Chapter 3
ROSALIE
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The night after my conversation with my father, I lay awake, my mind racing with the dread of what was to come. Damien Hale. I still couldn’t believe it. Memories of high school–of his cruel smirk and the way he seemed to enjoy tormenting me -played on repeat in my mind. And now, he was my future.
The next day passed in a daze. I went through the motions, barely hearing Charlotte’s jabs at my “good fortune” or my mother’s quiet indifference. The weight of it all pressed on me like a physical burden I couldn’t escape.
In the evening, just as the sun was beginning to set, my father called me into his study. His tone was brisk, businesslike, as if he were managing a merger instead of his daughter’s life.
“Your fiancé will be arriving shortly to discuss the engagement plans,” he announced as I entered. “Be on your best behavior.”
My heart froze. He’s coming here?
“Dad, please,” I whispered, feeling a wave of desperation rise within me. “Isn’t there another way? This isn’t right–I can’t marry him.”
My father’s gaze was cold and unyielding. “I have no interest in your protests, Rosalie. This arrangement has been decided. Damien Hale is the solution to our problems, and you’ll fulfill your part in this.”
Before I could say anything more, there was a knock on the door, followed by the study opening. And there he was- Damien Hale, taller, more imposing than I remembered. The years since high school had sharpened his features, his dark hair carefully styled, his suit tailored to perfection. Yet his eyes held that same glint, a mix of arrogance and something even darker.
“Mr. Thompson,” he greeted, his voice smooth and controlled, though his gaze was locked on me, assessing, predatory. “Damien,” my father replied, standing and extending his hand. “Thank you for coming.”
Damien nodded, then turned his full attention to me. “Rosebud” he said softly, almost as if savoring the name. He had always called me that and I hated it so much.
“It’s been a long time.”
I swallowed, forcing myself to stand tall despite the urge to shrink away. “Yes, it has.”
His smile widened, a calculated gesture that only deepened my unease. “I didn’t expect you to change so much. You’ve grown… more beautiful than I remember.”
The compliment sounded hollow, almost mocking. I could feel my father’s expectant gaze on me, but I couldn’t muster any words in response. The Damien I had known was cruel, relentless, and this man before me was every bit as intimidating, if
not more.
The silence stretched, and my father cleared his throat, clearly impatient. “Rosalie, you and Damien should get to know each other. Go show him the gardens.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but my father’s glare silenced me. Resigned, I forced a nod and turned to leave, Damien following closely behind me. The air felt thick with tension as we walked side by side, the weight of his gaze never leaving
- me.
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IVIOTT,, 17
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Chapter 3
Once we were outside, I led him toward the rose garden, hoping the familiar scent and open space would ease my nerves. But even surrounded by blooming flowers, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped.
“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Damien’s voice cut through the silence, smooth and unsettlingly calm. “All these years, and we meet again like this.”
I forced myself to meet his gaze, trying to ignore the memories that resurfaced with every word. “Strange isn’t the word I would use.”
He tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Do you remember high school, Rosebud?”
The question felt like a trap, and I hesitated before nodding. “How could I forget?”
He laughed softly, the sound as chilling as I remembered. “Good. I like that you remember.” His voice lowered, his words filled with a possessive edge. “You were always on my mind, even after we left. When I found out about your family’s… predicament, I knew it was fate bringing us back together.”
I took a step back, my heart pounding. “You… you wanted this?”
He stepped forward, closing the distance between us with a terrifying ease. “Yes, Rosalie. I’ve thought about you for years. And now, you’re mine. Mine to torment and heal”
A shiver ran down my spine. I felt exposed, vulnerable, as if he could see every fear and insecurity I had ever harbored. “Marriage is about love Damien, not this,” I whispered, barely able to keep my voice steady.
His smile never wavered. “Who said anything about love?” he replied smoothly. “This is about what I want. And I always get what I want.”
I took another step back, needing to escape his intense gaze, but his hand reached out, capturing my wrist with a grip that was gentle yet firm. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, a reminder of the control he had, of the reality I couldn’t avoid.
“I know you’re afraid,” he murmured, his voice lowering to a whisper. “But in time, you’ll see that I can give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
I felt trapped, my heart racing as I stared at him. This was the same boy who had tormented me, the same boy who had made me feel small and insignificant. And now, he was my future.
“I don’t want any of this,” I managed to say, the words barely more than a whisper. “That is all I want, can you give me that?” He leaned closer, his gaze intense. “You may not want it now, Rosalie. But you will.”
His words hung in the air, a dark promise that felt like a shackle around my heart. And in that moment, as I stood there with his hand still gripping my wrist, I realized that there was no escape. My fate had been sealed, and Damien Hale was at the center of it.
19:29 Mon, 17 Feb
