HIS SILENT OBSESSION

THE FABRICATED FALL

The apartment felt like a tomb. It had been four weeks since Kelvin had effectively walked out, leaving Rose in a silence so thick it was hard to breathe. The only time the silence was broken was by the occasional notification on her phone—a ping from the bank account they shared, showing withdrawals for hotels, expensive dinners, and gifts.

Every charge was a new bruise.

I’m at your place, darling. I thought it was time we finished our little conversation from last month. "Becky said and ended the call before he could say anything.

Then, the phone rang again. It was Kelvin, but his voice was jagged, frantic,"Becky don't—" he started, The call disconnected before he could finish speaking.

What are you here for.? "Rose asked.

Hi Rose, " Kelvin needs help packing the rest of his things.

It’s pathetic how much he left behind."

"Rose felt ridiculous, but still let her in.

A moment later, there was a sound in the bedroom. It wasn't the frantic hammering of a desperate man; it was the slow, confident chime of someone who owned the moment.

​Rose opened the door. Becky stood there, looking radiant, her hand resting protectively over her stomach—a silent, calculated taunt.

"He's coming," Becky said, stepping past Rose without invitation.She began pulling open dresser drawers, throwing clothes onto the floor.

"He’s terrified, you know. He doesn't want you to know about the baby. He thinks if he stays with me, he can keep me quiet."

Rose felt a dizzying wave of nausea, but she kept her eyes fixed on Becky

"You're doing this to hurt me, not because you love him."

"I’m doing it because he’s weak," Becky sneered. She grabbed a handful of Kelvin’s shirts and flung them into an open suitcase.

"And you’re just as weak for waiting for him."

As Becky turned, she feigned a stumble, her eyes locking onto Rose’s with a cold, predatory gleam. She caught Rose’s arm, pulling her close, and then—with a sharp, calculated motion—threw her own weight backward, letting out a sharp, practised scream.

"No! Rose, stop!" Becky shrieked, letting herself collapse hard against the hardwood floor.

The front door swung open at that exact second. Kelvin rushed in, his face pale with dread, only to see Becky sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath, while Rose stood over her, frozen in shock.

"Rose!"Kelvin roared, his voice thick with unthinking rage. "What have you

Rose froze, her hands still hanging on the air.

"What? I didn't—she tripped,

​