The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 58

<Chapter 52 Protecting Tom

Chapter 52: Protecting Tom

Bella pov

“They are,” I said. “And they always have been.”

25 Points

After Jennifer left, I sat alone in my office, staring at the city below. Somewhere out there, Richard and Margaret were probably already planning their next move, figuring out how to spin this to their advantage, trying to find another way to use Tom for their own benefit.

But I meant what I said. They would never get near my son.

My phone buzzed with a text from Maya: Tom woke up asking about Caleb. Apparently, ‘Mr. Grey Eyes’ is coming back today? He’s been counting on his fingers trying to figure out how many hours until 2 PM.

Despite everything, I smiled. Tom’s innocent fascination with Caleb was both heartwarming and terrifying. He had no idea he was asking about his father, had no concept of the complicated history between us.

I typed back: Yes, Caleb has a visit today., Make sure Tom eats lunch first. He gets cranky when he’s hungry.

Already on it. Also, Bella? Are you okay? You sound stressed.

My parents showed up.

The three dots appeared immediately, then: WHAT? Are you serious? What did they want?

Tom. They want access to their ‘grandson.’ I told them to go to hell.

Good. Want me to hunt them down and give them a piece of my mind?

As satisfying as that sounds, no. Just keep Tom away from them if they show up at the hotel.

They won’t get past me. I promise.

I set down my phone and tried to focus on work, but my hands were still shaking. Seeing my parents again, hearing their voices, watching them try to manipulate me with fake tears and conditional love, it had opened wounds I thought had healed.

But they hadn’t healed. They’d just scarred over, and now the scars were bleeding again.

My phone buzzed with another text, this time from Caleb: I know this is short notice, but would it be okay if I brought something for Tom today? I saw this book about ocean explorers and thought he might like it.

I stared at the message, so different from my parents’ demands and manipulation. Caleb was asking permission, respecting boundaries, thinking about what Tom would enjoy rather than what he could gain.

That’s fine, I typed back. But Caleb, if my parents approach you about Tom, I need you to tell me immediately.

The response came quickly: Your parents? What happened?

They showed up at my office wanting access to their ‘grandson.’ I refused. But they might try to go through

you.

<Chapter 52 Protecting Tom

+25 Points

They won’t get anything from me, Caleb replied. I have my security team flagged to watch for them. Bella, are you okay?

The question was so simple, so genuine, that it made my throat tight.

I’m fine.

That’s not an answer.

It’s the only answer you’re getting.

Three dots appeared and disappeared several times before his final message: Okay. But I’m here if you need anything. Even if it’s just someone to be angry at.

I didn’t respond, just set down my phone and tried to get back to work. But my concentration was shot, my thoughts spinning between my parents’ appearance, Tom’s innocent questions about his grey eyes, and Caleb’s careful respect of my boundaries.

Everything was getting more complicated. And the worst part was, I didn’t know who to trust anymore.Not my parents, obviously. Not Jade, who’d destroyed my life once and would happily do it again.

Not even myself, because part of me, a small traitorous part, had softened when I saw Caleb with Tom. Had seen the genuine emotion in his eyes, the careful way he treated our son, the obvious effort he was making to be better.

But that didn’t mean I could trust him.

It just meant I was weakening.

And that terrified me more than anything.

My intercom buzzed. “Ms. Hart? There’s a delivery for you.”

“What kind of delivery?” I asked, suspicious.

“Flowers,” Jennifer said. “Sunflowers. Should I bring them in?”

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