"Hold fast to dreams,

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird,

That cannot fly."

― Langston Hughes

Rose's POV:

The euphonic sound of rain thrummed over the car shield as the vehicle moved forward lacerating the heavy pour, the sloshing sound of slush echoed along the concrete road as the car ran over it. The gothic giant trees that stood on the both sides of the road, gave off a haunted vibe as the car light reflected on them.

The traffic wasn't as bad as I had assumed; the road was mostly bustle free and I couldn't be more grateful for it.

It had nearly been an hour since we left, maybe an hour to go since we reach the Victor manor; or two depending on the traffic.

This car was oddly comfortable, the seats were probably pure leather and it also had a coffee holder in the back seat. It was spacious, so much so, that if I decided to sleep with my legs unfold, I probably could without any hinderance.

For the past hour, neither one of us uttered a single word. I felt awakward at first, but then again, I didn't wish to have any talk with this insane man.

I looked out of the window, letting out a breath. The passing trees created a hyponitizing illusion, almost like a movie reel. I could fall asleep if I wished- but....

He was in the car.

No matter how much I had tried, I couldn't push the thoughts of him back. No matter how optimistic I tried to be in this situation, worst case scenarios wouldn't stop playing in my head.

It was annoying, like a nagging leech.

After all, I still got nightmares of him.

I tried my hardest not to fall asleep, afraid that he might do something. He sat on the driver's seat and I sat at the back seat, he was half a meter away from me; he hadn't done anything so far, not even as much so as stealing a glance, but the dolorous feeling of formication didn't go away.

It felt like an ant was crawling over my skin- the itch from it's legs were getting harsher and harsher each time.

I stole a nervous glance at the man driving the car.

He was rigid, his posture was stiff- I couldn't hear a single sound from him- as much as a harsh breath.

If it was his way to make me feel comfortable, he was failing it.

The rift between us was immeasurable. Scratch that, there had to be something in the first place to create a rift, we had nothing. He had his own demons to fight with and my demon was him.

A sigh escaped me as I looked out of the window. My stomach churned as the gut feeling of qualm and uneasiness became more profound.

Say something.....

I gulped, closing my eyes. I had to speak, anything would do.... I just wanted this feeling to go away....

"So......" I spoke up, my voice a note higher than a whisper; it was almost muffled, even in my ears- but the way he stole a brief side glance at me, let me know that he had indeed heard me.

The mellifluous pirouette of rain faded into the background as the nagging voice in my head got louder. I pushed it aside, focusing on speaking.

"So....uh-" I moistened my dry lips, "How long- till we get there?"

I heard him sigh from the front seat. "GPS says 30 minutes min- 45 max."

I heard my stomach grumble, much to my embarassment.

"Do you wish to eat something?" He mumbled, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"Actually yes," I stared into his turquoise orbs through the mirror, dazed, "I am hungry."

He averted his gaze and opened the dash box, rummaging through it. "I had bought a box of spicy chicken earlier this evening... Is it okay with you?"

Drool filled my mouth as I nodded vigorously. The chilling fear dissipiated as I made interractions with him.

"Yes please-" I muttered, grabbing the box from his hands. It was sealed and quite heavy and it had something written on it in a foreign language.

"It's from a Korean shop-" He uttered, "Quite spicy."

"It's still hot-" I smiled as I opened the box; the smell of delicious chicked wafted around the car, filling my senses.

"Heater was on-" He mumbled, "Roseline?"

"Hmm?" I hummed as I grabbed a drumstick and bit on it. The spicy, savory flavor made my tastebuds dance in joy, making me sigh in content.

"I wish to speak something, but I was unsure of how to bring up this topic..."

The added peanuts and spices in it!

"And I, by any means, do not want to make you uncomfortable- so...." He uttered.

"I am not the kind of person who takes offence easily...." I spoke as I chewed my chicken, "So speak away."

I heard him sigh harshly, "Roseline, It is not the right time or a right place, but, I know neither of us can rest well unless I have spoken it. So, here it goes...."

My right hand, that held the chicken stick, stopped in the midway as my heart started thrumming loudly in my ribcage.

"You might want to stay away from the maids."

I frowned, taking another bite from the chicken, "The maids were nothing but nice to me when I was in the mansion."

"Yes- that was because you were facing injustice. That was the least they could do-" He gulped loudly, "But now the situation is different. You remeber Lindy right?"

I nodded. It feels like ages since I saw that kind woman.

"Yes! She was really kind to me!" I smiled, "She was the one who let me out by the way."

He sighed, his posture screaming pain. My eyes went over to his knuckles; they were ghostly white as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.

What was bothering him so much?

