Chapter 2 Broken bond

Rose's thoughts were shattered by a loud horn blast and a man's angry shout: 'What the f*** lady?' She snapped back to reality, realizing the streetlight had turned green and the driver behind her was furious.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, though she knew the man was not going to hear it, but she still said it. Rose quickly started up her car and drove off.

The warm glow of the dining room enveloped the gathering, filled with laughter and chatter. The aroma of home-cooked meals wafted through the air, making everyone's stomach growl in anticipation. Extended family members exchanged stories, their faces lit up with smiles. Children giggled and played, while the adults shared tales of their week. The table was filled with an assortment of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. It was a night to cherish, surrounded by love, food, and the people who matter most.

Rose's mom, Helen, approached Fred, who was seated with a few family members. She gently tapped him on the shoulder, signaling him to come.. Fred quickly got up and followed her. When they got to a free corner, she stopped and said, "Is everything okay between you and Rose?" Her face looked so worried while her eyes searched for answers. Fred was surprised by the fact that Helen was asking such a

question because he knew that Rose wouldn't talk about their marriage issues, especially with her family, so how did her mother figure it out? Except Rose did say something to her, he thought to himself.

"Well, Mom..." Before Fred could say something, Rose drove in, Helen looked outside and saw her, her face brightened up finally her princess has arrived, she excused herself from Fred and walked away to welcome her daughter, Fred on the other hand was relieved his marital issues were the last thing he wanted to discuss that moment. " Ohh my darling, you look like a goddess" Helen said as soon as Rose got out from the car, she pulled her for a hug, Rose's emotion got a hold on her, she hugged her mom so tightly not letting go, there was so much going on inside of her that she couldn't just figure it out, taking longer than expected Helen knew something was definitely going on with her daughter "Are you okay my princess?" She asked. Rose got hold of herself and pulled away from the hug. "Sure, Mom, I just missed you, can't I hug you as long as I want to, Mom?" She asked, trying to act casual.

Helen smiled at her, but deep down, she knew something was going on with her, knowing her daughter so well, she wasn't someone who would open up easily about her problem, but she wasn't going to let her daughter dwell in so much misery and silence.

Rose and Helen walked in hand in hand, the room lit up with greetings and laughter, Helen let Rose have her moment with the family members, they approached her, some complimenting her hair, how much weight she's lost and how beautiful she now looked, Her face was full of smiles, following the issues with her marriage she felt maybe she had lost her beauty or maybe she wasn't so beautiful as before but everyone's words had assured her that she was still the beauty goddess. She's stunning with porcelain skin, bright blue eyes, and a radiant smile that lights up her face. Her features are delicate yet striking, with high cheekbones and soft, flowing hair that frames her face.

"Ohh my angel...hey allow me through" "Daddy" Rose said her voice now full of life now, George her father hugged her "I can't believe you are now a full grown woman, you use to be so small" he said using his hand to show her how small she once was, Rose chuckled "Can't we not do this in front of everyone" she said as her eyes scanned the room it dropped on Fred who was busy sipping his wine, he smiled at her when their eyes met but Rose away without even smiling at him.

Helen and Rose's Aunties came out from the kitchen carrying plates of food. There was laughter and chuckles in the room; everyone was excited that the food was finally here.

Fred walked up to Rose, he gently wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to himself "You look amazing honey" he said and placed a kiss on her cheek, Rose felt disgusted, he came here without her after leaving close to ten missed calls for him, he didn't return any nor did he even leave a message for her.

"I'm glad you still remember my wife?" She said softly not wanting anyone to hear them. The anger Rose was feeling inside was nothing compared to the words she was limited to say with so many eyes on them.

To the family Fred and Rose was the ideal couple, because of how much they both adored each other, they both met in their first year in college and ever since then they loved each other got married everything seems perfect with them but that wasn't true, the constant fighting and misunderstanding, it was taking a huge toll on them maybe on Rose only, she couldn't understand how things went wrong.

"Why are you both standing there? Come over here and sit down" Helen said to them. Rose pulled Fred's hand away and walked up to the table. Her brother, David, pulled out a chair for her. "Thank you, David," she said as she sat down. Fred came over as well and sat down next to his wife. Helen's eyes were on both of them, she could notice the distance and the awkwardness going on between them, Fred's eyes got on her and he could feel she was being suspicious, it was unlike them to have to be quiet and he understood the more quiet they were the more her mother becomes suspicious, he came closer to Rose and whispered "Your mother is looking at us, can we please not make things awkward?" He asked, Rose raised her head and took a glance at her mother and she was staring right at them. "What's wrong Rose?" Helen finally asked.......