Selfish Desire

Chapter One: My Today's Life.

"You, this good-for-nothing girl, I have told you to always clean this house." My head ached as my stepmom yelled; her voice could wake the neighbors whenever she shouts.

I stood up and moved immediately to get a broom. I don't want to be spanked. As I was going, I remembered my mom. "Oh, I miss you, Mom. Your warm embrace, your cuddling and care." I cried out in the empty room. My face swelled, daydreaming about my beautiful mom. My dad's house used to be a paradise, until that day.The day I will never forget.

When my stepmom, Jessica, married my father. From that day onward became my doom. At first, she pretended to be a kind person; she read bedtime stories to me before I went to bed and made sure my lunchboxwas rich. All she did back then was just deceive my father. Behind the scenes and smiles were just wickedness and vicious intentions.

That day, my stepmom came to pick me up from school. "Rosa stole a classmate's math set." My teacher reported to my stepmom. Due to the tension, my hands trembled, sweating bullets. My face became pale as I stood close to the door.

Jessica looked at me, her eyes reddened with anger.She voiced out without hearing from me. "You stupid girl, why did you steal it?"

I looked at Jessica without fear in me. "I didn't do it, Mom." I stood up for myself even if I was framed.

"Who is your mom?" She replied.

Her reply shattered my feelings for her. My chest pounding with a frantic beat. I was disappointed. "Ma'am, she was framed. I saw those girls sneaking the math set into her bag. She didn't do it. They lied." Benson's voice was firm and bold as he said that.

The other classmates who were still around held their mouths. "Oh, that's bad." "One of them exclaimed.

Jessica grabbed me like a little chick; she refused to listen to that boy or anyone. "C'mon, enter the car; let's go home. I will tell your dad about this." Her eyes were sharp, and she was feeling disappointed at me.

"I can see you have started misbehaving." She drew my ears as she entered the car.

"This is as a result of bad friends; if I see you close to that Benson again. You will regret ever knowing me."

Her words were like a sword piercing through my chest.

"But... but I'm innocent."

"Shut up!" She exhaled and continued driving.

Immediately we arrived home, she didn't even relax. She reported to my dad. "I don't think Rosa can do such." My dad said, looking at me.

"You should have trusted your daughter." My dad continued.

"She said she didn't do it. I know she didn't." His voice was full of anger.

I gently left where I was standing and hugged my dad tight. "Thanks, Dad. Thanks for believing in me."

I couldn't call Jessica my mom again; I can't go close to her anymore.

Mom died when I was quite young, her face. Her beautiful face makes me cry whenever I stare at her picture. Her smile and the way she dressed elegantly in this picture. I see her image around me all the time. Her image is fading away like a vapor as I'm growing older. "Mom, where are you?" I asked a question no one could respond to.

Years later, Jessica had a daughter. Her name was Alexis. She no longer talked to me like a mother and daughter; she treated me like a slave. My dad amazed me; the love between us faded away.I am now a stranger in my dad's house. He showered Alexis with love and care and left me alone.

Today, my story has changed.

There was a conference organized by some bigger companies in city A. Lilian asked me to represent the company. "Rosa, I know you are a very good business analyst. I want to represent our company in this conference." Lilian said gently.

"Really, I was just employed." I replied, trying to give excuses not to go.

"You must go; please master all the presentations and make sure you do your best." She said and left the office.

"Okay, I will." I assured her.

At the conference, I did my presentation, and everyone applauded me. I was overwhelmed, my heart full of excitement. As I was about to sit down, someone gave me a note.

I opened it. "See me after the event." Mr. Donald Ronald.

After the event we met Donald Ronald, the CEO of Hilly's company. We became friends.

The next day, my phone beeped while I was on my bed. I was wondering, who could that be?

I managed to pick up my phone and checked who sent me a message. "Donald." I echoed as I stared at my phone.

Hey, I'm coming to pick you up for our date this evening."

My heart pounding, the CEO of Hilly's company wants me. It is not possible. I smiled like an angel staring at his message.

