Chapter 14
Rosalie’s heart skipped nervously, afraid her brother might see through her faturication
Fortunately, Alistair didn’t push further, only remarking quietly, “Probably for the bes
When they arrived at the Lima family home in Bel Air, Rosalle was surprised to find her parents waiting for her. As she walked through the door, her mother rushed forward with tears in her eyes. “Rosie, you’re finally home.”
Her father, though less demonstrative, watched her with obvious affection Rosalie felt a surge of warmth as she embraced her mother. “Mom, I’m back.”
In the days that followed, Rosalie was enveloped in her family’s love and attention
Her mother prepared elaborate meals featuring her childhood favorites, while her father constantly checked in on her, bringing her coffee in the mornings and asking about her plans.
Each morning, she would wake to find new gifts piled outside her bedroom door–designer clothes, jewelry, dance equipment, books.
When she casually mentioned that the presents were blocking her doorway and cash would be more practical, the next day a check for $10 million appeared tucked into her door frame.
After receiving nearly $100 million in checks over the next few days, Rosalie finally confronted her parents, laughing through her exasperation.
“Mom, Dad, you’re going to spoil me completely at this rate.”
Her mother shook her head, smiling. “Don’t look at us. Your brother’s behind all of this.”
Rosalie turned to Alistair with questioning eyes. He merely smiled, his voice gentle. “You’ve been gone for three years. I’ve had all this brotherly affection building up with nowhere to direct it. Now that you’re back, won’t you let me make up for lost time?”
Rosalie sighed, “Ali…”
Alistair ruffled her hair in that familiar way he’d done since they were children. “I just want you to relax and enjoy being home. Once you’ve had enough rest, I’ll take you to see the dance studio I’ve set up for you.”
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Rosalie’s eyes immediately brightened. “Really? Can we go soon?”
Surrounded by her family’s love, she found herself thinking less and less about New York, about Dante. The pain was still there, but it was dulled by the comfort of being with people who genuinely
cared for her.
Alistair nodded. “We can go today, but there’s something we need to do first.”
Rosalie hesitated. “What’s that?”
Alistair looked at her with meaning in his eyes. “Don’t you remember? I mentioned introducing you to your future husband.”
Rosalie’s expression fell instantly. “Ali, surely that can wait…”
But Alistair shook his head, his tone resolute yet gentle. “It can’t. He’s waiting for you at the dance studio right now.”
With that, he took her hand and led her outside.
Rosalie felt a wave of anxiety, unsure what her brother was planning.
Before she could question him further, she found herself being guided into his car.
As they drove toward the studio, Rosalie contemplated meeting this prospective fiancé and felt an unexpected nervousness build within her.
She sat fidgeting with the hem of her dress, emotions churning inside her. After everything with Dante, the idea of meeting someone new–especially someone her family had chosen–felt overwhelming.
Alistair’s words kept echoing in her mind-
“Your future husband is already waiting for you at the studio.”
“Ali, can you at least tell me what kind of person he is?” Rosalie finally asked, her voice betraying
her unease.
Alistair kept his eyes on the road, a subtle smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Are you
nervous?”
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Rosalie nodded. “Of course I am! This is a potential husband we’re talking about our jer su
casual introduction.”
Alistair glanced at her, his eyes holding something unreadable. He’s a few years older that you from a business background, steady personality, easy to get along with. As for whether bes
handsome…”
He paused, a hint of teasing in his voice. “I think he’s reasonably good looking, thonga las probably not the best judge.”
Rosalie frowned slightly, feeling something oddly familiar about the description. This potential fiancé somehow reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t quite place who
“Ali, do I already know him?” she asked tentatively.
Alistair didn’t answer directly, only smiling that mysterious smile of his. “You’ll find out soon enough. We’re almost there.”
“But what if I don’t like him?” Rosalie pressed, her anxiety mounting
“Do you trust me?” Alistair asked softly, his eyes momentarily meeting hers.
“You know I do,” she answered without hesitation
“Then trust that I would never push you toward someone who wasn’t worthy of you,” he said simply, turning the car into a private driveway.
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