad''s secretary about this and he informed Dad. They both agreed with my decision and froze their credit cards.


    Aunt never had authority in this house, I was her shield and sword. She used my childish love to tie Dad in the neck.


    But...she never showed any hostility to me, she was only here to use our money and nothing more.


    Well they can''t do anything about this situation right now, they were leeching us off but now, they will have none of our wealth, even a speck.


    Starting today, I will be cutting off their benefits of being a part of the Rockfellers.


    Aunt Ysabelle suddenly grabbed me by my elbow and dragged me to Dad''s office leaving Sophia behind.


    "Hey, that hurts" I released my elbow from her grip and Ysabelle just stormed in Dad''s office while I waited patiently outside.


    Well, I have matters to talk with Dad and it''s also a bonus to see Aunt creating a fuss.


    "Howard, your daughter just said you''ll be cutting my expenses and money off. How can you do that to me?" I scoffed at her words, she''s still on with having her own money and all.


    "I already decided it, we all agreed that this would be the best choice, to limit your funds and stop you from wasting money"


    "No...no. You can''t do this Howard, How am I supposed to live like this?"


    Pfft. She''s so dramatic. She''s like those actresses from the ''80s, who can''t even act properly.


    "Ysabelle, we''re just freezing your credit card but the deal''s still on. Please get out. Can''t you see I''m busy here?"


    Huh? What deal? I''ve never heard Dad making a deal with Ysabelle.


    "How is it possible, if you''ll freeze my credit cards?"


    "Ysabelle, let''s just talk later. I need to finish these documents today" Father said in a weary tone, he was obviously tired. He just came back from a business trip and here comes Ysabelle with her sudden outbursts.


    "No. I won''t leave until--"


    "Ysabelle, Get out now!" I was startled with the sudden rise in his tone.


    Aunt went outside the office, stomping her feet on the ground. She forgot about me as she dashed out of the office.


    I knocked on the door three times "What is it now Ysabelle?"


    "Dad. It''s Rose" he paused for a long time and I could hear him sigh.


    "Rose come in" I walked inside his office and I could see his tired form. He was facing his laptop with lots of documents beside him. He just closed off a deal in London so he''s working his ass off.


    I wanted to ask about the deal but he looked worn out that I just shrugged the thought out.


    Maybe it was not that important.


    "Dad, I want to work in the company" He lifted his gaze and looked at me confused.


    "What?"


    "I want to learn about the business and help."


    "But.. I thought you want to pursue fashion and you''re too young to help in business." I smiled at him and shook my head


    "Yes, but it could serve as training and it would be good for me to start early, besides I could always design clothes in my free time." Well, what I said are facts but my true goal is preventing bankruptcy and establishing my own company.


    "Oh...ok. You''re right it''s better to start early and it could be a good training-" He paused for a while and thought deeply.


    "Ok...When do you want to start?" I smiled with his approval.


    "As soon as possible"

 Chapter 9

    Rose


    Today''s a Saturday, and I''m going to The Rosette''s Workshop as usual. But currently, I''m in a dilemma of choosing clothes, shoes, and painting my face with makeup.


    "Rose, the driver''s been waiting for you for 30 minutes. " I was frantically searching for clothes to wear and putting on makeup that I lost track of time.


    "Just give me 10 more minutes" I shouted.


    Should I just wear jeans? But they''re too simple.


    How about a crop-top? .......No, I don''t think it would suit me.


    What the hell am I gonna wear?


    I reached further down the closet and grabbed a black off-shoulder top and paired it with an A-line floral skirt. I looked at the mirror and smiled.


    Perfect.


    I grabbed a pair of earrings and some accessories and put on a 3-inches high heels. I looked at the mirror and fixed my hair again which is like a hundredth time already.


    When I was a child I got a horrible taste of clothes for myself, even though I enjoy fashion and styling clothes. It was always for others and it was just when I was an adult that I became conscious of what I wear.


    "Rose? You really need to get going" Ugh whatever. I look pretty anyway.


    I went out of the room and Sena looked at me stunned with what I''m wearing. Well, it was a miracle that I have salvaged and found this dress.


    "Rose, you look...different but it''s better" she flashed me a thumbs-up and a wide grin.


