After their conversation ended, Alex bid Rosalena farewell and left for his estate.
As the grand duke's son disappeared into the distance, Rosalena returned to the drawing room, where her father and brother sat, watching her intently.
She didn't like the way they were staring.
Like they were about to interrogate her.
She sighed, settling into her chair.
Then—
Her father broke the silence.
"Dear… since when did you become this close to Alex?"
Rosalena nearly choked on air.
"W-What?"
Her brother nodded, arms crossed.
"Yes, Rosalena. I saw you with him at the Crown Prince's birthday ball." His eyes narrowed. "I also heard something interesting."
Rosalena raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Her brother leaned forward.
"Alex doesn't even like women."
Silence.
Rosalena blinked.
"I—what?"
"It's true," her father added. "He has never attended any ball, never shown interest in anyone… yet suddenly, he not only comes to a ball but approaches you first?"
Her brother's gaze turned sharp.
"Tell me, did he force you?"
Rosalena let out a deep sigh, rubbing her temples.
"No, no, it's nothing like that."
Both men stared harder.
She felt like she was being grilled alive.
"Look," she continued. "I know you're both worried, but he was just concerned about my health. And don't forget—he was the one who saved me from the monsters."
Her father and brother exchanged glances.
Then—
Silence.
A long, awkward silence.
Rosalena hesitated, her ruby eyes darting between them.
Then, she said it.
"Don't be like that… Daddy."
BOOM.
Her father froze.
Her brother froze.
The entire room froze.
Rosalena frowned.
What's wrong?
Her father's lips trembled. His eyes shimmered—
With tears.
Her brother's mouth fell open in shock.
Rosalena shifted uncomfortably.
"…What?"
Her father suddenly grabbed her hands, his face filled with overwhelming emotion.
"Rosalena… say it again."
She blinked.
"…Say what?"
"Call me 'Daddy' again." His voice was shaky, hopeful.
Rosalena blinked twice.
This was getting weird.
"Daddy?"
Her father burst into tears.
"SAY IT EVERY DAY."
Rosalena flinched.
What just happened?
Her brother leaned closer, studying her.
His voice was serious.
"Rosalena… you've changed."
She tensed.
"What?"
"You never talk to us like this." His gaze darkened. "You barely spoke to us before. And now, all of a sudden, you're calling Father 'Daddy'?"
Rosalena swallowed.
Uh-oh.
Her brother was getting suspicious.
And for the first time…
She didn't know how to answer.