ie'

. She was the owner of the apartment I was renting and she loved taking care of my daug

your unit and Thraia said you didn't come

I saw Mrs. Parker's countless missed calls

dn't imagine what would've happened

d, mommy. I thought you disappeared.] Her innocent

"I'm sorry. And no, I

ed on my own. I also braided my hair like you always do,

ig girl now and mommy is so proud of you. But momm

responded happily before I he

on my way home now. Can you l

ishing her breakfast.

outside again. "Yes. T

g. The noises were too loud even when I was ins

ng to ease the pain. I shut my eyes tight and

nt. I panicked when I saw the school bus coming, so I quickly

when she saw me. Behind her was Mrs

wearing my eyeglasses, but I kneeled in front of Thraia

ssed my cheeks as I

w you work hard for me.

at. Mommy loves you so much, and that's why I work hard. I want

in and nodded.

ked at her. My little sunsh

the waiting school bus. I waved at her as the bus

ened to you. I reported to the police early in the morning, but they said t

an apologetic smile. "Something came up last

slowly. "It

g the back of my neck. The

t long since I...? Did sex usually leave you

tice my collar slipping unti

her gaze fixed just below

unmistakable mark stood out against my skin-

ght laugh. "I'm running late for work-gotta

Leaning close to the mirror, my stomach dropped. It wasn't just my neck. Bruises and

vampire? Wh

hinged. Thank God I'

us never m

ing concealer over every trace he'd left behind. T

d out, Mrs. Parker w

breakfast," she said, handing me a wrap

outright, but she'd come to treat Thraia and me like family. Over the

I said, meeting her eyes

Her voice held a note of hesitation. "I know it's not my place,

as I reached for the elevator button. It wasn'

forcing a smile. "I can

d. "I know you're strong and capable, Rosie. But... if the

he just gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm not judging you. I just... hate s

steady. "But I appreciate your concern. I promise-if there ever co

ring in her eyes. Finally, she sighed

d open just then. "I s

. Take

*

ist for new glasses. Without them, I couldn't work efficie

caught pieces of hushed conversation from

CEO? My friend in HR said

d, they say

frown as the two women in

rs had been swirling that his godson woul

s morning. Though honestly, they said

f them giggled, lowering her voice. "Imagi

softly, while I le

my workload wouldn't increase too much-otherwi

the executive floors. When the doors slid open again

end. My only frie

thed out when she saw me. "I couldn't re

I said. "Am I la

the new CEO is in. He asked for h

d towards the CEO office. Smoothing down my blouse

, always poised. But when I saw the ma

a physical force. My heart hammered, and a feeling I'd tri

run from s

Rock

end-and now,