Fractured Hearts

chapter10

Dominic walked into the living room, a smile on his face as Liam ran to greet him. "Dad!"

Dominic scooped him up in a warm hug. "Here you go, buddy." As he set Liam down, he handed him a chocolate. But Liam's face was downcast, and Dominic's expression turned concerned. "What's wrong?" He asked, his brow furrowed.

"Mum…" Liam began, his voice trailing off.

Dominic's worry spiked. "Mum? What's wrong with her? Where is she?" He pressed, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. Liam's hesitation only fueled his concern, and he knelt beside him. "Tell me, what's going on?"

Liam's eyes dropped, his voice laced with guilt. "You told me always to make her happy, but I disappointed you. I asked to see the guy from the funeral, but Mom said no. She said he's a bad guy."

Dominic's curiosity was piqued. "Which guy?"

Liam's face lit up with a mix of sadness and determination. "Archie. He looked down. I wanted to encourage him and cheer him up, but Mom said no. She shouted at me and ran into her room,"

Liam's voice cracked, his apology heartfelt. "Im sorry I let you down, Dad."

Dominic patted Liam's head reassuringly. "It's okay, buddy. You didn't let me down. I'm still proud of you." His words eased some of Liam's guilt, and he smiled warmly at him. "It's late, go to bed. I will talk to Mom. Don't worry."

Liam wrapped his arms around Dominic, his small voice muffled against his chest. "Good night, Dad."

Dominic held him tight, his voice warm. "Good night, sleep well." As Liam pulled away and headed to his room, he watched him go, a soft smile on his face, and after Liam's door closed, he shed his jacket, tossing it onto the sofa.

He made his way to Rosie's room, knocking gently on the door. "Rosie?"

Rosie's face was streaked with tears, but she hastily wiped them away, forcing a smile onto her face. She opened the door, her voice bright. "Welcome. How was the meeting?"

Dominic's expression was serious, and he didn't return her smile. Instead, he walked straight to the bed, his eyes locked on hers. "Is this the right thing to do?" He asked, his question hanging in the air like a challenge.

Rosie's response was uncertain, her tone barely above a whisper. "Hun?"

"Rosie, where is the version of you who has been living a great life?" He asked, his voice laced with concern. "You promised Nelson you'd be happy. Is this what you call happiness?"

His questions cut deep, his words piercing her emotional armor. It unlocked a dam of emotions, and Rosie's tears burst forth, uncontrollable and overwhelming.

Dominic's expression softened, and he stood up, walking closer to her. He took her hand, guiding her gently to the bed, where he sat her down. Kneeling before her, he cradled her hand in his.

"Let it out," he whispered, his voice a gentle encouragement. "Tears are natural, sometimes, they're unstoppable. Cry all you want, and let your sadness come out with the tears,"

As she wept, he watched, his eyes filled with compassion. After a moment, he gently wiped away her tears. "It's okay…" he said, his voice soothing, but the tears streamed down Rosie's face; a relentless flow that seemed impossible to stem.

"If this continues, you're wasting your time, tears, and you'll hurt your eyes," he pointed out, his tone soft but pragmatic. "And before you do that, ask yourself if those people are worth it,"

His words had an almost instantaneous effect, and Rosie's tears slowed to a stop, as if she'd suddenly realized the futility of her emotional outpouring. His grip on her tightened, his eyes locking onto hers with a deep sincerity.

"Rosie, I know it hurts, but you need to be happy. Be happy for yourself. You have to be happy for Liam; he needs you more than anyone in this world…" His words were a balm to her soul; a reminder of her strength and resilience.

His voice dropped to a whisper as he continued, "what's broken can be mended. What hurts can be healed. And no matter how dark it gets, the sun is going to rise again."

"Rosie, I can't feel your pain, but I understand it's difficult to forget. But all you have to do is take your mind off their existence," he said. "Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person can make you happy unless you decide to be happy…"

"Your happiness will not come to you; it can only come from you. You have to be happy. You must be happy now that you're back to stay. There's no way you won't cross paths with them, and you can't let them see you sad or weak."

"Back to stay?" She repeated, her response was immediate and adamant. "I'm not staying here. I'm going back once the funeral is over."

"You'll stay. You have to stay, unless you're willing to lose your position."

Rosie's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The meeting today was with the shareholders, and it didn't go well," he explained. "They're requesting to see the new president, and I couldn't stall them any longer."

Rosie's curiosity was piqued. "Why?"

"You're the president, but Nelson was the one running things," he explained. "Now that he's gone, they're worried about the organization's future. They want to see you, hear your plans, and get a sense of your vision."

Rosie took a deep breath, her eyes dropping as she hesitated. "But; "

Dominic cut her off, his voice persuasive. "No buts, Rosie. You're the president. It's time to step up and show them what you're made of. You can't hide forever. It's time to shine, to prove yourself and your worth to them."

Rosie shook her head, her doubts were evident in her voice. "I don't think I can do this, Dominic. I can't…"

He took her hands, his grip firm. "You can do this. Don't let self-doubt mess with your head. You're enough, Rosie… I've got your back. I'll never leave you. I'll guide and protect you; no matter what."

"What about Liam?" She muttered.

"He can stay here… but if you don't want him to stay, I'll send him back and enroll him in a boarding school." Dominic replied, but Rosie shook her head emphatically.

Rosie's face lit up with relief. "That's a good idea."

Dominic sighed, his eyes searching hers. "So, what's your conclusion?"

Rosie's breath escaped slowly as she met Dominic's gaze, her eyes locking onto his. "Dominic..." she whispered, her voice a gentle murmur. She inhaled softly, the rise and fall of her chest a testament to her growing resolve.

As she exhaled, her voice gained clarity and determination. "I don't want to make a mess with any negative idea. I am enough. I am me. I can do it. I will do it. I will stay and fight against all odds."