chapter 77
Elena's POV:
Sebastian stood in the doorway, and I quickly rose from the sofa, glancing past his shoulder—no sign of Nicholas. Relief washed through me.
"Sebastian," I said, moving closer to him. "Rose arrived a while ago. I didn't want to interrupt since you were busy with your meeting."
I caught his eyes, trying to convey a silent message: Please don't let Nicholas come out here. Not now.
Whether he understood my desperate eye signals or not, Sebastian moved smoothly to sit beside me on the sofa, his hand finding the small of my back in that proprietary way of his.
"Rose," he said, inclining his head with a slight smile. "It's been a long time."
"It has indeed," Rose replied, her professional warmth never wavering, though something careful entered her posture. "Thank you for thinking of me for this position."
"No need to be so formal," Sebastian said, his tone deceptively casual. "We've known each other since we were children, after all."
Rose's smile remained fixed, but she didn't acknowledge the shared history, keeping her focus professionally neutral.
Sebastian turned to me, his fingers tracing small circles on my back. "How's it going? Everything working out?"
"It's wonderful," I said quickly, perhaps too enthusiastically. "Rose is amazing. She's already helped with the tension headaches, and these cookies she makes actually stay down."
"Good." His attention shifted back to Rose. "About your fee—name your price. Whatever you think is appropriate. "
Rose's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Still as generous as ever, I see."
She began gathering her things with practiced efficiency. "I'll draft a proper contract and bring it next time for signing. "
"You're welcome anytime," I said, nodding perhaps too eagerly.
"That's very kind, but I should go—I've already taken up so much of your time." Rose stood smoothly, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.
Movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. Nicholas stood in the doorway of Sebastian's study, half-hidden in shadow, watching.
My stomach twisted with a complicated mix of sympathy and dread.
"Are you sure you won't stay for a bit?" I heard myself asking, stalling for time while my mind raced. "We could have tea, or—"
"Thank you, but I really must go. I have other arrangements this afternoon." Rose's polite smile never wavered as she moved toward the foyer. She paused at the window, and her expression shifted slightly. "Oh. It's raining."
I followed her gaze to see sheets of water streaming down the glass. "You don't have an umbrella?"
"I'm afraid not." She turned to Sebastian with the same easy confidence she'd shown all afternoon. "I don't suppose you could spare a car?"
"I'll call Marcus to drive you," I offered, already reaching for my phone.
"No need."
We all turned to find Nicholas standing in the hallway. So he couldn't resist coming out after all.
At least we'd finished discussing everything important—contracts, schedules, the actual work arrangement. Small mercies.
"I can give you a lift," he continued, his voice carefully neutral. "I was just leaving anyway."
The air in the room changed instantly, becoming charged with a history I didn't entirely understand.
Rose's spine straightened imperceptibly. Nicholas's hands found his pockets.
Sebastian's arm tightened around me, pulling me subtly closer—a silent message: Stay out of this war.
"That's not necessary," Rose said, her voice carefully neutral.
"Don't be stubborn." Nicholas's tone held an edge I'd never heard before. "How will you take care of Lily if you catch cold?"
Rose went very still. When she spoke, each word was precise as a blade. "How do you know about Lily?"
Nicholas met her gaze steadily. "My child. I have a right to know she exists."
"Your child?" Rose's professional mask finally cracked, revealing something raw and fierce beneath. "So what now? You're going to take her away from me?"
Her voice rose slightly. "She's not the son your mother wanted, Nicholas. She's just a little girl who doesn't even know you exist."
Nicholas seemed taken aback by the vehemence of her reaction, his usual composure faltering. "Rose, calm down. I'm not trying to take her from you—"
"Don't." She took a step back when he moved forward, her hand raised like a barrier between them. "Just stay away from us. We've been fine without you for four years. We don't need you disrupting our lives now."
Nicholas stopped helplessly, his shoulders sagging. He stood there watching her with an expression I'd never seen on him before—utterly lost.
Rose deliberately kept her gaze averted, refusing to look at him even once more.
Then she turned sharply and headed for the door. I hurried after her, catching a glimpse of Sebastian's hand on Nicholas's shoulder, holding him back.
"Marcus," I called out as we reached the foyer. "Please bring the car around for Ms.Mitchell."
Rose paused at the threshold, rain still hammering against the windows. When she turned to me, some of the fire had left her eyes, replaced by exhaustion. "Thank you, Elena."
"Rose..." I searched for the right words, acutely aware of the inadequacy of anything I could say. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you Nicholas was here,
"It's fine." Rose cut me off gently. "Even if he hadn't been here today, Nicholas always finds a way."
I looked at her, genuinely moved by what I'd just witnessed. "You're incredible, you know that? Raising Lily alone, building your career... You're amazing."
A tired smile flickered across her face, genuine despite the weariness. "Working hard to provide for her is the happiest thing in my life. Every long shift, every difficult client—it's all worth it when I see her smile."
The sleek black car pulled up to the entrance, Marcus stepping out with an umbrella.
"Take care of yourself, Elena," Rose said, adjusting her bag one final time. "I'll see you Tuesday."
"Tuesday," I echoed, watching as she ducked gracefully into the car.
I stayed at the doorway until the taillights disappeared into the rain-soaked street, feeling a surprising pang of loss. In just one morning, I'd found myself genuinely drawn to her.
When I returned to the living room, it was empty.
Muffled voices drifted from Sebastian's study, the door firmly closed.