It is my off day; I was at home all day. It is almost evening as I checked my time. I ran into the bathroom, showered, and was singing like a musician. After bathing, I wore a beautiful gown I just bought and wore a nice perfume. My stiletto was clicking on the floor as I catwalked around my room. The elegant makeup on my face was glittering as I looked at the mirror.

A few minutes later, a car honked outside my apartment. I peeped through the window. "It is Donald."

I picked up my purse and walked towards the mirror again before I went out.

He looked handsome; I smiled immediately when I saw him relaxing on his white Maybach car. His wear was expensive; it looked customized. His eyes were all over me. My curvy shape and beautiful face.

"Hey." I echoed, pretending to be normal, but my heartbeat beats faster than a drum.

"You are beautiful." He whispered, his voice soft. His look at me was like he should start tearing me up immediately.

With a lighter tone than I expected, I said, "Thanks." With a smile on my face.

Donald moved like a gentleman and opened the car door for me to enter; I sat like a queen. His car is full of lavender scent.

He drove around the city, and I saw the glamorous streetlights, thinking about my past experiences at my dad's house. Today, I'm sitting beside the love of my life. The CEO of Hilly's company, the second man in city A.

He stopped at an expensive restaurant, and my heart sank. I saw this beautiful place on television one day. The decorations, the building, and the chandelier were perfect.

Donald gave me his arms as we both walked into the restaurant. Everyone stares at me; I didn't feel ashamed, but I could feel the confidence in me.

We were welcomed by the supervisor of the restaurant; he led us to the private section for VIPs. The place was fabulous and entertaining.

He pulled a chair and asked me to sit. With a smile on my face, I sat down. Dragging my gown down a bit. He kept staring at me. We chuckled afterwards.

"You will have to close your eyes." He insisted on smiling at me.

"Huh, why?"

"Close your eyes."

"Okay, okay."

"Surprise, surprise." He exclaimed.

"Surprise." I said, raising my brows, looking for the surprise.

"No, no, close your eyes." He insisted.

I love Donald more when we play together. It made me feel like a baby. The waitress came with a menu book. I was closing my eyes.

"Oh, I'm tired of closing my eyes." I said, squeezing my face.

"Okay, open your eyes." He said, holding the menu book. I was almost angry at him, but I liked the way he was teasing me.

"Where is the surprise?"I asked him; he was mute.

Rosa's POV

After our meal, Donald excused himself, standing up from the chair he sat with a warm smile.

"Hey babe, I'll be right back soon, you can order for anything if you need more." he whispered bending down to kiss my cheek before walking away.

I kept sitting quietly and taking in the restaurant's serene atmosphere. A romantic and welcoming ambiance was produced by the gentle light from the chandeliers above. The allure was further enhanced by the tranquil hum of the piano in the background. I was drinking my wine and thinking a lot about where Donald had gone.

A young woman approached me a moment later. She had a kind but enigmatic smile and was well dressed.

"Pardon me, ma'am," she said courteously. "Are you Rosa?" I wondered how she knew my name as I looked at her. After a brief pause, I replied, "Yes." She smiled enigmaticly at me once more. My smile made her smile even more. "A young, handsome man is waiting for you down the hall," she spoke softly after that.

Before I could respond, she gave me a single red rose. In spite of my confusion, I accepted the flower because it piqued my curiosity. "Young, handsome man"-who could he be? No doubt she was referring to Donald, but what was he doing?

I did as she said and went down the hall. I am still not sure if he is Donald. As I stepped farther away from the busy main dining area, the subtle aroma of roses filled the air. A mixture of excitement and a little anxiety made my heart skip a beat.

Another young man in a sharp suit, dressed elegantly, was coming toward the end of the hallway. presented me with another rose. I refused to accept it this time. "Who are you?" He smiled and answered softly "A young man is waiting for you just ahead."

My heart was racing when I accepted the second rose. What was happening? Every stride forward was like entering a fantasy world. similar to cartoon fairy tales.

