CHAPTER 440: ROSE WITH THORNS (1)

Rose never had a close friend growing up.

Her teenage years were quiet, and often lonely... a time filled with unspoken insecurities and hidden scars. While others laughed freely in school corridors, Rose tucked away her background, pretending she was just another ordinary girl. She didn’t want the weight of a wealthy name shadowing her. She longed to grow up like a normal child, to make friends who liked her for who she was, not for what she had.

But reality wasn’t always kind.

People weren’t always kind.

And so, her closest friend during those years... had fur.

A black cat named Sparkle — the one creature who had stayed by her side, curled up in her lap as she cried quietly after another rough day. Sparkle was her only comfort when her heart was broken for the first time.

Even now, at twenty-two, her throat would tighten and her eyes would sting whenever she remembered the accident. The memory still haunted her — how Sparkle had darted into the road to save her. How she had cradled his tiny, broken body in her arms, screaming.

He had died protecting her.

That pain left a hole that no one else had ever filled.

Because the boy who had made her heart flutter during that time... had also shattered it. He knew exactly who she was — despite her efforts to live like a normal girl and used her name to impress his friends. She found out too late that he had made a bet... to win her heart and brag about it.

It felt like something out of the sad novels she used to read.

Romance novels were rose escape, her safe place, the only world where love felt pure. Where hearts were protected, not broken. Where someone like her could be seen, held, and treasured.

Now, at twenty-two, Rose had grown into a stunning young woman. After she turned twenty, something shifted. Her teenage hormones settled, her skin cleared, and the delicate beauty that had always been there began to shine. She wasn’t very tall, but not short either — she had long, silky black hair and expressive dark eyes that could hold storms. There was something soft and elegant about her that made people look twice.

She worked quietly as an artist and UI designer. She enjoyed the creative solitude, working from her cozy apartment, sketching and designing between cups of warm tea and Chapters of her favorite books.

She wore oversized hoodies more than dresses, kept her hair in loose braids most days, and found more joy in rainstorms and playlists than parties.

"Rosie!" a voice called out behind her.

She turned, and saw her friend Mia waving with both hands, slightly out of breath. Her cheerful presence stood in contrast to Rose’s gentle quietness and perhaps that’s why they clicked.

"I said no!" Rose sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know how my brother is! If he finds out I went to a place like that—"

"Oh come on," Mia groaned, linking their arms. "It’s just a bar. You’re twenty-two, you’ve never even had a boyfriend. This is tragic, Rosie."

"That’s not tragic," Rose mumbled. "I’m just... selective."

"You’ve never even kissed anyone," Mia said dramatically, clutching her heart. "Rosie, please. For me. For Sparkle. For your imaginary book boyfriends. Just once!"

Rose couldn’t help but laugh softly. Her brother, Sebastian, was indeed terrifying when it came to her safety. He was fiercely protective — of her, of his wife Lilith, and of their daughter. And Rose loved him, she really did. But sometimes... it was like being locked in a gold tower.

Still, Mia was her best friend. They had shared the same dorm in college, helped each other through heartbreak, cramps, failed exams, and growing pains. Mia knew her better than anyone else.

And right now, Mia was looking at her with pleading eyes and an exaggerated pout.

"...Fine," Rose finally whispered.

Mia gasped. "Yes?!"

"But only for an hour," she added quickly. "And no drinking."

"Oh honey," Mia said, already looping their arms tighter. "I brought dresses. You’ll be glowing. And who knows? Maybe your story starts tonight."

Rose rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. She didn’t believe in that kind of magic anymore — not really. But for once, maybe... she could step out of the pages and into her own story.

Even just for a night.

**

Rose stared at the dress Mia pulled out as if she had been asked to commit a crime.

"Mia, no!" she exclaimed, blinking at the silky white-and-gold dress as if it might vanish if she denied it long enough. "This is way too revealing!"

"It’s elegant," Mia insisted, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "White with gold shimmer, off-shoulder, with that soft slit up the leg... I’m telling you, Rosie, it’s divine."

"It’s practically made of air and glitter," Rose muttered, holding it up with two fingers. "And there’s no back!"

"That’s the point!" Mia grinned. "You’ve got this delicate swan body and that innocent face — no one will even notice the slit."

"I’ll notice," Rose said flatly.

"Please," Mia whined dramatically, clasping her hands like she was praying to the gods of fashion. "Just this once. One night of not hiding behind sweaters and overalls."

Rose sighed deeply. She looked at Mia’s hopeful face, then back at the shimmery fabric that felt so not-her. Still... a quiet little voice inside her whispered: Why not?

"...Fine," she mumbled. "Only for tonight."

"Yesss! Okay okay — off with the hoodie!"

Mia turned around to give her privacy as Rose slowly, carefully unzipped the hoodie she had worn like a second skin and stepped out of her soft pajamas. She stood in front of the mirror for a moment, shivering slightly in her underclothes.

Then, gently, she lifted the silky dress over her head. The fabric slid down like liquid, kissing her skin. She guided her arms through the sleeves, pulling it down until the off-shoulder neckline hugged her gently. The bodice fit perfectly — snug at the waist and smooth over her curves.

She smoothed the fabric at her hips and turned slightly in the mirror. The slit up the side swayed when she moved, showing just a hint of her thigh. Not too much. Just enough to make her heart thump.

"Okay," she whispered to herself, her fingers brushing down the side of the dress.

"Done?" Mia peeked.

Rose nodded shyly.