Found Obsession

Chapter 19: Demand attention

The next day, Rose woke up with newfound energy. She hurried to prepare breakfast, singing as she went about her morning routine. As she flipped through her phone, a call came through. She picked it up with a smile.

"Hey, Dad."

"Congratulations!" both her parents said in unison. "Thanks to you, we've established a connection with the Greco family. We have no idea what you did, but both men seem quite happy with this new relationship."

"Connection?" Rose asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We'll explain later," her father responded quickly. "But we need to talk about your role in the family. There are a few events coming up that you need to attend, and you'll need to brush up on your etiquette. We're counting on you."

For a moment, Rose's smile faded as memories of the socialite world her parents belonged to-and the one she had always tried to distance herself from-came rushing back or so they told her.

"Etiquette classes? Parties?" Rose repeated, her tone more subdued now.

"Yes, Rose," her mother chimed in, her voice firm with expectation. "It's important that you make an appearance. The family business needs you. We need you."

Rose put her breakfast plate down, feeling the weight of their words.

"I'm really busy with work right now," Rose began, trying to deflect. But her father cut her off.

"We know, sweetheart, but this is vital for the business. The Greco family is influential. This could open so many doors for us."

Her stomach twisted. So that's why they're happy about Riley... it's all business.

Her parents continued talking about upcoming social events, duties, and expectations, but Rose's mind drifted. The excitement she'd woken up with had vanished, replaced by a familiar pressure she had worked hard to leave behind.

"Rose? Are you listening?" her mother asked sharply.

"Yeah, Mom. I'll... I'll think about it," Rose replied, her voice quiet.

"We'll discuss it. Business has us tight but we will see you soon." her father added.

"Right," she muttered, ending the call quickly.

She stared at her phone for a moment, then set it down beside her uneaten breakfast. The lightness she had felt earlier was gone, replaced by the heavy pull of old obligations.

The Greco family... she thought, biting her lip. Her thoughts drifted to Riley-how different he seemed from the cold, business-like image his family portrayed.

The need to remember resurfaced once again, frustrating Rose. It had been almost a year, yet she could not recall anything from that time.

How influential is the Greco family? she wondered, quickly searching her phone.

"Police influence," she mumbled to herself as she scrolled. When she searched for the richest families in the area, she was shocked to find her own family ranked among the top three. It seemed there was little information available about them-probably kept under wraps.

The Greco family was wealthy, but her family was even wealthier.

As Rose's breakfast turned sour, a wave of egoism washed over her. Her family had supported her decision to keep her job and pursue her own path, and here she was, feeling resentful about their request for her involvement in family duties. She was their only daughter, after all.

Why would her family need police connections? Rose wondered, scratching her head. A moment later, she felt a bit foolish. Of course, she realized, all wealthy families need connections.