Chapter 73. Denial

ROSE

We stood staring at each other for what felt like an eternity as I began to nod my head. “Fine, your anger and hate are warranted, but I won’t have you accuse me of throwing myself at you, Valerio,” I said calmly, trying not to sound desperate.

“I didn’t think that you were,” he drawled sarcastically, tucking his hand in his pocket, his gaze fixed on me. “I mean, I don’t care what you do...” He chuckled bitterly. “I'm just pissed that my brother played some trick to bring me here,” he completed, pausing, seemingly waiting for me to respond with more hurtful words.

“But he just ruined my mood by bringing me here,” he said, his eyes filled with disdain, leaving me swallowing hard.

“Do you hate me that much?”

“I don’t have time for this,” he replied, still staring at me, contradicting his words by his unwavering attention.

“I did everything for your happiness, Valerio,” I started to say desperately.

“I didn’t think you were an expert to decide what was good for me and what wasn’t,”