SOUL SNATCHERS

Chapter 15

Rose couldn't believe her eyes, the scene unfolding before her was like a devastating blow. Karl and Agnes, people she trusted and held dear, locked in a passionate kiss. Agnes's hand firmly rested on Karl's nape. The rush of emotions overwhelmed her, causing her head to throb with heat.

Her trembling voice broke the silence, "Karl?... Agnes?" Tears welled up in her eyes as she approached them, her anger evident in the clenched fists by her sides.

Startled, Karl pushed Agnes away from him as they turned to face her. Rose's tear-streaked face was a portrait of anguish and betrayal. With each word, her voice cracked with pain, "How could you? How could you do this to me?!" She recoiled when Karl attempted to reach out, his touch rejected in an instant.

"Please, Rose, let me explain. It's not what it seems," Karl pleaded, closing the distance between them.

The tears continued to flow down Rose's face like an unstoppable river. "Don't touch me, you... you... betrayer!" Her anger resonated through her voice, reverberating against the surroundings.

"I swear, Rose, it's not what you think. Agnes, tell her the truth!" Karl desperately turned towards Agnes, his eyes begging for her support.

Agnes stood there, her head bowed down, tears mingling with her sorrow. She took a faltering step towards Rose, unsure of her own words. The weight of the situation finally broke her, causing her to break down into uncontrollable sobs as she knelt before Rose, hands trembling against her tear-stained face.

With renewed defiance, Rose shouted, "Agnes, you've no need to speak. I've seen everything with my own eyes, and the truth is crystal clear."

"Rose, it wasn't me who initiated it. Agnes, tell her the truth!" Karl's voice was a mix of desperation and frustration.

Agnes raised her head, her tear-filled eyes met Karl's pleading gaze. Slowly, she took a step towards Rose, torn by conflicting emotions. In a whisper, she began, "Rose, please listen... I..." She couldn't find the right words, her emotions overwhelming her once again.

"Agnes, spare us your lies," Rose interrupted, her voice tinged with pain and anger. The onlookers nearby had taken notice of the commotion, their curious stares adding to the tense atmosphere. Bren hesitated, unsure whether to approach and offer solace, while Chantelle and Henry feigned indifference, continuing their tasks.

Gathering her strength, Agnes finally managed to speak amidst her tears, "Rose... I'm so sorry." Looking at Karl, she nodded, her voice trembling, "I truly am sorry, Rose... But I love him. I've loved him long before you came into the picture. I tried to suppress my feelings, but they only grew stronger, until I couldn't deny them anymore. I can't imagine my life without him." She couldn't bring herself to meet Rose's gaze, her guilt weighing heavily upon her.

Agnes's words hit Rose like a tidal wave. Pain and confusion etched across her face as she questioned, "Agnes, did you ever consider my feelings? Did you ever think about our friendship?"

Karl's tear-filled eyes met Rose's, his voice cracking, "Rose, please, you know how much I love you." Argel gently placed his hand on Karl's shoulder, trying to offer some solace amidst the chaos.

Agnes, still on her knees, reached out to Rose, urging her to understand, "He's my everything, Rose. Please, trust me." Her hand brushed against Rose's, symbolizing a plea for forgiveness.

Unable to speak, Rose pushed Agnes away, her gaze filled with a mixture of pain and anger. "You know what, Agnes?" Her voice carried a blend of hurt and defiance. "You're out of your mind!"

Karl closed the distance, attempting to reach Rose once more, but he was met with a sharp slap across his cheek. The impact stung as Rose's hand made contact, leaving behind a visible mark. He instinctively touched his reddened cheek, his voice choked with anguish, "Rose..."