Chapter 3 Big Brother

There was a soft knock on the door before it slowly opened.

"Can I come in?" Maverick asked, standing in the doorway as Roseline looked up in surprise. She didn't answer right away-she just stared at him, unsure of what to do. Her hands were still holding the book she had been reading, and her eyes were wide with hesitation.

But Maverick didn't wait for her to respond. He pushed the door open farther and stepped inside, walking past her like he owned the space.

"Well, I almost forgot," he said with a calm, sarcastic voice. "This is my house. So I can come into any room I want... right, Roseline?"

Roseline took a quick step back, moving out of his way. She didn't close the door behind him. She just stood there, frozen, watching as Maverick looked around the room.

His eyes moved over the soft cream walls, the polished wooden furniture, the floral curtains blowing gently with the breeze. The room is warm and quiet-too peaceful for his mood.

"I didn't know Dad had this room renovated for you," Maverick said, his voice low. He turned to face her,l. "Do you like how it turned out?"

"Y-Yes," Roseline replied softly, barely able to look him in the eye.

Maverick smirked at her answer, pleased that she didn't call him "big brother" this time. He remembered how much it annoyed him before. At least she had learned that much.

He walked over to her bed and sat down slowly at the edge, resting his elbows on his knees.

"How old are you, Roseline?" he asked without looking at her.

"T-Twenty-two," she replied, still standing by the door, her body tense and her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her blouse.

"Oh... you're still young," Maverick said with a nod. His voice was calm, but there was something cold beneath it. Roseline didn't answer. She just stayed silent, her eyes on the floor, wishing he would leave.

Maverick stood again, walking over to the doorway and leaning against it with his arms crossed over his chest. He stared at her with a thoughtful but sharp expression.

"Where's your father?" he asked suddenly.

Roseline looked up, caught off guard by the question. Her lips trembled slightly. "He... he passed away. A year ago."

"A year ago?" Maverick repeated, his tone sharp now. "Seriously? Your dad's barely gone, and your mom found some replacement?"

Roseline dropped her gaze in shame. She didn't know what to say. It is true. Her father had only been gone a year. Maybe less. And now they were living in another man's house. It was all happening too fast-even for her.

She wanted to defend her mother, to explain how hard things had been. But no words came.

"If I were you, I'd leave this house," Maverick said coldly. His voice wasn't angry-but it cut deep, like ice. It didn't even sound like a suggestion. It sounded like a warning.

Roseline's lips parted, unsure what to say. "Big br-"

"Fuck!" Maverick snapped, his voice suddenly raised. "Didn't I tell you not to call me that? We're not siblings!" Maverick's voice was blaring that it echoed in the hallway, and Roseline flinched as if she'd been hit.

"I-I'm sorry!" she cried, her voice shaking. Without another word, she rushed out of the room, her eyes burning as she tried to hold back tears.

Roseline didn't understand why Maverick hated her so much. She hadn't done anything to him. If it were up to her, she would've left this place the moment they arrived. But she had nowhere else to go. Their old house had been sold to pay off debts. This mansion-this unfamiliar, cold mansion-was now their home, whether she liked it or not.

She hurried down the hallway, wiping her eyes. Her heart was beating too fast, and her hands were freezing.

"Roseline? Sweetheart?" Alodia called from the bottom of the stairs. She rushed up the steps and met her daughter halfway. She grabbed her hands. "Are you alright? You look pale."

"I-I'm fine, Mom," Roseline whispered, trying to sound normal.

But Alodia gently held her hands. "Then why are your hands so cold?"

Roseline didn't know how to answer. She didn't want to worry her mother, but her fear and pain were written all over her face.

"Can we just... leave this place, Mom?" she asked suddenly, her voice full of emotion.

Alodia blinked, confused. "Why, sweetheart? We're doing okay here. Henrik is good to us. He promised to take care of us. We finally have peace again."

"I-I'm scared of Maverick, Mom," Roseline admitted in a small voice. "He's always furious... always shouting."

Alodia's face softened with sympathy. She pulled her daughter into a hug and stroked her hair gently.

"Just ignore him, sweetheart," she whispered. "He'll come around. He's not used to having us here yet. But in time, he will."

Roseline didn't answer. She closed her eyes and let her mother hold her, but deep inside, she wasn't so sure.

