TRIANGLE

TAG #XI

The weeks following Mill's public defiance of her father saw an undeniable shift in the Rosenthal household. Mill and Veronica had become inseparable. Their bond wasn’t just about survival anymore; it was a partnership, a merging of two people who had been underestimated for too long.

The Rosenthal parents watched from the sidelines, unsure of how to address what they were witnessing. Mrs. Rosenthal sought solace in her ability to adapt, trying to find ways to accept this new normal, while Mr. Rosenthal remained quiet but visibly disturbed.

Veronica, on the other hand, navigated these turbulent waters with ease. Her calculated demeanor allowed her to maintain the household's smooth operations while tightening her influence over Mill. Every day, she subtly reinforced the idea that Mill's loyalty to her was the only thing keeping them both safe.

One evening, as Mill joined Veronica in the nursery after dinner, she confessed, “I’ve never felt like this before. You make me feel seen, Veronica.”

Veronica turned to her with a gentle smile. “That’s because you are. And don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

---

Elsewhere, Jaide struggled to focus on anything but her feelings for Calista. After her confession and Calista’s abrupt departure, Jaide found herself replaying every moment they had shared. She tried to move forward, but her mind wouldn’t let her.

One day, she decided she couldn’t let things end like that. Armed with a plan to talk things through, Jaide sought out Calista. She found her at a small café, buried in notes and files about the Rosenthal family.

“Calista,” Jaide said, her voice steady but soft.

Calista looked up, startled. “Jaide? What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t just let things end the way they did,” Jaide replied. “I needed to see you.”

Calista frowned, clearly conflicted. “Jaide, this isn’t the time—”

“There’s never going to be a perfect time,” Jaide interrupted. “I know you’re focused on your work, but I also know you feel something for me. You wouldn’t have avoided me otherwise.”

Calista’s expression softened, but she quickly masked it. “Jaide, I can’t afford to be distracted right now.”

“You think love is a distraction?” Jaide countered, leaning closer. “Or are you just afraid to admit that you care about me too?”

Calista didn’t respond. She grabbed her files and left, leaving Jaide standing there, heartbroken but determined to wait for her.

--

While Veronica tended to the baby one evening, Mill found herself lost in a vivid flashback of her childhood.

She remembered the cold, polished floors of the mansion, the echo of her parents’ voices praising Edward for his achievements while she stood unnoticed in the background. Even birthdays, moments meant for celebration, were overshadowed by Edward’s success.

But the harshest memory was the night she overheard her parents saying,

“Mill will never be like Edward. She’s too... fragile.”

The pain of those words lingered even now, but Veronica’s presence softened the sting. Veronica had never once made Mill feel fragile. Instead, she treated her as an equal, someone capable of love and strength.