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Chapter 9%
On the day Rosalie left, she took nothing from the Hollis family, only carefully packed the portraits she had painted over the past three years into her suitcase.
As she arranged her things, Chase came home unexpectedly.
His heart sank at the sight. “Rosalie, why are you packing?“}
She paused, then said softly, “I have a close friend who’s sick. I’m going abroad to take care of him for a while.”
Seeing her clutch those portraits even now, Chase felt a warm, tender ache inside.
“Can you manage on your own? Why don’t I come with you?“>
Rosalie froze, surprised by his unexpected offer. Just as she searched for an excuse, Chase added, “But before we leave, let Miss Delaney take your ring size. I want to redesign your wedding ring.”
Only then did Rosalie remember she had already thrown away the original ring.”
Before the designer arrived, Chase’s phone buzzed. Isla’s voice came through. “Brother, for my birthday, I want a piece designed by Miss Delaney. Can you bring her to me?”
If it had been before, Chase would have taken her there without hesitation.
But today, he refused. “Isla, maybe later. Miss Delaney needs to design a new wedding ring for Rosalie over the next few days.“>
isla’s voice broke into tears. “Brother, my birthday is in two days. A wedding ring can wait, but my birthday only comes once a year. Do you not care about me anymore? If you don’t bring Miss Delaney to me now and spend my birthday with me, I’ll go on a hunger strike…” In the end, Chase gave in. “Okay, okay, let her design your jewelry first…”
He glanced at Rosalie with a hint of guilt. “Rosalie, I’m sorry. Since Isla’s birthday is coming, I can’t go abroad with you.”
“It’s fine,” she said quietly.
When she pulled her suitcase toward the door, Chase insisted on driving her to the airport. “Rosalie, it’s on my way anyway.“}
Not wanting to cause trouble at this critical moment, she didn’t refuse.
Watching her hold those portraits close during the ride, Chase smiled softly. “Rosalie, you love me that much? I’m right here, and you still miss me so much.”
Rosalie didn’t correct him. She turned away and changed the subject. “You better hurry and find Isla. If you’re late, she’ll throw another tantrum.”
Yet, she hugged her suitcase a little tighter and gently caressed her belly.”
A faint smile touched her lips as if she had just remembered something precious.
Once she was abroad and gave birth, she would save James, the child she and Easton had created from love. For the rest of her life, she would raise both children and hold onto the memories of her love with Easton.
The closer they neared the airport, the lighter her heart felt.
But afraid Chase might see through her, she quickly masked her smile with a veil of sadness.
Chase raised an eyebrow. “Rosalie, are you still jealous of me and Isla? I’ll do my duty as your husband; that’s all there is to it. Isla will always be the most important person in my heart.”}
As Rosalie stepped out of the car, Chase added, “When you arrive, Miss Delaney will design your wedding ring. Let me know you landed safely.”
Without looking back, Rosalie entered the airport, feeling a heavy weight lift from her shoulders.}
Chase had already driven away.
She snapped her SIM card in two and tossed it into the trash without a second thought.
She would never return. There would be no more news from her.
Chase, this was goodbye. Forever.}
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