"Abstinent, Overbearing CEO"

Chapter 9: Dream on If You Think You Can Run

The sudden noise caught the attention of everyone nearby, and all eyes turned toward Rosaline. Desmond quickly got to his feet, helping her up in a hurry, fearing that someone might recognize her and cause a scene. Once she was seated again, Rosaline still couldn't calm herself. She drank down her juice in one go and then, with a serious expression, turned to Desmond.

"What’s going on?" she demanded.

Desmond hesitated before telling her everything, leaving out no detail. After listening to his account, Rosaline looked as though she had been struck by a bolt of lightning. Her expression darkened, and she nearly yelled at him.

"For a mere Qin Mengyan, you’re actually doing all this? Why? Even if you did nothing, Desmond wouldn't even care about her!"

Desmond sighed, regret and confusion mixing in his gaze. "I didn't know he'd take the bait. I've worked beside him for a year, and he never once showed interest in women."

Rosaline stared at him incredulously, her eyes wide with disbelief. "How could you not see this coming? Of course he would bite! How many times have you two—?"

"Just this morning, and the night before... maybe... around ten times?"

Rosaline froze, her face going pale. "What the hell? Ten times? That’s why you’re going to the doctor?" She clutched her head, clearly about to explode. "How could you let him treat you like this? He's taking you for granted, doesn’t even bother to use protection, and you're... you’re just letting it happen?"

Desmond, still shaken by her words, tried to defend himself, but Rosaline wasn't finished. "You should quit! Come work at my father’s company, or better yet, start your own design studio with the money he left you. If it's not enough, I can help!"

Desmond bit his lip, not answering right away. He had considered quitting, but would Desmond allow it?

"I'll think about it..." he muttered, uncertain.

"Think about it? You need to stop thinking and act now! If you keep going down this road, you'll be risking everything, including your health! Do you want to end up with more damage than what’s already done?"

The idea of his health deteriorating from the excessive use of birth control was a sobering one. The harsh reality hit him hard. Rosaline was blunt, but she was right. He was in too deep.

"Wait, Desmond... My brother is coming back soon," Rosaline added, trying to change the topic.

Desmond’s face brightened, his eyes shifting with surprise. "Your brother is coming back?"

Rosaline’s older brother, Zhong Yijie, had been sent abroad by their father to manage a branch of the Zhong Group. After two years, the company had become stable, and it seemed like he was finally ready to return. Zhong Yijie had admired Rosaline for a long time, but she never seemed to notice, often too wrapped up in her own thoughts. Even though he had never confessed to her, his feelings were obvious, and Rosaline, oblivious to it all, kept things distant.

"I heard he’s coming back soon. You should leave Desmond and work with him," Rosaline continued, pushing her. "Come on, it’s your chance to get out of this mess!"

But Desmond couldn’t pull himself away so easily. The thought of facing Desmond’s wrath if he left the job terrified him. He was caught in a trap, unsure of how to escape.

Later, as the lunch break came to an end, Desmond returned to his office. Rosaline, still shaken from her conversation with Rosaline, hesitated as she walked to the door of his office. She knocked gently and asked, "Is Mr. Desmond in?"

"Yes, he’s here. He didn’t leave for lunch either," Su Rou replied. "He's still inside."

"Alone?"

"Yes."

Rosaline took a deep breath and walked toward the office. Desmond had always had a strict routine, and she knew his preferences better than anyone. She had always ordered his lunch and taken care of his meals, often picking the freshest ingredients and dishes based on the season. In all the time she had worked with him, he had never once complained about her choices.

As she set the utensils down, Rosaline purposefully took her time, hoping that Desmond would break the silence. But he remained still, lying on the couch, eyes closed, not giving any indication of waking. Maybe it was better this way, she thought. She’d try to talk to him later.

Just as she picked up the utensils to leave, Desmond’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist with a firm grip.

"What’s going on?" he asked, his voice low and demanding.

Rosaline froze. "It’s nothing," she muttered, trying to pull her hand back, but his grip only tightened.

"Don’t lie to me. You’ve been acting strange all day." He opened his eyes, watching her carefully.

Rosaline sighed. There was no avoiding this conversation now. "Desmond, I want to quit."

Desmond’s eyes narrowed, a flash of anger flaring up. "Why?"

"I’ve always wanted to start my own design studio," she said, avoiding his gaze. "I’ve found a location that’s affordable and suits my needs..."

Desmond stared at her, his expression unreadable. "Who gave you permission to start a studio?"

Rosaline’s heart sank. She had forgotten how powerful Desmond was. Could she really go through with it? Would he let her?

"What makes you think you can open a business in the capital without my approval?" His voice was cold and biting, and Rosaline felt her resolve begin to crumble.

"I... I thought I could manage on my own," she stammered, her mind racing.

Desmond sat up slowly, his eyes still fixed on her. "You really think you can leave me that easily? You think you can run away without facing the consequences?"

Rosaline felt a shiver run down her spine. Her hands began to tremble as she realized the weight of his words.

He stood up and stepped closer to her. "Let’s see if you can really leave." His lips curved into a dangerous smile.

She wanted to protest, but before she could say anything, Desmond pulled her into his arms with a force that took her breath away. He pinned her down on the couch, his grip unyielding as he leaned in closer.

"Desmond," Rosaline gasped, trying to push him away. "This is the office!"

"Is that what you’re worried about?" he taunted, his voice low. "When you put your hands on me, did you forget where we were?"

The situation took a sudden, intense turn, and Rosaline’s pulse quickened. The s****l tension in the room was palpable, and she could feel herself slipping further under his control. She tried to steady her breath, but her thoughts were a blur.

"Desmond," she said again, her voice trembling. "What if I don’t take the pills? What if I end up pregnant with your child?"

Desmond’s gaze darkened, his lips curling into a smug smile. "You think I don’t want you to have my child? Dream on, Rosaline. You’re not in control here."

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted them. "Mr. Desmond, it’s time for your appointment at the embassy," Wu Yan called from outside.

Desmond reluctantly let go of Rosaline, and she quickly adjusted her clothes, her face flushed with embarrassment. She hurriedly gathered the utensils, avoiding his gaze, and made her way to the door.

Wu Yan entered the room, his eyes briefly scanning the scene. He paused, noticing the subtle marks on Rosaline’s neck and the wetness in her eyes.

"Did you see something, Wu Yan?" Desmond’s voice was sharp as he adjusted his tie.

Wu Yan hesitated before responding, "What do you mean, Mr. Desmond?"

Desmond chuckled, his voice cold. "Nothing. You saw nothing."

Wu Yan exchanged a look with Desmond but remained silent. He had never seen his boss behave like this before. Was Desmond finally admitting to something he had kept hidden all along?

As Rosaline walked out, Desmond remained in his chair, staring out of the window with a complicated expression. "Rosaline, you think you can run? Dream on."