Rosalie Gaston (POV)

Before I left, Sally came over carrying a black bag with my clean clothes. I took it with both hands, thanked her softly, then slipped away slowly.

Luckily, she didn’t pry about my family, because Daniel showed up, walking toward us with his calm, steady steps.

“Let’s go, Rosalie.”

He twirled his car keys around his fingers like a trick, while I frowned in confusion.

“In the car?”

He hummed with a proud little smile. “The punishment is over. My father is a bit annoyed, though.”

My gaze drifted toward Mr. Leonardo in the distance. He was adjusting the sleeves of his suit, but the frown between his brows didn’t leave. His eyes stayed fixed on me.

“Enjoy the ride.”

Sally patted my shoulders, breaking the thread of eye contact between me and her mysterious brother. No one had ever stared at me that way before. It felt as if he could feel the same strange flutter pounding in my chest.

Once the car started moving, I stood on the seat, stretched my arms wide, and closed my eyes in bliss. The wind rushed around me, playful, gentle… as if it was trying to touch my soul.

It was the best ride I’d ever had. For the first time, I felt like I was tasting the sweetness of being a teenager—something my overbearing brother had always stolen from me.

“You look cute, Rosalie.”

My hair flew everywhere, strands framing my face. I sat back down quickly, fixing it with shaky hands, my cheeks warm.

But my thoughts didn’t leave the ticking clock. Time. The house. Damon would be waiting, sharpening his anger for me.

I was about to ask Daniel the question gnawing at my tongue when he answered before I even spoke.

He smiled easily, stealing glances at me and at the road. Once we reached the crowded streets of Paris, he pulled over in front of a tall, fancy shop.

“I know you’ll love this place. It’s my little haven whenever I need something special.”

I stepped out, closing the door, scanning the crowd rushing in and out.

“I’m curious now. What’s inside?”

He gestured politely, letting me walk first. “After you, my lady.”

Daniel’s warmth made me relax. We were different, but with him, I could laugh, even breathe. I smiled back at his charm.

Time flew as I admired everything inside. Still, my chest stayed tight, that constant reminder of Damon and his rules chaining me back home.

“Half an hour left, Daniel. We have to go back now.”

He checked his watch, eyes serious. “I didn’t forget, Rosalie. Remember, I promised your brother before I brought you here. We’ll make it before six. You don’t need to worry.”

My hands twisted nervously. This wasn’t the time to test Damon’s patience.

“I know. I was just reminding you.”

Daniel chuckled, looking around. “Didn’t you like anything?”

“I liked everything. But who dares wear clothes like these? Damon’s too strict about what I wear.”

Daniel sighed, annoyed. “Next time, he’ll have to deal with it if I buy you something you like. After all, he took that job, didn’t he?”

I smiled sideways. “If you’re lucky.”

We got back into the car, both of us catching our breath. I fumbled with the seatbelt while he started the engine.

He drove carefully, but once we hit the empty highway, the car began slowing… slower… until it stopped.

“What’s happening?”

I panicked, eyes wide. He checked the fuel gauge, shocked. My throat went dry just as he cursed.

“Damn it. I forgot to fill the tank.”

“How am I supposed to convince Damon the car just stopped? That I wasn’t out too long?”

Daniel gave me a sharp look and opened his door. “I’ll call my father.”

I stumbled after him. “Why?”

He was already dialing. “He keeps spare fuel in the garage.”

A car zoomed past us, blasting hot wind in its wake. I stumbled back, off balance.

“Careful, Rose.”

I straightened quickly. “I’m fine.”

The call wasn’t what I expected. His father barely asked questions, just said he’d be there in five minutes. We hadn’t driven too far.

“Relax. We’ll be home before six.”

Fifteen minutes left. That’s when I spotted a white BMW pulling up. Daniel’s father. Mr. Leonardo Ricardo. That’s all I knew his name, his title.

“He’s here.”

Daniel tapped his legs nervously as his father stepped out, holding the fuel canister in one hand. My eyes caught the veins in his arm, distracting me, pulling me somewhere I shouldn’t go.

I looked away fast, but when I glanced back, his eyes were already on me. Mr. Leonardo licked his lips, and a faint dimple appeared on his cheek.

“You trusted me before. I’ll get you home before six.”

Daniel walked toward him, trying to grab the can, but his father’s gaze lingered on me as he asked his son quietly:

“Is that really necessary?”

My head dropped, cheeks burning, as Daniel explained in a low voice.

“Her brother doesn’t let her out much. He trusted me, just this once, to take her.”

His father’s voice grew husky. “The same man you asked me to find a job for? That night guard, Damon?”

He pieced it together so fast, sharper than anyone.

“Yes. He only took it because of the pay.”

Shame prickled my skin. Then, suddenly, his voice cut straight through me, aimed at me like a blade.

“So, Rosalie has a brother.”

When I lifted my gaze, his eyes flicked to the bruise near my lip. His tone shifted, deeper, heavier.

“You have a brother, little one?”

Daniel grabbed the can from him, but Leonardo didn’t break eye contact with me. He knew. He saw. My secret bruise wasn’t a secret anymore.

“Yes, Mr. Leonardo,” I whispered, lowering my chin.

Daniel was busy with the car, but his father stepped closer, slow, deliberate. I covered my bruise with my hand, but it was too late.

“Don’t hide it from me. I’ve seen it before, Rosalie.”

“Enough, Dad!” Daniel’s voice exploded, startling me.

He stepped in front of me, blocking his father. “She’s none of your business.”

Then, softer but still trembling, he added: “If Rosalie trusts me, you have no right to invade her space like this.”

Leonardo smiled faintly, almost proud, but cold. He arched one brow.

“Finally, Daniel… you dare to stand up.”