Crimson Love (Crimes On Love)

Part 2: Chapter 4: Torn Between Two Worlds

Diamond sat in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The dim glow of the vanity light illuminated her face, highlighting the growing turmoil in her eyes. From the outside, everything was perfect. She lived in luxury, surrounded by wealth, power, and the impeccable image that the Rose family had carefully cultivated for generations. Her life was supposed to be flawless, a string of cocktail parties, high-end galas, and charity events where her family was always the centerpiece. But lately, all of it felt suffocating, like a mask she was forced to wear.

And then there was Valentina.

The pull between her two worlds was tearing Diamond apart. On one hand, there was her family—Victor, Evelyn, Olivia, and Sebastian—each with their own expectations for her, each representing the power and privilege she had been born into. But on the other hand, there was Valentina, wild and free, dangerous in a way that both terrified and exhilarated her.

Diamond could still feel Valentina's touch lingering on her skin from their last secret meeting. The heat between them, the passion, was like nothing she had ever experienced before. Valentina made her feel alive in ways she couldn't even begin to explain. But Valentina also represented everything her family despised: the rough edges, the lawlessness, the danger. The two worlds couldn't coexist, and every day, Diamond felt herself slipping further away from the image her family had created for her.

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A Family's Expectation

"Diamond, darling, you're not listening," Evelyn's voice cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to reality. They were sitting in the drawing room of the Rose mansion, where the family often gathered to discuss business and appearances. This evening, the conversation revolved around an upcoming charity gala that the Rose family was hosting, but Diamond's mind was miles away, wrapped up in thoughts of Valentina.

"Sorry, Mother," Diamond muttered, trying to focus on the conversation.

Victor, seated at the head of the room, gave her a sharp look. "This gala is important for our image, Diamond. We need to make sure everything is perfect. The governor will be attending, along with several key figures from the business community."

"Of course," Diamond nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. She knew exactly what they expected of her—a flawless performance, just like every other event. Smile, charm, be the perfect Rose daughter. But lately, she found it harder and harder to play the part.

Olivia, sitting beside their father, glanced at her younger sister with a knowing smirk. "You've been distracted lately, Diamond. Is something on your mind?"

"No," Diamond lied, her voice tighter than she intended. She could feel Olivia's eyes boring into her, always so perceptive, always so in control. Diamond resented how effortlessly Olivia fit into the family mold, thriving in their world of power plays and manipulation.

But Olivia wasn't buying it. She leaned in slightly, her tone dripping with condescension. "You should be careful where your mind wanders, little sister. You don't want to be seen slipping. Not in front of the people who matter."

Diamond bit the inside of her cheek, resisting the urge to lash out. Olivia always knew how to get under her skin, how to remind her of her place in the family. But the truth was, Diamond didn't care about "the people who matter" anymore—not in the way her family did. The only person who seemed to matter to her now was Valentina.

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The Conflict Within

Later that night, Diamond found herself walking through the empty halls of the Rose mansion, the grand chandeliers casting soft light onto the marble floors. The quiet of the house usually brought her some comfort, but tonight, it felt hollow. The weight of her double life was pressing down on her harder than ever.