---One Week Later---

Rose pushed open the door to Alicia’s former bedroom in Mr White’s house and stepped inside, gesturing for Alicia to follow.

The scent of apple perfume struck Alicia the moment she crossed the threshold, freezing her in place. Her gaze swept the room—a time capsule of her past. The pink walls, the familiar furniture, and the poster of her favorite singer are still clinging to the left wall. Even the bed, neatly draped in pink-and-white sheets remained untouched as if expecting her return.

Her eyes landed on the racks now lined with her handbags and shoes. They moved everything here while I was in the hospital. A tight knot coiled in her stomach. The air was thick with an almost suffocating warmth—comfort twisted into Confinement.

She reached out, fingertips grazing the edge of the bed. A memory surged to the surface. A younger version of herself curled up right there, knees pulled tightly to her chest, silent sobs racking her body. The ghost of those cries lingered, wrapping around her like unseen chains. Her hands clenched, nails digging into her palms, forcing herself back to the present.

“Alicia?” Rose’s voice pulled her from the past. “Are you okay, dear?”

Alicia blinked. She forced a smile, but it wavered at the corners. “Oh, yes. I’m fine.” The crack in her voice betrayed her. Her gaze flickered back to the room, and before she could stop herself, the words escaped.

“Why did you bring my things here?”

Rose let out a soft sigh, wringing her hands. “I thought it was best for you to stay here. To start fresh.”

Alicia’s jaw tightened. Fresh? The word felt like a cruel joke. She tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “Afresh? Why?”

Rose hesitated, then gently took Alicia’s wrist, guiding her toward the bed. They both sat down, the soft creak of the mattress the only sound. Rose’s voice was barely a whisper.

“I know I failed you, Alicia,” Rose murmured, her voice trembling. She bowed her head, shoulders slumping. “I wasn’t there when you needed me. I knew you were hurting, but I… I looked the other way. I’m so sorry.”

Sorry? Alicia’s brow knitted. “Sorry? For… for what?”

Rose inhaled shakily. “I knew about your father.” Her voice cracked. “I knew everything. And I couldn’t bring myself to confront it. I was scared—”

Alicia’s spine stiffened. The fear of people truly knowing—that dark, unpleasant past—coiled around her throat like a vice. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this,” she cut in sharply, turning away.

What’s the point of dredging up the past? The last thing she wanted was to relive that part of her life. Rose’s voice shrank. “I thought… maybe you’d forgive me. Or at least understand.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Forgive? Alicia sneered inwardly, masking her bitterness as she muttered, staring down at her fingers as she fiddled with them. “You don’t have to explain. It’s fine.”

Rose’s shoulders shook as she buried her face in her hands. Tears seeped through her fingers, her body trembling.

But Alicia sat rigid, hands fisting in her lap. You don’t get to be broken now, Rose. Not after everything.Alicia had wanted them to stay cold, indifferent—just as they always had. Not this. Not guilt. Not sorrow.

She thought of Alena’s tearful apology at the hospital, her warm hands clasping hers. What am I even thinking? Why did I come back here? A bitter laugh echoed in her mind. I’m not here to live with them. I’m here to destroy them.

Rose’s voice cut through her thoughts, urgent now. “And brought you here because you’re in danger, Alicia.”The word made Alicia flinch. She turned to Rose with a frown. “Danger?”

Rose nodded. “Yes. Do you want to know why you ended up in that hospital?”

Alicia’s heart pounded. Will she really tell me the truth? The possibility twisted in her chest. She balled her fists, steadying herself. “How?”

Rose exhaled shakily. Seconds dragged by before she finally spoke. “Alison…”

Alicia pressed her lips into a thin line, shaking her head inwardly.

“She stabbed you,” Rose whispered. “She did and ran away.” Her voice broke, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you.”

Alicia fought to keep up her pretense, but the thought of Rose being innocent rattled her. She shook her head, face paling. “What are you saying? Al-Alison would never do that to me. What for?”

“I don’t know, Alicia.” Rose swallowed hard, her hands trembling. “No one knows. And…” She shifted to her knees, gripping Alicia’s hands. “You’re still in danger. Your sisters hate you. They see you as a threat. I think their desperation for the company is driving them to do this. And I… I don’t understand why.”

Alicia’s chest tightened at Rose’s anguish, but she shoved the feeling away. She watched as Rose impatiently wiped her tears and dug into her bag, her trembling fingers fumbling with her phone, scrolling frantically until she found what she was looking for.

A click. Then a voice filled the silence.

“You’ve been acting strange. Or am I wrong? From Alicia’s ward till now, you’ve shown an unusual concern. It’s unlike you,” Rose’s voice said.

Then came another voice—Alena’s.

“That’s the only way to win your enemy’s heart. Now that Alicia has lost her memory, I need to make her feel secure with me so I can strike her anytime.”

The recording ended, but the silence it left behind was deafening.

Alicia leaned back, her hands gripping the edge of the bed. So that’s it—Alena’s betrayal, exposed for what it truly was. She had known it all along. Fake. Fake! Alicia sneered inwardly, cursing herself for almost falling for it. How she had cried, how she’d looked so guilty... Her heart shuddered, and the bitterness twisted deeper inside her. But why should I care? I never planned on letting go either. A bitter smirk tugged at her lips.

Rose’s voice trembled. “I thought you and Alena might reconcile. I wanted to believe it. But now… this?”

Her hands gripped her dress as if anchoring herself. “I… I know I shouldn’t say this,” she faltered, “but I can’t stay silent anymore. I can’t bear the thought of you being in danger again.” She lifted her gaze, eyes swimming with guilt.

“Don’t trust Alena,” she whispered, her grip tightening on Alicia’s hands. “Please.”

Alicia’s jaw tightened as Rose’s sobs filled the room. She wanted to reach out, and offer comfort—but the weight of her own pain held her back. Her heart twisted as Rose crumbled further, her regret spilling into the silence. A mother’s agony, raw and unfiltered. Not just for her broken family—but for failing to hold it together in the first place.

No, Rose. I can’t let myself care. Alicia clenched her fists, forcing her emotions to harden. You’ve joined the game now, Alicia. You’re no different from them. It’s too late for pity—too late for anything.

She remained still, unmoved, as Rose rocked back and forth, whispering her apologies like a prayer. Alicia’s lips curled into a bitter sneer.

----------------------------------------