Quote of the Chapter

"You give me the kind of feelings people write about in novels." 

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Song of the Chapter

  I, I loved you in spite of
Deep fears that the world would divide us
So, baby, can we dance
Oh, through an avalanche?
And say, say that we got it
I'm a mess, but I'm the mess that you wanted
Oh, 'cause it's gravity
Oh, keeping you with me  

Dancing With Our Hands Tied by Taylor Swift

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Cast of the Chapter

Unavailable

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EDITED

Rose's Point of View

"You didn't have to punch him!" I said loudly. 

Dimitri ignored my words and asked, "What would you like to have for dinner?"

"Don't change the subject! You caused a scene and I nearly lost my job. I was this close, Dimitri- this close," I said as we walked on the sidewalk looking for dinner. But I was too caught up with what happened. The guitarist decided to be an idiot and challenged Dimitri by pulling me across the table. Dimitri was not very good with self-control and broke the guitarist's nose with one blow. Victor came out again and got angry with what happened, but he calmed down because of Dimitri's presence. I was so close to losing my job if it wasn't for Dimitri. He soon learned that Dimitri and I were dating and didn't fire me.

"You can work for me," he said bluntly.

I stopped walking and placed my hands on my hip glaring at him. "Don't you dare ever suggest such a thing. Your mom is already on my tail and working as your employee would make things worse. I want to get into the music industry, Dimitri, and the last time I checked, your family isn't really into the music stuff."

He smiled and said, "There's got to be a first time. Now what would you like to have for dinner?" I sighed and threw my hands up. "Anything. I'm starving," I said, faintly hearing my stomach grumble in response. 

"How about Chinese?" He asked, looking at me for my approval of his idea.

I nodded and we walked hand-in-hand to an old Chinese restaurant. It looked like a place I could actually afford to buy food. It was nice to be in a place less luxurious. We went inside and the restaurant was packed with people. The smell of Chinese food filled my nostrils and I knew I was close to satisfying my hunger. We squeezed through all the people and found a small little table. Dimitri, on the other hand, looked like he was suffocating from the lack of oxygen. I could easily understand why. It was definitely not one of those upper-class restaurants. The air conditioner didn't seem to be working and the heat of the food and people seemed to be gathered in one little room.

A waiter came and rudely dropped a menu on our table leaving us a bit dumbstruck. Lovely service. Dimitri opened the menu and asked, "Do you want to try gong bao chicken?" I nodded. Anything. I smiled and said, "Order wontons for me too." 

I trusted Dimitri to choose good food for me and left him in charge of the menu. The waiter came back and scribbled our order down in an amazing speed. After he repeated what we ordered, he disappeared into the kitchen. "You're really into the Asian stuff, aren't you?" I said, smiling at him.

He shrugged and said, "It tastes good to me. I like it. I've never been to this restaurant, though. It's a bit crowded, but never hurts to try something new." 

"Thanks for helping out today," I said, appreciating his care for me. He held my hand across the table and we let silence fall on between us. Then a woman came forward and my heart stopped for a few seconds.

Dimitri's mom.

Dimitri saw his mother and immediately stood up, not letting go of my hand. She narrowed her eyes at me and asked, "Have you lost your mind, Dimitri?" I felt the need for the ground to swallow me at her disapproving gaze. 

"Leave us alone, mother. You have no right to interfere with my personal life," he said. His words made my heart do a little happy dance. 

She sighed and said, "This relationship won't last long with the upcoming marriage. Break it off, Dimitri. Don't drag poor Rose into this. Trust me."

"You're the one who's dragging Rose into this. You're the one who's making everything harder than it has to be. I'll make it very simple. I can't marry Matilda Titus. But I can promise you partnership with Titus Corp."

"Do you know why I accepted Matilda even though she has a love affair with that young man? Because he is going to die anyway and I don't want partnership with Titus Corp. I want to merge our businesses together and take down our rivalries. This is the price you have to pay if you want power."

"I don't want power," he said. "You've been making me accomplish your dreams, not mine. I have always wanted an ordinary life-"

"An ordinary life? Don't you realize how blessed you are, my dear son? Having five sports car parked in your garage is not good enough? Having your own private jet is not good enough? Being one of the most eligible bachelors in the world is not good enough? Being my only son is not good enough? Have I not given you everything? If you really want to have an ordinary life, I would have to disown you," She said, anger dripping off of her words. 

I sat in my chair uncomfortably and wished someone could get me out of this situation as soon as possible. Dimitri's grip on my hand tightened and I winced at the pain. Olena looked at me and asked, "Do you want me to disown my only son, Rosemarie?" I glanced back and forth between Olena and Dimitri. 

My answer was clear as the sky.

No.

"Leave her out of it," he said, his voice deep with pure anger. I looked at Dimitri hoping me would let go of me. 

"Dimitri, you're hurting me!" I exclaimed, and he instantly let go of me. He gently held my hand and his expression softened. 

