Chapter 588
Chapter 588:
Her body shook like a leaf caught in a gale, fists clenched so hard that the knuckles turned ghostly white as she continued, “Have you forgotten what that monster did to me? He violated me — and now you want me to go back to him like a lamb to slaughter p>
Memories of Mariana’s betrayal flared behind her eyes, raw and burning. Rosanna looked at her parents with a fury so cold that it could crack glass. “You want to throw me away, too? Am I so filthy, so shameful to you that you’d rather pawn me off to the highest bidder?” Each word was a blade, slicing through Sandra’s composure.
Her eyes flooded with tears as she reached out, but Rosanna recoiled, as if her mother’s touch might sear her skin.
“It’s not what you think, Rosanna,” Sandra pleaded, her voice shaking. “Please, just hear us out.” Her hand hovered in midair, unable to bridge the widening gap.
Sensing the situation spiraling out of control, Richard stepped in, gripping Rosanna’s wrist with urgency. “Rosanna, I know it’s unbearable, but Axell is the only person left who can help us now.” He drew in a long breath, and when he spoke again, it was with desperation. “If you agree to marry him, he’s willing to provide a letter of clemency for Jarrod. He’s your brother — don’t you want to save him? The Nelsons are a powerful family in Wront, and with them behind you, your future won’t be lost.” His words came hard, cold as stone but edged with pleading. “Do you plan to carry this shame forever? To grow old alone, judged by whispers and half-truths? Your mother and I already visited the Nelsons. They’re ready. The moment you say yes, the wedding can happen. The rumors will die. Your name will be cleared. Jarrod will be freed. Isn’t that worth something p>
It pained him to spell it out like this, but reality had no sugar to offer.
He tightened his grip, his tone turning stern as he looked into Rosanna’s reddened eyes. “Rosanna, wake up — this is the best hand we’ve been dealt p>
Unforgettable stories on gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․ço𝗺
Rosanna stood stunned, her heart thudding like a war drum.
She looked at the man before her, but he felt like a stranger. It all became clear — their deal with Axell, her value weighed and traded like currency.
“You’re selling me!” she screamed. “You’re selling me off like cattle!” She tried to wrench herself free, but days without food had stolen her strength.
Sandra panicked, seizing Rosanna’s other arm. “Rosanna, stop talking nonsense! We’re doing this for you — for all of us! Please, don’t be crazy p>
“I’m not crazy!” Rosanna shouted, her voice hoarse with rage. “I see everything clearly for once! You want to sacrifice me to save Jarrod — your son. But what about me? Am I not your daughter? Do I not deserve dignity? Or am I just the price you pay for his freedom p>
Her fight ebbed, as if her spirit had burned out all at once.
Rosanna sank to the floor like a puppet with its strings cut.
Her arms, still gripped by her parents, hung in the air like chains — shackles forged by family.
She looked up and gave a bitter smile, hollow and haunting. “Maia took everything from me. And now, you want to finish the job p>
Richard and Sandra immediately dropped Rosanna’s hands, their expressions clouding over at her remark.
“That’s not what we’re trying to say, Rosanna!” Richard protested, his jaw clenched as he tried to explain. “Think about it for a second. Would we ever hurt you on purpose? Everything we’re doing is for you, for Jarrod, and for this family’s future p>
Rosanna’s entire frame trembled before her arms fell limp at her sides. “You’re doing this for me? Is that what you call this?” Her voice cracked as she let out a burst of manic laughter.
Axell flashed through her mind, the very man that she’d deliberately set up as a trap for Maia, convinced that she could use him to destroy her.
How could she not know what kind of person he was?