Chapter 17
After some soft rusting of the covers, Rosa shifted closer, searching for warmth like she was chasing away a had dream. She nestled into Phil’s embrace, breathing in his calming, cool scent, and finally drifted off to sleep.
Half–asleep, she mumbled, voice muffled and sweet, “So noisy… why aren’t you sleeping yet
Phil just smiled, pulling her closer. His touch was gentle as he patted her back, rocking her deeper into sleep
“Go to sleep, love 111 be quiet promise
When he looked at his phone again, he realized the call had ended somewhere along the way.!!
On the other end. Austin was gripping his own phone so tightly it looked like he might snap it in half. Aiden’s eyes were bloodshot, burning with frustration. Lev just stared at the ground, lost in thought
The next day, all three of them left the hospital early–none of them had to say a word to know they were thinking the same thing.
Before the family dinner started, Rosa walked in, arm linked with Phil’s. She was wearing a soft pink dress that made her look graceful and delicate, and standing next to Phill–who always looked so powerful–they were the perfect picture of a couple.
Everyone from the Schuler family looked at her differently now. There was respect there, even a hint of awe. Gone was the sneering contempt she’d gotten before, the way they used to whisper behind her back.
Just by standing by Phil’s side, Rosa made it clear she belonged. No one dared talk about her like they used to
She saw night through them all, but she didn’t bother calling anyone out She just held onto Phill, walking with him into the main hall.
But then, as they passed through the garden, Phil stopped suddenly.
Want to see something interesting today?” he asked, his tone teasing, but with something deeper behind it
“Our three nephews st haven’t gotten what they deserve for what they did, have they?”
Rosa just listened, her heart swelling. He was the first one to e
stand up for her to believe in her, to fight for her
Her parents had never cared if she got hurt. They only wanted her to win over the Schuler brothers, to lock down the mariage. They were always gone, chasing their own lives. Even if they knew she was upset, they’d maybe offer a few empty words before moving on.
Grandpa Schuler and the old lady stayed at the country estate, only coming home for the big stuff. Even though they cared, they couldn’t always be there for her And Tyler and Megan? They only cared about their own three sons ?
For as long as she could remember Rosa had only had herself to rely on
She looked up at Phil, gripping his sleeve without even realizing it “Phil, is it okay if I try to lean on you?“)
“Of course,” he answered right away, his lips tilting up in a soft smile. “As long as you’re my wife, I’ll always be here for you. Always”
They walked to the edge of the garden’s ornamental lake and sat down together on a bench. Rosa stared at the water, her heart beating a little faster. Ever since she’d faden in last time she couldn’t shake the fear. Even now, the sight of the lake made her uneasy.
Phil squeezed her hand Don’t be scared. I’m hore Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
Just then, Lev, Austin, and Alden came closer to the lake, with a girl hurrying after them.X
Her eyes were red and pully from crying, tears streaked down her checks. She teetered on the cobblestone path in high heels, but still stubbornly kept following them “Lexx, Austin, Aiden. I can’t decide whether the engagement gets canceled or not. And I really do like you. Do you all really hate me that much?”
