Hurricane

Chapter 38- From Rome with love

Rose's POV

"She isn't my mother-in-law, and she doesn't know that Alec is her grandson." I corrected and breathed deeply. "By the way, we are doing a collaboration."

"Oh my goodness! Congratulations! It was your dream. I am so happy for you, dear." She exclaimed happily and hugged me. "We should celebrate it." She added in excitement as she pulled back.

"I don't have time. I have to finish my work here and return to New York." I refused. "And I am not in the mood for celebration." I added, sighing.

"Because of your sister?" She gave me a compassionate look. I nodded, sighing. "Do you still love him?" She asked, placing his hand on top of mine.

"I... It doesn't matter. I can't do it to my sister. How can I be happy with Troy when I know my sister is suffering? She loves him and thinks he just got cold feet. They were going to marry." I said, desperate and ruffled my hair, pursing my lips together.

"I understand you, but Troy doesn't love her. If he loved Kate, he wouldn't break up with her." She squeezed my hand, giving me a sympathetic look. I heaved a sigh without saying anything. "Rose, if she was in your place, would she make such a sacrifice for you?"

I bit my lower lip, thinking. It had occurred to me before too. Would she make the same sacrifice, or she wouldn't care about my feelings?

"She has never cared about you. Your father's one word was enough for her to avoid you." She reminded, giving me a compassionate look.
"You love each other; you should not feel guilty. You didn't do anything to separate them. You and Troy have met before. You had even hidden his son from him because he was engaged to your sister." She sighed, shaking her head as she paused. "So forget everyone and follow your heart, putting your fear and pride aside. Give him a chance." I bit my lower lip, lost in my thoughts.

***

After pulling a blanket over my son's body, I placed a soft kiss on his forehead and went to my room.

I sighed and looked at my wristwatch; Troy hadn't come back since he left this afternoon. I called him a few times, but his phone was turned off.

Suddenly, I heard noises coming from the other room. It must be Troy. I went to the living room quickly.

"Good evening." I mumbled as I approached him.

Troy nodded as he sat down on the couch and placed his jacket beside himself. His hair was disheveled, and he looked tired. Moreover, he smelled alcohol.

"Have you been drinking?" I asked as I sat down in the armchair beside the couch.

"Yes, a little." He mumbled, sadness in his eyes and sighed. "Where is Alec?"

"He is sleeping." I replied and bit my lower lip uneasily. He nodded without looking at me.

"Troy, today Ann..."

"Do you have feelings for him?...Eduardo." He cut me off, looking into my eyes.

"No!" I replied honestly. He nodded, entwining his hands on his lap while resting his elbows on his thighs.

I heaved a deep sigh and confessed. "We went on a date a few times. Then we decided not to continue it. I never had feelings for him. It was just a few dinner dates, nothing more."

"Don't get me wrong, I cannot ask you for an explanation about it when I was engaged to someone else. I don't have any right to be angry at you or anything else." He said gloomily, looking into the space. "But... I can't stop myself from being jealous. Thinking of another man beside you and... my son..." He breathed deeply, closing his eyes, and shook his head. "It is unbearable for me. It aches my heart to think that another man could be your husband, or my son could see him as his father." He looked at me as sadness crossed his features. I had never seen him like this before; he looked so doleful.