    "Thank you, nanny but I really need to get going. I''m already late. Bye-bye, see you later" I ran off, safely making my way downstairs.


    "Ok, have a safe trip" she shouted and I waved my hands at her,  flashing a toothy smile.


    I hurriedly went to the luxury car and instructed the driver to drive fast. We zoomed past buildings and houses, and after a few minutes, we arrived.


    "Pick me up around 4:30. Thank you." I shut the door quickly and dashed to the workroom.


    The instructor was already carving and instructing to do things, so I presumed I''m late. I ducked down, trying not to disturb him or anything and quickly went to my table.


    "You off to a date?" I heard Zeth asked and I turned to him.


    I raised one of my brows


    "No, Why?"


    "You''re dressed beautifully and you absolutely look like you''re going to one," He said without looking at me.


    I felt blood creep up my face and butterflies rummaged my stomach.


    He said I''m beautifulIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I''ve heard others calling me beautiful and stunning but I was never accustomed to it. They even went far and hit on me but because I was head over heels for Aziel, I''ve shrugged it off and thought it was absurd.


    "I meant the clothes" I furrowed my eyebrows


    "What?"


    "I meant the clothes you''re wearing right now is beautiful." I felt embarrassed and laughed awkwardly at him.


    Way to think ahead of myself


    "What are we carving?" I asked him, Zeth was listening to the instructor attentively that I hesitated on asking.


    "Carving an animal"


    I nodded and listened to the instructor showing us how to carve a cat.


    "You can start carving any animal you want" I heard him say and I was dumbfounded.


    Was that all? but he only showed us how to carve a cat? He just freaking showed us without teaching anything.


    Last time I checked, I was in the beginner''s class. So what is he talking about?


    "You can learn by experience and use your imagination" he stated answering my inner questions and I suddenly want to do a somersault and land at his face.


    Wtf. I stared down at the block of wood on my table not knowing what to do. The fuck am I going to carve?


    I glanced around the others and they started to work on their block of wood. Is it just me thinking the instructor is doing a poor job with teaching us?


    Yeah, I think it''s just me.


    "What are you trying to carve?" I asked Zeth.


    "A bird," he said without glancing my way.


    Maybe I''ll try carving a fish. Yeah, I''ll try doing a simple one. I cut the block of wood to make it thin and started chiseling around the corners.


    Two hours passed and Zeth was done with his bird and it freaking looked realistic while there''s me trying to carve a drawn-by-a-preschool fish.


    He glanced at my work and laughed. Why am I this unfortunate to have my table beside him? It should be a crime to sit beside someone who''s absolutely a pro.


    "That looks like something a kid would make" he snorted and I was ready to duct tape that mouth of his.


    "Well simplicity is better," I said trying to defend my fish, yet it''s making me feel pathetic.


    "Simplicity is better when it doesn''t look like a dying fish made by a kid" I turned to look at him with squinted eyes while he''s busy laughing his ass off.


    "Anyways school is starting, so where are you planning to study" I tried to change the subject while hiding my embarrassed state. I started to paint my fish with red color since I like red and I was relieved that I was almost done.


    "Nah I''m homeschooled. Uncle wants me to focus on things" I furrowed my brows


    "Uncle? Where''s your parents?" He paused for a while, thinking deeply.


    Umm... They''re somewhere very far away," he told me and sadness enveloped his face.


    The conversation turned awkwardly silent as I was clueless and I didn''t know what to do to uplift the mood.


    "So tell me, what made you want to learn woodcraft?"  He smiled but it was a fake one. I was sure he was trying to change the subject and change the atmosphere.


    "I was.....interested with it" I looked at him and his eyes were swirling with emotions as he looked back at me.


    We spent the whole afternoon talking about useless things, and I felt completely immersed in it that I forgot about the time.


    I told him that I was originally into fashion but because I want to learn more, I tried woodcrafting. He also told me that his father was the one who taught him woodcraft and he signed up for the experience.


    We talked mostly about ourselves and we were absolutely the last ones to get out the workroom


    "Hey, I think you should better go. It''s around 5:00 already" he cut off our conversation and I looked at my phone. It read 5:05, Oh god I absolutely forgot about the driver.