"Well, she might not remain like that if she sees you now. You are pregnant and you are going to live with me. Do you understand what I am trying to convey?" He glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Well....

"To be honest, no...." I shook my head, "It would be great if you could explain a bit more."

"Well-" He muttered closing his eyes, "Lindy has always been a mother figure to me. She raised me, showered me with love. She is more than just a maid figurine to me. I call her aunt, Lindy as well sometimes, even madame. She scolds me like a mom, loves me like one and confronts people on behalf of me..." He stopped for a while, looking at me.

I nodded, urging him to continue.

"But for the past couple of months, she has been..... devastated. She couldn't grasp the fact that I, her beloved son, went as low as to..." He paused for a bit, "K-Keep an innocent person captive." He trailed off, his voice constricted.

I took in a shaky breath.

"And that too for a woman. She never approved of Madeline, because she wanted me to marry a traditional French woman; she was upset that me and my father, both broke the 'purity of the family tree' as she puts it; by marrying a non-french girl. I have always found it extremely stupid and we aren't even in France anymore....."

So, Lindy won't approve of me.

"I really don't want her to hate you- but she is a broken woman. She had been working in our mansion for past 32 years and she was brought in this mansion by my great-grandfather. She has seen many ups and downs...."

"Come to the point.." I muttered, not wanting to hear this long speech.

He sighed, "What I am saying is, she didn't have the best experience whenever I brought a girl with me. You are pregnant, with my child and you are going to be a huge part of my life from now on. You are, however, British and I fear that she might get upset. I don't really care about her stupid ideology at this point- but I don't want you to be disheartened. That is why, I am asking you not to interract with her too much. Even if she tries, just don't. She can be really crude with her mouth if she wishes and I want to protect you..." He turned back at me, looking staright into my eyes.

"...Be it any kind of harm...." He whispered out, his posture firm- which told me that he was dead serious, "Mental, physical- whatever. I want to keep you safe."

I gulped, looking into his eyes.

The way his beautiful eyes disguises his ugly underneath, it was truly baffling. He was, undoubtedly, one of the finest man I had ever seen. He looked harmless, but I knew how much of a monster could he be.

Was this a predatory disguise?

If it was, I applauded the one who had created him. The beautiful exterior and the gory interior- they complimented each other.

"I understand.." I mumbled, looking away. Suddenly, his presence alone was nauseating for me. I couldn't bear to be this close to him.

The mansion; it was a nightmare for me. For days I had dreamt that I was being forced into there.

Then again, the news of my baby's arrival, it also had been associated with that manor. I still remeber the dream I had, I still remember how Venus handed me that baby in the dream and gave me her blessings.

It was an absurd dream, but, for some reason, whenever I reminsced it, the squeamy feeling faded away.

The brazen light of London filled my vision as I stared out of the car window in awe. The massive infrastructure of big ben caught my eyes, calling out to me.

The car ran, through bustling highway, through narrow street and after ten minutes or so, it slowed down as the gigantic and elusive architecture of the Victor manor became more flamboyant.

"Remember, Roseline-" He whispered as he ran the car through the driveway, "You are here for me, under my protection. I am the master of this house, if anything happens or your needs aren't taken care of properly, inform me immediately. Do not pay heed to anyone who tries to fill your ears. Okay?"

I frowned, my insides coiling with confusion. "But they are your people.... why would they try to do anything to me if you have instructed them otherwise?"

The car halted in front of the massive iron gates. I saw the securities and butlers nodding at him as they opened them.

"They are....." He said as he turned the car around the fountain, the venus statue could clearly be seen from my window, "But I don't trust them. I don't trust anyone actually. Also the fact there might be another snitch who could pull something unwanted..."

yeah right.

Like mixing drugs into foods.

"Speaking of.... there won't be anyone drugging me this time right?" I mumbled, bothered by the topic.

"No, I have made sure of it. I have cut off a lot of employees after that particular incident, I do not want a repetition of it. I employed every single of them with a through background check, you do not need to worry about anything. Besides, the matter has come to my son now." He grumbled.

He stopped the car in front of the manor, killed the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt. I observed him silently as he let himself out.

He opened my side of the door and nodded; silently asking me to let myself out. I got out of the car, the chilly wind making me shiver as I stood tall. Weirdly, the rain had stopped somewhere along our conversation, but, we were too indulged in our talks to notice it.

"Wait.." He mumbled, eyeing the goosebumps that rose along my arm. He took off his coat, revealing his grayish pink t-shirt fully and moved behind me; eyeing my shivering form.

"You will get cold....." I sighed in content as the warm material was draped over my shoulders. He moved in front of me and clipped the first three buttons, the coat covering everything, including my arms. His jacket had practically engulfed me; it was long and girthy, made to fit his giant form.