When I finally arrived at the end of the hallway, I was astounded by what I saw. They turned the room into a paradise. Rose petals were thoughtfully placed in the shape of a heart as floor decorations. Soft pastel balloons added to the enchantment as they floated gently in the corners. The room was filled with a melody that seemed to reflect the feelings in my chest as a pianist sat in the corner, his fingers moving beautifully over the keys. i said to myself "The person who knows I liked piano and privacy organised this. I know is my love." Talk of the devil himself Standing in the center of it all, my Donald, holding a bouquet of fresh roses. I felt weak in the knees from the warmth in his eyes and the brightness of his smile. My friends suddenly showed up and Donald's friends.

He walked slowly toward me and gave me the bouquet with such gentleness that it warmed my heart. A deep flush crept across my face as my cheeks began to flush.

"My heart," he said in a steady but passionate voice. "I knew you were the missing piece of my heart the moment I met you. You are my sunshine, my light, and the most stunning woman I have ever laid eyes on. The remedy for my headache is you. You are my angel, the mother of my children to be, my heiress, and the smartest woman I have ever seen."

His lighthearted word choice made me laugh quietly, but his tone was so intensely sincere that it filled my chest.

He went on to say, "My queen," "your smile enchanted me. You are my beacon of light, the source of my happiness and joy. My entire world revolves around you.

Tears swelled up in my eyes and my breath caught. His words were like a warm hug around my heart.

He uttered the words, "I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy and creating unforgettable memories with you," with a little hint of emotion in his voice. "I want to create a lovely future that is full of adventure, love, and laughter.

"I swear that I will always love you, my darling, support you, be your rock, and be there for you whenever you need me."

His movements were purposeful and deliberate as he knelt on one knee and spoke. He had a little box of black velvet in his hand. He slowly unlocked it, revealing a brilliant diamond ring that gleamed in the room's gentle light.

He said, "Rosa," gazing up at me with hopeful eyes, "will you marry me, my love?"

It felt as though time paused. I was overcome with feelings that I was unable to adequately express. With all of my heart, I gazed at the man I loved, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Yes," I muttered, my voice breaking with excitement. Then, more loudly: "Yes! I will marry you, my darling.

He instantly showed relief and joy, and his smile was the biggest I have ever seen. The ring was placed on my finger with such tenderness that it made my knees weak. As if it had always been there, it fit flawlessly.

Like a dream come true, the experience was unreal. It was the first time I had ever felt a sense of completion as I gazed down at the glittering ring on my hand.

Before I could reply, Donald stood up and pulled me into a tight hug. His arms encircled me, shielding me from everything but the love we were experiencing at the time.

I soaked his suit in tears as I whispered, "I love you so much," into his chest.

"And I love you more than you can possibly imagine," he informed me as he planted a kiss on my crown.

Our special occasion had the perfect soundtrack when the pianist changed to a gentle, romantic tune. We simply held each other while the seriousness of the situation set in for a while. I was still in shock over what had just happened.

There was a proposal from Donald.

Now, the man who had captured my heart had made an indefinite request for it. And I had completely said yes.

Rosa's POV

As I continued to revel in the excitement of Donald's proposal, I went to work the following day. My finger's ring glistened like a tiny star, serving as a continual reminder of the joy that now permeated my existence.

My friends surrounded me as soon as I entered the office, their excitement brimming like kids at a birthday celebration.

The first to speak was Evelyn, who was always the life of the party. Her eyes like diamonds as she exclaimed, "Soon-to-be Mrs. Donald!" Her long, smooth blond hair brushed my face as she threw her arms around me.

I was showered with congratulations as the others joined in with cheers and laughter. As I thanked them, I could not help but blush because I felt like the happiest woman alive.

Eager to have a private moment, I sneaked off to my office while still smiling. I closed the door after entering and sank into my chair, grinning broadly as ever. I was unable to take my eyes off the ring on my finger, and I kept turning it around in awe of its beauty. The thought of Donald's sincere proposal kept coming back to me.

All of a sudden- BANG!

I was jolted back to reality by a loud knock. "Enter!" Straightening myself, I called.

Evelyn appeared as the door opened, her radiant smile illuminating the space as she entered. I returned the smile, but there was a glimmer of worry in her eyes beneath her normal joy.

"Hi," she said, her tone light but deliberate. I paused to smile. I felt like a dagger was pointed at my heart by the question. Her voice was firm but gentle as she went on. "Remember what happened the last time, Rosa. You can not hide this from him indefinitely. What if-?

