Rose crouched down, pulling her two little ones close for a kiss on each round cheek. She smoothed their soft hair, her voice warm but firm.

"Stay home and listen to Auntie, okay? Mom will leave her job in a few days. After that, Ill be with you every single day."

Once the divorce was final, she wouldnt have to hide anymore. She would finally have all the time in the world to be their mother.

She could only hope that when she visited the familys old house today to inform Grandpa of her decision, he would let her go without resistance.

The two children nodded obediently, their tiny hands waving as they wished her goodbye.

Rose closed the door carefully behind her and turned, heading toward the elevator.

From behind the door to the emergency stairwell, a man quietly stood cloaked in shadows, fists clenched tight enough to make his knuckles crack.

Adrian's strikingly handsome features were shrouded with a stormy, unreadable rage. If he hadnt heard those children call Rose "Mom," he might not have believed it. Even then, he found it almost impossible to accept that Rose had hidden something so monumental from himshed raised two children, in plain defiance of the truth she concealed.

Adrian refused to believe they could really be hers. But suspicion stuck in his chest like a splinter. He turned away, eyes blazing. Back in his car, he ordered Calvin to not only do DNA tests for Rose and the kids but also to investigate the identity of their father.

Evidence. He needed hard, undeniable proof before confronting Rose.

When Rose returned to the family estate, the butler greeted her with impeccable politeness.

Madam, he began, his tone as respectful as ever, why have you come alone today? Where is the young master?

Rose answered briefly, Hes at the office. Then, without hesitation, she asked, Is Grandpa home?

The butler hung his head slightly. Sir hasnt been well of late. Hes resting now; the doctors in there administering an IV.

Roses heart gave a sharp twist. Worried, she hurried toward his room.

Whats wrong with him? He seemed perfectly fine before!

The butler sighed heavily. The old masters health has always been frail. Its been your presence thats lifted his spirits these past months, giving him strength to recover for a while. But perhaps he just cant hold on any longer.

His words pierced her. She could almost feel her chest constrict with guilt and sadness. She knew, all too well, how much Grandpa adored her. If not for his passing when she was fifteen, which left her in Grandpa Reids care, she wouldnt even be here today.

It was Grandpa Reid who brought her into the Reid household. In those five years, he had treated her as his own granddaughter, providing the best of everything. And even four years ago, when she left the country after that incident, Grandpa Reid had quietly arranged everything for her, ensuring she had all she needed. Hed even sent her a generous living stipend each month.

She had already lost one grandfather who cared for her deeply. She couldn't stand to lose him too.

Rose quickened her pace into Grandpas room.

The sight of him shook herthe aged Sir Reid, over eighty now, lay weak and thin, his once robust presence reduced to fragility. His hair was completely white, paper-thin skin stretched taut over his sharp features. He looked as if life itself were slipping away from him.

When he saw her enter, his lips quirked in a faint smile, though it took visible effort.

Im fine, he murmured, his voice trembling yet carrying its old gentleness, What brings you here at this hour? Shouldnt you be at work?

Rose settled into the chair beside his bed, reaching out to take one of his bony hands in hers. Her throat tightened as she took him in.

You werent feeling wellwhy wouldnt you tell us? I couldve come straight over to keep you company.

He simply smiled again. Theres no need to worry. Im tough to get rid ofI'll be around a while longer.

But the tense expression on the doctors face betrayed the truth. Sir Reid wasnt fine. Not at all. Whatever strength shed gathered to broach the subject of divorce disintegrated then and there. It would gut him to hear it today.

So, Rose stayed. She spent the rest of the morning and into the afternoon at his side, speaking softly and listening as he reminisced about the days when the family estate was bustling with vitality. She didn't leave until dinnertime, eventually making her way back to Starhaven Bay Residences.

But as she neared home, Adrians call came through. His tone was cool, direct.

Come back. The divorce agreement has to be revised.

Thinking he merely had issues with the details shed drawn up, Rose turned her car and headed for Sun Garden without complaint.

When she arrived, the house was warm with the aroma of home-cooked food. Claire had set a full spread on the table, bustling around with easy efficiency.

Seeing Rose at the door, Claires motherly face softened with concern.

Maam, she began cautiously, think this through carefully. Whatevers going on, you should talk it out properly with him. Hes not unreasonable, you know. After all, youve barely been married a year. Ending things so soon it would be such a shame.

It pained her to see this couple, who might seem distant but had never so much as fought, so suddenly on the brink of separation. To Claire, their quiet companionship over the past year seemed solid enough to last a lifetime. Why throw it away?

Rose said nothing, only slipped off her shoes and walked inside.

In the dining room, Adrian sat waiting, leaning back with careless authority, still in his tailored vest and understated shirt. The air of composure about himso calm, so unreachableit made him magnetic. Rose swallowed hard, her anxiety fluttering like trapped birds against her ribs.

She approached cautiously, each step more tentative than the last, and finally lowered herself into the seat across from him.

Whats wrong with the agreement? she asked in a near whisper, unable to meet his eyes.

Adrian studied her. The way she kept her gaze on the table, chin ducked, avoiding him like he might strike her, stirred something sharp and bitter inside him. Was it guilt? Or was she truly afraid of him?

Had their year together meant so little? Did she truly not see his sincerity in building a life with her?

He pushed away his frustration, breathing deeply before answering, his voice calm.

For the past year, he said evenly, Ive done my part as your husband, havent I?

He wanted to hear it from her, wanted her to admit the truth. Whatever it was. Before the DNA test results came back. Before he had to confront her with irrefutable evidence.

Rose frowned. The confusion in her expression matched the churn of thoughts in her head. Hadn't he summoned her back to discuss the agreement? Why this line of questioning?

And didn't her answer to this feel obvious? Hed heard it beforeshe wasnt here to rehash it.

She prodded at her rice to distract herself, voice low and flat. You love Yvonne. Im just letting you go.

Adrian stiffened. Yvonne? You think I love her?

Her head snapped up, startled by his response but swiftly masked with indignation. You dont? Then why did you call off our engagement for her? Why host a birthday party in her honor just last week? Why kiss her in front of everyone?

Every word was a hammer blow, yet Adrian remained stoic. If anything, her accusations only deepened his resolve. His lips pressed into a hard line. Whatever she'd convinced herself of, it wasnt the whole story.

He wasnt the one hiding two children.

And this is my fault? he countered, his tone cutting but contained. Tell me something, Rose. Is there no one in your life you care about?

If there was even the faintest flicker of guilt in her, he was determined to see it crack open. Yet, as always, she bowled him over with her act of calm denial.

No, she said firmly. Unlike you, I dont marry someone while carrying feelings for somebody else. Lets stick to the point, Adrian. Divorce. Lets talk about the paperwork.