Rose's POV
The moment I stepped into the apartment, exhaustion wrapped around me like a heavy cloak. The night at the club had drained every ounce of energy from my body, but somehow, I managed to drag my feet toward my brother's room.
I cracked the door open just a little.
Daniel was fast asleep, his breathing steady, his face peaceful.
A small smile tugged at my lips. He looked so different now—more independent, more like the man he was meant to be.
I shut the door quietly and tiptoed to my room.
Sleep claimed me the moment I hit the bed.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed through my window, the warmth pressing against my skin. I groaned, turning over before realizing—
Daniel.
I shot up from the bed and glanced at the clock. It was already late.
Grabbing my phone, I checked my messages.
5:00 AM - Daniel: "Take care, I'm off to work."
I stared at the text for a while before exhaling in relief. He was already gone.
He was doing fine.
For once, it felt like we were both learning to stand on our own.
---
After taking a long shower, I dressed in something simple—jeans and a white top—before deciding to do something I had been putting off for too long.
Furniture shopping.
The apartment was still too empty, too unfamiliar.
I needed to make it feel like home.
---
The smell of freshly polished wood filled the air as I walked into the store. The sight of brand-new chairs, tables, and shelves reminded me of how things used to be.
Back when I didn't have to think about price tags.
Back when I could pick the most expensive item without a second thought.
But now?
Now, I found myself gravitating toward the cheapest section, running my fingers over budget couches and discount dining sets.
I sighed.
This wasn't how it used to be.
Shaking off the feeling, I picked out a few things that would make the apartment comfortable—a small dining table, a couch, a coffee table, and a few shelves.
It wasn't much.
But it was enough.
----
After settling the furniture delivery, I made my way to a clothing store.
I needed more work clothes.
Something simple yet presentable.
I was flipping through a rack of blouses when an uneasy feeling crawled up my spine.
I looked up.
And my heart nearly stopped.
There she was.
My father's new wife.
The woman who ruined everything.
Our eyes met, and instantly, her lips curled in disgust.
The audacity.
The anger I had buried deep inside threatened to bubble up, but I forced myself to remain calm.
I wasn't about to cause a scene.
Not for her.
Unfortunately, she had other plans.
"Well, well, well," she sneered, stepping closer. "If it isn't the lost little stray."
I gripped the fabric in my hands tighter but said nothing.
She scoffed, looking me up and down like I was nothing. "What a shame. From riches to rags. Must be humiliating, hmm?"
I clenched my jaw.
Still, I said nothing.
I refused to give her the satisfaction.
The longer I stayed silent, the more irritated she became.
And then, with one last huff, she turned on her heels and left the store.
I let out a slow breath.
The moment she was gone, I placed the clothes I had chosen on the counter, paid for them, and left as if nothing had happened.
---
Back Home: A New Beginning
By the time I got home, exhaustion was creeping back in.
But there was no time to rest.
Shortly after, the furniture arrived, and I got to work.
Piece by piece, I arranged everything.
The couch in the living room.
The dining table near the window.
The shelves against the walls.
Once the major furniture was in place, I set up the electronics, making sure everything was in order.
I even fixed the telephone line.
By the time I was done, the apartment no longer felt empty.
It felt warm.
It felt… inviting.
For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of accomplishment.
A home.
Mine.