Chapter 91 Freedom!
|| Author POV ||
Marcus paused, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Professor Kang Rowan or Cedric Thorne?”
The man let out a low laugh. “Call me whatever you want.”
Marcus chuckled too, shaking his head. “Man, you erased your entire past over that one incident. Living as Kang Rowan now? Impressive. But seriously, what the hell are you still doing in that academy? Aren’t you even a little afraid someone might uncover the truth?”
Cedric Thorne aka Kang Rowan lifted a brow with a smirk “Who’s going to catch me? It’s been Thirteen years already!”
Marcus paused, then gave a slow nod. “Fair point. What was her name again?”
Cedric sipped from his coffee “Who?”
Marcus scoffed. “The girl you rped.”
Cedric’s fingers curled tightly around the cup, “Hana.” He paused, then let out a low, chilling chuckle. “How could I forget her? She was fun, young and beautiful.”
Marcus rolled his eyes at the twisted fondness in Cedric’s tone.
Cedric leaned back, smiling darkly. “And you asked what I’m still doing at the academy?” Another laugh escaped his lips. “There’s someone else now. Another girl. Rosalie Sinclair. Small, innocent. She reminds me of Hana. But this one–she’s even more tempting. So much prettier.”
Marcus scoffed in disgust. “You’ve got no morals, Cedric. You’re thirty-eight, for fuck’s sake. Have you lost it completely?”
Cedric’s smirk didn’t waver. “Cut the bullshit. Why are you really here?”
Marcus scoffed, leaning back lazily, clearly unimpressed. “You’re still the same, impatient and power-hungry.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Unlike you, I’ve moved on with legal business. Got a family, a life. But you? Still stuck chasing power and ruining girls half your age.”
Cedric’s jaw clenched. “Get to the damn point, asshole.”
Marcus chuckled darkly. “Fine. There’s a private gathering, underworld only. The mafia leader is finally revealing himself.” He paused, letting it sink in. “I was invited. Thought I’d drag you along. Might be useful to you, since you’re still crawling in the dark without a clue. You’re my childhood friend, after all.”
Cedric’s eyes lit up with a sharp glint. “Now that is worth my time.”
“You don’t know how many times I’ve tried to get in the underworld.” Cedric muttered. “Sent my trusted men but they vanished without a single trace. Like they never existed. I couldn’t figure out anything. That leader, he’s clever. Very cunning.”
Marcus smirked. “That’s why tonight is special. I’ll send the address. Whether you show up or not, I already know the answer. You won’t miss a golden opportunity like this.”
Cedric smirked evilly.
\---
|| On The Other Hand ||
Rosa stood frozen while Killian slowly unwrapped the bandage from her wounded palm.
Every layer peeled back felt like fire against her skin but Rosa didn’t make a sound. She was too scared of him, of the pain, of what he might do next.
She blamed herself for trying to run, for failing, for not being careful enough. Now, standing in front of this man, this killer, she could hardly breathe.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She dared not lift her gaze. Just standing in front of him made her feel like her legs would give out any moment.
And then the bandage fell away completely.
Her soft gaze dropped.
The moment she saw her raw injured hand, her breath stuck in her throat. The wound was deep. The torn flesh, the angry redness, it looked horrible, disfigured.
Rosa bit her trembling lip.
Killian’s cold eyes locked onto his trembling girl. He could see the fear etched in every inch of her fragile body.
He took her fingers and swiftly wrapped the new bandage around her wounded palm again. Rosa swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the freshly dressed injury.
Suddenly, Killian tugged her delicate arm, pulling her close. Rosa gasped, forced onto her tiptoes and her wide fearful eyes finally met his.
“It’ll be alright. Don’t be scared.”
Killian leaned in. His breath brushed her cheek. Rosa gasped and quickly turned her head aside to avoid him. But he wasn’t having it.
His hand snapped back to her nape, pulling her toward him with force and Rosa stumbled against his chest. Killian’s lips pressed against her trembling ones in a possessive peck. His eyes remained dark and merciless.
Rosa flinched. Then his voice dropped, dangerously calm. “How about I take you out of this pretty little cage, hmm?”
He tilted his head, watching her confusion grow.
“You want that, don’t you?” he murmured, brushing a thumb across Rosa’s cheek.
Her eyes widened in confusion. She couldn’t understand what he meant. He had kept her locked up for over a week. And now, suddenly, this?
She felt her breath quicken. What was he planning?
Will he let her go?
“I-I wan-want to.” Rosa mumbled, her eyes fixed anywhere but on him.
Killian’s lips curled into a smirk. “We’re going to a party, rabbit. And don’t even think about running.”
Her eyes snapped up to meet his.
“N-no! I don’t want to. I don’t want to go anywhere with you. I want to leave–” she whimpered and tried to pull her hands away.
But his grip tightened.
“I said you’re going with me.” His voice was like ice.
Rosa entire body tensed in fear. She shook her head desperately, “Don’t do this t-to m-me. Don’t lock m-me away. Please... I-I won’t tell anyone, I s-swear.” she pleaded.
Killian’s rough hand cupped her cheek, fingers brushing her skin with unsettling calm. “Don’t be stubborn.” His voice oozed dominance. “You’ll do as I say.”
His inked arms tightened around her, caging her fragile form.
Rosa turned her head away and locked her eyes onto the room that had become her prison. “Y-You can’t do this to me.” she sobbed out.
“I can!” Killian interrupted “and I don’t need your permission!”
Rosa hiccupped the moment he let go of her. She cried out helplessly when Killian pecked her lips and walked out of the room without a word. She knew she couldn’t stop him from locking her in again, just like always.
Clutching her bandaged hand to her chest, her wary eyes darted to the locked door. The sound of it clicking shut echoed through the silence.
