Chapter 72

The park was filled with the golden radiance of the lowering sun with tree shadows extending across the grass like long fingers that were reaching for the skyline. Roseline waited for Sam with her arms folded under their favourite oak. Her heart pounded with fear, excitement, and a faint hope she dared not mention. 

Her chest constricted as Sam emerged, his silhouette against the last of the light. His kind grin, so comforting in its simplicity, temporarily eased her nervousness. His expression darkened as soon as he noticed the uneasiness in her eyes, but he approached her with his typical quiet confidence. 

"What is the matter, Roseline?" With concern in his voice, he inquired. 

Her fingers clenched together as she hesitated. She blurted out, "I—I'm pregnant," the words tumbling over one another as though speaking them more quickly would make them seem less intimidating. 

As he took in what she had said, Sam froze, his brows furrowing. "Are you certain?" 

Her voice was hardly more than a whisper as she nodded. "Yes, I am. I wasn't sure how to tell you. I apologise.

Reaching for her hands, Sam's face softened as he inhaled deeply. With firmness, he said, "Don't apologize." "There is no reason to feel sorry for this. Are you alright? 

Roseline's throat was constricted. His initial inquiry concerned her rather than him or the circumstances. She nodded with tears in her eyes. 

Her voice cracked as she added, "It's yours, Sam." "I'm not sure what to do. I'm afraid.

With a soft and comforting touch, Sam cupped her face with his hand. "We'll work it out." Together.

She felt the warmth of his promise enveloping her, but before she could react, she noticed movement. A figure stepped out of the trees, and she snapped her head around, her heart exploding in her throat. 

Vincent was the one.

His face was unreadable as he walked slowly towards them. Roseline's protective instinct flared, and she moved closer to Sam.  

"Why are you in this place?" Sam inquired in a cautious tone. 

Vincent held up his hands in a surrender position. "Calm down. I'm not here to stir things up. He gave Roseline a quick look. "But I sensed that you might require my assistance." 

Roseline scowled. "How did you know we were coming?" 

Vincent's casual manner belied the tension in the air as he shrugged. "Let's just say that I can read patterns well. And I was correct, was I not? You need assistance with something. 

Sam's mouth clenched. "Vincent, this is none of your business." 

"If you wish to live," Vincent retorted, his eyes piercing. Are you aware of how close Ronaldo is to learning the truth? He is actively investigating in addition to being suspicious. 

A shiver went down Roseline's back. "What do you mean?"  

Vincent lowered his voice and looked around. "I heard him conversing with one of his men. "Roseline, he's been following you around. He is aware that you have been concealing something at the clinic and the café. And now that you're expecting a child...” His meaning was evident as he trailed off. 

Sam took a step forward, tensed. "What is his level of knowledge?" 

"Enough to pose a threat," Vincent remarked somberly. However, not all of it.

Instinctively, Roseline's hands went to her stomach. "What are we going to do?" 

Vincent looked from one to the other. "You must go. Right now. Forget about being cautious and the slow plan. If Ronaldo even suspects this child isn't his... He exhaled deeply. "You don't want to find out what he can do." 

As Vincent's warning became more serious, the three of them fell into a tense silence. Finally, Sam's voice was firm. 

He looked directly into Roseline's eyes and said, "We're going tonight." Bring only what you'll need. I'll take care of the rest. 

"Tonight?" Roseline faltered in her voice. "What if we're not prepared, Sam?" 

Sam stated in a tone that left no room for debate, "We don't have a choice." 

Vincent gave a nod. "To keep Ronaldo's security off your trail, I'll set up a distraction. However, you must be intelligent. Don't pause for anything after you leave the city. 

A mixture of resolve and fear settled in Roseline's chest. She said, "How about you, Vincent?" 

He gave a slight smirk. "Don't be concerned about me. For years, I've been in and out of Ronaldo's game. I know how to hide my identity. 

All three of them were on high alert as they were finishing up their plan when they heard a sudden noise—a rustle in the bushes. Instinctively, Sam moved ahead of Roseline while glancing at the trees. 

His voice was low as he asked, "Did you hear that?" 

The glint of the knife caught the last of the light as Vincent took it out of his jacket. "Remain behind me." 

A shadowy figure appeared as the rustling became louder. One of Ronaldo's men wasn't involved. Roseline recognized it right away: Maria, a member of the domestic staff.  

Roseline's stomach fell as her wide eyes darted between them. "Maria," she said tremblingly. "Why are you in this place?" 

With her hands gripping her apron, Maria paused. It was my mission to locate you, ma'am. Ronaldo would like to see you.  

The air became oppressively tense. 

"What did you hear?" Sam stepped towards her and asked sharply. 

Maria gave a quick shake of her head. "Nothing, I promise. I simply watched you go and followed. 

Vincent squinted his eyes. "You think we'll believe that?" 

Roseline took a step forward, her heart thumping but her voice steady. "Please, Maria. You should forget if you heard anything. You have no idea what's involved. 

As if connecting the dots, Maria paused, her eyes darting to Roseline's abdomen. She stumbled, "I... I won't say anything." "I swear."

However, the terror in her eyes conveyed a different message. 

Vincent's hand suddenly reached out and grabbed Maria's arm as she turned to go. 

"Hold on," he said icily. We cannot afford to take any chances. Either you support us or you oppose us. 

As Vincent's knife gleamed in the last of the light, Maria's eyes widened in fear.