When Rose saw her phone light up with the returning call, she froze, staring at it. Her heart pounded as she glanced toward Teresa, who seemed on the verge of asking something.
"Do you think I'm pretty?" Rose blurted out unexpectedly.
The question left everyone in the group mystified, their surprise evident.
"Rose, you're very gorgeous," Teresa said sincerely, her brows furrowing slightly in concern.
"And how do I look better?" Rose asked, her voice trembling just enough to betray her nerves. "Hair pinned up or left loose?"
Teresa's eyebrows rose in confusion before she cast a glance toward the ballroom.
Rose's eyes followed, flickering toward the man speaking with the other two, all of whom appeared to be searching for someone.
"What is going on?" Riley asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lucas moved closer, his gaze also drifting to the ballroom as he tried to piece together the situation.
Teresa returned her attention to Rose, noticing the nervous energy radiating from her.
The third groomsman, who hadn't stopped watching Rose, also shifted his focus to the ballroom, his expression unreadable.
"You look perfect both ways," Teresa finally replied, her voice soothing. "But today, leave it down."
Rose turned back to Teresa with a small, grateful smile. Both women shared a brief moment of understanding, their smiles soft but genuine.
"Tell Raven he can take all the time he needs," Rose blurted before hurrying away, leaving the others to exchange puzzled glances.
She didn't catch the way the third groomsman froze, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure.
Rose crossed to the right wing, her security detail nodding as she passed. Once inside her room, she set her phone and wallet aside, wasting no time as she slipped off her ruined dress and heels.
Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the red, long-sleeved dress Jonathan had sent. With deliberate care, she slid it on.
The ensemble consisted of two pieces—a thin inner gown and the intricate dress layered over it.
Rose stepped into the heels that had come with the dress, then approached the mirror.
The dress fit like a glove, accentuating her silhouette with an elegant flair.
She unpinned her hair, letting her curls cascade freely over her shoulders. With a steadying breath, she placed the blue mask over her face.
Her reflection was striking—a woman impossible to ignore.
Her delicate, refined features exuded an effortless grace, demanding admiration with every glance. She carried an aura of elegance so profound that it seemed to command reverence, as if the very ground she walked on deserved to be praised.
Rose, feeling unsure and nervous, couldn't see it. She couldn't see how the woman staring back at her in the mirror looked more like a queen—regal, seductive, and breathtakingly poised.
Rose took a deep breath, leaving her phone and wallet securely tucked away. Her legs trembled as she stepped out of the room, her mind a whirlwind of uncertainty and memories.
She was 15 back then... the first time he introduced himself.
Her security stole glances as she passed, their eyes unable to ignore the elegance she exuded. Rose reached the railing at the top of the grand staircase and hesitated, her gaze sweeping over the ballroom below. The lights glimmered against the polished floors, casting a golden glow on the gathered crowd.
YOU ARE READING
Found Obsession
غموض / إثارةIn the eerie aftermath of a chilling revelation, Detective Rose Hansley finds herself trapped in a labyrinth of deceit and forgotten memories. Unveiling the identity of a notorious serial killer was meant to bring closure, yet it shatters her world...