    I lifted my gaze with eyes wide open.


    "Shit, I really need to go. I just told the driver to pick me up at 4:30."


    I waved my hands at him and ran off. He chuckled as I dashed out to the parking lot.


    "Hey, you look really beautiful today but make sure you''re not late next time" I heard him shout as I sat on the passenger''s seat.


    My face heated up and I was staring at the windows dumbfounded. My heart felt like it was just in a rollercoaster ride and my whole body was brimming with bliss. My mind was all fuzzy and I was smiling like an idiot.


    I was heavily guarding my heart, scared I might break it again because


    of love, but being with Zeth was comfortable.


    I only see him as a goofy friend that I was able to lower my guard but...


    Arrgh screw it, he''s just a friend who called me beautiful and it''s just normal to feel this way.


    Right?

 Chapter 10

    Rose


    "So tell me how this differs from designs, other engineering companies have to offer." I inquired confidently as I skimmed through the presentation papers, heaving a sigh of disappointment.


    I am currently in a business meeting with Dad, some executives, and managers. After what I proposed to him that I wanted to help him in business, I annoy- I mean I asked him nicely to bring me to one of his company meetings in one condition.


    I just need to watch silently not uttering any word....but here I am, rattling my mouth off.


    Well, I can''t just lay still and silent when I know this plan is bull, everything down to the budgeting and the blueprint.


    The Rockfeller company is one of the largest engineering firms hailed for its strong foundation, structures, and innovativeness. This deal is of importance to the company and failing it would leave a huge dent on us.


    I remembered in my past life, how Dad was utterly distressed as we failed to secure the Tokyo Tsushin deal. Fortunately, we were able to save our faces as Dad just recently close the deal in London but it was such a huge loss for us.


    We are all lucky Dad brought me to the Tokyo Tsushin deal conference, I can alter the future a little bit.


    I gaped at the speaker, with discontentment visible in every inch of my body.


    Now I understand why we failed the deal.


    "Redo everything and make it more eco-friendly and less costly. Nobody wants an ordinary expensive building unless you tell me what makes this plan of yours so special" I eyed him waiting for a reply but what I got back in return was utter silence.


    "Research more and make it less obvious that you are rigging other company''s ideas" I heard some executives gasp with my revelation, and they quickly turned to the speaker.


    I noticed from the document that the blueprint was kinda similar to another engineering company''s project and 2010 was a time where people were so adamant in saving the world from pollution, and the world obviously doesn''t require another big factory which doesn''t care for preservation, conservation and stuff about the world.


    I looked around and most executives and managers were all gawking at me, dumbfounded by my remark. I shrugged them off and turned to Dad.


    "Dad, I need to excuse myself" He was also dumbfounded but tried to compose himself and nodded at me.


    Well, what comes after this would be absolutely boring, they''ll just talk about their achievements for these last few months, how the company''s flourishing and gossips about their life.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Like hell am I interested in your lives. I''m pretty well occupied with the sudden weird events that I would assume mine would be more gossip-worthy.


    Imagine going back in time after experiencing hell-like suffering that makes you want to die and seeing your enemies back again in their naive and innocent time.


    But they''ll bring me to a mental hospital first before I can achieve anything if I utter any word about this.


    I went inside Dad''s office and took some blank papers and a pen. I started scribbling and designing clothes. From t-shirts to skirts to dresses, I consumed around 20 sheets of paper.


    Well I was a designer and I felt like I was born to be a designer, so sketching and styling clothes were one of my happiness.


    I ransacked my memories thinking about what were the trends in 2010 and it made me cringe. This year was the hipster and hype beast era and my expression quickly turned sour. As a modern woman that lived in 2023, it was a horror.


    I heard the door click and Dad with Mr. Samuel, dad''s secretary, came in talking about the meeting awhile ago.


    They quickly noticed me and Dad gave me a big toothy smile while Mr. Samuel nodded at me.


    "I''m very proud of you Rose. I never know you could be this good in company meetings. If I had known, I could have brought you earlier and started your training.


    "You left them all dumbfounded, surprised and they were all praising you as you went out the room." Dad was super excited and his pitch was a tad bit higher than usual, which was weird.


