Found Obsession

Chapter 45: Rose's secret room and wish list

“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Riley stated, his voice full of determination. “I’ll check Emma’s place.”

“I’ll go with you,” Frank added quickly.

“I’ll check out nearby hospitals then,” Mira said. Paula and Will both nodded in agreement, saying they’d join her.

“I’ll get the footage,” Rose said, trying to ignore the gnawing pain in her stomach.

With that, they all agreed and went their separate ways.

As Rose hailed a taxi, the pain in her stomach intensified, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She could easily hack the footage, but this was her family’s building. Guilt tugged at her—it didn’t feel right. Besides, she could just ask her parents; no need to hack unless absolutely necessary.

The stabbing pain made her grimace.

She dialed her mother’s number, and the line connected after a few rings.

“Rose?” Her mother’s voice was bright and chirpy, as always.

“Hey, Mom. How are you?” Rose asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“I’m great, sweetheart! How about you?” her mother replied, but there was a note of concern.

“I’m alright... sorry about last time,” Rose mumbled, leaning back against the taxi seat.

Her mother chuckled softly. “Your father told me. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

Rose managed a faint smile. “Thanks, Mom. Actually, I need a favor.”

“Go on, spill it, child,” her mother said, amused.

“I was wondering... could I get the footage from the benefactors’ party?” Rose asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

“Rose, when wealthy families gather... we don’t exactly keep all the cameras on,” her mother explained gently.

“Oh,” Rose mumbled, feeling a wave of disappointment.

“However, whatever footage we do have, I’ll have Lucas send it over.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Rose said, her shoulders relaxing a bit.

“Take care of yourself, Rose. Don’t overwork, and are you eating properly?” her mother asked, her tone turning serious.

“Yes, Mom!” Rose laughed knowing she was lying, then ended the call as the taxi pulled up in front of her apartment.

The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his brow creased with concern. “Are you okay, ma’am? You’re looking a little pale.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, forcing a smile as she handed him the fare.

Stepping out of the taxi, the cool night air hit her like a wave. She took a deep breath, but then froze. A shadow captured her attention—a man, leaning against a wall, smoking. His face was obscured, but something about his presence felt off. She had seen him a few times now.

She gripped her bag tighter, a chill running down her spine. The memory of grey eyes flickered in her mind, but she couldn’t place where else she had seen them before.

When she drowned?

No.

When the children's case occured?

No.

Halloween?

No

The pain was unbearable making it impossible to remember where she'd seen those eyes.