Chapter 68

Roseline was holding the pregnancy test while sitting on the edge of the bed and shaking her hands. She felt the weight of the mansion's quiet weighing down on her with every second that went by. A part of her wanted to rejoice because, at last, something genuine and pure had arrived. It was Sam's child, created out of love rather than dominance.

She may have felt some kind of delight, but the reality of it all overshadowed it.  She sprang to her feet and started to pace the room. "Remember, Roseline," she said to herself. "This requires intelligence on your part."

Her mind was racing with questions. How could she defend herself? The infant? If Ronaldo found out, how would he respond? She trembled as her imagination flooded with the sight of his calculating, icy gaze. If he felt betrayed, she understood what he could do.

She was unable to remain there. That much was obvious. However, she was also unable to leave Ronaldo because of his extensive reach and total control. She would have to plan every step and take every action with precision.

After a moment of hesitation, Roseline pulled out her phone and called Sam. He picked up the first ring.

"Roseline?" He spoke softly and worriedly.

She continued, "I need to see you," in a voice that was just audible above a whisper. "It's important."

She sensed the strain in his reluctance, and there was a beat. "Where?"

"The former library's park. "Tonight."

"I'll be there."

She ended the call. She felt her heart racing. Meeting Sam was the last remaining secure place, but there were risks involved as well. Vincent's presence was a continual reminder of her monitoring, and Ronaldo's paranoia and possessiveness were becoming more and more pronounced every day.

Roseline was in a panic, getting ready to go. She told the housekeeper that she would take a stroll in the evening, a habit she had just started to help her decompress. In the cold nighttime air outdoors, beneath the stars, she couldn't shake the sense that she was being watched, no matter what excuse she gave the staff.

The stroll to the park was uneventful; the lighting cast lengthy shadows over the peaceful streets. When she arrived at the park, Sam was standing close to the fountains. When he saw her, his countenance brightened, but as soon as he saw her anxious expression, it became sombre.

Approaching, he said, "Roseline, what's wrong?"

With trepidation, she glanced around before speaking. "Sam, I'm pregnant."

Heavy and indisputable, the words just seemed to linger between them. Sam's eyes widened in astonishment, but his face was not one of fear or rage; rather, he reached out and softly grasped her hand in his.

With a tone of amazement, he asked, "This is our child?"

With tears in her eyes, she nodded. "Sam, I'm not sure what to do. If Ronaldo discovers—"

"He won't," Sam interrupted in a stern tone. "We will not let him to."

The weight of their situation was bearing down on them as they sat on a seat under the shadow of an old oak tree. Roseline confided in him about her anxieties, her desperation, and her mounting realisation that she would never be able to have a child with Ronaldo.

"We must go," Sam said in a firm voice. "Roseline, I will assist you. Together, we'll figure it out.

Though the realities of escape weighed heavily on her thoughts, her heart grew with his resolve. Ronaldo had all the tools, all the contacts, and all the eyeballs. How could they possibly outmanoeuvre him?

Roseline jumped at the sound of leaves rustling, just as they had intended. Sam placed a comforting touch on her shoulder after seeing how terrified she was.

He responded, "That's only the wind," but that didn't make her feel any less anxious.

The whole mansion was silent and still when Roseline returned. She had made sure to return ahead of Ronaldo by carefully planning her return schedule. However, she felt a twinge of anxiety as she ascended the steps.

The door to her bedroom was open. Every time she left, she closed it.

She froze when she pushed the door open. The pregnancy test had vanished.

Even though her heart was racing, she could see none of it in the room. When she realised what this may entail, panic started to set in. Had it been discovered? Had Ronaldo, or worse, Vincent, figured out her secret?

She turned as she heard a gentle knock on the door. The housekeeper appeared, her face blanched.

The woman held out a little packet and said, "Mrs. DuCiel, Mr. Vincent wanted me to give you this."

Roseline dismissed the housekeeper, her hands trembling as she accepted the packet. With shaking fingers, she opened it and took out a single sheet of paper.

*We must speak. Your secrets won't remain that way for long.

Roseline felt certain that Vincent was the sender of the unsigned message.

Roseline hardly slept that night. She saw every groan of the house and every shadow on the wall as signs of impending disaster. As if an intense protectiveness was rushing through her, she gripped at her tummy.

She realised she couldn't wait any longer by dawn. She needed to take action right away to escape before it was too late.

The phone buzzed as she was beginning to pack a little luggage. Sam was the one texting. *Someone was following me. We must alter our plans. Tonight, meet me at the dock. Her blood froze. Did you follow? Who did it? Ronaldo's squad? She received another text before she could reply. It came from an unidentified number.

Watch out, Roseline. Time is running out for you.

As she read the words, the room seemed to spin: Someone knew everything and was observing her. Sitting on the edge of the bed, gripping her phone, her only thought was: Is it too late to leave?