The Dominants Game

Chapter 63

Scandal

Mattheo and Rosetta sat across from each other in a quiet corner of their favorite café. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the soft murmur of other patrons providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Rosetta took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking.

"Mattheo," she began, her voice soft but steady. "I want to apologize for how I acted that evening in your car. I was so lost and confused, and I let my emotions get the better of me. It was unfair to you."

Mattheo looked at her, his expression guarded but not unkind. "Rosetta, you were going through a lot. I understand that. But I have to admit, it did wound my pride a bit."

She nodded, her eyes filled with remorse. "I know it did, and I'm truly sorry. I never meant to hurt you or put you in that position. You've been such a good friend and support to me, and I feel like I took advantage of that."

Mattheo sighed, his gaze softening. "Rosetta, I care about you a lot. More than I probably should. That night, seeing how vulnerable you were, it only made my feelings for you stronger. But I also respect your boundaries and your situation with Lucius."

Rosetta reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "I value our friendship, Mattheo. And I appreciate everything you've done for me. I don't want to lose that, but I also need to be honest about where I am right now. Lucius and I are trying to work things out, and I need to focus on that."

Mattheo reached across the table, his hand enveloping hers. His eyes bore into hers, filled with raw emotion. "Rosetta, if things were different... if there was any way... would you ever pick me?"

She looked down, her heart aching with the weight of his question. "Mattheo, our paths have been chosen, and we have roles to play. It's not about picking someone else; it's about fulfilling the responsibilities we've committed to. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you deeply."

He saw the pain in her eyes, understanding how difficult this was for her. "I see. I'll remain professional, Rosetta. I'll support you in whatever way you need, but I'll keep my feelings in check."

Before they could say more, a bright flash went off. They looked up, startled, to see a photographer snapping pictures of their intimate moment. The shock and panic were immediate.

"Shit," Mattheo muttered, pulling his hand back. "We're screwed."

Rosetta's heart raced as she realized the implications. "We need to get out of here," she said, her voice trembling.

They quickly gathered their things and left the café, the weight of the photographer's intrusion heavy on their minds. As they walked out, Rosetta couldn't help but glance back, seeing the photographer eagerly reviewing his shots.

Once they were outside and away from prying eyes, Mattheo turned to her. "This is going to be misconstrued."

Rosetta nodded, feeling a wave of dread wash over her. "Yes, and it's going to complicate everything. We need to figure out how to handle this, and fast."

Mattheo sighed, his resolve hardening. "I'll talk to the Berkshires and see if we can manage the fallout. But you need to be prepared for the backlash, Rosetta."

"We are royally fucked," she whispered.

When they arrived back at the office, Mattheo immediately called Lorenzo Berkshire. The phone rang for a few moments before Lorenzo's voice, cold and cutting, came through.

"Mattheo, what the hell happened?" Lorenzo demanded.

Mattheo took a deep breath. "We were having lunch, and a photographer took a picture of us. It looks bad, Lorenzo, but we can manage this."