Chapter 117 Mistaken!

Chapter 117 Survive!
|| Author POV ||

“What would you like, sir? Wine .. or perhaps a cocktail?” Vivienne purred in an intentionally alluring voice.

Killian didn’t glance at her. “Wine.”

Vivienne froze, caught off guard by his disinterest. The man’s presence was sharp and utterly commanding.

“She is my personal secretary.” Lucien added casually.

Alessandro smirked, leaning back. “Quite hot.”

Lucien winked at him in agreement.

Vivienne blushed. She pressed her lips together and leaned closer to Killian, thinking she could sway him. But Killian’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. Totally annoyed.

Vivienne leaned further, pressing her chest out, daring to tempt him. “I think a cocktail suits you better, sir.”

“I’m not for sluts!” Killian spat in a hard voice.

Vivienne flinched at the harsh dismissal. She gulped and set the wine before him and stepped back. Her confidence was momentarily shattered. Her ego was bruised.

“C’mon, Salvatore. Don’t act so cold. She’s impressive in bed.” Lucien added with a smirk.

Killian paid no attention and quietly sipped his liquor with calmness. His eyes were a dead pool.

Vivienne moved with calculated grace toward Alessandro. In a single fluid motion, she was on his lap, kissing him shamelessly.

Killian’s jaw clenched tightly, fingers scrolling through his phone with controlled precision.

His heart hollow.

Eyes cold.

He had thought time apart would ease him, make things simpler but each day without her had felt endless, sleepless and unbearable.

Living without her seemed impossible. Yet, he denied it. Denied the truth of how much he missed her, denied those emotions–even when every fiber of him ached for her.

This was the reason he had left the country, to negotiate the powerful alliance and strengthen his power. He had to leave her behind, even when every part of him screamed not to but he knew better than to risk her life again.

She needed time, distance and safety.

But it seems like, she had stolen his time instead.

\----

|| A Few Days Later ||

Rosa hesitantly descended the stairs. Her chest tightened with unease but she forced herself forward.

By the doorway, Aria was slipping on her shoes. She looked up and eyes brightened the moment she saw Rosalie.

“Come on, hurry up.” Aria encouraged warmly.

Rosa timidly moved toward her. Genuine relief lightened Aria’s face when Rosa had finally said she wanted to go outside.

Day by day, it had broken her heart to see Rosa always sobbing alone. But today, Rosa had insisted she needed to talk to her manager. At least this might help her feel a little better and free.

“Don’t be scared. I’m here with you.” Aria reassured.

Rosa gave a small nod. Her lips were pale and her expression hollow as if life had been drained from her face.

Together, they stepped out of the house. The cool air rushed against Rosa’s face, filling her lungs with a freshness she hadn’t felt in days.

She couldn’t stay hidden forever.

The first place Rosa went was the café where she worked. She was certain her job was already gone. Uneasiness clung to her the whole way. Fear gnawed at her chest that someone might see her or that he might see her and drag her back again.

A car honked nearby and she jumped back. People walking past felt like threats–their glances, even accidental, made her flinch.

Rosa kept convincing herself, forcing courage with the thought that he had been gone for weeks.

He wasn’t here. At least, she prayed so.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Aria asked as they stopped in front of the café.

Rosa gave a small nod, though her face was pale and her eyes clouded with gloom.

“Okay then.” Aria said gently. “Finish your business here. I’ll head to the library to grab some books. We need to collect a few notes. When you’re done, just give me a call. Okay?” Then her voice turned firm. “And don’t go anywhere else. I’ll come back here and we’ll head home together.”

Rosa nodded again. Her gaze flicked nervously over the street. Aria gave her one last wave, repeating warnings before walking away.

Rosa spun at the sound of a distant shout. Even the gentle sway of the café sign above made her startle.

Rosa pushed the glass door quickly and stepped inside. Mira spotted her the moment Rosa entered. Mira’s mouth parted in shock.

“Oh my Rosalie–You’re back! Where were you? You left without saying a word. The manager has been asking about you.”