I pulled the jacket up to my nose, wanting to breathe in the warm smell. The fabric smelled like him- that unforgettable cinnamon smell along with him.

It was a heady mixture.

He nodded, once he was satisfied with my condition and urged me to follow him. I wrapped my arms around myself protectively as I trailed behind him.

The bricky pathway was just how I remembered it to be.... broken in places, a bit mossed- but giving off an antique vibe. The mansion stood proudly as we walked in, the light from the interior illuminating the whole yard.

He moved a little closer to me, almost protectively as we climbed the white marble stairs.

His presence made me squirmy and uneasy. Now, when I come to think about it, there was a possibility of me never being comforatble in his presence.

"Remember, you are to follow me. Just follow me and let me do the talking okay?" He pleaded, his voice an octave above than a mumble.

"Why didn't you tell her beforehand if she was to create a problem?" I frowned, "Besides, it's not like I got pregnant on-" I couldn't finish the sentence; it was too much. Instead, I let a sigh complete my sentence.

Marienne Carlisle Victor left an imprint on my mind and every single moment with him brought back memories. The scars he left on me, was too deep to swat away.

Every single morning, I would wake up to this feeling. Although, the nightmares weren't as frequent as before after I concieved this little bundle of joy, but.... they never went away completely.

I am traumatized, I have a severe case of PTSD, I don't know when will these nightmares fade away.

Guilt is a vile feeling, I am guilty of not telling mama what had transpired upon me. Maybe mama will come to know it one day and maybe she will be mad at me for not trusting her enough with the broken part of me.

But Marienne? I don't trust him enough with the broken parts of me. Guilt isn't enough to repair me. Maybe I could give him a chance, but, I knew ultimately it won't be of any help.

No matter how much I try to console myself, I can not bring myself to believe him. Even if I give him a chance, I will remain broken.

I was beyond any repair.

He lifted his head, his eyes gloomy, like a plain rainy day. His features contoured into one of pain as he gazed at me.

I gazed away, not wanting to face him.

We stepped into the mansion, the vast artistic manor catching my attention immediately.

It was just how I remembered it.

Lavish, luxorious.

The lobby was extended to a huge kitchen, Two spiral staircase ascended from both side of the gigantic room.

The wooden floor was laden with a posh scarlet Persian carpet, which only complimented the crème theme of the room. A huge chandelier adorned the ceiling, lighting up the room enough to make it seem like the masterpiece it was.

The inside was warm, quite contrary to the outside. I slimied off the coat, handing it over to Marienne, which he accepted immediately.

The elusive exterior hid the gore of this mansion perfectly.

The castle of a nightmare.

"Show me my room..." I muttered, feeling sleepy all on a sudden.

That chicken was really good.....

He nodded and walked to the stairs, I followed him silently.

"I didn't know we were having guests...." A voice made us halt in our steps. I remembered that voice as clear as a day.

Lindy.

Shock coursed through me as I looked at Marienne, panic evident in my features. He too, was caught off guard as he stared at me. He looked behind me and then at me, nodding at me- as if to reassure me silently.

His pace was slow and graceful as he moved in front of me, veiling me from her. For some reason, I didn't feel afraid of his presence this time. His presence brought me odd comfort, silently urging me to move even closer to him.

I really didn't want to deal with her at the moment.

Panic coursed through me as I took a peek of the fuming woman from behind Marienne's shoulder. Her gaze was already fixated at this direction, making a chill run down my spine.

I hid myself behind him, not wanting to see her.

"Why on earth would you bring her back now!? Haven't you done enough damage?" I heard her voice booming.

"Tante, I am doing what I feel like I should do. No need to interrupt-" Marienne exclaimed, his voice cold and deadly.

"Interrupt?!" She boomed, "You are bringing home a girl whom you suspected to be your fiancee's murderer. What next? You will let her live here?"

"She will be living here from now on."

A chilling moment of silence passed.

"What? Why?" She inquired, dumbfounded, "Why would you let a girl whom you don't even know stay here? I am pretty sure she has many objections with it....."

I heard him sigh before he answered, "She is bearing this mansion's heir. She is pregnant, Lindy."

"Please tell me you are joking...." I heard her whisper, "Please tell me you are-"

"I am not."

She let out a chilling laugh, "So this is how you show your worth huh? You connard! Not only you bring a girl home, but you bring a pregnant girl home whom you have tortured just based on your assumptions!"

I flinched at her crude words, my palms started to get colder.

Why was she speaking like this?!

"KNOW YOUR PLACE BEFORE YOU SPEAK WOMAN!" Marienne vociferated, his intimidating build quivering with rage.

