Chapter 8 What Rose Must Pay

Romilda, looking furious, rushed toward Rose and pulled her away from the door. "

"Are you an idiot? How did Matteo find out your mom was here?" Romilda hissed.

Rose shook her head, confused. "I don't know, Roe. I didn't tell him anything about Mom."

"If he finds out we're twins, I swear I'll kill your mother right now!"

Romilda opened the bathroom door and quickly slipped inside to hide. A flustered Rose hurried to the door and opened it slightly.

"What are you doing here?" Rose asked quietly.

"Your mother-"

Before Matteo could finish, Rose stepped outside and shut the door behind her.

Yes, my mom's sick. She's in serious condition and can't have visitors except family," she lied.

"You could have told me if you needed help with the hospital bills, Romilda."

"I don't need your pity, Matteo. I know you hate me, so I don't expect anything."

Matteo fell silent. His thoughts were all over the place. Part of him wanted to believe his sister. After all, Romilda's mother was seriously ill.

Maybe that's why Romilda seemed so greedy with money. Perhaps all the money she took from Caesar, claiming it was a gift, had actually gone toward her mother's treatment, Matteo thought.

But then why had Romilda gone so far? Why hurt Matteo, Letty, Nicole, and even Anais? If she had just asked for help, the Cavanaugh family would have given it to her.

"Are you still insisting on the clause in my father's will? Nicole has a point-if you give in, you won't lose everything," Matteo said.

Rose looked at him blankly. Deep down, she didn't care about the Cavanaugh company or the shares promised to Romilda.

But that was the heart of the deal between her and Romilda. It was a deal she couldn't walk away from. Rose had to go through with it-for Romilda's sake.

"I'll pay for your mom's treatment and make sure you're taken care of, Romilda," Matteo added.

Rose stayed silent.

If she agreed, everything could be over-at least for her. But what would Romilda do to the Cavanaugh family? Rose had no idea.

"I'll think about it," Rose replied. "For tonight, I want to stay with my mother. I hope that's okay."

Matteo nodded. "All right. I hope she gets better."

With a stiff nod, Matteo walked away. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Rose returned to the room. At the same time, Romilda stepped out of the bathroom.

"What did he say?" Romilda asked.

"Roe, Matteo offered to cover all of Mom's medical expenses and make sure you're stable financially." Rose exhaled. "Isn't that better? I think this could finally solve everything."

Romilda scoffed in disgust. "'Stable'? Do you think I'd be satisfied with just that? Don't be ridiculous, Rose! Do you really think we can trust Matteo? That coward and liar?"

"Roe..."

Romilda let out a dry, mocking laugh.

"Don't you get it? Matteo only wants to secure his inheritance so he can control Caesar's empire. He's all sweet talk and empty promises. I know him, Rose! I know him too well. Don't be so naive!"

"Matteo is offering the best solution for both sides, Roe."

"No! I want them to choke on their own words. Watching them suffer is my goal!" Romilda snapped.

Rose didn't understand what Romilda truly wanted.

"What happened that pushed you this far? Is it true what they say-that you had a relationship with Matteo's father? What about Letty's ex-husband? Why, Romilda?"

Romilda clicked her tongue. "I told you, I didn't do anything with Mr. Caesar!"

"What about Letty's ex-husband?"

"What's it to you?"

"You're asking me to fix your reputation, but what's there to fix when you've already destroyed everything?"

Romilda walked up to Rose and grabbed her chin roughly.

"You just do your part. I saved your mom, didn't I? So don't ask questions. Got it?"

Rose snapped Romilda's hands away from her chin.

"I could tell the Cavanaughs everything, Roe. About us!"

Romilda laughed. "Go ahead. Do you think you're threatening me? They'll throw us both in jail. Then who's going to take care of your mom?"

She casually opened the door, daring Rose with her eyes.

"Matteo probably isn't far. Go catch him. I don't care if I go to jail. My life's already a mess. Go on. Get it over with," she challenged.

Rose froze. Her sister's threat left her helpless.

"See? You're just as hypocritical as I am. You need that money for your mom's treatment, yet you act all high and mighty."

"I'm not judging you. I just want you to see reason. Why can't you live peacefully without hurting anyone?"

Romilda rolled her eyes. "Oh, spare me the sainthood. I'll live in peace when I have everything I want. I won't be poor and miserable anymore. I'm not going to be like you and your mom!"

Rose sighed. "Please, Romilda. It's not too late to fix everything.

"I want the Cavanaugh shares. That's a lot of money. I'll be rich if I get them." Romilda chuckled. "I'll give you some, too, for Mom's treatment. The rest can fund the peaceful life I'm dreaming of."

"At my cost?"

"Cost? This is business, Rose. Money talks."

Then Romilda walked away, saying nothing else. Rose chased after her, trying to change her mind.

"Please think about it. We're sisters. We should protect each other. I'll stand with you for Mom and the life we both want."

Romilda shrugged off Rose's hand. "Just give your virginity to Matteo. That'll settle things real quick."

Rose didn't argue anymore. It was clear that Romilda couldn't be reasoned with.

They went their separate ways-Romilda left the hospital and Rose returned to her mother's room. Rose slumped by the bedside and sobbed quietly.

What had made Romilda so heartless? Rose couldn't even recognize her sister anymore.

Romilda said she knew the Cavanaugh family well, especially Matteo. But what secrets were buried there? What history made them hate each other so much?

Rose knew she had to uncover that mystery before Romilda dragged her into something even darker.