Found Obsession

Chapter 64: Secret Meeting

December 24, 2004

Rose arrived at the house early in the morning, carrying a small tree, gifts, and decorations.

When Levi and Margaret spotted her, they looked bewildered.

"Come on, help me!" she demanded.

Levi and Margaret exchanged glances but eventually joined in. As they decorated, they found joy in the task.

Rose captured their smiles with her disposable camera.

Later, she attempted to show them how to make cookies. Levi teased Margaret, and before long, they were playfully bickering, laughter echoing around the kitchen.

Rose couldn't help but laugh along, the sound growing louder until it enveloped them all. She took more pictures to capture the moment.

After a while, they all headed for showers, and while they were occupied, Rose finished up dinner and the cookies, giggling at their antics.

Once they emerged, she took her own shower, and soon joined them on the couch.

"So pretty!" Margaret said, admiring the decorations.

"It is," Rose whispered, a smile on her face.

Levi had his arm around Margaret as they chatted happily, and Rose felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. Silently, she slipped away to her room.

As she closed the door, she turned her attention to the gifts. She began wrapping them carefully, taking her time.

Deep down, Rose knew she would eventually have to return home, but for now, she wanted to savor this time-time away from her job, from being a Hansley, and from him, Elijah.

Just Rose. Roselyn, the human being.

As Rose stepped out, she saw Margaret and Levi sleeping on the couch, wrapped in each other's embrace.

A soft smile graced her lips as she quietly placed the gifts under the tree. Then, she grabbed a quilt and gently covered them, ensuring they were warm and comfortable.

Soon, Rose retreated to her room, but sleep eluded her as nightmares plagued her mind.

You're mine. The haunting words echoed in her thoughts, and once again, she jolted awake, drenched in sweat. She couldn't escape the visions of him-his piercing grey eyes and the possessive way he had taken her.

Desperately, Rose buried her face in her hands, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her.

December 25, 2004

Rose heard a squeal and hurried out to see Margaret leaning over the gifts piled beneath the tree.

"It has my name!" Margaret yelled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

A smile cracked across Rose as she watched Margaret. Levi rolled his eyes. They eagerly began digging into the gifts, and Margaret squealed when she uncovered a new phone and a Christmas sweater.

Rose couldn't resist snapping pictures of their joy, laughter spilling from her as they donned their new attire.

"Rose, thank you!" Levi walked over to her and whispered, giving her a quick, grateful smile.

"Just don't upload any pictures or navigate into anything related to... you know," she added.

He nodded. "I'll let Margaret know."

Soon, Rose wandered to the window, inhaling the fresh air as she gazed outside.

"Okay, today we're going outside!" she announced, turning back to the duo.