Leonardo (the dad) POV
It had been a whole day since we found my princess. Emilio had given her a thorough checkup when we got home. Thankfully, she had no broken bones, but her body told a different story-old fractures that hadn't healed properly, wounds, and bruises covered her from head to toe. Worst of all, Emilio confirmed that she had been raped.
Right now, I was sitting on her bed next to her, watching as Rosaline cried and tossed in her sleep. She was having a nightmare-probably a bad one. I gently shook her.
"Rosy," I called softly. Her eyes shot open, wild with fear. She backed up against the headboard, quickly covering her eyes. It hit me-she had been in a dark basement for so long, she might not be used to the light. I hurriedly got up and switched it off.
"Rosy... I turned the light off," I said, sitting beside her again.
"Rosy, are you hungry? You've been asleep for a while," I asked, keeping my voice as soft as possible. She started shaking, her head and body trembling with fear. My heart broke seeing how terrified she was, but even if her stomach hadn't growled, I would have still gotten her some food.
"Sweetie, he's not here anymore. You're safe... I'll get you some food," I reassured her, forcing a small laugh as I pulled out my phone to text Emilio. He was probably still awake-the only person she might recognize. She might not remember everything right now, but I had to tell her how much we loved her.
"Rosy, I missed you. We all did. Your brother misses you, too," I said, trying to move closer, but with every inch, she backed away, trembling. I sighed, unsure of what to do.
Then I remembered-Ellie. I got up and rummaged through a drawer, finally finding her favorite stuffed elephant. I gently placed it in front of Rosy.
"You used to love her. Her name is Ellie," I said with a soft smile.
A knock came at the door. It was Emilio. I opened it just a sliver to keep the room dark.
"What did you bring her?" I asked, glancing back at Rosy as she petted Ellie's head.
"Some fruit-she used to love them-and cereal without milk, so she doesn't need a spoon," Emilio replied, handing me the tray.
"Close the door-she doesn't like the light," I told him as he entered.
"I brought some fruit-you used to love them-and cereal, without the milk," I said, sitting beside her slowly so l wouldn't scare her. She looked at me, then at Emilio, unsure.
"Princess, you need to eat," Emilio urged gently, nudging the food closer to her. She looked between us, hesitating, but our smiles encouraged her. Slowly, she reached out, took a piece of fruit, and waited-when nothing happened, she ate it. Then another bite, and another, until half the food was gone.
I glanced at Emilio, knowing that this was just a small tray-something the boys would have considered a snack.
"Are you full, baby?" I asked softly, trying to gauge how she felt. "Oh, is that Ellie? She missed you. I used to find her waiting for you at the window," Emilio said with a gentle smile, though I knew he meant himself.
Rosaline looked at Ellie for a moment before grabbing her into a tight hug. I smiled, but of course, the peace had to be ruined by one of my sons. Niccolò bounced into the room, his voice loud and excited.
"Rosy!" he shouted, running straight for her. Emilio and I both tried to stop him, pulling him back, but it was no use-he was already on her bed in no time, wrapping his arms around her.
Rosaline was shaking, frozen in fear, but she made no attempt to move. Niccolò held her tight, unaware of what he was doing. By the time we managed to pull him away, Rosaline's eyes were squeezed shut, her body tense, and she had wet herself a little.
I grabbed Niccolò by his collar, dragging him out of the room and closing the door behind us.
"What were you thinking?" I shouted at him. He shrank under my words.
"I-I miss her, Dad. I was just giving her a hug," he stammered, his voice low.
"Niccolò, she's been through hell. She's in an unfamiliar place with people she doesn't remember. You were scaring her," I told him, my voice firm but trying to stay calm. "It's two in the morning anyway. Go back to bed, and you can apologize in the morning."
He nodded, eyes downcast, and hurried off. I took a deep breath before heading back into the room.
When I returned, Rosaline was in tears, sobbing quietly while Emilio tried his best to calm her down. My heart sank at the sight.
- Author note -
Hey peeps! It's the second week of rosaline. I was sick this week. So I couldn't write as much as I wanted for you. I hope you've enjoyed the the story so far.
Here a question for you all. what would you like to see.
YOU ARE READING
Rosaline
General FictionAfter ten years of captivity, Rosaline is reunited with the family she has forgotten. Can she rediscover the love and happiness she once knew, or will she find herself trapped in the same dark life? Kidnapped at the age of four, Rosaline Serra was t...