Chapter 21 Defending Owen, A Sudden Realization
Chapter 21 Defending Owen, A Sudden Realization
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After ending the call, Ethan wrestled with his thoughts for some time before deciding to delay repaying Rose for now. He couldn’t fully understand why, but she was the only one he felt comfortable exposing his vulnerabilities to.
Perhaps it was because Rose carried herself with grace and understanding, someone who would never carelessly expose another person’s pain.
That evening, Rose stayed behind in her office after work, lost in thought. She had no desire to return home.
Ever since her breakup with Ethan became widely known and he moved brazenly into Vivian’s apartment across the hall, Rose had felt a deep aversion to going back.
But she couldn’t leave Sam alone, so she forced herself to return.
The moment she stepped out of the elevator, Rose noticed Vivian bent over, struggling to retrieve her phone. Heavily pregnant, Vivian’s belly was so large that it made even simple movements difficult. Despite multiple attempts, she couldn’t manage to pick up the phone.
Seeing
Rose approach, Vivian looked embarrassed. Rose walked over, picked up the phone, and handed it to her.
Vivian saw the gesture as a sign of reconciliation and quickly struck up a conversation. “Rose, I looked into the man who defended you at the hospital. He’s a well–known celebrity, but he’s surrounded by plenty of scandals. Rumor has it that he has a powerful benefactor who controls his every move. You know what that means… It’s best if you stay away from him.
Rose’s expression turned icy. Owen was Houston’s younger brother–and hers too. She wouldn’t allow anyone to slander his
name
Stepping
forward, she warned Vivian sternly, “Do you have any idea what happens when you spread false rumors?”
Vivian was startled but retorted sarcastically, “Rose, how can you be so sure I’m lying? You’re so simple–minded and fool. I’m just looking out for you.”
easy to
Rose shot her an unwavering glare. “Vivian, you’re the one who went out of your way to lie to me and manipulate me. Don’t assume Owen is as despicable as you are. Not everyone stoops as low as you
you do.
Vivian’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. She fled back into her apartment, muttering, “You’re so ungrateful.”
Rose called out after her, “Vivian, stay away from my friends.”
Vivian’s face turned pale, then flushed with embarrassment.
In the past, Rose had been so naive that she trusted Vivian completely. She often shared her feelings about Ethan, never suspecting anything.
To Rose, Ethan was talented, well–educated, and incredibly handsome. Her admiration for him had always been clear, and Vivian had taken note.
Jealousy eventually drove Vivian to develop feelings for Ethan
At Rose’s birthday party, Vivian made her move, seizing the chance to get close to Ethan. She asked for his contact information and began messaging him casually.
At first, Ethan was entirely devoted to Rose. But his loyalty only made Vivian idolize him more, leading her to cross the line and actively pursue her best friend’s boyfriend.
One could say that Rose’s biggest mistake, which ultimately led to losing Ethan, was introducing him to Vivian.
Now that she had finally come to her senses, Rose made a bold declaration, warning Vivian to stay away from her friends.
Her words made Vivian realize that Rose wasn’t clueless–she fully understood how Vivian and Ethan had ended up together. Vivian also knew that she would never again have the chance to exploit any of Rose’s connections.
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Chapter 21 Defending Owen, A Sudden Realization
With that, Rose turned and went inside, locking the door behind her.
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When she got home, she saw Sam holding the family’s treasured property deed, gently stroking its cover with a conflicted expression.
“Dad, what are you doing?” Rose asked curiously.
Sam turned to her with a sigh. “Rose, living next door to the Browns is just too uncomfortable. You and Ethan see each other. so often–it must be hard on you. So, your mom and I decided to sell this house and find a new one elsewhere. If you have time, start looking at some new options.”
As Rose looked at Sam, it seemed like his hair had turned noticeably whiter overnight. Her heart ached, and she whispered. emotionally, “Dad, I’m sorry for making you worry about me.”
Sam shook his head, his expression filled with guilt. “Rose, I feel like I failed you. I should’ve seen it coming. That day you came home. I could tell you’d been crying, but I never thought Ethan would betray you. How could he do that to someone as kind and wonderful as you?” His voice broke as he continued, “Rose, this must have been such a painful experience for you. But you’re strong–I know you’ll get through this and move on.”
Rose gently held his hand and said, “Dad, don’t worry about me. I’m really okay.”
Sam forced back his tears and spoke with conviction, “Rose, I believe you’ll find someone who truly values you.”
Rose nodded in agreement.
That night. lying in bed. Rose opened a real estate app on her phone and began researching the housing market.
Property prices had surged in recent years, but older homes like theirs, built over ten years ago, were valued a few hundred dollars less per square foot compared to newer ones in the area.
Moving to a more desirable location would leave them financially stretched.
Thinking about the 30 thousand dollars she had lent to Ethan, Rose realized she needed to get it back soon
Her phone buzzed with a text from Houston.
“Rose, are you awake!”
“Yes,” she replied.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking at houses, Rose answered honestly.
Houston paused before responding. “Don’t you like our wedding house?”
“It’s not that,” Rose explained. “My parents don’t want to live near the Browns anymore. They want to move, and I’m planning to help them find a smaller place near our wedding house so I can look after them more easily. Would you be okay with them. Visiting us often?
Houston quickly realized he’d misunderstood. “My advice is to buy a bigger house where we can all live together.”
Rose replied. “Our current house is only 970 square feet, and this area can’t compare to where your family lives. Downsizing will help balance the budget.
Sensing her uncase, Houston offered, “I can help with the purchase. We can put the house in your parents‘ or your name. Consider it a gif from me to your family”
Rose immediately declined. “No, no, I can’t let you do that. I’ll take care of it. As long as you’re okay with my parents visiting often. I’ll start looking at houses.”
Houston sighed, feeling a bit defeated
The next day, real estate agents came to the Marshall family home to take photos. Ethan and Aaron, leaving for work. bumped into the agents and asked what was going on.
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Chapter 21 Defending Owen, A Sudden Realization
“What brings you here?” Ethan asked.
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“You didn’t hear? The Marshall family is selling their house. They’ve reduced the price significantly, so it seems urgent.”
Ethan and Aaron exchanged glances, their expressions full of guilt and shame.
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