Chapter 74
The only sound in the stifling silence of the dining room was the slight clatter of cutlery on delicate porcelain. Roseline sensed that Ronaldo was staring at her intently and relentlessly as if he could willfully remove the layers of her thoughts.
Ronaldo said suddenly, his deep voice breaking the silence, "You're distracted." "Do you want to share something?"
Roseline's fingers gripped her fork more tightly. With a shaky smile on her lips, she forced herself to look into his eyes. Ronaldo, I'm just exhausted. Not much more.
His face remained stern. His dark eyes narrowed as if analysing her reaction, and if anything, his suspicion grew. "Are you tired of exactly what? Your duties here aren't particularly taxing.
Painfully, her heart pounded against her ribs. She was aware that his remarks were a trap, a planned test, rather than merely a matter of casual curiosity. Lacing her fingers together to steady them, she put down her fork.
She said, being careful to speak in a light tone, "I've been restless." Sometimes the days seem to drag on forever. That's all.
His lips pressed into a thin line as he reclined in his chair. "Interesting. You've been requesting more privacy lately, I've noticed. Locking doors and going for solitary walks. Secrets are something you've never been good at.
Roseline felt a knot in her stomach. She had exercised extreme caution. However, it was not sufficient.
Despite the panic gnawing at her insides, she answered steadily, "I need moments to myself." "Is that so strange?"
Ronaldo's smile lacked warmth and was icy. Strange? No. Worried? Maybe.
With her mind racing, Roseline withdrew to her room after dinner. She sensed the boundaries of Ronaldo's power enclosing her as his interrogation became more intense. Her hands shaking, she paced the length of the room, weighing her options.
She was startled by the soft buzz of her phone on the bedside table. Her breath caught when she saw Sam's name, and she grabbed it.
How are you doing?
Before typing a reply, her fingers lingered over the screen.
Roseline: His suspicions are growing. I'm not sure how long I can continue like this.
The response was almost immediate.
Sam: Remain composed. We are near. Tonight, I'll get in touch with Vincent. If necessary, we will relocate sooner.
With the burden of her situation bearing down on her, Roseline gazed at the screen. Fear gnawed at her resolve, but she wanted to believe what Sam was saying and hold onto the hope he offered.
A gentle tap on her door diverted her focus. She quickly tucked the phone under a pillow and stood up straight.
She called in a strained voice, "Come in."
With a creak, the door opened, and Maria entered, her face drawn and white. Glancing over her shoulder as if expecting someone to hear her, she hurriedly closed the door behind her.
With an urgent tone, Maria whispered, "He's had cameras installed." "In the common areas and corridors. Except for the bedrooms, everywhere.
Roseline's heart froze. "When?"
Maria answered, "This afternoon." I heard him deliver the directions. Roseline, he's planning something. You must move quickly.
Ronaldo started acting more shadily the following morning. He followed Roseline around the house, serving as a continual reminder of his dominance over her.
He was sitting with his laptop open on the table in the sunroom when she entered for her customary morning tea.
"Good morning," he said in a surprisingly kind tone. "Come with me."
After a brief moment of hesitation, Roseline took a seat across from him.
Ronaldo stared at her while he browsed through the laptop and said, "I was just reviewing some footage from the new security system." "Really fascinating. Observing people when they don't think anyone is looking can teach you a lot.
Roseline's heart raced, but she made herself stay composed. "I had no idea that you had installed new cameras."
With a thin smile, Ronaldo said, "A precaution." These days, you can never be too cautious. Do you not agree?
Her throat was dry as she nodded. "Obviously."
With a purposeful snap, Ronaldo shut the laptop and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Roseline, is there anything you want to share with me? Something I ought to be aware of?
Her chest roared with her heart. Refusing to show her fear, she looked him in the eye. "No, Ronaldo. Nothing exists.
For a long moment, the silence was unbearable as he studied her. Then he grinned and leaned back. "All right. I would hate for us to misunderstand one another.
Roseline hardly slept that night. The knowledge of the cameras and the weight of Ronaldo's impending arrival choked her. Her fingers shaking, she gripped her phone beneath the blanket and typed a message to Sam.
Roseline: We must relocate. Right now.
Sam responded right away.
Sam: At midnight, I will be there. Prepare yourself.
Roseline's breathing became laboured. Midnight. It was her only opportunity.
Roseline gathered her final possessions as she stalked through the house like a shadow as the clock drew closer to midnight. With every step, her heart thumping in her ears, she took care not to make any noise.
However, a figure appeared out of the darkness as she slipped into the hallway.
Ronaldo.
She could see the gleam of triumph in his eyes, but the dim light partially obscured his face.
"Are you going somewhere?" His voice was low and threatening as he asked.
Roseline's pulse pounded frantically as she froze. Her mind racing for a way out, she gripped the strap of her bag.
As he moved closer, Ronaldo added, "You've been busy." "Late-night messages and secret meetings." You thought I wouldn't notice?
Her mouth opened to reply, but nothing came out.
He grabbed her arm with an iron grip and said, "Let's go." "We are going to engage in a brief... discussion."
Roseline's phone buzzed softly in her pocket as Ronaldo pulled her towards his study. There was no way to respond, but she knew it was Sam.
The clock struck midnight behind her.