Chapter 71

A lone lamp's gentle glow created long shadows on the library's shelves of unread books as Roseline sat there. Uncertainty weighed heavily on her mind as her hand lay lightly on her stomach. Even though the child she carried was a secret that was too sensitive and risky to discuss with anyone other than Sam, its existence had turned into a source of both happiness and shame.  

Her voice was shaking as she whispered, "What kind of life can I give you?" "I'm a terrible mother for dragging you into this mess."  

"Now talking to yourself?"  

She was startled by the voice. Vincent was standing in the doorway when she swiftly turned, gripping the armrest. He crossed his arms and had a look on his face that she couldn't quite read, but she could tell it was a mix of curiosity and worry.  

With a sharper tone than she meant, she said, "Don't come up on me like that."  

Vincent's eyebrows went up. "A habit of mine. Old habits don't go away easily. His boots clicked softly on the polished floor as he entered the room. "Everyone has been avoiding you. Ronaldo has taken notice.  

Roseline tensed. "I'm not trying to avoid anyone. I simply needed some time to reflect.  

He gave a dry laugh. "It will take more than time for you to figure out how to get out of this. You had better move quickly on whatever you have planned.  

She became agitated. "I have no idea what you're discussing."  

Vincent stepped closer and said, "Don't play dumb," his voice fading to a whisper. "I am aware of the letter and the café. You're fortunate that I followed you rather than Ronaldo.  

Her heart pounded. "You were watching me?"  

He corrected, leaning against a nearby table, "protecting you." Roseline, you are balancing a tightrope. The more Ronaldo learns about this, the more paranoid he becomes.  

"What makes you concerned?" She lost her temper.  

Vincent rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Because nobody should have to live this way." least of all you.  

Roseline paused, taking in the significance of what he had said. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she acknowledged, "I'm not sure if I can do this."  

"You can," Vincent asserted. "All you have to do is commit and quit second-guessing. I can help you if you want to leave, but you must have faith in me.  

Roseline's breath caught when the door creaked open once more. Sam entered, his eyes darting between her and Vincent, his face tense.  

"Am I disturbing someone?"  

"Sam," she said, feeling a wave of relief.  

Vincent stood up straight, his face expressionless. "Roseline, you have a peculiar taste in allies."  

"Enough," she snapped. "Just... stop, you two."  

Sam scowled and took a step towards her. "What's happening? Although I received your letter, it doesn't appear that this is a private exchange.  

"Vincent is aware," she said, her voice trembling. "He trailed me to the coffee shop."  

Sam stiffened, clenching his fists. "And? Do you intend to inform Ronaldo about us?  

Vincent laughed. We wouldn't be having this conversation if I wanted to do that. I'm not here to spy, but to assist.  

Roseline moved between them, her hands up, but Sam seemed doubtful. "This is not something we have time for. Vincent is correct—Ronaldo is becoming increasingly suspicious. We must act quickly if we intend to depart.  

As Sam gazed at her, his eyes grew softer. "Are you certain of this? We can never go back once we leave.  

"I'm sure," she stated in a steady voice. "I refuse to raise our child in this poisonous environment. I will no longer allow Ronaldo to rule us.  

Vincent's eyebrows went up. "Youngster?"  

When Roseline realised what she had just disclosed, she froze.  

Sam took a step forward, instinctively defensive. Indeed. She is expecting a child. And that makes it even more imperative that we get her out of here.  

Vincent's face changed, showing a mix of surprise and resolve. "Well, that makes things more difficult. However, it also intensifies the urgency. Ronaldo will not simply let you go; he will pursue you, particularly if he learns about the baby.  

"We must exercise caution," Sam remarked. "Every action was planned."  

Vincent said, "Then let's get started right away." "Ronaldo's journey starts tomorrow evening. Our window is that.  

With their voices low, the three of them huddled together and drew up a plan. Roseline and Sam would have enough time to escape unnoticed if Vincent set up a distraction to divert Ronaldo's security detail.  

Vincent said, "You'll need a car waiting." "I can make that happen. You're on your own after you depart, though. I am only able to reach people in the city.  

Sam gave a nod. "I'll handle everything else. I know people who can make us vanish.  

A glimmer of hope flickered through Roseline's mind, followed immediately by a nagging fear. "What if Ronaldo discovers before we depart?"  

Vincent's face grew serious. "You'll then have to put up a fierce fight to escape."  

Roseline sat in her room later that evening, gazing at the little suitcase she had brought. The only things she had brought were the ultrasound picture she had taken during a covert visit to the clinic, a few clothes, and some cash she had stashed away.  

She hurried to push the suitcase under the bed when she heard a knock at the door.  

"Who is it?"  

Ronaldo's voice said, "It's me," from across the room.  

A beat skipped through her heart. "Enter now."  

The room was filled with Ronaldo's presence as he entered. He gave her a cold, heartless smile as he studied her with a calculating gaze.  

He said in a casual but suspicious tone, "You've been quiet lately."  

With a steady tone, she answered, "I've had a lot on my mind."  

"Do you want to share anything?"  

"No," she uttered hastily. "Just... things I have to take care of myself."  

His eyes narrowed as he took a step closer. Roseline, I hope you're not hiding anything from me. You are aware of my feelings regarding secrets.  

Even though her heart was pounding, she made herself look into his eyes. "I'm not."  

Ronaldo nodded after giving her one more look. "All right. For if I ever discover that you were deceiving me...” The implied threat was evident as he left the sentence hanging.  

Roseline let go of the breath she hadn't realised she was holding as he walked out of the room.  

Roseline was sitting on the edge of her bed when her phone buzzed with a text message a few moments later.  

"He is more knowledgeable than you may realise," from an unidentified number. Take caution.  

Her blood froze.