a R

_

ling to lock me up and drug me just so he can marry her. The realization cr

ent. But instead, his voice is thick, laden with something like regret. "I never wanted it to come to this, Rose. But you're making this

ttering with every sob. I don't know what to do anymore. My mi

ly, a soft knock echoes through the room, and the door creaks open. It's one of Vincent's

rying to compose myself. "Yes?" I repl

there's something in his eyes, something sympathetic, even worried. "I've never seen him like this..." He admits, his

ke a cold slap, but he isn't done. "And he's arranged for the doctor to come tomorrow morning to... ad

not even an heir." The words come out broken, whispered in

aint trace of sympathy in his eyes. "You've given him love, loyalty, obedience. Things money can't buy." He

eling the deep, aching numbness in my hea

atter anymore." He hesitates before speaking again, his voice barely

y silent, my heart heavy, my

he door, his hand on the knob, then pauses. "I have orders to report ba

st me to bring it to you. Without telling Don Vincent," he gives me a small, symp

__

a simple white dress. My five-foot frame feels even smaller, thinner than I've ever been. My fair skin has a ghostly pallor, the delicate curve of my neck now exposed like a wound. My blue eyes, once brigh

d about him, the man who promised me eternity, feels like a distan

. His eyes, once warm and full of love, now look cold and distant. His gaze immediately locks onto my neck, the same neck he used to kiss every morning, now exposed, vulnerable.

his voice cold, slicing th

my answer." My voice is quiet but firm, and I glare at him, al

Sign. Them. Now." His voice is unwavering, firm, the command of a man who thinks he's in control. "The doc

get for loving you like crazy, huh?" I ask, the question broken, my eyes empty

ed, replaced by the ice-cold indifference I've come to hate. "Love has nothing to do with this, Rose." His words are like a slap to

, my voice stronger now, the smallest hint of

ng in quick bursts. "Fine. Then you'll be locked up soon." He turns sharply as the door opens and the doctor enters, ca