From Terrorist Cell to Diamond Prison

Chapter 14

Then Fiona came to him with a proposal. She wanted to take Rosalie back to her home country. At the time, Luke didn't feel the slightest hint of worry. He was certain no one could take Rosalie away from him. But Fiona's offer was too tempting to ignore. The substantial benefits she promised quickly won him over. After all, Luke was a businessman, and no businessman could stay unmoved in the face of a good deal.

He agreed to her terms, including the arranged marriage. In his mind, it was a way to push Rosalie away, to help her lose hope in him. It was just one more woman to have by his side, nothing more. He didn't believe it would truly matter.

Luke, always a man of his word, threw himself into the arrangement. Maybe, deep down, he wanted to test how deeply Rosalie's feelings for him really ran. But he'd forgotten one thing: you can't test genuine emotions.

He assumed Rosalie would quietly accept her "proper" place once she understood. He thought it was the best solution for both of them. His life would stay organized, he'd gain the benefits Fiona offered, and Rosalie wouldn't have to face the uncertainty of future abandonment.

But his plan had been selfish. He'd calculated every angle, every detail, but completely overlooked Rosalie's feelings.

Rosalie wasn't a pawn to be moved around. She was the Rosalie he had raised, strong, independent, like a rose, noble and thorned, standing tall with her own beliefs. Roses don't bow.

He had taught her to be strong and self-sufficient, to grow on her own. Yet, in the end, he had wanted too much.

Some things can't be undone. If Luke could go back, he'd return to the day Fiona had first approached him with her offer. He thought he could have it all, wealth, control, and Rosalie.

Instead, he was left with nothing. He couldn't hold onto anyone or anything.

The price of greed? Emptiness. The cost of betrayal? Losing the one person he loved forever.

But still, Luke refused to accept that this was truly the end for them. He couldn't believe that Rosalie had so completely let go of everything they had shared.

"I need a ticket for the next flight home, immediately."

Meanwhile, Rosalie woke up to warm sunlight streaming through the window. As she glanced around the unfamiliar room, a brief wave of disorientation washed over her.

Maybe it was because she had finally found some peace, but last night had been the best sleep she'd had in a long time.

Looking out the window, she saw Mr. Fitzgerald tending to a little garden below. Each flower swayed gently, blooming brightly in the morning light.

Rosalie went down to help, and Mr. Fitzgerald, watching her carefully tend to the plants, commented, "You must have kept flowers while you were abroad too."

"Taking care of a flower and loving a person follow the same principles. You've done well with both," he added.

Rosalie studied the petals closely before replying quietly, "But it's not the same. Flowers bloom in response to your care, but people… they don't always do the same, Professor."

Mr. Fitzgerald gave her a knowing smile.

"Come on, let's have some breakfast. I've prepared it, must be a while since you've had a real home-cooked meal."

Rosalie hadn't thought she was hungry, but the familiar aroma filled the air, stirring her appetite. It comforted her in a way she hadn't felt in years.

In this new environment, she felt like a different person. Those who knew her best could sense a quiet sadness in her, though Mr. Fitzgerald refrained from pressing too much. He understood that some things, if left unspoken, might never be shared.

As they sat across from each other, Rosalie noticed an unusual look of unease on her mentor's usually warm and composed face.

She couldn't help but wonder what had caused him such concern.