Zeus

Chapter 3

"Grandma, I was wrong about everything before. You can hit me if you want, but I'm begging you—please give me the money, or I won't survive!" Merrick cried, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face.

Margaret's heart softened at the sight. She had watched Merrick grow up, and seeing him in this state tore at her. It hurt to see him so desperate. "What do you need that much money for?" she asked.

Merrick broke down, sobbing as his voice trembled. "To pay off gambling debts! I owe 300 thousand. If I don't pay it back, they'll throw me into the sea to feed the sharks."

Margaret felt her chest tighten with heartbreak. She looked at him with disappointment. "So all the money I gave you before—you gambled it all away?"

"Grandma, I deserve to die. I deserve to die a thousand times over. But if you don't help me this time, I'll die. Please, for God's sake, help me just this once!" Merrick said, his voice choked with despair.

Margaret let out a heavy sigh. "Merrick, it's not that I don't want to help you, but I don't have 300 thousand."

"Merrick, I warned you the last time I paid off your gambling debts. I told you not to gamble again. This will be the last time I help you. If there's a next time, you can go die."

Just then, a melodious, feminine tone that carried a commanding presence rang out. The three of them turned to see a stunning blonde woman stepping gracefully out of a sleek black business van. She was followed by a tall, muscular bodyguard.

Asher froze in place, unable to move. Merrick, however, lit up with joy and rushed toward her, grabbing her arms and shaking violently. "Rosalind, I swear, there won't be a next time!"

The woman's eyes were cold, filled with undisguised disgust. She tossed him a bank card. "Take this card and get lost."

"Th... Thank you, Rosalind!" Merrick stammered, clutching the card as if it were his lifeline. He bowed to her repeatedly and then hurried off, afraid she might change her mind.

Asher, meanwhile, stared blankly at the woman before him, his breath catching in his throat.

Her deep eyes, high-bridged nose, full red lips, and exquisitely sculpted features were unmistakable. Everything about her face reminded him of the girl he had known in childhood.

What had changed was her figure. The once slender and delicate girl had grown into a woman of striking beauty and mesmerizing curves.

Her full, round breasts bounced with every step, straining against the thin gauze of her dress as if they might spill free at any moment.

The form-fitting fabric hugged her slim waist tightly, perfectly outlining her flawless figure.

Everything about her screamed perfection. And standing before him now was none other than her third sister, Rosalind Wood, the woman he had longed for, every single day and night.

Asher's eyes filled with tears in an instant. He couldn't stop himself from softly calling out, "Rosalind!"

But Rosalind didn't hear him. She hurried to Margaret's side, gently helping her up and using a tissue to wipe a stain from her clothes. "Grandma, did Merrick hurt you again? He's completely hopeless."

Margaret waved her hand dismissively, a warm smile on her face. "I'm fine. But there's wonderful news today—Asher is back."

With excitement, Margaret pulled Asher forward, eager for Rosalind to recognize him.

The moment Rosalind saw Asher, her body went rigid, and she began to tremble.

"Rosalind!" Overcome with emotion, Asher stepped forward and wrapped her tightly in his arms.

Rosalind didn't respond, but Asher could feel her delicate frame trembling against him.

"Rosalind, I'm back. I'm finally back. We'll never be apart again!" Asher said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Rosalind's trembling grew stronger as she took a shaky breath. "Is it really you, Asher?"

"It's me, Rosalind. It's really me. I've missed you so much," Asher said, his voice soft but filled with longing.

Rosalind inhaled deeply, and her body suddenly stiffened. "Asher, you're holding me too tight. I can't breathe."

Asher quickly let go, stepping back with an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry, Rosalind. I got carried away."

Rosalind adjusted her collar, her expression calm, and extended her hand formally. "Asher, welcome back."

Asher froze for a moment, stunned. There was a politeness in her tone, a distance he hadn't expected.

The thought hit him like a blow. 'Can Rosalind already be married?'

His heart sank as the realization set in. 'Ten years have passed. Even the strongest feelings can fade. And the promises we made as children were just playful words, not meant to last. Why would she take them seriously?'

Asher slowly began to accept the truth. If Rosalind was happy, that was all that mattered.

After exchanging a few polite words, Rosalind withdrew her hand and turned to help Margaret into the house.

During the entire time, she didn't look at Asher again or ask him anything about his life.

A bitter ache settled deeper in Asher's heart. 'Maybe we really have grown apart.'

It wasn't until their small talk ended and Rosalind said goodbye to Margaret that she finally turned to look at him. "Come with me. I need to talk to you."

Asher gave a quiet nod and followed her out of the old house without a word.

Rosalind walked quickly, leading him to the churchyard. There, a single, well-tended grave stood surrounded by blooming flowers.

"Look," Rosalind said, her voice cold and devoid of emotion.

Asher frowned but followed her gaze to the tombstone. His eyes landed on the inscription, the words carved deeply into the stone:

—Beloved Brother Asher

Above it was a photo of him with his nine sisters, taken ten years ago.

"Look closely," Rosalind said, her tone sharp and cold. "My brother Asher died ten years ago. Now tell me—what's your purpose in pretending to be him and getting close to my grandma?"