Rosa froze, clutching the fabric of her dress. Her gaze darted nervously around the tables, flinching slightly at the customers passing by.

Mira’s brow furrowed as she noticed Rosa’s pale, uneasy expression. “Were you sick? You look.. unwell.”

She stepped out from behind the counter, wiping her hands on her apron.

“Um..” Rosa nodded faintly, fiddling with her fingers. “I was sick.” she lied.

“Where’s manager Lim?”

Mira gestured toward the office door. “She’s in there. Go see her.”

Rosa walked away with a small nod. The moment she knocked, the lady manager lifted her eyes.

“You’re finally here, Rosalie Sinclair.”

Rosa lowered herself into the chair. Her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The manager adjusted her glasses, scrutinizing Rosa carefully. “Where have you been?”

Rosa couldn’t bring herself to meet her gaze.

“Mrs. Lim, I was sick for days. I know I should have informed you. I’m.. sorry.” She slowly lifted her eyes.

The manager’s expression softened slightly. “I can see you’ve been unwell. Your condition speaks for itself. Are you better now?”

Rosa blinked. She had expected anger, not care.

“Y-yeah.” she hesitated, fingers playing on her lap “I know my job is gone. I was really irresponsible. I’m sorry for that.”

Mrs. Lim shook her head, “It’s alright, Rosalie. You don’t need to apologize. I didn’t fire you. I figured something must have happened. You’ve always been dedicated, and I’ve been very pleased with your work. You can continue working here.”

Rosa blinked stunned. She hadn’t expected kindness. Slowly, she lowered her eyes.

“Thanks for your kindness but I.. I want to quit my job.”

“Is there any problem with the work? I can even increase your pay if that helps.” Mrs. Lim asked gently.

Rosa shook her head. “N-no. It’s not that. I had fun working here. I just–” She hesitated, fumbling for an excuse.

Mrs. Lim nodded kindly. “It’s alright. No problem. I’ll send the payment to your account. And if you ever feel like coming back, you’re always welcome.”

Rosa obediently nodded to the side. “Thank you.”

She soon walked out of the office and Mira stepped forward with curiosity written across her face. “So... what did she say? I just knew she wouldn’t fire you. She told me.”

“Mmm, Yeah. She’s very kind. But I’ve decided to quit my job.”

“What?! Why?”

Rosa twisted at her dress uneasily. She had no other choice. Killian knew she worked here. She couldn’t work here anymore. He’ll easily find her. She needed to find another job where she wouldn’t be at risk.

“I really enjoyed working here, but.. I can’t continue for some reasons. I’ll look for another job.” Rosa explained softly.

Mira almost pouted. “You were the only kind one here. I’m really going to miss you. Oh! By the way, if you’re looking for another job, I have an offer. My friend works at an elegant café. It was recently opened. She mentioned it to me but I’m already booked here. The pay might be a bit lower than here since you’re new, but the place is really cozy and nice. Want to give it a try?”

A small spark of hope rose in Rosa’s dull heart. “Can I?” she stuttered in a hollow voice.

“Yes, of course. I’ll take you there tomorrow. It’s not very far from here. You’ll definitely get the job. It’ll be up to you if you want to work there.”

After talking with Mira, Rosa left the café.

Her heart was still tight with paranoia. She withdrew some money from her account to buy a few necessary things. She couldn’t just rely too much on Aria who had already been kind enough to help her.

As Rosa walked along the side of the road, she tilted her head toward the sky. Her steps slowed.

Even though she cried every night–every single night–every passing second seemed to weigh her down with pain. She had to remind herself—she was alone in this world. No one was truly hers.

She have to live, study. She have to survive this cruel world.

Rosalie prayed he wouldn’t come after her. Prayed he wouldn’t hurt her anymore, wouldn’t drag her back to that cage. Even when her pathetic heart cries for him.

She knew her life was already half-ruined. She was painfully aware that moving on would be impossible. She felt pathetic.

Staring at the sky, her vision blurred with unshed tears.

Still, Rosa forced herself forward, whispering softly to the wind, “I’ll be fine.”