    I was quite surprised myself, it wasn''t of my intention to suddenly barge into the presentation and relay my opinion, but their plan was utterly a disgrace and I just can''t help myself.


    I didn''t think they would take the opinion of a teenager by heart, well in their eyes I might be a teen, but I''m absolutely not if you take into account my consciousness.


    But how did they take my words so easily?


    "You appeared and talked like a grown-up back there, that other executives couldn''t believe you''re just a 15-year-old girl. It''s like you''ve been into company meetings a lot of times."


    Well, it''s true. I''ve been in dozens of company meetings and conferences. I''ve sacrificed so much for this company, my entire time and dedication was all for the betterment of it, but in the end, I was just fired so easily.


    For a moment, I felt a pang emerging in my chest as I remembered my experiences again, but I forced a smile thinking Dad would be worried.


    "My daughter is a genius. Samuel, my daughter is a business prodigy." I snorted at Dad''s silliness as he blurted out embarrassing compliments. Our relationship now was quite astonishing, Dad''s able to relay his emotions properly and we''re comfortable with each other these past few days.


    "Dad stop, I just studied and read some books about business so that I could be of help," I said which was a lie because I was never interested in business. I just learned to love business managing when I was studying under the wing of Dad.


    "See my daughter''s so precious Samuel. She''s already thinking about me in this age" Dad''s completely hopeless, I shook my head embarrassed with his comments.


    I guess it''s not too bad seeing him this cheerful and full of life. It''s unusual but it''s a good one.


    My train of thought suddenly came to a halt, when I remembered a bitter memory.


    After five years I won''t see this again, After five years he would lie in a hospital bed, unmoving, with tubes surrounding him and completely unattached from this world. He would leave me, endlessly waiting for him to open his eyes again and wondering if he will.


    But...wait. I''m back in the past and my Dad''s still here, smiling proudly and acting annoying at me.


    After five years I can avoid the accident. After five years I can change his fate.?

 Chapter 11

    Rose


    "Dad I''m off to the workshop" I was beaming with delightfulness as the thought of seeing Zeth again, crossed my mind.


    Wait, that sounded wrong....Why am I delighted to see him.


    I am delighted to craft another wooden masterpiece.


    Yeah, that''s it, I''m gonna create a masterpiece, everyone including Zeth would acknowledge my skill in crafting.


    That still, sounded wrong. I totally know I can''t craft that well.


    We arrived at Rosette''s after a few minutes and I instructed the driver to come fetch me at 4:30.


    "Good morning Rose" I turned around to see Fanna with her usual pigtails and glossy appearance. It may sound unusual but I''ve found some friends in the workshop.


    "Sup Rose. You''re early today" Gia butted in.


    Fanna, Gia, and I were the only girls who signed up for woodcraft, and naturally, we got closer. Fanna has a bright personality while Gia''s kinda boyish, and they''re fun to be around. They both have different temperaments but they complement each other very well.


    "Yeah, It''s a miracle you''re early today" Zeth came in the view, smiling so smugly and I rolled my eyes at him.


    "I can be punctual too, you know." I crossed my arms and looked away at him.


    "How about we bond after the workshop''s done for the day" Fanna enthusiastically suggests.


    "And where should we go?" Gia asked and I was waiting patiently for Fanna to answer.


    I had planned on going home early to help Dad with his documents, ever since the business conference, Dad allowed me to help him with minor papers pertaining the business, but it''s kinda nice to unwind myself once in a while.


    "There''s a newly built shopping mall, just down the road, we can go there after we''re done here" Fanna excitedly replied, jumping with her hands clasped which made her look like a kid.


    Hmm, maybe I should go. I can only count the times I''ve gone shopping partly because of Sophia and my reserved personality as a child.


    Sophia would always mock me whenever I went shopping from the clothes I buy to the money I expended which I thought was playful banter back then. This was one of the reasons why I''m so adamant about restricting their usage of money. It felt like I was was able to cut one of her horns.


    "Ok. I''m in." I stated and Gia also agreed.


    We all turned our heads to Zeth to hear his decision and he appeared surprised.


    "Uuh. I think I should pass." he backed away, hands raised to protest, and his face distorted to a distressed one.


