Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 63

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

What could be more peculiar than this?

Leilani.

With the first court hearing looming just a few days away, I felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap at any moment.

– And that’s putting it mildly.

My anxiety was a palpable thing, coiling around my insides, and every little sound had me jumping. I was constantly on edge, terrified that either Gavin or my father might confront me, sensing my resolve to push back against them. The very thought sent a shiver down my spine, amplifying my unease. Yet, amidst this storm of nerves, there was a sliver of good news: Jay had finally managed to retrieve all the hospital records documenting my brutal treatments over the years. However, the records only reflected the times I had been rushed to the hospital.

The instances where I had been denied medical care were glaringly absent, and oh, how that infuriated me.

Today, however, was the gala we had all been eagerly anticipating. I slipped into a stunning red Chanel dress that hugged my curves perfectly, paired with a sleek pair of black Saint Laurent heels. I styled my hair into an elegant chignon, allowing a few loose waves to frame my face, and grabbed my matching black Kate purse.

I felt unstoppable.

Not because of my appearance, but rather because of the plan I had set in motion for tonight.

A grin broke across my face when I heard the honk of a car outside. Stepping out, I spotted Jarek leaning casually against his luxurious black Rolls-Royce, hands tucked deep into his pockets, a single red rose perched between his lips.

He flashed me one of his trademark grins and waved enthusiastically. “Oh, look who the Heavens have blessed us with!” He sighed dramatically, his expression exaggerated in mock surprise.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I made my way over to him, smiling awkwardly as he handed me the flower. “Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

With a flourish, he opened the car door for me, and I gasped as I noticed an extravagant bouquet tucked away in the far corner of the back seat.

Spinning around to face him, my excitement radiating from my smile, I exclaimed, “Now it feels like you’ve been the one sending me those roses all along!”

Jarek’s face turned a shade of horror. “Oh no! Eww! I would never send you flowers without a note. I’m not a coward or a creep!”

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow, teasing him.

“Absolutely!” He retorted, a mix of embarrassment and frustration flaring in his eyes. “You can check that bouquet; it has a note in it. A note thanking you for being in my life and for being the most beautiful genius I’ve ever seen.”

“And how do you know that so well?” I asked, rolling my eyes playfully.

“Because I hand-wrote it! I want you to know it was me. I’m not some snobby, cowardly admirer who can’t even muster the courage to give a properly labeled gift.”

“Now you’re just overreacting, my princess,” I joked, and he rolled his eyes in response.

“No, I’m not,” he shot back, then pointed toward the front of my porch. “Look, there’s another bouquet waiting for you. That one is from your admirer.” His voice dipped into an unrecognizable tone, and I noticed his discomfort, which in turn made me feel uneasy.

Unsure how to react to Jarek’s defensiveness over a lighthearted joke, I simply smiled at him and stepped aside, allowing him to join me at the back of the car while his driver settled into the front seat.

The drive to the gala was unusually quiet, with only the occasional interruption from the driver and the distant sounds of the bustling street outside. It felt strange; Jarek was typically more talkative.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss between us, as if an invisible barrier had formed, creating an unspoken tension that lingered in the air.

Turning my gaze out the window, I watched the city blur by, lost in thought until the car came to a halt in front of the grandest hall I had seen in ages.

In stark contrast to my earlier mood, a smile erupted on my face, and I turned to find Jarek already watching me, a peculiar expression on his face as his eyes flickered between my own and my lips.

“It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed, my voice full of awe.

“Yes, it is,” he murmured, his gaze unwavering.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I nudged him lightly. “I mean the entire venue! It’s so grand, so perfectly arranged—I absolutely love it!”

But his focus was solely on me, not on what I was saying. “I probably didn’t mention this earlier, but you look stunning,” he said softly.

His words sent a rush of warmth through me, and I felt my cheeks flush. “You did,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.

“I just thought it was worth repeating,” he drawled, stepping out of the car to assist me as I exited. He offered me his arm, and together we walked into the hall.

Oh, how breathtaking the place was!

It boasted the most exquisite decor I had seen in a long time. If I weren’t so composed, I might have dropped my jaw in sheer amazement.

Turning to Jarek, I asked, “Did you sponsor this event?”

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