The night air was calm and still at the orphanage, the gentle hum of crickets outside the windows barely registering in Isabella's ears. She lay quietly on her small bed, hugging her pillow tightly, her mind replaying the dramatic events at Rose's house earlier that day. It had been a disaster, no doubt. Rose had thrown them out of her house, furious that they dared to interfere in her broken relationship with Maxon.
Just as Isabella closed her eyes, trying to find rest, her phone buzzed. The caller ID lit up: Maxon.
She sighed, sat up, and hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
"Find out what Rose is doing tomorrow," Maxon's voice came through, firm and impatient.
"What?" Isabella blinked, her voice filled with disbelief. "Why would I do that? Why should I intrude on her privacy for you?"
Maxon didn't miss a beat. "Because it's either you do it... or I get you fired."
Isabella clenched her jaw. "Fine," she snapped and ended the call without waiting for another word.
With a heavy heart and a sigh of frustration, she opened her WhatsApp and began typing.
Isabella: Ma, good evening. I'm really sorry about what happened earlier today.
A few moments passed before Rose replied.
Rose: No problem.
Isabella bit her lip and continued typing.
Isabella: By any chance, will you be at home tomorrow?
There was a pause, then Rose replied.
Rose: No, I'm going to the market with my brother.
Isabella: Wow, which market? That's amazing. I didn't even know you go to the market.
Rose: Lot of laugh. What do you mean? I do go to the market. We'll be going to Tejuosho Market.
Isabella: Wow. That's interesting. Thanks, Ma. Have a good night rest.
Rose: You too.
Isabella dropped her phone and groaned softly. Then she picked it back up and called Maxon.
He answered on the first ring. "Talk to me."
"She's going to Tejuosho Market tomorrow. That's her plan."
"Good," Maxon said, satisfied. "Thanks."
He hung up immediately, leaving Isabella annoyed. She called Lucas next.
"Lucas," she said when he answered, already chuckling, "guess what just happened."
"Maxon again?" he guessed, laughing.
"Who else? He called and practically forced me to ask Rose about her movements. I just gave him all the details like some personal spy."
Lucas laughed harder. "That boy is crazy. He is really on drugs. But you... you've got guts."
They shared a laugh before she finally bid him goodnight and laid back on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Fifth Day of Decoration
The next morning came fast, and Isabella arrived early at Rose's house with Lucas. They had started their work when Isabella's phone buzzed again. Maxon.
She groaned and picked up. "Yes, Maxon?"
"Are you at her house already?"
"Yes."
"Is she home?"
"Why should I tell you that?"
His voice grew cold. "You either tell me... or you lose your job."
Isabella sighed, whispering, "What kind of crazy fellow is this? She's not around. She went to the market like she said."
"Good," he said and ended the call.
Lucas shook his head. "That stupid boy again?"
Isabella burst out laughing. "Who else? Let's just finish up and get out of here before he brings more drama."
At Tejuosho Market
Maxon trailed Rose to the market and spotted her browsing through fabric stalls with a man beside her. She looked radiant in a simple sundress, laughing and chatting with the man.
He stepped forward. "Rose!"
Startled, she turned around. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to beg you. I'm sorry, Rose. Please—"
Before she could respond, the man beside her spoke, "Are you done, my darling? Let's go."
Maxon's face twisted in disbelief. "So you've moved on already? Really, Rose? Just like that?"
Rose's mouth opened to explain, but Maxon had already turned and stormed off.
"That's my brother," she muttered, but it was too late.
"Forget him," her brother said gently. "Let's just finish what we came here for."
Later That Evening
Maxon parked his car in a quiet, shaded corner near an old bookshop. He pulled out his phone and called Isabella.
"Come meet me at Osborne Junction. I'm parked near the old bookstand."
"What again?" Isabella groaned but went anyway.
She arrived minutes later and spotted his car. Maxon opened the door from the inside, and she slide in beside him, shutting the door behind her.
She crossed her arms and stared at him, her tone flat.
"So, what again?"