Her heart shattered once again. She stumbled toward the bed and collapsed onto it, burying her face into the sheets to muffle her sobs.
“Why, Momma? Wh-why did this happen to me? Please forgive me, momma, papa. Please tell god, I-I don’t want to stay with a criminal.” Rosa wept, clutching the bedsheet tightly.
She lay there crying helplessly. Not a single night passed without terrifying nightmares. Awake, she found no peace. Asleep, only horror.
Her studies, her work, her life, where did it all go? She couldn’t do anything. Nothing. Just cry–and survive with fear.
The man she loved the most is the one hurting her the worst!
\---
|| AT EVENING ||
Evening arrived and Rosa’s eyes snapped open at the sound of the door clicking. She clutched the duvet tightly around her body, bracing herself for the monster she feared would walk in.
But her eyes widened in shock when she saw who entered.
“Sister!” Rosa cried out seeing the woman.
Lilia’s face turned pale the moment her eyes landed on the fragile girl. Before Rosa could move, Lilia rushed to her.
Rosa didn’t understand anything, she just threw her arms around Lilia when she sat beside her and hugged her tightly.
“Sister, h–he’s not a professor. He’s a m-ma-mafia.” Rosa stammered through her despaired sobs.
Lilia gently caressed the broken girl in her arms. She never imagined Rosalie, always so quiet and shy would collapse into her arms like this.
Just a few days ago Chris had told her everything. That Rosa had found out the truth. Lilia wasn’t even allowed near this room until today.
She had been worried for Rosa the entire time but hearing Rosa’s trembling voice shattered her more than she expected.
“Are you alright?” Lilia’s soft question made Rosa break the embrace.
Rosa shook her head frantically “H-he lied to m-me. He k-kill–kills human. He played with me. I d-didn’t know. I s-saw him. I saw him killing someone.”
Her hands gripped Lilia’s sleeves. “He locked me inside and w-won’t let me go out. I’m s-so scared.”
Lilia pulled her into a tight embrace, stroking her back gently. “Shhh, don’t cry, dear. I’m just glad you’re okay. Don’t be scared, he won’t hurt you.”
Rosa’s sobs faltered into sharp sniffs. She slowly pulled back. Her wide, teary eyes suddenly locked onto Lilia’s face. “Y-you knew?”
Lilia went still. Her silence said it all.
“I’m sorry, dear.” she whispered with guilt. “I was told not to say anything. It was my job. I had no choice.”
Rosa stared at her, heart splintering. Tears blurred her eyes again. “Y-you could’ve told me.” she whimpered “Everyone l-lies to me.”
Rosa flinched in her cries, clutching her bandaged hand to her chest, drowning in betrayal.
Lilia’s expression fell. “I was under strict orders. I was only meant to care for you but–” she paused “He’s a good man, dear. Don’t cry. He likes you.”
Rosa shook her head desperately. “He doesn’t. He doesn’t like me.”
Lilia’s brows knitted with concern. She understood, no normal girl would choose to live with a murderer and killing was a mafia’s daily routine.
“H-he said…he doesn’t love me. H-he said–” Rosa sniffled, “He said...” her voice slowly faded at the bitter truth.
Lilia lowered her gaze, unable to meet those tearful eyes. “Come on, dear. You have to get ready. He ordered me to prepare you. Please, don’t cry.”
Rosa shook her head desperately. “I d-don’t want to go. Please, please help me leave th-this place. He’ll hurt me.”
Lilia’s heart clenched but her voice stayed soft, “He won’t hurt you. Come now, let’s get you ready. You’ll be late.”
She didn’t let Rosa protest. Rosa’s legs wobbled while Lilia helped her up. Rosa’s face was pale-white.
Lilia avoided her eyes, unable to face the betrayal shining in them. “I’m sorry. I truly am. But I can’t go against him.”
Her words broke something inside Rosa, yet she remained numb and defeated.
—TIME SKIP—
Lilia had finished dressing Rosa. Rosa stared at her reflection in the mirror. She wore a knee-length floral skirt and a crisp pearly white shirt tucked neatly into the waistband. Her face was dull and eyes slightly glossy from all the cries.
“Will you mind if I call you by your name?” Lilia asked softly. “Like a sister?”
Rosa gently shook her head.
Lilia grabbed her both shoulders “Alright then, Rosalie, please be strong, okay?” Those few words were all Lilia could manage.
Before Rosa could answer, the door creaked open.
Lilia turned and immediately bowed when Killian stepped inside. Rosa took a step back, retreating behind Lilia like prey hiding from a predator.
Killian’s dark gaze flicked to Lilia, who bowed again and gave Rosa one last glance as a silent apology masked with a smile before leaving.
Her shadow disappeared and the tall, imposing figure of Killian towered over Rosa. She slowly lifted her eyes.
There he stood with his eyes locked on her like she was his possession.
He was wearing a black coat, hair styled perfectly and a stone curved sharp face. His demeanor screamed dominance.
Killian’s gaze locked on her, standing timidly before him. Another wave of possessive realization hit him, just how small she truly was!
That white shirt clung to her fragile chest. Its long sleeves almost swallowed her hands. The floral skirt hugged her perfect waist, brushing against her knees, making her look so much prettier.
She looked adorable, almost painfully so.
He had instructed Lilia to dress her in something modest and covering.
Killian wasn’t stupid. The mafia gathering wouldn’t be peaceful. There would be hungry, lustful eyes. Men who would stare. But he wouldn’t let them.
He just wanted to take her out, show her off and remind every breathing soul that she was his. Only his.
Because if he was a king. Then she was a queen.
His fragile queen.
“Let’s meet your freedom, rabbit.”