Chapter Thirty-four
Author's Pov
Selena's heart raced as she walked down the stairs towards Rose's. It had been months since they last spoke, and a sense of nervousness mixed with anticipation filled her every thought.
Selena knew she had done something terrible, something that she couldn't undo, but she also knew that Rose was soft, someone who always based her hope on forgiveness.
She knew they had once been inseparable, their laughter and support forming an unbreakable bond, but she also had to keep in mind that she had betrayed Rose in the worst possible way.
She left her on an empty road, vulnerable and alone, without a second thought, leaving with her boyfriend after sleeping with him.
Now, she was coming back with fake remorse, hoping to use Rose's friendship to gain connections in the real world.
Rose turned and stood in her spot, her eyes widening with fake surprise at the sight of Selena beside her.
Her face changed, showing traces of pain and sadness.
"Selena, what are you doing here?" She asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and caution.
Selena took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her past actions. "Rose, I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I came here seeking your forgiveness," Selena replied, her voice trembling with genuine remorse. "I've spent months reflecting on my actions, realizing how much I hurt you, and I want to make it right. Trust me, I tried looking for you several times, but it was like you vanished from the surface of the world."
Alfonso scoffed as he stood beside them, listening to them quietly. The lady couldn't even have the decency to make her act right, she thought.
Rose's expression softened as she listened to Selena, showing her she had let her guard slowly come down.
A part of her still harbored hurt; she couldn't believe that the person she had considered her best friend all her life up until now was one standing in front of her deceiving her.
However, Rose was wise enough to recognize the fakery covered under her face along with Selena's thick layer of makeup.
"You say you want to make it right, Selena," Rose said, her voice low as it was filled with a mix of caution and hope.
"But actions speak louder than words. Show me that you truly mean it, and maybe we can start rebuilding our friendship."
Selena understood that rebuilding trust would not be easy, but she was determined to prove herself worthy of forgiveness until she could get Rose back in her grips again and get what she wanted.
Throughout the rest of the night, she embarked on a journey of redemption, demonstrating her commitment to change at every turn.
Selena prioritized Rose's well-being over her own desires and needs, focusing on being a supportive friend rather than one who used her for personal gain.
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Ryan's heart raced as he sat down on his seat at a corner table in the most crowded party, watching every moment and diverting to every direction where he knew Rose would be.
It's been months since they broke up, but seeing her with her new husband, Alfonso, ignited a jealous fire within him.
Ryan couldn't help but wonder how someone like Alfonso, a man with high class and connections, could love Rose so deeply and take care of her even after she had embarrassed herself in front of everyone this evening.
As Ryan observed Rose from across the room, memories of their past relationship flooded his mind. They had once been inseparable, their love transcending time and space. However, mistakes were made, trust was broken, and their paths diverged.
Ryan couldn't shake the feeling that Alfonso didn't deserve Rose's affection and care. How could he possibly love her the way Ryan once did?
This jealousy fueled a desire to uncover the truth and understand why Rose's heart had shifted towards someone else.
Up until some months ago, he had her under the grip of his hands, so what exactly changed? He asked himself silently.
Determined to find answers, Ryan approached Rose during a moment when Alfonso was momentarily distracted.
"Rose, can we talk?" Ryan asked, trying to suppress the bitterness in his voice.
Rose rolled her eyes at the sound of the voice. Looks like it was redemption day for everyone, she thought. Really, she couldn't promise she could keep up the fake smile towards them for long.
Rose turned with a fake surprise but agreed, leading Ryan to a quieter corner of the party.
"What do you want to talk about, Ryan?" she inquired, curiosity etched on her face.
Ryan took a deep breath, gathering the courage to express his feelings without lashing out at Rose. "I've been watching you and Alfonso," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of hurt and vulnerability. "
After what happened tonight, I couldn't help but wonder why he loves you so much, even after you embarrassed yourself."
Rose scoffed silently at the audacity of the man. But she placed a soft smile on her face, and she reached out to gently touch Ryan's arm.
"Ryan, I understand your feelings, but you have to know that love is complex. Alfonso loves me unconditionally, flaws and all, just as I love him. We have built a strong foundation of trust and support." She said it purposefully to hit him; she wanted him to know he had lost a gem and she had found a diamond.
"I see now," Ryan said, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and acceptance. "You've found someone who cherishes you in ways I couldn't. I want nothing more than your happiness, even if it means letting go of my own desires."
"I know I did wrong, Rose, but trust me, it was Selena's idea; please forgive." He said his eyes narrowed, showing his remorse.
Rose nodded, a mix of gratitude and understanding shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Ryan. It means a lot to hear you say that. I hope we can both find our own paths to happiness." She said, gritting her teeth to stop her from saying out the curse words forming in her chest.
Ryan nodded his head before excusing himself and making his way back to the party.