Chapter 5

Edric nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, if you don't like it, just throw it away. We can always buy a new one for you."

Later that afternoon, after finishing her music practice, Rosetta received a call from Elliot. He invited her to the mall, suggesting that they take her shopping so she could pick out the gifts she actually liked.

Though Rosetta initially did not want to go, she hesitated. However, if she declined, she was worried that they might notice something was wrong. The decision to leave was already made, but she did not want any more troubles or complications before she left.

What she did not anticipate, however, was the sight that awaited her in the mall. It was not just Elliot and Edric standing there. There was also Sierra, who was standing between the Sinclair brothers.

They appeared to be engrossed in some cheerful conversation, their joy so palpable that it seemed as if no one else could belong at that moment with them.

Rosetta paused in her tracks, standing still as she watched them. It was Sierra who noticed her first and greeted her, "Rosetta, you're here."

Elliot and Edric turned their heads in unison.

"Come, let's see what you'd like," Elliot said first.

Edric added with a nod, "We're running low on a few things for the book arts, so feel free to look around. We can buy double copies of anything that catches your eye."

"Thank you, Edric," Sierra said in a soft voice.

At that moment, Rosetta could not help but let out a small laugh.

"What's so funny?" Elliot asked, noticing her reaction.

Rosetta quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing. Everything's pretty good."

As they continued shopping, Sierra picked out a variety of items such as bags, jewelry, cosmetics and clothes.

Meanwhile, Rosetta was not interested in anything. Her indifference was so obvious that Edric finally took note of her odd behavior. "Rosie, what do you want?"

"I don't want anything. I don't need anything."

"Then let's go somewhere else," Elliot insisted, his tone firm and resolute.

Rosetta, feeling weary and not wishing to engage further, shrugged and casually said, "I'm tired. You can buy anything you guys want. I'll head back first."

With that, she began to make her way toward the exit.

However, before she could take even a single step, Elliot reached out to grab her hand while Edric positioned himself in front of her, blocking her path.

"We'll go back together after dinner," Elliot said, his voice low and unwavering, leaving no room for disagreement.

"Yes, Rosie, don't you love dishes at La Lumiere Restaurant? We're going there today," Edric added.

Before Rosetta could respond, Sierra, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly answered a phone call. Her face shifted with concern as she tugged at Elliot's arm.

"Elliot, Edric, my grandmother accidentally fell! I need to go home right now!"

The moment Elliot and Edric heard her distress, their attention was immediately diverted, leaving Rosetta standing alone in the middle of it all.

"Don't panic, we'll go with you right now," Elliot said softly.

Edric added, "Yes, don't worry, Sierra. Everything will be fine as long as you're with us."

"Let’s leave right away."

Without another word, the three of them left together, disappearing into the distance as Rosetta stood frozen, watching them fade from view.

Anyway, it was not the first time they had chosen Sierra over her. She remained there for a long while, watching them walk away before she finally turned and left the mall.

Rosetta made her way to the Sinclair Family's old house.

Since the tragic death of her parents, the Sinclair Family had always been kind to her, treating her with warmth and care in every possible way. She had never forgotten their kindness and felt a deep sense of gratitude.

Now that she was leaving, it seemed right to return for one last visit.

"Rosie dear, why did you come here all of a sudden? Where are Elliot and Edric? Aren't they with you?" Elliot and Edric's mother, Linda, asked. Her voice was laced with concern as she took Rosetta's arm and led her to the sofa.

Chapter 6

"They were busy with something, so I came here on my own."

"Oh?" Griffin, the twin brother's father, adjusted his glasses, visibly surprised. "This surprises me. Those two would actually let you come here alone."

Rosetta pursed her lips, speaking in a gentle tone, "Mrs. Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair, I came here this time to say goodbye to both of you. I'm heading back to Northbridge."

"You're going back to Northbridge?"

"Yes and this time, I won't be coming back here. Thank you both for taking care of me all these years. Please take good care of yourselves. If I get the chance, I'll make sure to come here to visit you."

It took a moment for Griffin and Linda to fully process her words, but when they did, their disbelief was apparent. "You want to leave? But how could those two boys agree to this?"

"I've already told them before and they didn't object. Uncle, Aunt, there's no need to discuss it with them anymore."

Linda could not help but sigh deeply. "If that's the case, just keep in touch with us when you return to Northbridge. And be careful, all right? Don't get into any trouble."

"I will."

After enjoying a warm dinner at the Sinclair Family's villa, Rosetta returned home.

Her phone rang just as she arrived and seeing her sister's name on the screen, she answered with a warm tone.

"Hey, sis."

"Rosie, when will your last performance in Springdale be held? Have you decided when exactly you're coming back here?"

"The performance is next week, but I haven't settled on a return date yet," Rosetta replied.

"Then decide soon. I'll ask your brother-in-law's friend to pick you up."

"Friend? Do you mean the blind date you talked about before?"

Before Riley could answer, she heard Elliot's voice behind her.

"What blind date?"

