Rosalyn's POV

Sliding the key into the lock, I hesitated for a brief moment before pushing the door open. My apartment, untouched for a year since I moved into Niklaus' house, greeted me with an unsettling familiarity. The furniture stood where I had left it—dusty and lifeless. The faint scent of lavender from the potpourri I once adored lingered, though now dulled by time.

I dropped my box just by the door and flipped the light switch. The soft glow illuminated the space, casting shadows that felt more like ghosts of my former self. Setting my bag on the couch, I began rearranging the disarray. Pillows were fluffed, the coffee table wiped clean with a cloth I found tucked in a drawer, and my box unpacked halfway. I was busying myself with these mundane tasks when the sound of the door creaking open startled me.

“Rosalyn?”

I turned toward the doorway, forcing a weak smile as I saw who it was. “Hi, Abby,” I said, waving at my best friend.

“Rosalyn!” she exclaimed, rushing toward me and pulling me into a tight hug. Her excitement was palpable, her arms wrapping around me like a lifeline.

“When did you return to the city?” I asked, surprised. Abby had been living in the UK for a year, and I hadn’t expected to see her so soon.

“I landed a couple of hours ago,” she explained, pulling back to look at me. “I was unpacking in my apartment when I heard your door opening. I thought it might be an invader.”

“An invader? No, just me.” I forced a chuckle that felt foreign even to myself.

Her smile wavered, guilt flickering in her eyes. “Today was your wedding. I was supposed to attend, but I couldn’t. When I arrived, I heard the wedding was canceled. I tried calling you, but…”

I held up my phone and shook it slightly. “Switched it off.”

Abby frowned, her concern deepening. “What happened? Why did Niklaus cancel the wedding?”

“It’s nothing,” I lied, pausing to steady my voice as emotion threatened to crack it. “Just…things.”

She tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. “Rumors are flying that it’s because of a woman he adores. Is it true?”

I nodded stiffly, unable to meet her eyes. She gasped softly, pulling me into another embrace. “Rosalyn,” she murmured, her voice heavy with empathy. I held back my tears, biting my lip to keep my composure.

“I’m fine, Abby. Don’t worry,” I lied again, my voice barely above a whisper.

She pulled back, her face twisting in anger. “How dare he? After everything?”

I shrugged helplessly. “Please, just let me rest now.”

Reluctantly, Abby nodded. She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’ll leave you for now, but we’re not done talking about this. You don’t deserve any of it.” With one last glance, she left the apartment, closing the door softly behind her.

Alone once more, I switched on my phone, hesitating only to turn off my location services. I didn’t want Niklaus to find me. Not now.

A message pinged almost immediately.

“Rosalyn, please, where are you?”

I stared at the text, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. After a moment, I typed back: “I’m somewhere you shouldn’t know.”

Before I could set the phone down, it buzzed in my hand, his name flashing on the screen. The call kept ringing, relentless, until I gave in and answered.

“Rosalyn,” Niklaus breathed, his relief evident. “Thank God. Why did you leave the house?”

“I figured I’ve got no reason to be there,” I replied coldly.

“What do you mean? You’re my soon-to-be wife—”

“Spare me that,” I snapped, cutting him off. “You don’t care about me one bit, Niklaus. That’s why you left me at the altar and ran off to Melanie!”

“No, Rosalyn,” he protested, his voice rising with urgency. “She collapsed. I couldn’t just leave her there. I had to take her to the hospital.”

I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh even to my ears. “When will you realize, Niklaus? She pulls these stunts at the perfect moment to set us apart.”

“Come on,” he groaned. “Don’t start this again. Melanie isn’t a deceiver.”

“Really? Just for one day, you couldn’t prioritize me? She wouldn’t have died if you stayed!”

His tone turned sharp. “Why are you being so inconsiderate? That’s not like you.”

“Is it?” I shot back, anger boiling over.

“Rosalyn,” he began, his voice softening. “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to hurt you. I—”

“You always run to her when she needs you,” I interrupted, my voice trembling. “But don’t pretend you love me. Your actions show otherwise.”

“No,” he argued. “I’m indebted to Melanie. She saved my father’s life two years ago. If it weren’t for her—”

“Yes, Niklaus, your father is alive. But this isn’t about her. Stop hiding behind your excuses. The truth is, you love her.”

“That’s not fair,” he said quietly. “What are you implying?”

“Tell me,” I demanded, my voice breaking. “Can you look me in the eye and say there’s nothing romantic between you and Melanie, the woman you used to crush on in high school?”

His silence was deafening.

“I thought you’d understand, Rosalyn,” he said finally, his voice laced with disappointment. “But I was wrong.”

“And I thought you’d never break me like this,” I whispered, my heart shattering. “But I was wrong.”

“Rosalyn…” he began, but I didn’t let him finish.

With trembling fingers, I hung up. I'm done with his excuses.

Rosalyn’s POV

The days that followed were quiet, yet my mind was anything but. I didn’t want to talk to Niklaus. I didn’t even want to hear his voice. The moment I saw his name flash across my phone screen the first time, I rejected the call without hesitation. When the calls persisted—morning, afternoon, and night—I silenced my phone and threw it in a drawer.