    "What are you saying Zeth? We''re all buddies here, you should come with us" Fanna grabbed his arms smiling widely. He looked at us with an expression screaming ''help'' as Fanna continued to tug at his arms.


    I chuckled and nodded. " Yeah, Zeth. You shouldn''t miss the fun" His complexion turned pale and he shook his head declaring his loss.


    After having another failed day in the workshop with my indescribable craftwork that could pass as an abstract because even I, couldn''t understand it literally. It looked like a deformed extraterrestrial being and an abominable little monster at the same time.


    We all decided to go to the mall. Zeth tried to ditch us but Fanna''s like a wild animal with super sharp instincts and manages to freak the hell out of him. In the end, he was forced to come. I texted the driver of the new location and time and informed Dad I would come home late.


    The mall was overcrowded, maybe due to the fact it''s newly built and there''s a discount thrown everywhere.


    "Omg, that looks so nice! That too!" Fanna hollered pointing everywhere, earning us a lot of weird stares, and us suffering a pretty damn well second-hand embarrassment.


    "Fanna shut up, you''re like a girl trapped in a basement for years who just learned about shopping and malls." Gia complained, getting annoyed with the stares other people threw at us. She''s not particularly good with attention.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    We visited some boutiques and shops, and we bought so much. I was thankful I didn''t plan on wearing heels today or I would''ve killed my feet off.


    Zeth was clearly not enjoying his time shopping but he never said any word and complained about it. He even offered to bring our stuff which made him appear like a pitiful dog.


    "Hey, Fanna can we pause for a while and eat." Gia muttered as we were about to enter another boutique.


    "Yeah, I''m getting hungry also" I agreed with the thought of food flooding my mind, and felt my stomach craving for anything that would satisfy it.


    "Ok!" Fanna twittered and I began wondering how hyper this kid is. We were all tired from walking and I reckon we have entered almost two-thirds of the shops present in this mall, yet Fanna''s still as vigorous as usual.


    I heard Zeth sigh, clearly exhausted from all the weight he''s carrying.


    "I can carry some" I told him and he looked at me skeptically.


    "Naah you got stick-like hands and you''re too scrawny to handle more" he peered at the shopping bags I''m carrying and shook his head.


    I offered some help but it seems he''s acting like a real gentleman and I have some conscience to let him keep his pride.


    So I gave him my remaining shopping bags to carry and gently smiled at him.


    If he wants to act like a gentleman then I''ll gladly let him.


    He looked at me with a flabbergasted face. His arms and hands were full of bags that it was impossible to refuse as I slung two shopping bags around him.


    "I have stick-like scrawny hands remember?" I sneered, waving my hands at him and he was about to decline but Fanna and Gia called us.


    We entered a restaurant, Gia found around the corner and plopped down on our seats. Zeth puffed a huge breath as he set the bags down and sat opposite from me.


    We ordered our meals and I got a fried chicken paired with rice. It smelled heavenly and the chicken skin was crunchy while the meat inside was juicy and soft as I cut a huge chunk of meat and brought it to my mouth. The rice was sweet and it complimented well with the meat and I unknowingly let out a satisfied groan.


    I was extremely famished and it tasted so good that the meal was gone in a matter of minutes.


    "That was very unladylike" I heard Zeth muttered with an amused face.


    "What do you know about lady-like acts?" I inquired annoyed by what he stated. He blatantly told me I act unrefined and it was a big blow in the gut.


    We all finished eating and after some time of spending and window-shopping, we decided to part ways and go home.


    Zeth waited until there were only two of us, Fanna and Gia were picked up by their own chauffers and my driver was late.


    "How about you, Zeth?" I asked him because he doesn''t look like he''s waiting for someone.


    "I can just hail a cab." He stated looking at the sky.


    The night was settling down prematurely, there was a mixture of yellow-orange and blue in the sky that it appeared like someone brushed a stroke of paint on the horizon. The moon hung lowly with a bright light, gazing back at us and looking as beautiful as ever. It was also getting chilly until I felt warm cloth around me.


    "You''re shivering" I heard Zeth uttered in a low voice as he draped my body with his jacket. It smelled like mint and lemon mixed together and it was sort of calming. I felt like a child cuddling a bear underneath his jacket.


    He loves to annoy me sometimes but I can''t deny he truly has a decent personality.


