Chapter 16
As Roslyn's tears subsided, Chris offered a gentle smile. "How about lunch at Bellavista? Your favorite pasta?"
Roslyn's eyes brightened slightly, a faint smile emerging. "You know exactly what to say to make me feel better."
Chris chuckled. "That's what brothers are for."
Roslyn's gaze met Chris's, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks, Chris. You're the best friend anyone could ask for."
Chris's arm wrapped around her shoulders again. "Anytime, sis. Now, let's get you fed and forget about Alexander for a while."
As they stood up, Roslyn felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing Chris was by her side.
"You know, Chris?" Roslyn said, her voice softer. "Sometimes I think I was blind to love him."
Chris's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe you were, Rose. But that doesn't mean you're blind to love itself. You deserve someone who'll love you for who you are."
Roslyn nodded, a glimmer of hope in her heart.
With Chris by her side, Roslyn felt a sense of renewal, a chance to rediscover herself and the love she deserved.
They drove to Bellavista, and Chris and Roslyn slipped into a comfortable rhythm, sharing college time stories and laughter.
"Remember that time we pulled an all-nighter studying for Professor Harrison's exam?" Chris asked, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
Roslyn giggled, her face lighting up. "How could I forget? You kept falling asleep on my shoulder, and I had to prop you up with pillows."
Chris chuckled, his grin wide. "I was just resting my eyes, Rose. You know, recharging for the next study session."
Roslyn playfully rolled her eyes. "Sure, Chris. That's why you snored through the entire study group."
Their laughter filled the car, a joyful melody that lifted Roslyn's spirits.
"Hey, what about that crazy party at Sigma Chi?" Chris asked, his tone conspiratorial.
Roslyn's eyes sparkled. "Oh, my goodness! I forgot about that. You doing karaoke to 'I Will Survive' was epic."
Chris laughed, his face flushing. "Hey, I was a rockstar that night. The crowd loved me."
Roslyn's laughter deepened. "The crowd was laughing at you, not with you."
Chris feigned offense. "Hey, my singing skills are underrated. I should've been a rockstar instead of a CEO."
Roslyn's smile softened. "You're perfect just the way you are, Chris. CEO, karaoke star, or just my goofy friend."
Chris's expression turned warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're pretty amazing yourself, Rose. Inside and out."
Their banter continued, a lighthearted dance of words and memories, as Chris expertly navigated the conversation, keeping Roslyn's mood light and carefree.
For a brief moment, Alexander and the heartache he represented faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of friendship and shared experiences.
As they pulled into Bellavista's parking lot, Chris turned to Roslyn, his smile genuine. "Ready for lunch and more embarrassing stories?"
Roslyn's laughter was music to Chris's ears. "Bring it on."
Bellavista's elegant facade came into view, Roslyn's smile faltered, and her eyes clouded over.
Chris, oblivious to the shift in her mood, parked the car and turned to her. "Ready for lunch and more embarrassing stories?"
But Roslyn's mind had already drifted to a painful memory, one that Bellavista's opulent atmosphere resurrected.
She remembered her birthday dinner here, the one she had been looking forward to for weeks.
Her thoughts flashed back to that fateful evening:
Alexander had invited his family to join them, and the evening became a spectacle of insults and contempt.
Aunt Malicia's biting words still echoed in her mind: "You're not worthy of our family's name."
Her mother-in-law's disdainful gaze had cut deep: "You're just a foolish girl, trying to fit into our world."
And Alexander's cousin, Lylah, had snickered, "You're so beneath us."
The worst part was Alexander's silence.
No one wished her a happy birthday.
No one appreciated her effort.
Not even Alexander.
He just sat there, indifferent, as his family tore her apart.
Roslyn's eyes stung as the memories resurfaced.
What Chris didn't know was that she had worn a bear suit for kids' birthday parties all summer to save for this dinner, hoping to impress Alexander and his family.