I interrupted, raising my voice, "Stop."

I gave her a stern glance. Donald loves me just as much as I do. Do not mention Ryan here ever again, please.

I did not mean to sound harsh, but the mention of Ryan's name made me feel raw. Evelyn sighed, her face displaying a mixture of resignation and worry.

"Rosa, I just do not want you to suffer harm again.

However, if this is your decision... Her words hung like a black cloud in the air as she quietly left the room.

I shook my head when she was gone. My chest constricted, and my mind started to race. Like a haunting echo, her question kept coming back to me. "What happens if he discovers?" My voice was shaking as I whispered to myself.

What if the wedding is called off by him? What happens if everything we have created together vanishes like dust?

I was unaware that I had spoken out loud until my best friend Lilian unexpectedly entered the office.

"Rosa!" she exclaimed, her voice piercing my mental haze.

"Hey? Are you here at all?

I was not quick to reply because I was still preoccupied with my worries. With a soft click of her heels on the floor, she took a step closer and tapped my shoulder.

Are you alright, Rosa?

Her voice was worried as she asked. I turned to her and blinked quickly as I jolted out of my reverie. With a forced smile, I said, "Oh, Lilian. You already arrived here."

The smile was not returned by her. Instead, she narrowed her piercing eyes as she absorbed my face and studied me intently. She said quietly,

"What is wrong? Rosa, what are you keeping from me? You are not like this."

Her remarks struck a chord. With my fingers twitching on the edge of my desk, I hesitated. I finally said,

"I am fine, babe,"

but my voice lacked conviction. She said,

"If you say so," but it sounded like she did not trust me. She let it go for the time being and focused the conversation on my engagement, asking about the proposal and our plans.

I was grateful for the distraction, even though the heaviness in my chest persisted. The day progressed slowly after Lilian left.

I tried to concentrate on my work, but Evelyn's words kept gnawing at me. Ryan. Hearing his name reopened old wounds. Ryan was my first love, I loved him then. Our love started like a fairytale romance, later ended with betrayal and heart break. He dated my step sister. My stepmom and sister hated me. Ryan gave me hope, disvirgined me, all because I always run to him whenever my stepmom and sister treat me badly. He was our close neighbor. He took the advantage and claimed he loved me. He betrayed me. I was disappointed when I saw him with my stepsister. I thought I was dreaming, I saw him countless time with her. I couldn't help but ran away from that miserable house I called a home then. The thought of experiencing that much pain again was unbearable.

However, Donald was not the same person. He valued me. He was compassionate, patient, and genuine. He would never intentionally cause me harm. That was something I needed to believe. Was I wrong? The weight of my secret weighed me down like a physical burden later that night as I sat by myself in my apartment. I stared at the engagement ring on my finger, its brilliance dimmed by the shadows of my doubts. I decided to distract myself by calling Donald. Hearing his voice will calm me down and reminded me of why I had said yes to him in the beginning I thought. But, as I dialed his number, something unusual happened.

My phone got a text message from an unknown number. "I am aware of your previous experiences. "Tell Donald before I do."

My blood ran cold. My hands shook as I read the message again, my mind racing. "Who could this be? Who know about my past?"

I was afraid and I remembered my love, the CEO. If he finds out, I have jeopardize my future ambition.

I held myself and said to myself, "Are you caused Rosa? The good name I have for myself will be a past history because of my past! What will I do?"

I kept thinking to find the solutions to this. My heart was tightened and couldn't reason positively. The phone slipped from my grasp and dropped to the floor with a dull thud, but I did not notice. My entire world is as if is spinning.

My phone buzzed once more. Yet another message.

"Ryan's regards."

My breath became strained. Mentioning that pretended fellow's name, Ryan got me upset. Why is he disturbing my life? "So he has my contact all this while or someone is trying to use him to destroy my relationship with the CEO.

I used to be soft back then, not any more. Terror and confusion flooded through me as I sat frozen, the phone's screen glowing ominously in the dim light of my room.

For the first time, I began to wonder if my past was as hidden as I had previously assumed. Worse still, what if Donald already knew?