    I smiled weakly at him and mouthed ''thank you''. We both fell into complete silence as we gazed back at the sky appreciating it, feeling each other''s presence.


    We fell into deep silence but it wasn''t awkward nor we were trying so hard to keep up a conversation rather, it was comfortable.


    "I miss them, especially with nights like this." he suddenly blurted out and I turned to observe him with a sorrowful expression.


    "Miss who?"


    "My parents.....my mom loves to paint, and she particularly admires the night sky. Dad also loves to watch her and they would goof off with dyes which in turn would result into a huge mess." He chuckled while staring at the moon with downcasted eyes but he was smiling genuinely. It was a mixture of both sadness and happiness.


    He paused for a while, as if he was recalling his past memories.


    "Yeah we were all happy until.... that happened" He gazed back at the horizon and sadness enveloped him.


    I was taken aback since it was unusual for him to act like this. He''s usually goofy and playful that this situation was kinda unexpected.


    "What happened? " It took me moments to realize I actually blurted my thoughts out.


    "I...It''s ok for you not to answer. It was just a question out of whim" I frantically told him, terrified he may be upset with my stupid self.


    My heart clenched as he chuckled bitterly and I want to smack my head on the wall for my absurdity. It might be a painful memory for him to reminisce and I just forced him to remember it.


    "They were-"


    We were interrupted by a loud honk of a car and we both turned to see my panicked driver running towards us.


    "I..I''m sorry miss. I lost track of time and- I''m deeply sorry" he bowed at me, ashamed with his mistake.


    I checked my phone and it was getting late. I also received some missed calls and texts from Dad that I assumed I''m dead once I get home.


    "It''s ok, let''s just quickly go home" I was also in a state of panic thinking of Dad.


    "I''m sorry Zeth. I really need to get going" I smiled at him apologetically, thinking it was a regret not hearing the reasons about his parent''s death but I need to prioritize myself or I''ll end up as a corpse.


    "It''s ok, Rose. It''s getting late and besides, we''ll see each other next weekend" he smiled at me softly as I hurriedly sat down the passenger''s seat and he helped the driver settle my shopping bags in the trunk.


    I waved at him as his figure started to get smaller and disappear in my vision.


    "I just hope, I won''t get killed by Dad"


    I muttered loudly, thinking I''ll be grounded and earning a long litany of sermons from him.

 Chapter 12

    Rose


    I entered the house with every stride beaming with contentment and enthusiasm as the driver informed me that Dad was called for an emergency meeting back in the company.


    But I suddenly halted my tracks as I noticed Sophia, seemingly waiting for someone.


    She looked at me with her lips pursed and eyes flickering with anger as she hastens her pace towards me.


    "Why did you ban Aziel? I tried telling the guards to let him in but they won''t budge. What did you do?" She was fuming with anger and I scoffed at her ''very warm greeting''.


    ''Why? So you could seduce him'' I mumbled in my thoughts.


    "Why are you so mad Sophia? What I decide is none of your business." I uttered with a soft voice.


    The main door opened and the two maids bringing numerous shopping bags rushed in.


    "Just bring it to my room. Thank you" I ordered the maids and Sophia was eyeing them with animosity as they quickly went upstairs to bring the stuff I bought to my room.


    "Hah. You''re unbelievable, Rose. You froze mine and my mother''s credit cards and limit our spending but here you are hoarding the money and spending them insolently!?" Her face was red like a sunburn that I want to throw a cold compress at her.


    "Chill Sophia, and if I could remember, this is the first, from a very long time that I went shopping and like I said, what I do is none of your business"


    ''And besides, it is mine and my father''s money, you and your mother are just leeching off from us'' I badly want to tell her off but I refrained myself as I thought of her pride.


    "None of my business? None? You are nothing without your money Rose. You are nothing without your father. And most importantly you are nothing without me"


    Ok? Where did that come from? But..


    The hell with her pride.


    I cocked my eyebrows, amused by what she said.  "Really now Sophia?, I am nothing without you?" I laughed sarcastically.


    I may be timid and have relied on her but how the hell did she come up with that? Her brain must be full of amusing stuff to think that stupidly.


