fly at the long dining table, though deep down, he wasn't really sure what those things were. It

table, didn't even look up from his

for a

frowned.

his fork and knife down on the table with a loud clang. Everyone flinched

ightly in his chair. He knew from experience that arguing with his fa

she was already looking at him. But the moment their eyes met, she quickly looked down at her plate. He

hes. Her eyebrows were neat and perfectly shaped. Her small nose was straight and delicate, fitting her dainty features. Her lips were thin but naturally pink, as if no makeup had tou

said warmly, placing another spoon

w, Mom. I'm already full," she replied so

e than he had used earli

mouth, stammering sl

o," Henrik said smooth

e said, her voice quiet, as if still unsure. She cast a shy

ia's. "Don't be shy, Roseline. From now o

. He picked up his glass, drank a bit of water, then wiped

ponse, he stood up and wa

thing about Maverick that made her curious. But when the man suddenly glanced back and caught her looking, her hear

dare look

eline at twenty-two, their six-year a

clothes. But everything changed when her father had a terrible accident. They spent all their money on hospital bills. Every property they owned w

lodia-her mothe

fered a different solution. Marriage. It was a decision that surprised Roseline, one she hadn't agreed with-but she had no

y when her mother told her, "Pack your

ancy clothes, sitting at a gra

r dinner. She reached for a glass near her plate, but the head houseke

t us to get in trouble with Don H

call me Roseline," she said softly. "I'm so

preciate that, Roseline. But you're one of

e-just sitting around while others do everything for her. At home, she alwa

air. The evening breeze touched her face as she looked around the large, beautiful grounds of the Cu

ct-but she didn't feel

ds of plants-tall trees, neatly trimmed bushes, and colorful flowers arranged with care. Farther off, she saw crops growing in rows, and nearby was

, it stood peacefully in the countryside, surrounded by green land and for

ng, with a bench swing hanging from a thick branch, and flowers planted in a perfect circle nearby. Someone had clearly put e

h a bright red rose. Its petals were soft an

ade contact, a sharp voice cu

u ever to

fr

my mom-and everything

e rose had burned her. She turned and saw Maverick standing just a few steps

..." she said quickly, lo

alled him "big brother" before-not in his entire life. He didn't have sibl

ay to call me big brother? Are we suddenly brother and s

s gaze, and she backed away slightly without realizing it. "

ep closer. She too

watching her closely. Something a

walk past him, wanting to escape the tension. But just as sh

alking to you,"

-like a warning. His grip was tight, but not enough t

" he continued, "don't turn yo

rpowering, and his eyes were hard to meet. "Y-Yes!

grasp and hurried back toward the

didn't blink. His eyes followed every step sh

k away from the spot whe

p watching her?"

part of the reason his life had changed. The

ion. Her voice, her movements, her eyes-everything about

s hair. Shaking his head, he slowly followed her path back ins