Chapter 85

Roseline sat by the window and observed the distant flickering city lights. Every glow was like a beacon of freedom, so near yet so far away. She had been living in deception for weeks, avoiding Ronaldo's anger by acting as though nothing was wrong. However, nothing was typical. No longer.

Naturally, her fingers brushed over her stomach, where a tiny life—one she had sworn to protect at all costs—was growing. She wasn't only fighting for herself for the first time in a long time. She was fighting for a much bigger cause.

A glimmer of hope then emerged, as though fate itself had grown weary of her suffering.

Recently, Ronaldo had been tense and more erratic in his temper than normal. His world of power and control, as well as their home, was becoming more tense. More people had whispered the name **Colton Blackwood**, always with a hint of animosity.

Colton posed a threat to Ronaldo's empire and was more than just a rival. If Roseline had learnt anything, it was that the ones caught in the middle of a titanic battle could occasionally escape undetected.

She paid close attention to Ronaldo's whispered discussions with his men, picking up on snippets of information about impending meetings, treachery, and power struggles.

This was something she needed.

Roseline didn't waste any time when Ronaldo left that evening for a crucial meeting. Grabbing her phone, she called Sam.

Roseline? He spoke with concern, but she could also hear the quiet power in his voice. It was the strength she sorely needed.

She muttered, barely raising her voice above a breath, "I think I've found a way out."

Sam didn't think twice. "Tell me."

She explained what she had deduced from Ronaldo's recent tirades. Colton Blackwood was attempting to undermine him and causing disarray among his followers. Playing her cards correctly, she could take advantage of the developing conflict to evade detection.

"Sam, there will come a time. When Ronaldo is too preoccupied to notice me. When he is too preoccupied with defending his empire to be concerned about me. She inhaled nervously. "I must be prepared when it occurs."

After a moment of silence, Sam spoke with a determined tone. "We will ensure that you are."

Roseline felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in weeks.

However, hope was risky.

Because the fear of losing everything accompanied it.

Ronaldo's world also did not forgive mistakes.

After her hushed chat with Sam, the night dragged on for a while, but Roseline's thoughts would not stop. She was aware that the plan wasn't perfect because, when it came to getting away from a man like Ronaldo, nothing ever was. He was unreasonably possessive, meticulous, and vicious. He wasn't unbeatable, though. She might be able to get past his paranoia if he continued to concentrate on Colton Blackwood.

Mentally rehearsing every possible scenario and mistake that could lead to her capture, she paced her bedroom. Ronaldo's anger would be swift and ruthless if he even suspected dishonesty.

She was startled out of her reverie by a knock on the door.

Her heart pounded against her ribs as she turned. "Come in," she called, forcing a tired, composed expression onto her face.

Ronaldo entered as the door creaked open.

As he examined her with those dark, unreadable eyes, she forced herself to remain calm and took a slow breath. His posture was different tonight; his shoulders were stiff, and his face was purposefully expressionless. However, she could tell something was bothering him by the tension in his jaw.

He questioned, "Why are you still awake?" There was a hint of edge in his smooth voice.

"I had trouble falling asleep." Roseline shrugged, speaking softly. "I've been thinking about a lot."

Ronaldo stepped forward and cocked his head. "Like what?"

She paused. The wrong response might give him away. He might become complacent if he gives the correct response.

She thus fulfilled her role.

"We have been on my mind." Uncertainty forced into her tone, she sighed softly. Recently, there has been tension between us. I long for the days of the past.

That was untrue. She never missed a second of being in his grip. However, she was aware of what he desired to hear.

Ronaldo's eyes slightly softened. "Is that correct?"

Taking a step closer to test the waters, she nodded. "I admit to being aloof. I don't want our relationship to fail.

His fingers lightly, almost thoughtfully, touched her arm. "Then cease shoving me away."

She didn't flinch even though a chill went down her spine. Rather, she lowered her eyes, assuming the part he had assigned her. "I'm making an effort."

After a long moment of studying her, he seemed placated and let out a breath through his nose. "Well done." His eyes met hers as he extended his hand and lifted her chin. "Because, Roseline, I dislike it when you lie to me."

Despite feeling sick to her stomach, she kept it to herself. "I understand."

She thought he had seen right through her for a horrifying moment. That behind her carefully crafted façade, he had sensed the plan taking shape. He turned away after giving her a forehead kiss, though.

He said nonchalantly, as though he hadn't just shaken her to her core, "I have a meeting with Colton's men tomorrow." "This evening will be lengthy. Here, you'll be by yourself.

By themselves.

The word was like an electric current coursing through her veins.

It was this.

Her window of opportunity.

Ronaldo was unaware that he was giving her a chance at freedom by allowing her to be alone.

She forced herself to speak steadily as she swallowed. "Take caution."

Ronaldo grinned, as though he found the prospect of danger amusing. “Always.”

Roseline's whole body slumped in relief as soon as the door closed behind him.

Tomorrow.