The next few days passed slowly. I learned from an old colleague that Niklaus was trying to find me, though they didn’t have details. It didn’t surprise me. He had resources, connections that could unravel even the smallest secrets. But for now, I stayed hidden, tucked away in a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. Working from home as a freelance designer for a fashion company, I didn’t need to leave. My apartment became my sanctuary—a place where I could sketch, sew, and escape the chaos that once consumed my life.

Then, one afternoon, while running low on groceries, I ventured out to the nearest supermarket. It was a rare moment when I allowed myself to leave my cocoon. My cart was half-filled when I spotted her.

“Rosalyn!” Mrs. Woods’ voice was warm and familiar, though tinged with surprise.

I froze, caught off guard. Her short, curly hair had turned more silver than I remembered, but her kind eyes hadn’t changed. In the years I’d known her, she had been more than a cook for Niklaus’ family. She’d been a confidante, someone who treated me with respect when no one else in that house had.

“Mrs. Woods,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s so good to see you.”

She approached me, her hands clasped over her chest like she couldn’t believe I was standing before her. “Good to see me? You disappear without a trace, and that’s what you say?” Her voice was firm, but there was no real anger in it—just concern. “Niklaus has been searching for you like a madman. What were you thinking?”

“It was for the best,” I replied, keeping my tone steady.

Mrs. Woods scoffed and shook her head. “I understand why you left. It’s because of that sly woman, Melanie, isn’t it?” She patted my arm gently, her voice softening. “But leaving without a word? That was wrong, Rosalyn. He came to see his mother just yesterday. He’s worried sick.”

“It’s fine. It’ll pass,” I muttered, trying to deflect.

She studied me for a moment, her expression shifting to something softer. “It’s Cherry’s birthday tomorrow,” she said suddenly. “Do come.”

I stepped back slightly, shaking my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Rosalyn,” she pressed, her tone patient but firm. “You know Niklaus would love to see you. And I would too. It’s been too long.”

“Mrs. Woods, I—”

“No excuses,” she interrupted, her eyes narrowing in that motherly way that left no room for argument. “You’ll come, and that’s final.”

I hesitated, searching her face for some sign that I could refuse. But she wouldn’t budge. With a sigh, I relented. “Fine. I’ll come.”

“Good girl,” she said, patting my cheek. “You won’t regret it.”

The next evening, I stood before the mirror, adjusting the hem of a simple, yet elegant lavender dress. It was understated, something I’d designed myself, but it fit perfectly for the occasion. My hair was swept into a loose bun, with a few strands framing my face.

Abby sat cross-legged on my bed, watching me intently. Her skeptical expression was impossible to miss. “I can’t believe you’re actually going to this party,” she said, her voice dripping with disapproval. “After everything they’ve done to you?”

I sighed, turning to face her. “Cherry isn’t Niklaus.”

Abby raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Cherry’s no good either. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how she treated you. It’s not like she ever really liked you.”

“She’s changed,” I said, though the conviction in my voice felt weaker than I wanted it to.

“Changed?” Abby snorted. “Rosalyn, I know I’ve been away for a year, but I can vouch for the fact that Cherry hasn’t changed. She’s still the same cocky, annoying elder sister of Niklaus. She doesn’t care about you.”

I swallowed hard, turning back to the mirror as I clipped on a pair of earrings. “A lot’s changed about her,” I said quietly, more to myself than to Abby.

“Really?” Abby countered, crossing her arms. “Or is this just another one of Niklaus’ ploys to make it seem like things are different?”

I ignored her, focusing instead on smoothing out an invisible wrinkle in my dress. “Let me just go. This is for Mrs. Woods’ sake, not Cherry’s.”

“Rosalyn…” Abby’s voice was softer now, almost pleading.

“I gave her my word,” I said, meeting her gaze in the reflection of the mirror.

She studied me for a moment, her eyes filled with concern. “You’re too good for this,” she muttered. “Don’t let them drag you back into their holes.”

I smiled faintly, turning to face her. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

Abby shook her head, but the look she gave me was a mix of doubt and resignation. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

So did I. As I picked up my clutch and glanced at my reflection one last time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this night would be no different but I hate to acknowledge this, I held on to a glimmer of hope that it would make a difference.

Niklaus’ POV

The spacious living room, decked out in vibrant streamers and fairy lights, buzzed with laughter and chatter. It had been transformed into an open space for Cherry’s birthday party. Guests moved about, their voices blending with the soft tunes playing in the background, giving the place a lively, celebratory air. Despite the jovial atmosphere, I found myself lost in thought, my gaze wandering over the crowd.

“Niklaus,” Cherry’s familiar voice snapped me back to the moment. She approached, her sequined red dress shimmering under the lights. “How do I look?”

I offered her a warm smile. “Always splendid, Cherry.”

Her grin widened, though she raised a skeptical brow. “You say that every time. Benson, do I look splendid?” she teased, her boyfriend appearing beside her.

“More than splendid,” Benson replied, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Cherry giggled, her youthful exuberance belying her 32 years. She looked more like a carefree eighteen-year-old, her energy and spirit undimmed. As they moved off to greet guests, I turned, and my eyes fell on someone who seemed almost out of place amid the extravagance.

