Chapter 4 He Will Suffer A Lot

(Rosalie Gaston POV)

I stared at my face in the mirror one last time. It looked the same as it had this morning bare, no makeup to hide the swollen corner of my mouth that kept catching my eye and annoying me.

"At least he should have thought twice before slapping me like that last night. He ruined my face."

Genevieve scoffed at me, her voice dripping with boredom.

"It's not ruined, Rosalie. If someone saw you from far away, they'd just think you got a pimple in the wrong place."

I let out a heavy sigh, burning inside. She always knew how to needle me, how to ruin my mood just when I wanted to enjoy myself.

"Fine. Let people think whatever they want. I'm going to enjoy the streets of France without letting your words ruin it for me."

I didn't even have a phone like everyone else, so I just rushed out before her bitterness could explode all over me.

"Are you ready?"

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Daniel stood tall, waiting. I nodded eagerly. "Ready, as you can see!"

I wasn't used to touching guys, not with Damon watching me like a hawk from the living room. Daniel noticed, though. He read the worry in my eyes and didn't try to take my hand.

"I'll bring her home on time, Mr. Gaston. Trust me, and don't think the worst."

Damon rose from the couch, his face tight.

"I trust you. But I don't trust her."

I coughed lightly, twisting my fingers together. "I won't do anything reckless, brother."

But I knew his eyes weren't listening to my words. He was staring at my swollen hands, the marks from last night's beating. He had already warned me about letting people see the bruises.

He gripped my hands and whispered low.

"Don't you dare flaunt those fresh bruises in front of strangers. Agreed?"

I nodded fast, and Daniel stepped out ahead of me. I hurried after him, caught between excitement and nerves.

"We'll walk. Is that fine with you?"

I hummed a yes as we strolled down the street.

"I used to drive to campus, but my dad grounded me this week."

I tilted my head at him. "What did you do? Do you cause trouble too?"

He chuckled softly. "I disappointed him in the mock negotiation exam. He wanted me ready before joining his company after graduation. I failed. So, he took away my car keys."

My lips rounded in surprise. "That's why you act so respectful and serious. Your father raised you well."

He narrowed his eyes. "Because I'm his only son, maybe?"

We crossed the street, and I laughed lightly. Daniel was spoiled, but he loved it loved being the only child, the center of attention.

"You prefer being the only son, don't you? You get all his worry and care."

He grinned. "Exactly."

Then his voice turned sharp, stopping me in my tracks.

"The fresh bruises on your hands make me angry, Rosalie. I hate that your brother hits you for something so small."

My face tightened. "I've gotten used to it since I was little. Don't worry about me."

His breath left him harsh. "I'm here to protect you from family violence. Not to sit somewhere else and feel at peace while you suffer."

For a moment, his words felt like freedom. Someday, when I was of age, I would leave Damon's house for good.

"Do you trust me?"

We stopped in the middle of the street. His voice was calm, steady. I whispered with a slight nod. "I trust the one who always saves me. Yes."

He smiled gently. "Even through pain and hard times, you're still strong, Rose."

I felt the honesty in his words, even if I didn't fully understand what he meant. Smiling back softly, I matched his steps until we stood before the traffic lights, surrounded by strangers.

"The streets are still wet from yesterday's rain."

Just as he said it, a reckless car sped by, splashing us with dirty water. We both gasped. I lowered my head, glaring at my pale clothes now stained and ruined.

"Guess you caught my bad luck. Sorry."

I expected him to be upset, but instead, he laughed lightly, making me blink in surprise.

"Stop calling it bad luck. What just happened was meant to happen."

Then he asked quickly, "We should stop by the mansion to clean up before heading out. Is that okay?"

My throat tightened. Meeting his rich family like this wet, filthy, embarrassed made me panic.

"That doesn't sound proper at all, Daniel."

But he held my hand firmly, guiding me across the crowded street.

"Don't worry. You know I lost my mom right after I was born. That should make things easier for you. No need to feel out of place."

He let go gently as we reached the sidewalk. I knew his sadness well. He had never seen his mother's face, not once. She had abandoned him at birth. In a way, we were alike. I'd caused my mother's death by being born.

"You'll feel better once you meet my Aunt Sally. She's lively and fun. She'll love you instantly."

Sally was his father's half-sister. He had already told me everything in detail, preparing me.

"But my stepmother... she'll definitely try to bother you. Just pretend she doesn't exist. That's the best way to relax."

This time, I laughed with sarcasm.

"Let her try. I'm not some quiet little lamb who stays silent."

"And my father won't be around at this hour."

I smiled proudly, remembering my brother. "I bet Damon is going to suffer a lot working all those late-night shifts. He's lazy by nature."

Daniel laughed with me, nodding in agreement.

"Oh, he's going to suffer. A lot."