    "Well, what I do know is that we gave you everything. My father and I have provided you, with trivial things down to everything you have now. So tell me Sophia, who is nothing now? You''re here because our family gave pity to you" I smirked at her but it instantly turned sour as a loud smack was what I got in return.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    It left a red palm mark and the stinging was somewhat bearable. Sophia had just slapped her.


    Why do I keep getting slaps from her?


    "I don''t need your family''s pity. I don''t need you or your despicable family. The Rockfellers may be wealthy but you''re all scum, the lowest scum. That blood inside your veins will cause your downfall, Rose. That Rockfellers blood will be your curse that''ll lead you to ruin" she yelled and I was stupified.


    She looked like she was about to cry but her expression quickly turned to a stoic one. She realized the words she said and scurried to leave but I quickly grabbed her arm.


    "What did you say? Why would being a Rockfeller drag me down?" I yanked her wrist hard, forcing her to look at me directly.


    "No, I didn''t say anything. Let me go, Rose"


    "I won''t let go unless you tell me something" I insisted, not letting go of my grip on her.


    "There''s nothing you should know, just remain naive and innocent Rose. You''re better that way" she pushed me away and released her wrist from me.


    She ran off to her room while I remained down on the floor, wallowing in my thoughts.


    What the hell does she mean? What does she know? I recollected my memories and began wondering why was she so persistent in destroying my life when all I did was treat her well and perceive her as my real sister. She even went far and stole Aziel and my company from me.


    "Rose, Rose are you okay?" Sena came and crouched down to level me.


    "Oh, Jesus and Mary! What happened?" She wrapped her arms around me and aided me to stand up. Her expression was that of a worried mother and I smiled, trying to reassure her.


    "I''m okay, Nanny-"


    "Where in the world are you okay Rose? Look, your lip is bleeding and your cheek is tainted with a red mark that will absolutely bruise." I didn''t notice that my lips were bleeding until my nanny pointed it out. I tasted the metallic flavor of blood and it started to burn.


    Nanny forced me to sit on the sofa while she went to the kitchen and returned with a cold compress on her hands.


    I winced as the compress was brought to my face and the coldness hit my cheek.


    "What happened Rose? Did Sophia hurt you? Was she the one who did this to you?" I simply nodded at her, like a child tattling to her mother.


    "That awful girl! I overlooked her despicable actions to you but enough is enough." I was about to say something but she shushed me up.


    "Don''t even think about stopping me, Rose. I know you are a kind-girl, but think about yourself once in a while"


    If I was my younger self back in the past, I would try to stop Nanny in any means and just pass it off as a joke. I was used to the insults and my two-faced sister that I would just shrug it all off and smile at her.


    Sophia was deceitful. I remembered her being sweet for a few seconds then becoming a demon later on. She knows how to pry her way on you with her kind and sweet acts.


    She may abuse me, but she treated me well (at least that''s what my past self thought), she acted like she''s my friend and family. She was there in my deep and sorrowful moments as a teenager when I just realized my feelings for my long time childhood friend. She would listen to my rants about the world and give me advice on my love life.


    She may speak harshly and hit me but I thought that''s what sisters are. I thought that''s just how we are.


    But I realized it was all fake. She''s all fake. Everything I know about her was all a lie.


    "Rose I''ll talk to Howard about this. That Sophia should stop. This-" she pointed at me "-should stop."

 Chapter 13

    Rose


    "I heard from Sena about your fight with your sister yesterday."


    "It was just a small banter" I facepalmed myself internally for defending Sophia.


    Old habits do die hard.


    "Rose, I know Sophia has a bit of a terrible personality but please know how to understand her." My face was all scrunched up as I turned to look away at him.


    Know how to understand her? Understand Sophia? The one who killed my child. The one who made my life all messed up.


    "You should know hard it is for Sophia to be suddenly brought here. She had gone through far worse experiences and the least we could do is understand and treat her well."


    Dad always told me to be empathetic and lenient because Sophia had traumatic experiences but he never elaborated it. The moment I question about Sophia, he usually changes the topic or tells me it''s nothing.


    "But I''ll be grounding Sophia for a month. Is that fine with you?"


    My inner self wanted to disagree and complain but I simply nodded and didn''t bother to question his decision. Dad called me to help with the business papers since a lot of it was piling in his office.


