Chapter 601

Rosalind studied Everett with inquisitive eyes. "Aren't you leaving tonight?"

Everett had just finished calming Genevieve and sneaking back home. His departure was inevitable, but not until morning. There were still precious hours remaining.

"Go back to sleep," Everett murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'll slip out after you're asleep."

Rosalind scooted over, patting the empty space beside her. "Then lie with me for now. It's cozy here."

Everett slid beneath the covers, settling beside her.

Her delicate frame molded against his, her dark curls spilling across his arm as luminous eyes peered up at him.

A surge of warmth flooded Everett's chest. He drew Rosalind closer, enveloping her in his embrace.

As they adjusted positions, Everett's gaze drifted to Lillian, peacefully asleep on the other side of the bed. She hadn't stirred all evening.

"When did Lily fall asleep?" Everett whispered.

"Around ten. She was cramming for midterms until then. Three days of exams start tomorrow morning. I'll take her to campus, so don't fret."

Rosalind's calm assurance soothed him, her capable hands managing all domestic matters.

Everett's lips curved slightly. The domestic scene reminded him of his parents' dynamic - Theodore handling external affairs while Margaret maintained their household. With Theodore always occupied, Margaret ensured everything ran smoothly.

But Rosalind owed him no such devotion.

Though circumstances prevented his full presence, Rosalind had steadfastly stood by him.

Everett studied her face, voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Rosalind, I—"

Her fingers gently pressed against his lips.

"Hush. I've had enough gratitude. Everything I do is by choice. Besides," her eyes sparkled with mischief, "Lily's brilliant. In ten years when she's wildly successful, I'll reap the rewards. Consider it an investment."

Everett tightened his embrace, bringing her flush against him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're right."

Suddenly, Rosalind began sniffing at his collar like an inquisitive puppy.

"What is it?" Everett chuckled.

"Mmm..." She inhaled deeply. "Everett, you smell like...perfume. Women's perfume!"

Rosalind's olfactory senses were razor-sharp, particularly when detecting rival scents.

Everett's pulse spiked. Having spent the day with Genevieve, her fragrance undoubtedly lingered. Rosalind remained unaware of his impending marriage plans.

She tilted her chin up, eyes playful yet probing. "Confess, Everett! Whose scent is this?"

Everett hesitated, then drew breath to explain. "Actually—"

"It's Genevieve's, isn't it?" Rosalind interrupted, lips pursing. "I knew you'd been with her!"

Her crimson mouth formed a petulant pout. "I don't understand why you're still seeing her. The rumor mill says you're marrying her. I won't allow it."

Everett froze, words dying in his throat. "If I were to wed Genevieve—"

"I'd leave you!" Rosalind's declaration sliced through the air like a blade.

Everett stiffened. The confession lodged in his throat. He couldn't voice it - couldn't risk Rosalind actually walking away.

With that ominous figure looming on the horizon and his future uncertain, he possessed no promises to give.