The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Jiang Meilin lay in bed, her mind a whirl of emotions. The events of the previous night replayed in her head like a broken record, each scene vivid and intense. She could still feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, the sharp clarity of what she felt, and the lingering warmth of Zhao Jingshen's kiss.
As the quiet of morning settled around her, the thrill faded, replaced by a heavy sense of introspection. Meilin stared at the ceiling, her body still but her mind racing. "What am I doing?" she wondered. Last night had been a stark reminder of the life she had left behind—her real life as Rosie Blackwood, a life always teetering on the edge of darkness.
She had embraced the identity of Jiang Meilin, living as a struggling artist with a simple life, to escape the shadows that had once consumed her. But as she dipped back into her old world, she felt the irresistible pull of Rosie Blackwood, the ruthless, calculating heiress who could break a man's spirit with nothing more than words. The thrill of it both exhilarated and terrified her.
Meilin turned on her side, curling up slightly as if trying to protect herself from the reality closing in on her. 'Zhao Jingshen.' Just thinking about him made her heart ache with a confusing mix of emotions. She had let him have a glimpse of her world last night, shown him a side of herself that was the real her and instead of recoiling in fear or disgust, he had leaned into it, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
But how much of her past could she truly share with him? How much did she want to share? The Rosie Blackwood that Zhao Jingshen saw last night was just the tip of what she was capable of and not the woman he had fallen for... Or was she? Meilin wasn't even sure where Jiang Meilin ended and Rosie Blackwood began anymore. She had been living this double life for so long that the lines had blurred.
Meanwhile, across town, Zhao Jingshen awoke in his own bed, the soft sheets feeling foreign after the thrill of the night before. The morning light filtered through the windows, and he blinked against the brightness, a slow smile spreading across his face as the memories came rushing back. Rosie Blackwood had taken him on a wild ride, and he had loved every second of it. He didn't care if the person she tortured was his family member or not. He was just glad that she brought him along and did not hide her real self from him.
But now, in the cool light of morning, Jingshen couldn't help but reflect on what he had witnessed. The woman he had come to care for was far more complex, far more dangerous, than he had ever imagined. Last night, she had been terrifying and magnificent, and he had felt a deep sense of awe watching her work. But he couldn't ignore the darker undercurrents that had emerged, the ruthless precision with which she had dismantled Jun Hao's psyche. He couldn't help but think about the information he had come to know about Rosie Blackwood. He found it hard to believe that such a tiny and beautiful woman could carry such a reputation in the underworld. If anyone could make him fall in love with her, it was Rosie Blackwood, and Fate had made their path cross.
As he lay there, Jingshen considered the implications of what he had seen. He knew she was capable of things that most people couldn't even imagine, let alone execute with such ease. But that was part of what drew him to her, wasn't it? The mystery, the danger, the beauty she wielded so effortlessly.
Yet, there was a small part of him that was unsettled. Could he truly be with a woman who had such darkness within her? How would he protect her? Since she was so capable, will she really need him or will she eventually leave him behind? He had built his life on control, on order, on being the master of his own destiny. But Rosie Blackwood was like a force of nature, unpredictable and untamable. Could he navigate the storm that came with loving her? And more importantly, could he ever truly know her if she kept so much of herself hidden?
Zhao Jingshen pushed the thoughts aside as he got out of bed, his feet sinking into the plush carpet. He needed to see her, to talk to her, to understand what last night meant for both of them. He had no intention of walking away, but he needed to know if Rosie felt the same. Did she see a future for them, or was she too bound by her past to fully embrace what they could have together? He felt her reluctance when she told him she was going back on her acceptance, although she played it off as a joke, but something told him that she was not joking and if he doesn't push for it, he might lose her. he decided to step up his game.
As Rosie finally dragged herself out of bed, she moved to the window, looking out at the city below. The world was waking up, unaware of the battle raging within her. She knew she had to make a decision. She could continue to keep Zhao Jingshen at arm's length, protecting him from the full truth of who she was, or she could tell him everything so that she can protect him. she had told him her real name and his lack of questions had shown that he had an idea of what she really is, but would he be willing to leave everything behind for her?
With a sigh, Rosie turned away from the window, her reflection in the glass catching her eye. The woman staring back at her was a stranger, a blend of Jiang Meilin's softness and Rosie Blackwood's fierceness. She had promised to spend the day at Zhao Jingshen's office today, all that was left for the paintings for the gala was just finishing touches. The gala was only a few days away now and she was right on track. She would also be using these paintings to enter the Golden brush award competition and that meant that she didn't have long to remain in Xia city.
As she dressed, her mind was made up. She would tell Zhao Jingshen everything after the gala, and if he decided to stay, then there would be no going back. Although, The Lian family still gave her a nagging feeling, they had yet to make any moves and from what she knew, there was no way they would let the cancellation of Zhao Jingshen's engagement with Lian Fei go. She let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding.
Across town, Zhao Jingshen was already on his way to the office, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead, he was looking forward to spending the day with Jiang Meilin. He didn't have all the answers, but he knew one thing for certain: he wasn't ready to let Rosie Blackwood go. Whatever darkness she carried, whatever secrets she held, he was determined to face them with her.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, both Meilin and Jingshen steeled themselves for the day ahead, knowing that the choices they made in the coming days would shape not only their futures but the very essence of who they were and who they could become together.