Chapter 2
Rose-
In a high–end luxury penthouse, Rose was reading Sage a bedtime story. As she did, the young girl looked around the room, widened in wonder.
Rose was pleased. After all, she had prepared the room for Sage.
her eyes
The bed was big and fluffy, with light curtains hanging from the window. On the walls were posters of Sage’s favorite girl band. Her favorite books were stacked neatly on the table beside the bed.
Rose had gone all out like it was for someone she deeply cared about.
Why? Because Sage cared. That’s what made her so easy to spoil… so easy to win.
Rose had watched her quietly over the past few months, noticing how Sage lit up with attention and gifts, and how she softened with kindness. And as Soraya started slipping from Sage’s thoughts, Rose didn’t have to say much.
A small comment here, a quiet smile there… It was enough.
Sometimes, love wasn’t stolen. It was gently replaced.
And Rose knew how to do that, especially with a child who still believed the world was kind.
The end, her Aunt Rose said after closing the book
“Aunt Rose, your house looks very new and expensive too.” Sage said.
“Your dad bought it for me. That’s how much he cares about me,” Rose replied.
“Why doesn’t Daddy care for Mommy?” Sage asked. “If only he would care for her and show up at home to celebrate my birthday.”
Rose shrugged and said, “To care for someone, you can’t force it”
She did not know if Sage would understand, but she hoped the little girl would. After all, Calum never cared for Soraya. They were married, but there was never a real relationship between them.
At best, Soraya was a mere surrogate.
“Bu Mommy loves me, age said, looking conflicted.
“Oli. my poor baby Rose offered an embrace. She hugged Sage. “I know your mom loves you. But sometimes love isn’t enough to keep ✓ family together.”
“Are you sure about tomorrow? Aunt Rose and your daddy can always step away for your Mommy,” Rose suggested
Sage shook her head. She said, “No, I want to be with you and Daddy on my birthday‘
A triumphant smule spread across Rose’s face. She had been patient, but she knew it wouldn’t be long now Surely, with everything going uh. Suraya would break
After putting bage to sleep. Rose smiled. She walked back to the study where Calum had been working on his laptop
“Good” Calum simply said, his fingers still working on the keyboard.
“I dur) to do
have sutally won het over Rose clauned, walking toward hun and sung on his lap “You didn’t think it be able tù ilo it, did
Cahim stopped whatever he was doing and wrapped his arms arousal Rose: Immun. You dad well“
Rose
Kost kissed Calum and in the next few minutes, the sensual moam filled that
ioanerier autory ilun loving the weahhorst man in th diły wrapped around her bagri.
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353 pup p
Chapter 2
Soraya –
The next day.
It was supposed to be a day of celebration, but at home, there was no knock, no ring, and no laughter in the dining hall. There was simply silence and food that had gone cold.
Soraya checked the time. It was seven in the evening. The candles were ready, and her gifts were stacked neatly. But still, Sage and Calum had not returned.
Where were they?”
“Where had they slept overnight?”
Did Sage even think about me?”
Is this my fault?‘
‘Am I not enough?”
Soraya had so many questions.
She looked pitiful while sitting before the chocolate cake she had made for her princess. Again, she tried to call Calum, but just as before, he did not answer.
Tears welled in her eyes as she scoffed bitterly. Turning to the maid, she asked, “Belinda, am I a bad mother?”
“No, Mrs. Montclair, You have always loved Sage. Please don’t blame her. Sage is still young.” Belinda said, teary–eyed in her presence.
“I need to… get some fresh air, Soraya said, her beautiful face completely worn out
She drove around town for almost an hour. Then, she pulled over at Butter & Crumb, one of Sage’s favorite cafes. The store had the best ice cream. Soraya remembered many afternoons spent with her daughter in this café.
She felt like she needed to be a kid again and eat a gallon of the best ice cream in town.
The Butter & Crumb cafe was a huge establishment. Aside from the main cafe, it had an outdoor area designated for special events
Soraya had paid for her ice cream when she overheard the joyous singing in
ng in the garden area.
It was someone’s birthday.
“Happy Birthday to you!”
Happy Birthday to your
“Happy Birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday, dear Sage. Happy birthday to you!”
Immediately. Soraya & heart stopped. Her feet dragged her to the outdoor area of the cafe. What she saw made her face pale, her dignity waslund away
Hallows floated tarily in the breeze. Laughter danced like music across the garden
And in the center of it all was Sage, in someone else’s arms
was a beautiful scene Rose was carrying Sage while Calum clapped his hands. The crowd cheered as the tnu blew out the
giana fondant birthday cake
like fondant cake but she looked happy
wealthy friends, and two of his cousins
Calum’s cousin, asked Sage
are you happy lo celelitate your burliday with Roser (1
I her being with Aun Hose
and pretty shar
aid wrapping her ama around Rose with a beaming smule “Even my danmates a
sally nice and weans nur jewelry!”
ate happy for you. Sape?”
We are happy for all of you!“
153 PM P
Chapter 2
From where Soraya stood, she overheard everything.
Soraya, yet again, questioned her life choices and the sacrifices she had made for her family. Was it worth it?”
Right now, it did not feel like it
What further added to Soraya’s resentment was how Rose was warmly welcomed by Calum’s friends.
Never had Calum brought Soraya to any of his friends‘ gatherings. However, it was so much easier to flaunt Rose in front of them. As for Calum’s
‘s parents, Soraya knew they never approved of Rose. After all, she was a mistress.
Soraya could not accept it
The gallon of ice cream fell on the floor. She froze, feeling like she wanted to die.
She wanted to cry and walk in and scream! But something far worse inside her shattered.
Something deep and profound, something that could never fully mend.
Her eyes narrowed, and her heart turned cold.
Soraya knew now what she must do
She turned on her heel, seething. Just as she exited the cafe, she bumped into a tall, overbearing man on the street.
“What are you doing here? Don’t cause any trouble. It’s Sage’s birthday!” he warned. This man was Jacob Steel, one of Calum’s friends, a high–profile businessman in Belridge, the neighboring town. Like Calum, Jacob had that icy charisma and the unmistakable air of
Hearing Jacob’s remark, Soraya retorted, “Cause trouble? Me? Why would you think that, Mr. Steel?”
“Do you think I’m the evil one here? Do you really think I wanted this?!” Soraya snapped. She couldn’t help it. All of Calum’s friends had. judged her the moment she got pregnant with Sage. “I’m still twenty–six. I got married at nineteen and threw away my life and career for Calum and Sage!”
“You all judged me, but you never really tried finding out the truth!” Soraya’s face burned with anger. “Fine, let me be the bad person! It doesn’t matter I don’t care anymore!”
She turned her back on Jacob and marched toward her car. Just like that, she left.
Soraya returned home and packed up her things. Then, she called her Uncle Philip.
Soraya
Soraya! What
What’s wrong? You sound sick her uncle said. “Please don’t tell me it’s Calum
nche? Can I stay with you? I want to divorce Calum Soraya said. “I’m tired. I don’t want to do this anymore.
de’s family had long moved to Belridge. Only Soraya remained in Cedar Heights to stay with Calum and Sage. She needed to be
somewhere she felt she belonged.
“And Suraya, what about Sage?” her unde asked
buraya thought about it and said. “bage she–die doesn’t need me anymore”
