ock on the door bef

se. She didn't answer right away-she just stared at him, unsure of what to do. Her hands

e pushed the door open farther and stepped ins

sarcastic voice. "This is my house. So I can

She didn't close the door behind him. She just stood the

en furniture, the floral curtains blowing gently with the b

you," Maverick said, his voice low. He turned

ed softly, barely able

all him "big brother" this time. He remembered how much i

sat down slowly at the edge, r

seline?" he asked wi

y the door, her body tense and her fingers ne

alm, but there was something cold beneath it. Roseline didn't answer.

eaning against it with his arms crossed over his chest.

father?" he

the question. Her lips trembled slight

sharp now. "Seriously? Your dad's barely g

ue. Her father had only been gone a year. Maybe less. And now they were l

er, to explain how hard thing

. His voice wasn't angry-but it cut deep, like ice. It didn

arted, unsure wha

not to call me that? We're not siblings!" Maverick's voice was blaring t

hout another word, she rushed out of the room, h

she would've left this place the moment they arrived. But she had nowhere else to go. Their old house had been s

g her eyes. Her heart was beating t

e stairs. She rushed up the steps and met her daughter half

oseline whispered, t

her hands. "Then why

dn't want to worry her mother, but her fea

lace, Mom?" she asked sudden

doing okay here. Henrik is good to us. He promised

eline admitted in a small voice. "He

thy. She pulled her daughter into

red. "He'll come around. He's not used to

er eyes and let her mother hold her,

is broken-and something about

ter's words clearly-Roseline wanted to leave this place. And part of Alodia wanted to grant that

, Alodia knew they co

for Roseline, but at least here, she feels her daughter is safe. Here, they had food, comfort, and security. No more unpaid bills, no m

ened the door and saw it was empty, a small wave of relief washed ov

and sat down, folding her legs underneath her. Finally, she lay down, hoping for rest. But no matter how much

was Maverick's angry face-the way he had shouted,

d to herself, "What can I do to

nts, there was

him something. A peace offering? She remembered seeing him

out of bed, tied her robe tighter around

one of the maids walking across the hallway. Th

seline said gently, stepping

prised. "Are you su

e replied with

for a moment, then nodde

maid said kindly. "Oh, and just call me Charity.

. "Alright, Cha

a deep breath. Her hands trembled

nging food. That's all. He's not going to y

a warm glow over the water. The mansion's pool was massive-almost like something she'd see at a sports

t notice

able near one of the lounge chairs. She made sure nothi

ran a hand through his wet hair and looked around. When

from his body as he grabbed a towel and slung it over his shoulders. He wore only bo

d bring it myself," she answered

and smirked, sitting down o

e picked up a glass o

me anymore. I get scared when you yell. I promise I won't cause trouble. I'll be careful not

eaned back in the chair, letting her words sink in. He didn't say anythin

st walk into this house, like it's yours. And now I'm expected to s

ened. She lowered her

bout her. It was about everything he had lost. Everything that had c