Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 70
“If it is, will you stop me?”
With one hand caressing the teacup with his long fingers and one hand cradling his chin, Rogéros’s downcast lashes appeared indifferent and bored.
“I won’t stop you. But it would deeply sadden me to see you burdened by the Otis family’s sins and sinking with them.”
He lifted his gaze. His eyes were soft, as if capable of melting ice and ushering in spring.
“I’ll be honest, Richelle. I am very fond of you. So much so that I’m willing to change my long-standing life if I could be with you.”
Rogéros stood and knelt on one knee before Richelle, taking her left hand.
“You see, Richelle, I vowed to witness the downfall of the Otis family to the end. That’s why I remained as a tutor for the Otis’s eldest. Though those years held no joy, I never thought of leaving. I had no other purpose in life.”
“Rogéros.”
“But everything changed when I met you, Richelle. Being with you awakens this sense of joy that I thought I lost long ago. You are the most ideal person I’ve ever envisioned.”
His soft lips touched the back of her hand, as if in worship, with utmost sincerity.
“So I will await your choice. And if, after your one-year contract ends, you are still you, Richelle.”
His lips were so chillingly cold that Richelle found herself unable to speak.
“Then leave with me. I can grant you everything you desire. I can place the world in your hands.”
She gripped his hand tightly, fearing her trembling might be noticed.
But she couldn’t hide the tremor in her voice.
“Who… Who exactly are you?”
How do you know the Otis family’s secrets?
Are you truly just a simple tutor?
Are you even really… human?
Rogéros, gazing steadily at her, smiled. Whether that smile was genuine or deceptive, she could not discern.
“I’ll tell you when your contract ends, Richelle. For now, just know that I’m here to watch over the Otis family.”
Rogéros’s cheek brushed against the back of her hand, affectionately rubbing his face like a child seeking comfort.
“But remember, my precious Richelle. I will never let you get hurt.”
***
The Otises are sinners.
Everything that happens in this mansion is retribution for what they have done.
Richelle’s belief that innocent children should not suffer clashed with the rationality that this might not be her place to interfere.
Leaning against the window frame, she pressed her forehead against the cold glass.
“I’m so tired…”
Alan Otis had warned her to stay away from Rogéros. Rogéros had suggested she stay and leave with him in a year.
She couldn’t discern either man’s true intentions. There were too many secrets. Whose words could she trust?
Richelle gazed up at the overcast sky. It looked like it could rain at any moment.
Then, there was a knock on the door.
“Richelle, are you inside?”
“…Rogéros?”
Goodness, why is he at my room?
It had only been a day since their strange tea time. Seeing him again so soon was unbearably awkward.
“Richelle, could you come out for a moment? A telegram has arrived for you.”
She closed her eyes tightly. A telegram.
She couldn’t pretend to be absent. Richelle quickly tidied her clothes and opened the door.
“A telegram, you said?”
“Yes, the postman brought it urgently.”
Rogéros handed her a white envelope. This was the first time she had received a telegram since arriving at Bertrand. Without thinking to look for a letter opener, she tore the envelope open with her fingers.
Inside, the message read:
[Unfortunate news.]
“Oh…”
Richelle’s body swayed to the side. Rogéros quickly caught her.
“Richelle?! What’s wrong? What happened…?”
Richelle gasped, struggling to breathe as if she might stop at any moment. Her trembling hand dropped the envelope. Both their gazes fell upon it.
[Your mother is dead. Return home immediately.]
The words were stark and brutally clear.