Rosalyn.

She stood near the doorway, dressed simply in a pale lavender dress that flowed around her knees. Her hair was tucked into a loose bun, a few tendrils framing her face as she spoke softly to Hayden. The simplicity of her look only heightened her beauty, and a smile crept onto my lips. Mrs. Woods had been right—Rosalyn had indeed come. She had told me earlier that she’d try to convince her, but I hadn’t believed it.

Rosalyn had always been selfless, putting others before herself. She was here, despite everything. I started toward her, but a voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Niklaus!” Melanie appeared beside me, clutching my arm. “Could you help me with this?” she asked sweetly, gesturing to her heel. “The lace came undone, and I’m afraid I’ll trip.”

I glanced at her shoe and sighed. “Melanie, walking around like this is dangerous. You need to be more careful.” I knelt and tied the lace securely before standing.

“Thank you!” she chirped, leaning up to peck my cheek just as my mother approached.

“Aw, you two look lovely together,” she commented, her eyes twinkling.

I stole a glance at Rosalyn. She stood a few feet away, her eyes on us before quickly looking away. Hayden was beside her, his gaze flicking between us before he strode over.

“You really know how to be charming,” Hayden muttered to me, his tone low. “Pity you couldn’t have done more for Rosalyn to make her happy.”

I bristled but kept my tone even. “She doesn’t seem less happy.”

“Really?” Hayden challenged.

“Yes,” I replied firmly. “She understands me. Don’t make something out of nothing.”

Rosalyn turned and walked toward the hallway leading to the bathroom. My chest tightened, but before I could follow, Melanie’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.

“Did I…do something wrong? Is she upset because of me?”

“No, Melanie,” I said, shaking my head.

“Well, you did…” Hayden started, but I nudged him sharply, cutting him off.

My mother took Melanie’s hand with a gentle smile. “Come on, dear. Let’s go greet some guests together. You’ll enjoy mingling.”

As they moved away, Rosalyn returned. She looked calmer, but her expression was guarded. I approached her cautiously.

“You look lovely,” I offered, hoping to draw a smile from her.

But instead of her usual bright grin, she barely nodded. “Thank you.”

“What would you like me to get for you…?”

"Nothing.”

“Is something wrong?” I asked, sensing her coolness.

“No, Niklaus,” she said softly, her tone indifferent.

“You haven’t had anything all evening, right?” I pressed.

She arched a brow. “I’m fine. Don’t act so concerned.”

“But I am concerned. You skip meals after lunch—I know you too well.”

She rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a bitter smile. “I’m good. Don’t worry about me.” Her laugh was light but filled with irony. “You’re being ridiculous.”

Before I could respond, Cherry appeared, her presence lighting up the air. Rosalyn managed a small smile for her.

“Rosalyn! Good to see you. After all, you left my brother worked up the way you did,” Cherry said, her tone cutting despite the playful delivery.

“Happy birthday, Cherry,” Rosalyn replied, handing her a wrapped gift. “You look lovely tonight, and the party is wonderful.”

“It’s all thanks to Melanie,” Cherry said, her tone smug. “She made it special, something you couldn’t have done.”

Cherry’s words felt like daggers, and I caught Rosalyn’s discomfort immediately. “That’s enough, Cherry,” I interjected firmly.

Cherry smiled sweetly. “Enjoy the party,” she said before sauntering away.

“Are you okay?” I asked Rosalyn.

She shrugged, her expression unreadable. “Yeah.”

I wanted to press further, to talk about us, but Melanie returned, slipping her hand into mine like a child seeking comfort.

“Hello, Rosalyn. I’m so glad to see you,” Melanie said brightly.

“Why?” Rosalyn asked, her brow arching.

“I wanted to apologize about your wedding. I didn’t mean to take Niklaus away from you that day.”

Rosalyn’s smile was sharp and cold. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re probably the happiest person alive about what happened.”

“Rosalyn,” I interjected softly, noting the hurt on Melanie’s face. “Don’t make her feel bad.”

“Really?” Rosalyn shot back, her eyes locking onto mine. “And what about me?”

I opened my mouth, but no words came. Rosalyn stepped back. “I need to go.”

“Wait, Rosalyn. We barely talk now.”

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’ve got a better partner to talk with.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me rooted to the spot.

Melanie tugged on my arm. “I’m sorry if I upset her.”

“No, Melanie. You did nothing wrong.”

“Okay…” she said hesitantly.

“You’ve done plenty wrong,” Hayden cut in, appearing behind her. “You’d know if you stopped to think.”

“Why say that?” I snapped. “Stop it, Hayden.”

“Wake up and realize your mistakes, Niklaus,” he said sharply before disappearing into the crowd.

Melanie turned to me, her face anxious. “Will everything be fine?”

I nodded. “Yes. I’ll talk it out with Rosalyn.”

But when I slipped away to a quiet corner and called her, the call didn’t go through. My heart sank as I stared at the screen.

I staring at my phone in disbelief. Rosalyn blocked me.