Chapter 602

Everett knew this was selfishness at its worst. He had nothing to offer Rosalind, yet his arms tightened around her slender frame, terrified of losing the warmth she brought to his life.

Rosalind lifted her delicate hands, encircling his neck with surprising strength. "You belong to me! Do you understand?"

Her declaration sent electric currents through his body. That possessive claim came straight from her soul.

Everett cradled the back of her head, his lips meeting hers in a fleeting, tender kiss. The brief contact left them both breathless, the sweetness lingering between them.

Rosalind nestled against his chest, completely at peace in his embrace.

"Sleep now," Everett murmured, stroking her hair.

Her eyelids fluttered shut as exhaustion claimed her. When dawn broke, she awoke to find his side of the bed cold and empty.

The first day of Lillian's midterms arrived. Rosalind escorted the nervous girl to the examination hall, offering last-minute encouragement. The tests proceeded without incident, and when Lillian calculated her potential scores that evening, the results were nearly flawless.

Everett had been the state's top science student during his university entrance exams. Lillian clearly shared her brother's brilliant mind. Rosalind had no doubts the young woman would achieve similar academic greatness.

The following morning, Rosalind waited outside the exam center after dropping Lillian off. The peaceful moment shattered when a gleaming sports car screeched to a halt nearby. Julian Blackwood emerged, his trademark smirk in place.

"Still playing babysitter?" he taunted, sauntering toward her.

Rosalind kept her expression neutral. "I'm supporting Lillian. This is an examination zone - lower your voice and leave. You're not permitted here."

Julian's smirk widened at her frosty reception. "How touching. You're so devoted to Everett's little sister. Tell me, do you know what your precious Everett is doing right now? You're such a naive fool."

This wasn't Julian's first attempt to provoke her. Rosalind barely glanced up. "Let me guess - the casino again? Message received. Now leave."

A cruel laugh escaped Julian's lips. "Wrong. Wouldn't you like to know his real whereabouts? What he's actually doing this very moment?"

Rosalind's gaze sharpened. "Whatever nonsense you're peddling, I'm not interested. Go away."

Julian's eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Not even curious about Everett's big day?"

"A big day?" Rosalind's brows knitted together. "What are you talking about?"

"Today," Julian announced with theatrical flourish, "Everett is marrying Genevieve!"

The words struck like a physical blow. Rosalind shot to her feet, blood draining from her face. "That's impossible! He would never marry her. This is another one of your lies!"

She turned to leave, but Julian blocked her path. "The ceremony's happening right now. Don't believe me? Come see for yourself."

Rosalind recoiled. "No! I won't go!"

"Rosalind..." Julian's voice took on a mocking singsong quality.

"Stop! I don't want to hear another word!" She pressed her hands over her ears.

Julian's laughter turned cruel. "Look at you - trembling like a frightened rabbit. You're scared, aren't you? Terrified it might be true!"

Before she could react, Julian seized her wrist in a vice-like grip. "Running won't change anything. The more you resist, the more determined I am to make you witness this. You're coming with me!"