No! Don't scream please!

Suddenly, everything felt light. The light in the room became more intense as my eyes began to vivify the colors. My head was starting to hurt, I was tempted to close my eyes. My senses seemed to have become hundred times sharper as I struggled not to collapse.

"Marienne....." I panted, not wanting to stay here for another minute.

Please don't collapse, please!

I pleaded myself, closing my eyes. Dear god! I wasn't immune to screaming. It brought back some of the nastiest memories of my early life.

"Know my place you bastard!" Lindy seethed, I could feel her anger radiating from there, "Do not forget that you are indebted to me! You owe me! It was I who looked after you after your disgusting parents decided to kill themselves!"

My eyes widened. Marienne's shoulders became more tense as I noticed him fisting his knuckles, to the point where it had turned white.

Bad move, Lindy.

I gulped as I took his back profile in, fear swirling inside me. My legs were leadened and I wished nothing more than to curl up in a ball and lose myself into the world of beautiful dreams.

A world where nightmares didn't exist.

Even though I knew very well how demonesque Marienne Carlisle Victor can be, for some reason, I felt safer near him. Lindy freed me from his clutch once, then why is it that I feel like that Marienne could protect me?

His aura had something, or maybe it was his eyes or the way he spoke- something about him seemed truly different and it was the kind of different that was making me feel safe.

Hand came behind me as it wrapped around my waist. I became aware of it's owner as I was puller toward his form, the warmth radiating from his body made me want to let go of my conciousness.

"Do not bring that up, Lindy Cardeux. Do not forget that I am the master of this place. I own it and you are under me-" Those words were spoken with vigilant authority, a warning and a tone of maliced laced them.

But I knew he was affected by those words. The way his breathing became heavier than before or the way his jaw clenched...... He was affected more than he was letting on.

"Oh yeah?" She spoke in a mocking voice, "And that would stop me? This girl needs to know her place. She is more worthless than the carpet you are standing on!!"

"Oh really?" Marienne uttered, cold, menacing taunt was clear in his statement, "Your worth is the 150,000 pounds you receive from his mansion. This carpet cost me a nearly 200,000 pounds. And this....." He grabbed me by my arm, enough to twirl me; but not enough to hurt me and moved me in front of him- making me face the seething woman.

"This woman here- is priceless....." He spat with vehemence. I didn't dare to look up, I couldn't because I knew I wouldn't be able to bear the look of hatred that was being thrown at me by Lindy. I felt light-headed, I needed to sleep.

"This woman bears my child in her. My blood; my son. He, sure as hell is worth a lot more than you-" I could feel his glare without even looking up, "I have said this once and I will say this for the very last time, do not intefere with my life. I do not abide by those rules my ancestors made. I am not like them. Leave me alone."

"Do not forget that the responsibility of your marriage was handed over to me by lord Dimitry Carlisle Victor. You are willing to dishonour your grandfather?"

"Dishonoring someone who had left me when I needed him the most doesn't mean anything! I don't care about any of them! You are liars, all of you!" He hollered, his tone breaking at the end.

He really was fighting, wasn't he?

I looked up slowly and then looked Lindy, who had a look of regret plastered all over her as she looked at Marienne. A rush of power surged into me as I took in Marienne's broken form.

I looked into her eyes, letting her know loud and clear that if any harm comes upon my son, she was going to pay for it. I vowed to protect my son and I will do so alone if needed.

She looked into my eyes, her gaze slitting, smoldering- her gaze traveled downwards and fixated over my protuding belly.

"You sure Marienne? That's your baby right?"

My feet froze as I gaped at her.

"If you do not want to be banished for the second time, for the very same reason as it was 31 years ago- I suggest you to leave-" Marienne gritted out, his arms coming around me, steadying my shaking form.

Memories and accusations.... bubbling up.... slowly.....

The colors of the room became more vivid, more contrasting as I closed my eyes. Sweat formed over my forehead, making me shiver.

Lindy's pale face was the last thing I cought before I closed my eyes.

"Y-You c-can't-"

"I can," Marienne..... "And you bet I will."

"You can't bring up- you can't possibly know-"

I heard Marienne chuckle as he wrapped his arms around me securely. Warmth engulfed me as I let myself drown. I felt my body being lifted up...

Or maybe because I was lightheaded?

"Did you honetly think that I wouldn't know? Who is the foolish one now Tante?"

A bubble emerged, from deep within the sea of endless darkness. Then it vanished, into the wave, into the crowd of thousands of bubbles.

And I stared at it through the eyes of my mind as I felt myself let go.....

And then I was flying, higher and higher and higher.....

Rewritten.