Chapter 3
Rosalyn let go.
Lauren stumbled back a few steps, clutching her wrist. She shot Rosalyn a furious look, trembling with rage, but didn't dare come any closer.
Charles watched the whole thing, his face turning pale.
He'd always thought Rosalyn was a soft target and that after the wedding, he and Lauren could easily control her and slowly take the Sutton family's money.
He never expected that on their very first night as a married couple, Rosalyn would change her attitude. She wouldn't listen to anyone and shut his mom down.
Charles took a deep breath, put on his best gentle act, and walked over to Rosalyn, reaching out to take her hand. "Rosalyn, I'm sorry. My mom was a bit harsh. Don't take it seriously.
"Listen. Harry's wedding is a big deal. As his family, we can't stand by, right? Come on, do me this favor, will you?"
In Rosalyn's previous life, he'd used that same gentle act to manipulate her for three whole years.
Rosalyn looked at his phony face and felt nothing but disgust.
She yanked her hand back and took a step away. "Charles, I've made myself clear. If he wants to buy a house, earn the money himself, or write an IOU. There's no way my family is footing the bill for nothing."
"And another thing." Rosalyn's cold gaze swept over Charles and Lauren. "This is my house, and I'm going to sleep now. Both of you, get out."
Lauren blew up. "What? This is Charles's place. Why should I leave?"
"My parents paid for this house, and it's in my name. Charles doesn't have anything to do with it," Rosalyn said, raising an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
She said, "Lauren, let me make this clear. This is my place, not your sweet little home. Now, get out."
Lauren was stunned. She'd always thought Charles bought this house for the wedding, but it turned out Rosalyn's parents paid for everything, and it was registered under Rosalyn's name.
Charles's face fell; he couldn't keep up his act anymore.
He'd been boasting to friends and relatives that he paid for the house himself, but now Rosalyn had exposed him in front of everyone. He felt humiliated.
"Rosalyn, stop," Charles said through gritted teeth.
"Why would I?" Rosalyn sneered. "All I'm asking is for you two not to make a scene in my house. Is that too much? Charles, if you keep acting like this, you can fuck off, too."
Seeing Rosalyn refusing to budge, Charles was helpless.
He knew he couldn't afford to fall out with Rosalyn right now. He still needed the Sutton family to get ahead. If things blew up tonight, his whole plan was finished.
Charles had no choice but to swallow his anger, grab Lauren, who was still fuming, and drag her out. "Mom, let's go. We'll deal with this tomorrow."
"Charles, she—" Lauren tried to make a scene, but Charles hauled her out.
The door slammed shut, and the room finally went quiet.
Rosalyn finally relaxed. She leaned against the door, taking deep breaths, and before she knew it, tears started streaming down her face.
It wasn't fear; it was relief. She was grateful to have another chance, and this time, she hadn't been weak again or repeated the same mistakes.
She'd won the first round, but she knew this was only the beginning. Charles and Lauren wouldn't back down so easily.
And Vera Lopez, who was hiding in the shadows, would soon come after her.
She wiped away her tears, her gaze growing steely with determination. This time, she wouldn't be soft. She wouldn't let anyone who hurt her get away with it.
She walked over to the bed, picked up her phone, and opened the chat with Vera.
Sure enough, ten minutes ago, Vera had sent her a message.
Vera: [Rosalyn, happy wedding day. You're so lucky to have Charles. I wish you guys well. Oh, and I'll swing by tomorrow with a wedding gift for you.]
Rosalyn smirked as she read the message.
In her previous life, Vera had shown up the day after the wedding. She acted as a best friend, but in reality, she was there to see Charles.
She kept sowing seeds of discord, whispering lies to turn Rosalyn against the Jenkins family, dragging her into a miserable life.
Rosalyn thought, 'Alright, since you're walking right into this, I'll deal with you properly.'
Rosalyn replied, [Sure, Vera. I'll be waiting for you at home.]
Rosalyn put down her phone, walked to the window, and pulled open the curtains, looking out at the countless lights of Larsbond.
In her previous life, she ruined her entire life for a scumbag man, hurting her parents and destroying the Sutton family.
This time, she wasn't only here for payback. She was going to protect her parents, keep the Sutton family's business safe, and live her own life.
At that moment, the door quietly opened.
Charles walked in, his face slipping back into that gentle facade.
He held a glass of water and walked over to Rosalyn. "I'm sorry. My mom and I were out of line tonight. I apologize. Don't be upset. Drink some water and try to get some sleep."
As he spoke, he went to embrace Rosalyn.
In her previous life, this was the night they slept together for the first time.
However, now, the thought of his touch made Rosalyn's skin crawl. She sidestepped him, saying coldly, "Don't touch me. You're sleeping in the guest room tonight."
Charles froze, his face darkening. "Rosalyn, what's that supposed to mean? We're married, and you want me to sleep in the guest room on our wedding night, huh?"
"I'm not in the mood," Rosalyn said with a blank face. "If you don't want the guest room, then get out. Don't make me say it again."
Charles met Rosalyn's icy stare and realized she wasn't bluffing. He gritted his teeth, but in the end, he didn't dare push his luck. He grabbed his pillow and stormed out of the bedroom, fuming.
The door slammed shut again.
Rosalyn locked the door behind her and finally let out a deep breath of relief.
She sank into the soft bed, gazing up at the chandelier overhead, her mind sharper than ever.
The revenge had started, and she was the one in control.