Chapter 9

Rose almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden knock on her door.

"Who's there?" she called out, swallowing hard as curiosity flickered across her face.

She wasn't expecting anyone. After all, no one knew she had come to the academy.

Is it my roommate? Rose wondered inwardly, her brows knitting together.

"Open up, Rose. It's your brother, Bryce."

The familiar voice on the other side of the door instantly made Rose release a heavy sigh she hadn't even realized she had been holding.

"Why didn't you say so from the beginning?" she muttered as she unlocked and pulled the door open.

Before she could say another word, Bryce stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping both arms firmly around her as though afraid she might disappear if he let go.

Rose froze for a brief moment before slowly relaxing into the hug.

"When did you get back, Brother?" she asked softly, her voice slightly muffled against his shoulder.

"Just now," Bryce replied gently.

Reluctantly, he loosened his embrace before stepping into the room. He quietly shut the door behind him then turned to face her with worry clearly written across his face.

"What are you doing here, Rose?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "Come back home with me, okay? Your big brother is back now. I won't let anyone bully you anymore. No one will ever make you feel unwanted again."

Rose slowly shook her head.

"I'm not going anywhere, Brother," she answered without hesitation, swallowing hard to suppress the emotions threatening to surface. "I want to study here at the academy. This is where I want to be."

Bryce let out a weary sigh and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Oh, come on, Rose," he pleaded gently. "I know you're going through a lot right now, and I can't even begin to imagine how much you've been hurting. But you know you can trust me, don't you? You can tell me anything. I'm your elder brother."

He took another step closer.

"Alright... if you don't want to return to the Hart family because of everything that's happened, then that's fine. I won't force you. But at least let me rent an apartment for you. I'll make sure you have enough money to live comfortably until you've had enough time to cool down. Whenever you're ready, you can decide whether or not you want to come back home."

His expression softened even further.

"Everybody misses you, Rose."

Rose let out a bitter laugh that held no trace of amusement.

"Oh, now that's complete nonsense, Brother," she replied, a hint of anger creeping into her voice. "Everyone wanted me gone, and now that I've finally left, I'm sure they're happier than ever."

She folded her arms tightly across her chest.

"I'm no longer needed in that house. I was nothing more than a substitute... a fake daughter who overstayed her welcome. Now that the real heiress has returned, my existence has become nothing but an inconvenience."

Her voice cracked despite her efforts to remain composed.

"So I left... just like everyone wanted. I've already accepted my place."

Bryce's heart clenched painfully at her words.

He slowly reached out and placed both hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look directly into his eyes.

"Listen to me, Rose," he said firmly yet gently. "Even if every single person in that house stopped caring about you..." He paused, his voice growing hoarse with emotion. "...I never will."

"I miss you."

"It hurts not seeing you sprint down the staircase the moment you hear my car pull into the driveway after one of my business trips."

A faint smile mixed with sadness appeared on his lips.

"It hurts not seeing you throw yourself into my arms before I even have the chance to put my luggage down."

His eyes grew misty.

"It hurts not hearing you ask me, with those sparkling eyes of yours, 'Brother, what did you bring back for me this time?'"

He chuckled weakly, though the sound carried more sorrow than amusement.

"It hurts not tasting your signature creamy pasta anymore. You always insisted it was made with love, and somehow it always tasted better than anything a five-star restaurant could serve."

Bryce took a slow, shaky breath before continuing.

"And most of all..." he whispered, his voice breaking ever so slightly, "it hurts knowing that my little sister truly believes she has no place to call home anymore."

"Even when I opened the door just now... you didn't look thrilled to see me," Bryce said with a faint, bitter smile. "I was the one who had to pull you into a hug."

He sighed softly before continuing.

"I know you're frustrated with everything that's happened, Rose. I know you've been hurt more than anyone realizes. But... do you hate your brother too?"

"I don't hate you, Brother," Rose replied immediately, shaking her head as she lowered her gaze. "You just don't understand."

She paused before taking a slow breath.

"I feel like I need this space to focus on myself... to think clearly. I'm exhausted, Brother. I'm tired of all the endless drama and misunderstandings. I just want to leave everything behind for once... so everyone can finally have some peace."

Bryce stared at her for a long moment before speaking again.

"And I'm not asking you to return to the Hart family," he said patiently. "Come and stay at one of my houses instead. You can live there for as long as you want. Nobody will disturb you. Nobody will bring unnecessary family drama to your doorstep. It'll just be you, living peacefully."

Rose slowly shook her head once more.

"I don't want to either," she whispered.

The tears welling in her eyes did not escape Bryce's notice.

His heart clenched painfully.

Before the first tear could roll down her cheeks, Bryce stepped forward once again and gently pulled her into another warm embrace.

"It's alright," he whispered, resting her head against his chest as one hand gently patted her back. "It's okay... my Rosie."

The familiar nickname instantly made Rose's trembling shoulders stiffen.

"You can stay here if that's what you truly want," Bryce continued softly. "I'll support whatever decision makes you happy. I won't force you anymore."

Rose closed her eyes for a brief second.

"Thank you, Brother," she murmured sincerely.

Just then...

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Huh?"

Rose slowly pulled away from Bryce's embrace before raising a confused eyebrow.

"Who's that now?"

Bryce frowned slightly.

"Are you expecting someone?"

Rose shook her head.

"Nope. Maybe it's one of the academy staff members... I honestly don't know."

Without another thought, she walked toward the door and pulled it open.

The moment she saw the person standing outside...

Her entire body froze as waves of shock and utter disbelief rushed through her.