Love In Our Ruin

Shattered Trust

Silence enveloped the night. By the dim light of the nightlight, Rose gazed at Levin, fast asleep beside her. A smile played across her serene face. The air she breathed carried the scent of her husband’s body. Her fingers moved through the air, tracing every contour of the face she longed to touch.

“When will you smile again? I miss your smile,” she murmured.

The night passed quickly, and those green eyes finally opened.

“I've laid out your clothes,” said Rose, who was already dressed. “I'll wait for you at the dining table.”

The man nodded when he woke up, and Rose's smile returned. She had never had such a pleasant morning in her life.

The car began to move, carrying Rose and Levin.

“I'm glad I didn't see him this morning,” Levin muttered as he opened his work documents.

“You're lucky today,” Rose replied.

“Rose,” the call made her heart race. “What did you...what did you do to fix the hydrogen core?”

John could see a small smile in the rearview mirror. “My meeting with the investors went well.”

“What did you offer them to make everyone drop their claims?” Levin’s curiosity brought her joy.

“I promised them success.” She replied confidently.

The man met her gaze. “I'll do the same for you.”

There was no hatred or anger in his eyes.

*****

After putting on lab coats and other protective gear, Rose and John were given a tour of the lab by the researchers to see the progress of their major project.

“How efficient are we at separating this hydrogen?” Rose asked, looking at the equipment around her.

“Currently, our efficiency is only at 30–40 percent,” a researcher replied.

“Can we continue everything here? Do you need a new space?” Rose stopped in her tracks, causing everyone else to stop as well.

“I don't think so. We can continue everything here. There might be a few pieces of equipment that we’ll need to replace.”

“All right, let's continue here.” She started walking again. “What equipment do you need?”

“We need the latest-generation proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. With that device, we can increase gas separation efficiency while reducing energy loss during the compression stage. If the pressure from the source is optimal, the final result will be much more stable.”

Rose nodded in understanding. “What about the issue of metal brittleness in the reactor core?”

“We've been using a 316L stainless steel alloy with a special polymer coating. This material has been tested under high pressure and has demonstrated stable resistance to hydrogen atom penetration.” Rose was satisfied with the answer she received.

Her visit to the lab was over, and now she was in the car. John, sitting in the front seat, watched Rose, who was lost in her thoughts.

“Is the price of the new equipment a burden for you?” John asked.

“Investors aren't willing to put up any more money.” She let out a heavy sigh.

“Are you going to use the Wilsons’ money?”

“No. I won’t let my father get involved.” Rose rested her head in her hands.

“Then what are you going to do?” John wanted to be sure.

“I'll dip into all my savings until this project succeeds.” She looked out the window.

The car they were riding in entered the company grounds. John asked the driver to slow down.

“Rose, wake up.” Rose was roused from her slumber by John’s urgent voice. “Do you intend to meet Liana Collin at the office?”

Rose's attention immediately turned outward when she saw Liana walking toward the lobby. Levin and Hendrick were just leaving the building.

“Stop her!” Rose ordered.

Without waiting for the car to stop, John got out immediately to prevent Hendrick and Liana from meeting.

*****

The sun had already set, and Rose was completely engrossed in her work and the decisions she had made to ensure the project’s success. Then, John’s arrival made her realize something.

“Have they gone home yet?” Rose asked, taking off her glasses.

“It’s safe for you to see her now,” John replied.

Rose stood up to meet Liana, whom she had been holding back.

The echo of her heels filled the empty art gallery.

“Do you feel the pain in that painting?” she asked, standing beside Liana.

They stood in front of Pablo Picasso’s painting, The Three Dancers.

“The pain of rejection and betrayal, where true love is repaid with a marriage.”

Liana turned to face Rose, her gaze sharp. “Why are you holding me here?”

“I’m protecting my husband.” Her eyes were still fixed on the painting.

“Protecting him? Are you kidding me?” Liana was starting to get annoyed by Rose’s cold demeanor.

“Do you know the difference between you and me?” She finally looked at the person she was speaking to. “Your cheap love will drag him down to ruin. As for me, my love will elevate him to the highest heights—something you’ll never be able to give him.”

She stepped closer until they were mere inches apart. “Stop acting like a beggar. You’re just asking for his love and attention without knowing what he’s going through.”

Liana’s voice caught in her throat, and tears began to well up in her eyes. Rose’s cruel, harsh gaze wounded her pride.

“Everyone says you're a smart journalist. You should know what to do.”

After saying that, Rose left, leaving Liana to cry in the vast exhibition hall.

*****

The car slowly pulled up in front of the mansion, and Rose gazed at the front door for a moment. The heaviness she always felt now seemed lighter. She gave a small smile because Levin was inside.

“Rose.” Her steps halted when she heard Hendrick call her name. "Sit down and keep me company while I finish this wine.”

“I'm sorry. I can't keep you company.”

“Sit down!” Hendrick wouldn't take no for an answer.

Reluctantly, she sat down across from her father.

“What about the hydrogen core you’re working on?” Hendrick poured wine into her glass. “Is everything going smoothly?”

“Is everything okay?”

“Really? Then why do you want to liquidate all the assets I gave you?” Hendrick took a sip of his drink.

“Those assets weren't a gift from you. They're mine.” Rose straightened her back to keep from falling.

“Are you willing to go broke to protect her?” Hendrick sneered.

“That's better.”

In response to her answer, wine splashed across her face.

“I let you destroy Stuart Corp, not to watch you go broke.” Hendrick’s anger began to show.

She swallowed her pride. “Lower your voice. You'll disturb Levin.”

Hendrick smirked. “He's already behind you.”

‘Thud’

The news instantly filled her chest with fear. She clenched her fists tightly and didn't dare turn around.

“Is the current collapse of Stuart Corp your doing?” Levin’s deep voice sounded behind her.

“No, because all decisions rest with Edward Stuart.” Rose tried to remain calm despite her fear.

Hendrick poured more wine into his glass. “Decisions he made under your pressure.”

Levin roughly pulled her arm and led her away from Hendrick, who was smiling contentedly as he savored the wine in his hand.

He released her when they reached the room.

“Explain everything to me. What have you done to my family?” He could no longer contain his anger.

Rose tried to steady the tremors she felt in her body. “I told him how amazing and powerful it would be to have a hydrogen core project. I tempted him with the idea of having full control over the energy it generates. I blinded him to its power.”

“You know Stuart Corp isn't capable of doing all that. You know that.” Levin cornered Rose until her back touched the wall. “But you did it anyway.”

“I did it because I wanted you.” Rose's reply was met with a tight chokehold around her neck.

He paid no heed to her gasping breaths. “You destroyed everything I had just to have me?”

“I...I'm fixing the mess he made.” Rose tried to break free from his grip.

“What are you trying to fix? My family? The hydrogen core? That’s not fixing, that’s building a ladder to control everything.” Levin released his grip, slamming Rose to the floor.

“I regret ever thinking you were someone I could trust.”

The slam of the door shattered all of Rose’s defenses, and tears began to fall, streaming down her face. She curled up on the floor, holding back her sobs.

To Be Continued~~~