Chapter 508: Better to End This Wretched Life

She was afraid Christopher Sterling would leave.

"I won’t leave. I’ll stay here with you and the child."

"Mm-hm." Lana Sheffield finally breathed a sigh of relief.

...

As night fell, Rose Shaw sat alone on the living room sofa. The table before her was already covered in liquor bottles. She’d been drinking until now, but still felt numb.

She was slightly tipsy, but her mind was painfully clear.

’If only I could drink myself into oblivion.’

’Then my heart wouldn’t ache so much. I wouldn’t be in such torment.’

Images she tried so desperately to forget flooded her mind.

"Oh, still playing tough? Thinking of killing yourself? If you die, how are we supposed to collect our debt?"

"You really think you’re so valuable?"

"Force-feed her the drug. In a little while, she’ll be begging us."

"She’s still a virgin!"

"Then we’d better keep her and have some real fun."

Rose Shaw shook her head desperately. "No! Don’t! Get away from me! Get away!"

Suddenly, she grabbed a liquor bottle from the table and smashed it on the floor. Glass shattered everywhere, leaving her gripping the jagged neck.

’Just end it!’

’If I die, I’ll finally be free.’

’I won’t be plagued by these nightmares anymore. I won’t have to relive that unbearable past. I won’t be afraid anymore.’

Suddenly, her phone, lying in a corner of the sofa, began to ring.

Rose picked up the phone and glanced at it.

The caller ID read: Keith Coleman.

She didn’t answer, her hand still gripping the broken bottleneck.

The phone rang until it stopped, but Rose still hadn’t answered.

Keith Coleman was puzzled.

He had come to Rockwellburg on business and had just wrapped things up. He was heading back to Jansburg tomorrow and wanted to take the opportunity to see Rose Shaw.

’Rose’s phone is on 24/7. Why wouldn’t she pick up?’

He had a bad feeling.

He immediately dialed again.

It rang and rang, but still, no one answered.

He immediately tried a video call, but again, there was no response.

Just as he was about to call Melody Monroe, his phone suddenly rang. When he saw it was Rose Shaw, he felt a secret thrill of joy.

"Rose, what were you up to just now?"

"Busy."

Only a single word came through the phone.

Hearing her low voice, Keith’s recently settled heart was once again lodged in his throat.

"Where are you?"

"Do you need something?"

"I wanted to see you. I happen to be in Rockwellburg, and I’ve been busy all day and haven’t eaten yet. I don’t have anyone else to go with... would you do me the honor of having dinner with me?"

"I’m busy," Rose refused flatly. "Don’t call me again."

"Wait! Just let me say one more thing!"

Rose was extremely impatient. Her other hand was still holding the broken bottle. If not for Keith’s call, she might have already plunged it into the artery in her neck.

"Are you unhappy? I know I don’t have the right to ask, but... I can just tell how you’re feeling. And... I miss you. Dinner was just an excuse. The truth is, I really just wanted to see you."

Rose’s grip on the bottle loosened.

The broken neck fell, clattering against the other bottles on the floor with a sharp sound.

Hearing the sound of shattering glass through the phone, Keith’s heart clenched.

"Keith, thank you... for your feelings for me. But we’re really not right for each other. You’ll meet someone better someday. I wish you happiness. Well, that’s all."

Rose hung up and turned off her phone.

She stood up and walked toward the bathroom. Her hair was a mess, and her makeup was ruined.