"Oh, look, Dimitri. You're hurting her. Now lovers don't hurt each other. Let go of her, Dimitri. You're hurting her," she said and walked out of the restaurant. Her words had a deep meaning. I blinked away my tears and stood up pulling my hand from Dimitri. He looked at me and said, "Rose-"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to disagree with your mother," I said, my voice shaking. I didn't want to lose him, but I didn't want both of hurting either.

He pulled me into tight hug and said, "It's not your fault. I'll find a way for both of us. Please trust me and don't let go." I nodded against his chest, my appetite completely gone. Then our dinner was served and we ate dinner in silence. Dimitri was deep in thought and I knew that he wasn't keen on going back home to face his mother.

"Would you like to stay a little while at my place?" I asked gently.

He looked at me and said, "Yeah, sure."

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I got ready for bed wearing an over-sized tee and a pair of shorts. I walked to my bed and found Dimitri on the couch. With a sigh, I woke him up and said, "The bed's big enough for both of us. It's fine. I'm sure you're not going to murder me in my sleep." He was tired and I was, too.

He nodded and took off his shoes climbing into my bed. I undone my hair and climbed in next to him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I blushed momentarily. It did not take long for me fall asleep in the arms of Dimitri.

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Vasilisa's Point of View

"Vasilisa, what are you doing at two in the morning?" Mom asked, coming down the stairs into the kitchen where I was. I couldn't sleep because my mind was still worked up by a certain boy. Christian Ozera. Wickedly handsome and icy in his own way.

I rubbed my eyes and said, "I couldn't sleep."

"Did you try counting sheep?" She asked, joking. I smiled and noticed that she was wearing an office dress. I frowned and asked, "What about you, Mom?"

She passed me a smile and said, "I have a patient at the hospital that I need to take a look at. I scheduled a liver transplant for her for tomo-today actually. I need to get there and make sure everything's ready." I nodded with a smile. Mom and her desire to really help people. Both of my parents were doctors and sometimes hardly stayed at home.

She came over and kissed my cheek. "Drink a glass of milk and get to bed, darling. You have school. Oh, and a young man named Christian Ozera called. He was asking for you. His gentleman-like manners are impressive. He asked my permission to work with you about some camp at Lake Sunny Hill. Beautiful place. I wonder if he is from the same Ozera fam-"

"He is, Mom," I answered cutting her off. 

She smiled and said, "That's wonderful. Anyway, darling, I have to get going now." With a kiss on my cheek, she left home off to the work she loved and I was left to wonder what Christian was playing at.

Asking for Mom's permission?

What are you up to, Christian?

I drank some milk and went back to bed feeling tired. The alarm went off and I simply hated it. I woke up with a pounding headache and a very grumpy mood. I dragged myself out of bed and got a message from Rose. 

Rose: Don't need a lift today. See u @school 

I immediately wondered how she was getting to school. Dimitri called yesterday and asked where Rose was. Somehow I had a feeling that he was going to give Rose a lift. Which reminded me that I was looking forward to the New York trip with Rose. She will be busy on Sunday and Monday, but Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be off for her. Three days! We could go sightseeing, unless Dimitri takes her away on a romantic trip. With a small smile, I took a quick shower and got dressed. I chose a dark orange dress letting my hair down freely. 

I went downstairs and saw dad at the kitchen island. I kissed his cheek and said, "Good morning, Daddy."

"Good morning, sweetheart. Do you want me to drop you off or you wanna drive?" He asked, drinking a cup of warm milk. I ate the breakfast that Dad prepared for me and said, "I'll drive to school today. I have to pick Mia up too."

"Mom told me about some boy calling you," he started to say. I looked up from my breakfast slowly knowing exactly who he was talking about.

He looked stern and asked, "Who does he think he is, calling for my daughter?" I cringed and said, "Good question, Daddy. I've been wondering about that, too." I quickly put my plate in the sink and literally ran to my car. If I stayed long, I was going to hear another lecture on boys and their true intentions from Dad. Definitely did not want to hear that again. Once was enough. 

I picked Mia up and she was busy texting on her phone.

"Are we going to pick up Rose?" Mia asked, looking up from her phone.

I shook my head and said, "No, I suspect that Dimitri is going to pick her up today."

"So they're official?" 

I smiled and said, "Yes, he asked her yesterday." I was excited for her. They were perfect for each other, but Dimitri's mother seemed to disapprove of the relationship. Anyway, I shipped them. We arrived at school and I found Christian standing by my parking spot. 

"You got company, Lis. Good luck," Mia said and got out leaving me to face Christian. I scowled and got out glaring at him. I slammed the door shut and stormed over to him. He smirked and I said, "You called my mom?!"

He chuckled and said, "She seems pretty fond of me." I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Don't let him get to you, Lissa. I sighed and said, "We can have the camp at Lake Sunny Hill-"

"Come with me," he said, making me frown.

"Where?" I demanded to know.

"Lake Sunny Hill. We ought to check the place out first."

I'm dead.

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Happy New Year!!!!

Posted on the last day of 2017. Buckle your seat belts, people! 2018 is coming!!!!! Surprise chapter! I wish happiness for all of you wonderful people! Tell me what you think of the chapter here, okay? I wanna know. 

Thank you so much for being my friend. 

I love you all and the wonderful comments you guys leave. 

Iris