Realizing they were back, Rosetta quickly said, "Riley, I'll talk to you later." With a quick goodbye, she ended the call.

Edric approached her swiftly, his voice tense as he repeated his question: "Who were you talking to? What did you mean by blind date? And whose blind date exactly?"

Rosetta caught the tension and unease in both their eyes. She paused for a brief moment, then replied calmly, "It’s nothing, just a friend of my sister's."

There was no need to tell them about the blind date waiting for her when she returned to Northbridge. By then, whatever existed between them now would be over, so it was not that important.

Elliot continued to study her, his gaze sharp and probing. Rosetta resisted the urge to look away, fearing he might detect the slightest hint of her plans.

"What kind of friend? Is your sister's friend really that important?" he asked.

"Yes, a very important person."

Though Elliot still looked somewhat unconvinced, he did not press further, eventually convincing himself he was just overthinking things.

The next day, the awards ceremony was held and Rosetta attended as a special guest.

After changing into her dress, she gracefully walked down the stairs where Elliot and Edric had already been waiting for a long time. When the brothers finally saw her, warm smiles were immediately etched on their faces.

"Rosie, you look gorgeous today," Edric praised without hesitation.

Elliot's smile was equally gentle. "Let's go, Rosie. It's almost time."

As she looked at them, for a fleeting moment, Rosetta felt transported back to the time before Sierra had come into their lives.

Unfortunately, the joyful illusion shattered soon enough.

On the way to the ceremony, Edric's phone rang. Sitting beside him, Rosetta clearly heard a soft, familiar voice on the other end, addressing him as "Edric."

It was Sierra. She could not catch all the words, but whatever Sierra was saying seemed to unsettle him. Edric's expression turned visibly anxious and uneasy.

Chapter 7

After ending the call, Edric turned to her with a tense expression. "Rosie, Sierra's grandmother fainted. I need to go see her right away."

"What? How's she doing?" Before Rosetta could even respond, Elliot interjected.

"The situation doesn't look good," Edric replied, his brows knit in concern. "Sierra sounded shaken. Her voice was trembling. She must be really scared."

Almost as soon as he finished, Elliot leaned forward and spoke in a low voice, "Stop the car."

Once the vehicle halted, Elliot turned toward Rosetta. Usually composed and unruffled, he now appeared a bit flustered. "Sierra needs us, Rosie. Do you mind if you go to the dinner on your own? When we're done, we'll come find you. Is that alright?"

You'll come to find me when you're done? Really?

She managed a calm smile and nodded. "Of course, I don't. Go on ahead."

Relieved by her understanding, Elliot sighed, looking momentarily reassured. "All right, then. Let's go."

As they hurried off, Rosetta's smile faded. Turning to the driver, she spoke with a cool detachment, "Let's go."

The awards ceremony was teeming with prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Rosetta was not particularly skilled at small talk, so she kept her interactions brief, then slipped away to a quiet seat near the back.

No sooner had she settled than a light, mocking voice sounded beside her.

"Well, look who it is. The famous violinist Miss Rosetta Murphy."

Rosetta lifted her gaze and her expression immediately hardened at the sight.

Standing before her was Jared, the notorious son of the Sterling family, the one person she had once offended. Behind him was a group of equally smug young men.

The smirk on Jared's face grew wider as he noticed her reaction, looking every bit the villain enjoying his small triumph.

"Miss Murphy, all by yourself tonight? Where are the Sinclair brothers?"

Rosetta met his gaze briefly and then looked away without saying a word.

“Oh, silly me. I almost forgot that Elliot and Edric have a new lover now. What's her name again? Sierra Harris?”

Rosetta shot him a frosty look, her patience wearing thin. She stood, intending to walk away without further interaction.

Jared grabbed her hand before she could take a step and said, "Where are you rushing off to. It's only polite to chat with old friends for a while, don't you think?"

Rosetta yanked at her hand, but the strength difference between them was too great and her attempts to break free were useless.

"Jared, let go of me."

“Well, I'll let go. Call the Sinclair brothers. The moment they ask me to release you, I'll do it."

Rosetta glared at him, but the man casually raised his eyebrows.

She took a deep breath, reluctantly pulled out her phone and dialed Elliot's number. The call was immediately connected, yet no one answered and it eventually disconnected on its own.

Refusing to accept defeat, she tried Edric next, but this time, the call was swiftly declined.

She clutched her phone tightly, the sting of disappointment spreading from her heart to her entire body, an ache so deep it left her nearly breathless.

Of course. The only one who mattered to them now was Sierra Harris. She, on the other hand, was no longer a priority.

Jared watched it all with satisfaction, a smug grin stretching across his face.

"Well, would you look at that. Seems like the Sinclair brothers don't care enough to answer Miss Murphy's call anymore."

"Let go of me."

"Why should I?"

"You should think this through carefully, Jared. Haven't past lessons taught you enough?"

"Oh, Miss Murphy is still acting so impressive. But you seem to have forgotten something. You used to have the Sinclair brothers protecting you by your side. What do you have now? They've long since abandoned you."

Forever, Day and Night

Chapter 5
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