Maverick isn't just furious. He is broken-and something about his anger felt far too personal.

Alodia gently brushed her fingers over Roseline's hair as she held her close. She heard her daughter's words clearly-Roseline wanted to leave this place. And part of Alodia wanted to grant that wish. She wanted to take her daughter far away, to a quieter life, far from anger and cold stares.

But deep in her heart, Alodia knew they couldn't leave-not now.

She had made a decision the moment she accepted Henrik's hand. This mansion is their home now. It may not feel like home yet, especially for Roseline, but at least here, she feels her daughter is safe. Here, they had food, comfort, and security. No more unpaid bills, no more hospitals, no more begging for help. Alodia had to stay-for Roseline's future, even if it meant enduring the pain of being unwanted.

Later that evening, Roseline returned to her room. The moment she opened the door and saw it was empty, a small wave of relief washed over her. Maverick is no longer there. The air felt easier to breathe.

She closed the door quietly behind her and leaned against it for a second. Then she walked slowly to her bed and sat down, folding her legs underneath her. Finally, she lay down, hoping for rest. But no matter how much she turned and twisted under the covers, sleep wouldn't come. Her body was tired, but her mind kept spinning.

Each time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Maverick's angry face-the way he had shouted, the look in his eyes that made her heart freeze.

Lying in the dark, she whispered to herself, "What can I do to stop him from being mad at me?"

For a few moments, there was only silence.

Then, an idea slowly came to her. Maybe... maybe I can bring him something. A peace offering? She remembered seeing him earlier, swimming alone in the pool. Maybe he was still there.

Without thinking too much, Roseline got out of bed, tied her robe tighter around her waist, and tiptoed out of the room.

As she quietly came down the stairs, she spotted one of the maids walking across the hallway. The maid was carrying a tray of snacks and drinks.

"I-I'll take that, Miss," Roseline said gently, stepping forward to offer her hands.

The maid looked surprised. "Are you sure, Miss Roseline?"

"Yes, Miss," she replied with a polite smile.

The maid studied her face for a moment, then nodded and handed the tray over.

"All the food he asked for is on the tray," the maid said kindly. "Oh, and just call me Charity. No need for 'Miss.' We're almost the same age."

Roseline nodded. "Alright, Charity. Thank you."

Now holding the tray, Roseline took a deep breath. Her hands trembled slightly, but she steadied herself.

"You can do this, Roseline. You're just bringing food. That's all. He's not going to yell... hopefully," she told herself quietly.

Step by step, she made her way toward the pool area. The lights outside were soft and golden, casting a warm glow over the water. The mansion's pool was massive-almost like something she'd see at a sports center. And there, in the water, was Maverick. He was swimming laps, his strokes smooth and powerful.

He hadn't noticed her yet.

Roseline carefully placed the tray on the small glass table near one of the lounge chairs. She made sure nothing spilled and stood silently, unsure of what to do next.

Then Maverick's head broke the surface of the water. He ran a hand through his wet hair and looked around. When he spotted Roseline, his expression immediately changed.

"Why did you bring the food?" he asked coldly, walking out of the pool. Water dripped from his body as he grabbed a towel and slung it over his shoulders. He wore only boxer shorts, and Roseline quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I... I asked the maid if I could bring it myself," she answered quietly, staring at the ground.

Maverick raised an eyebrow and smirked, sitting down on one of the poolside chairs.

"Why?" he asked, as he picked up a glass of juice and took a sip.

"I just..." Roseline paused, twisting her fingers nervously. "I don't want you to be mad at me anymore. I get scared when you yell. I promise I won't cause trouble. I'll be careful not to be a burden. I just... I just want things to be peaceful. Please don't shout at me again."

Her voice was shaky, but she forced herself to speak honestly. Maverick leaned back in the chair, letting her words sink in. He didn't say anything for a moment. Then he placed the glass down and looked straight at her.

"You think it's that easy?" he asked bitterly. "You and your mom just walk into this house, like it's yours. And now I'm expected to smile, to accept it-while my own mother is still out there suffering?"

Roseline's chest tightened. She lowered her head, her heart sinking.

She now understood, fully and clearly-Maverick's anger wasn't just about her. It was about everything he had lost. Everything that had changed. She wasn't his enemy... but to him, she is a reminder of pain.