Chapter 75 the Lover
 
 
 
 
 
 
“I finished work early,” Rossi replied, his voice flat as usual, though Lyla had grown accustomed to his tone. At least he responded—better than silence.
“Let’s eat,” Lyla said warmly, gesturing toward the table.
“How’s work going for you?” he asked as they sat down.
“Good,” Lyla replied, then hesitated before asking, “Are you really okay with me staying here?”
“Yes,” Rossi said firmly, his gaze meeting hers. “Or do you not want to stay with me?”
Lyla blinked, caught between happiness and confusion. “It’s not that, but I don’t want to intrude on you.”
“I told you—you’re not intruding,” Rossi said as he stepped closer. “Or are you uncomfortable living with me?”
She shook her head quickly. “No, it’s not that.”
“Then stay,” he insisted, his voice resolute.
“In what capacity?” Lyla asked cautiously. “Am I a housekeeper? Or just a close friend?”
She looked at him, awaiting his answer, needing clarity. If he didn’t feel the same, she’d brace herself to move on.
“Close your eyes, and I’ll tell you,” Rossi said, a faint smirk curling his lips, though Lyla didn’t notice as she nervously complied.
Rossi gazed at her serene face and soft pink lips, realizing he’d wanted this moment for longer than he cared to admit. Slowly, he reached out to touch her face, making her startle slightly. His fingers traced her lips before he leaned in, claiming them in a tender, yet possessive kiss.
Lyla’s eyes flew open in shock, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her hands instinctively reached up to hold on to him as Rossi deepened the kiss, sending a wave of warmth and new sensations coursing through her. He pulled back only when she was breathless, staring into her eyes with longing.
“Do you understand now what you mean to me?” he whispered near her ear.
Lyla dropped her gaze, still flushed. “Uh... your lover?”
Rossi’s eyes narrowed slightly. “No. I don’t let lovers stay in my house.”
He stepped closer, holding her gaze. “Only my wife gets to live here.”
Lyla’s cheeks burned, and she quickly changed the subject, stammering, “Let’s... let’s eat before the food gets cold.”
“Fine,” Rossi agreed with a mischievous smile. “But if you need more convincing, just tell me, and I’ll gladly kiss you again.”
Lyla turned away in embarrassment, intending to flee back to the table, but Rossi caught her arm and pulled her into another embrace. His lips brushed her cheek as he held her close.
“I almost forgot,” he murmured.
“Forgot what?” she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.
“To tell you I love you,” Rossi whispered, his breath warm against her ear. “I love you.”
That was enough. Lyla didn’t need anything more—just him.
“I love you too,” she replied softly.
 
Las Vegas, USA
Rose stepped into the quiet house, her heart heavy with nostalgia. Nothing had changed in the two months she’d been gone. Her Aunt Sophia was still in the hospital, leaving the home eerily empty. After hauling her bags upstairs to her room, Rose opened the curtains to let in the fading sunlight before collapsing onto her bed, utterly drained.
As memories of Antonio surfaced, tears welled up in her eyes. She closed them tightly, replaying their happy moments together in her mind, trying to hold on to them even as her heart ached.
She must have dozed off at some point, waking hours later to find it was already past seven in the evening. She got up, grabbed a towel, and headed to the bathroom. Emerging freshly showered, she rummaged through her wardrobe before settling on a sleek black strapless dress. She applied her makeup, styled her hair, and slipped into matching heels, giving herself a last glance in the mirror before heading out.
 
At the Casino
The vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas was in full swing, with music, lights, and laughter filling the air. Rose sat at the bar, nursing her drink alone as her eyes scanned the lively scene. It had been a while since she’d last visited a place like this.
“Rose!” a familiar voice called out.
Turning, she spotted Great, a former coworker, approaching with two women in tow. His eyes lit up when he saw her.
“You look stunning,” he remarked, though his gaze made her uncomfortable. She turned back to her drink, hoping he’d take the hint. He didn’t.
Shrugging off the women, Great took the seat next to her. “Where’ve you been? The boss said you quit.”
“None of your business,” Rose replied curtly, setting her glass down as she stood to leave.
“Hey, wait,” Great said, grabbing her arm.
“Let go,” Rose demanded, glaring at him.
Great’s expression darkened, and his grip tightened. He had pursued her before, only to be rejected time and again. This time, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. But, sensing the tension, he reluctantly released her as she stormed off.
Rose left the casino, heading toward a quieter street. She was nearly at her destination when a hand grabbed her from behind, dragging her into a dark corner.
“Great!” she gasped, recognizing him immediately. She struggled, but his strength overpowered her.
He smirked, pulling out a spray bottle and aiming it at her face. Rose’s vision blurred, and her limbs grew heavy. She slumped to the ground as Great began undoing his shirt, his breath ragged with anticipation.
“You couldn’t pick a better spot for this?” a sharp voice interrupted. “Pathetic.”
Great froze, turning to see a tall man flanked by several imposing bodyguards. His blood ran cold when he recognized him—William, a notorious playboy billionaire.
“W-what do you want?” Great stammered, his bravado evaporating.
William’s icy glare was answer enough. Realizing he was outmatched, great hastily grabbed his clothes and fled.
William sighed, relieved he had arrived in time. He crouched down to pick up the unconscious Rose, cradling her carefully in his arms.
“Call the mansion and have them prepare a room,” he instructed his assistant. “Make sure she’s taken care of.”