The Betrayed Rose Rises Anew

Ware

my heart hammering against my rib

alk? In that outfit? And with that bag?" He gestured to the

aid, my voice firmer, a desper

re being replaced by his usual charming facade. "You know," he said, stepping closer. "I've bee

o soothe and disarm. He was dangling a

he said, his voice curt. "Another crisis. I have to go." He loo

aid, my v

I watched him go, a wave of relief

road to hail a cab, I saw her. Karis. She stood by the roadside, a predatory sm

things never change, do they, little foster girl?" Her words were a venomous dart. "You think y

a pathetic opportunist. He'll chew you

," she whispered, "you have

as compromised. Defeated, I turned back toward

"return." He filled the mansion with flowers, candles, and my favori

doorbell chimed. It was Karis, lookin

couldn't bear to be alone tonight. My apartment still feels so...

ftened. "Karis, darling, come in. Of

ate crystal vase filled with white roses. My favorite. He always u

he said, his voice s

ore." I stood up, my gaze sweeping over the lavish table. "I'm not hu

breathe. I retreated to my room, the sound of t