The Diamond Beside Me

Rose sat down heavily on the crouch due to her mental & physical exhaustion. Very soon, her phone buzzed, indicating that an email was sent to her. She checked it, her eyes nearly popped out of her sockets. It had a simple message saying, "Meet me near the old school building or else...the result would be gruesome."

Followed by, some video attachments.

And in the video clips were her hilarious first time with her housekeeper Luke. Damn bastard! She cursed him internally. But, how did someone manage to capture their...? She threw away her phone in a tantrum. Her body ached & her head was exploding. 🤯

---

Pink Villa

Alice was anticipating her next move to be on Rose's birthday this weekend. She had already confirmed to sign her contract the next day but in secret. She didn't want herself to be publicized which will result in a heavy blow to her image. She had already ruined most of it due to her foolishness. So, it was better to be away from public eyes & not bring any trouble to Daniel.

She was expecting an invitation anytime soon. And that happened really soon when her fax started operating & golden blue invitation printed itself out.

"Argh..." Who uses fax nowadays? She looked at it for a moment before dialing a number. The ring quickly got through.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Rose!"

"Ah! Alice", obvious exhaustion sounded from Rose's voice.

"What's wrong? Your voice seems weak", Alice sounded like a worrywart, but her voice was filled with mockery.

"Ah! That...I was cleaning these days."

Cleaning, huh!? Or the impact of last night!! Alice's lips curved into a smirk. 😏

"Well, you won't be calling the press on your birthday, right?"

"Eh? No...no. Never!"

"Okay, bye. Meet you on Sunday."

"Sure. Bye!"

No press? How boring! Anyways, I must be the one to invite them! An evil glint flashed in Alice's eyes. 😈

---

Brigand Mansion

Rose was lying weakly in her bed when the thought of the threats clouded her. No! She would rather die than to be exposed to doing that with her housekeeper. She had to go to the old school building. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was from the City Hospital. She picked it up nervously, "Hello?"

"Am I talking to Miss Brigand?"

"Yes?"

"Your reports are out. You may collect them today."

"Thank you."

Rose was too tired to visit the Hospital now. So, she scheduled her plans for the evening. Firstly, she'd collect her reports from the hospital & then she would go to the old school building...

---

Eddie was in a daze & so Jake drove her car instead. When they reached her Villa, she didn't dare to look in his eyes. She quietly took her car keys & bade him goodbye. But when she was about to turn around & leave, she was pulled into a bear hug from behind. Then, she heard a deep voice say, "I'm sorry. I was too immersed in copper that I failed to appreciate the diamond beside me. I finally realized that I love you & I've loved you all these years", a quiet sigh escaped his mouth, "Because you've always been the one who stood beside me."

Eddie broke away from his embrace & quietly turned to look at him. She was a bit dizzy after his confession. She tiptoed & gently planted a kiss on his lips & tears escaped her eyes. Jake quickly responded by pulling her closer & kissing her back. The moment became memorable for them.

---

That night

Rose quietly sneaked out of her house & in no time found herself in the City Hospital. The Head nurse from the morning led her in. Then, she handed her the reports. Rose received it with shaky hands while the 40 something Head nurse observed her reaction. Rose slowly opened it & heaved a sigh of relief. Phew! She wasn't pregnant. But the last line left her speechless. Her stomach had a tumor & she only had one month left to live! Maybe, that was God's way of punishing her. She sat there in a daze while the nurse consoled her by patting her shoulder. Then, she left Rose alone to fend for her thoughts. A loud buzz interrupted her thoughts. The message on her phone said, "You've only thirty minutes to reach here."

---

Old School Building, Star City

Alice was already there with her team of lackeys. She'd her Lady Don outfit on! Her impatience succumbed to her determination. So, she quickly typed, You've only thirty minutes to reach here, & pressed send!

,,,

15 minutes later

Alice saw Rose drag her weak body into the campus. Her pupils dilated but a hint of coldness flashed in them. She remained composed while Rose was standing a foot away. She was surprised how the proud Rose shrunk into a ball of cotton within a month. Never mind, this was just the beginning.

"What do you want?", Rose called out in a weak voice.

"Your confession", Alice replied in her changed voice as she gestured one of her lackeys to bring the recorder. But to her surprise, Rose was serene like a pond. She was not terrified anymore. What instilled such a change in her? Alice was in deep thought. When the recorder came, she tossed it towards her & Rose caught it swiftly. Without waiting for their order, she switched it on. Alice feared she might not switch it on & escape unscathed. So, she'd brought another recorder in secret. But to her surprise, Rose began recording her voice," Hello, everyone. This's Rose Brigand. I, hereby, put a confession that I was behind Alice Buds' scandal a year ago & she's the rightful owner. I created fake pieces of evidence & released it myself in a moment of heat. I used to be her best friend but I'd turned evil. I apologize, Alice for her defamation. You can sue me if you want. She'd been a great lyricist from her young age. You can call her a lyrics prodigy. If she shines in the future, don't forget to support her. Thank you." Her voice was layered with sadness which made Alice speechless.

Rose tossed the recorder back & asked in a weak voice before leaving, "Why're you doing this?"

"Personal gains", Alice seemed least bothered as she snorted but deep down she felt a pang of pain in her heart. How can a person change so much within a month? It felt like she was willing to expose herself.