Chapter 39
DAMIEN
I walked through the grand double doors into the living room, my heart pounding with frustration and doubt. Charlotte’s words gnawed at the edges of my mind, refusing to let go. I tried to push them away, to remind myself that Charlotte was manipulative and cruel, but they lingered like a shadow.
She had said Rosalie was embarrassing me, that she was making a fool of herself at my party, I hadn’t wanted to believe it, but a part of me–small but nagging–needed to see for myself.
And then I saw her.
Rosalie
She stood in the middle of the room, commanding attention in the worst possible way. The music was loud, but her voice was louder.
“Oh.
my God! This song is amazing!” she slurred, throwing her arms up in the air. She spun in a clumsy circle, almost knocking over a nearby waiter who had been trying to sneak past her with a tray of champagne flutes.
Her laugh rang out–high–pitched, unsteady, and completely out of place. The crowd of guests had gathered around her. some whispering behind their hands, others smirking or outright laughing.
“I never knew Mrs Hale to be this….loud,” someone muttered.
“She’s certainly something,” another replied with a knowing chuckle.
My chest tightened, heat rising to my face. Embarrassment. Anger. Humiliation.
Rosalie twirled again, her dress swishing awkwardly around her knees. “Why is everyone so stiff tonight?” she called out, her words slurred and slightly incoherent. “Loosen up, people! This is a party!”
She reached for another glass of wine, but it tipped before she could grab it, splashing red liquid onto the pristine white tablecloth nearby.
“Oops!” she said, giggling as she clapped her hands together. “My bad!”
The whispers grew louder, and I felt every single pair of eyes in the room shift toward me.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
Striding forward, I grabbed Rosalie’s wrist. “That’s enough,” I said, my voice low but firm.
She turned, blinking up at me in surprise. “Damien!” she shrieked, her voice cutting through the room like a knife. “Hey, everyone, look! My husband’s here! Isn’t he handsome?”
My jaw tightened, and I ignored the muffled laughter around us. “We’re leaving.” I said, pulling her away from the crowd.
“What? No!” she protested, stumbling as I led her toward the hallway. “I was just starting to have fun!”
“Enough, Rosalie,” I snapped, my patience thinning-
“You’re no fun!” she whined, trying to pull her wrist free. “You’re so… ugh, annoying!”
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Chapter 39
The hallway offered a momentary reprieve from the stares and whispers, but I didn’t stop until we were upstairs in our bedroom. Only then did I release her and turn to face her, my frustration boiling over.
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“What the hell is wrong with you?” I demanded, my voice sharp. “Do you have any idea how you just humiliated me out there? What were you thinking, acting like that in front of everyone?”
Rosalie wobbled slightly, leaning against the bedpost for support. Her hair was a mess, her checks flushed, and her eyes glassy. She didn’t look ashamed or regretful–just… confused.
“You’re yelling,” she said, her words slow and slurred. “Stop yelling. It’s too loud.”
“Are you kidding me?” I said, running a hand through my hair. “You’re being petty, Rosalie! This–this is your idea of getting back at me, isn’t it? Making a fool out of yourself, out of me, in front of all those people?”
She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest like a petulant child. “I don’t wanna talk about it,” she muttered.
“Of course, you don’t,” I shot back, pacing the room. “Because you know I’m right.”
Her head snapped up at that, and for a moment, I thought she was going to lash out, But instead, she burst into tears.
“I don’t wanna be here!” she cried, her voice breaking. “I hate it here! I hate everything about this stupid party, this stupid house, this-“She gestured wildly, nearly losing her balance.
I froze, my anger faltering as confusion crept in. That’s when I noticed the way she swayed, the way her words slurred, the way her eyes struggled to focus.
“Wait.. are you drunk?” I asked, my voice softer now.
She sniffled, wiping at her face with the back of her hand. “So what if I am?” she said, her words barely coherent. “Charlotte said I should drink. She said it’d make me feel better, and she was right! I feel-” She hiccupped. “I feel great!”
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Of course Charlotte was involved. Why wouldn’t she be?
“Rosalie,” I began, trying to keep my tone even, “how much did you drink?”
“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “A little? A lot? Who cares? It’s a party!”
I exhaled slowly, willing myself to stay calm. “Rosalie, you can’t just-
“I don’t wanna be here,” she interrupted, her voice smaller this time. “I wanna go… somewhere else.”
“Somewhere else?” I repeated, watching her carefully.
“Yes!” she said, her tone turning petulant again. “I wanna go on a date. A real date. You never take me anywhere. I wanna go to dinner. Right now.”
“A dinner date?” I asked incredulously, glancing at the clock. It was well past eleven.
“Yes,” she insisted, stomping her foot like a child. “And you have to carry me. Like–like in the movies!”
I stared at her, torn between frustration and exasperation. This was absurd. Completely absurd. But then she looked at me, her eyes filled with tears, and I felt my resolve crumble.
“Fine,” I muttered under my breath, stepping closer.
She blinked up at me, her expression shifting to one of surprise. “Really?”
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Chapter 39
“Yes, really. Now come here.” I said, crouching slightly to scoop her into my arms.
She squealed in delight as I lifted her bridal style, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You’re actually doing it!” she giggled, her breath warm against my cheek. “You’re carrying me! This is so fun!”
“Fun isn’t exactly the word I’d use.” 1 muttered, adjusting my grip as I headed for the door.
As I descended the staircase, Rosalie’s giggles filled the air, drawing the attention of the guests. I ignored their curious stares, focusing instead on getting us out of there.
At the bottom of the stairs, Charlotte appeared, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the scene.
“Where are you taking her?” she demanded, her tone sharp.
“That’s none of your business.” I replied curtly, not slowing my pace.
“But-
“Stay out of it, Charlotte,” I said firmly, brushing past her without another word.
Once we were e outside, I motioned for one of the staff members. “Make sure the guests are taken care of. The party’s
Lis.
The worker nodded quickly, disappearing back inside.
s over for
As I carried Rosalie toward the car waiting in the driveway, she rested her head against my shoulder, her voice soft. “Where are we going?”
“You wanted dinner,” I reminded her, opening the car door and carefully settling her inside.
She smiled up at me, her eyes fluttering closed. “You’re not so bad, Damien,” she mumbled sleepily.
I sighed, closing the door and walking around to the driver’s side. “I know I am not,” I said under my breath as I started the engine.
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