Chapter 29
Seeing Rosie, her eyes puffy and red from crying, beside Kyle, Kevin and Avery silently brushed away their own tears and followed them out.
Kyle said, “You gotta stop rushing into things like this. Back then, I had zero clue what had gone down. Rosie’s the one who came to me, saying Zina got you locked up.”
Just thinking about how Rosie looked when she found him–her eyes all red and puffy from crying, like a little rabbit’s- Kyle couldn’t help but feel his heart ache for her.
Kyle never imagined Zina could be so ruthless that she set up a trap to get Kevin thrown in jail. A chill went down his spine at the thought.
But honestly, Kyle felt a wave of relief wash over him, because he was finally free of Zina, the cold–hearted woman
Rosie gave Kevin a knowing look. He caught on immediately, started sighing heavily and said. “Honestly, we’re clueless too. One minute we were fine, the next, they were dragging us off.
“Kyle, could you find out where Zina’s holed up now? We’re kinda thinking she might be… Kevin let the sentence hang there, unfinished. Those carefully dropped hints were enough. They would plant a seed in Kyle’s mind and let the worst assumptions take root.
Just like they planned, Kyle’s face twisted with disgust. “Seriously? She’s got no shame left now? Bet she’s latched onto some sugar daddy. Who knew a few years in prison would make her sink this low?”
“I feel bad for how Zina’s turned out. But I feel even worse for Mom and Dad. They’re at their age. They shouldn’t have to deal with all this mess from their own daughter.” Rosie looked at Kyle, her face soft but set in that stubborn way.
Kyle put an arm around Rosie’s shoulders and said softly. “It’s alright, babe. I got you. You always try to do everything on your own. But you gotta remember that I’m right here by your side.”
“Kyle, having you here… it means everything. Rosie said, her eyes shining with admiration. But then she looked down again, biting her lip, looking a little upset.
Kyle frowned and asked, “What’s wrong? If something’s bothering you, just tell me straight up. No one’s gonna mess with
while I’m around. I promise.”
you
“Kyle, you’re just too good to me. Rosie said, taking a shaky breath, “But I’m really worried about Zina. She seems to have the wrong idea about our family right now.
“And us… we’re still not married. I’m so scared I’ll lose you. If you weren’t here, I don’t know what I’d do. Rosie finally broke down in tears.
Kyle felt his heart clench tight. He immediately pulled Rosie close, wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair as she cried against his chest.
After a long moment of silence, Kyle finally said, “Rosie, I’m yours. Always. And no one is ever gonna take me away from you. I swear it.”
“But… “Rosie started, her voice trembling. Before she could finish, Kyle’s hand closed firmly over hers.
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Chapter 29
“Rosie,” Kyle said firmly. Tve made up my mind. This weekend, we’re going back. Since my grandfather’s been brought back home by Kellan anyway, it’s the perfect time to settle our marriage plans. And maybe we can even get our people in place.
“The Carter family fortune is ours. Kellan can forget about it.” Kyle’s ambition swelled to an all–time high in this very moment. His desire blazed fiercely through the night, growing more and more intense by the second.
Completely lost in his own world, Kyle didn’t notice a thing. Behind him, Kevin and Avery exchanged a look and a small, knowing smile. It was the smile of people who’d just got exactly what they wanted.
The night grew thick around them. And in that deepening darkness, things that couldn’t stand the light began to stir Shadows shifted, restless and waiting
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