    I sighed as I drowned myself with work wanting to erase the memories of our conversation a while ago.


    "Dad, I want to start a Fashion business," I uttered bluntly as we were in the middle of sorting out documents.


    His face was etched with disbelief as he looked at me, stunned with what I said.


    "Setting up a whole new business is risky and difficult..Rose your skills in business are commendable but this is far different.


    "And you''re too young for this. I don''t think you''ll be able to manage a business that well."


    I smiled at him weakly, fully knowing he would be against my decision but I''m more than determined now. I can''t fall back that easily and wave a white flag on him when I know what my future brings.


    "Dad, I just need funding and I''ll do all the work. I''ll do everything-" He was about to say something but I interrupted him.


    "-One reason why I''m helping with the business is to have experience and capabilities, which you witnessed firsthand. You know how well-invested I am in both business managing and fashion, and I believe that my age doesn''t define my success and limit me from doing what I can"If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    He shook his head, "But how about school and the time you should invest in your fashion business. Rose, this is just absurd... I can''t...I''m sorry"


    I reached out for a folder that was sitting beside the business documents and brought it to him.


    "This is my business roadmap and plans... Just read it first" I handed him the folder and stood there waiting for his final decision. With my experience as a CEO of the Rockfellers and Bella Rosa, making a business plan is just child play. I was sure I made it perfectly laid out and clear but I couldn''t ward off my nervousness.


    The sound of flipping pages was fueling my anxious thoughts as I never dared to look away from Dad, scared I might miss a single expression. He was reading it for a whopping one hour and my legs were numb from standing up.


    He was on the last page and I almost sighed with relief. I put on a business smile as he lifted his gaze at me and it took him moments of contemplation and three deep breaths to force himself to nod.


    "Your roadmap is clear and concise that I''m doubting it''s made by a child like you but given your skills in business, it''s no wonder. " He smiled proudly as he gave the folder back to me.


    "I''ll support you with your business but be careful with your actions and decisions Rose. Business is not a game. It is not a joke. You should treat it seriously."


    I was grinning from ear to ear, ecstatic by what he said. I felt like I was on cloud nine and was ready to jump here and there but I composed myself.


    "Thank you Dad"


    I resumed helping him with his papers and it was already afternoon when I finished sorting and reading all the documents Dad gave me but I waited for him to finish. I picked out a book from his shelf and started reading about two pages of it to relieve me of my boredom. The afternoon sun peeked through the curtains of the room and drowsiness was overwhelming me.


    Reading a book was not helpful at all.


    Dad noticed my exhausted self,


    "Rose, go to your room first and rest" I rubbed my tired eyes and nodded at him. I went out of the office to my room with tired eyes begging to shut themselves.


    I didn''t notice I was holding the book until I threw myself down my bed. A somewhat glossy paper flew to the ground and my exhausted body couldn''t stop my curiosity. I brought it up and although the paper was full of white blotches I could still discern a young girl and a boy smiling with hands clasped together. It was an old picture; grainy and tattered.


    I flipped the picture and there was something written on it.


    Madelaine Hartfield and Gerard V- together forever.


    I looked at the italicized word with wide eyes.


    The young girl was my biological mother, Madelaine but I never knew about this Gerard. They looked like a couple in this picture but..


    "But I thought Dad was the first and last lover of Mom? Who is this Gerard?"


    In my past life Dad, never usually talks about her but I remember him telling me they were childhood sweethearts and since then they were always together and madly in love even when they grew up.


    But in this picture, Mom and this boy appeared to be teens and a couple which is contrary to what Dad told me.


    Who is this man?


    I squinted my eyes to read his surname but I could only make out a V, the rest were all covered with a dark spot.


    Gerard V- I stared at his appearance in the picture and he looked familiar. I furrowed my eyebrows and words were on the tip of my tongue. The tattered picture was not helping at all and I was bothered to know who was this Gerard.


    He absolutely looked familiar.


    I placed the picture back inside the book and made a mental note to ask Dad about this. The bed was pulling me in and I wanted to sleep, but the picture and the sight of two teens smiling were bugging me.


    Gerard looked like someone I know...but I can''t decipher who.