The night sky was crystal clear, with no trace of clouds to obscure the brilliance of the full moon rising in the eastern horizon. Its pale silver glow washed over the earth like a silent blessing, while a gentle breeze drifted through the trees, causing the leaves to sway and whisper against each other in soft, melodic rustles.
Under that serene sky, in front of a grand white mansion, a bonfire had been lit in the open courtyard. The flames danced and crackled warmly, casting flickering shadows over the gathered group.
Uncle Sam stood near the firepit, patiently grilling freshly prepared cuts of meat. The rich aroma filled the air, mixing with the scent of roasted herbs and aged wine. Lily sat nearby, fully immersed in the moment, biting into grilled meat with delight and occasionally sipping wine from her glass as if the world itself had slowed down just for her enjoyment.
Rosalie sat beside her, offered a glass of wine with a soft clink. Lily cheerfully raised her glass, tapping it against Rosalie's in celebration of nothing in particular only the simple joy of being together.
Julian was assisting Uncle Sam with the grilling, carefully turning the meat with focused precision. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, his movements remained composed, almost protective in nature, as if he was still subconsciously aware of everything around Rosalie.
Their parents sat in a circle near the bone fire, discussing business, social matters, and even politics, their voices blending with the crackling flames.
At a distance, slightly removed from the warmth of the group, Ethan stood alone with a glass of wine in hand. His eyes, half-lidded and unreadable, were fixed on Julian and Rosalie. Watching. Measuring. Waiting.
Julian, meanwhile, was calmly preparing a plate for Rosalie, carefully placing grilled meat and fresh fruit in front of her. Every small gesture of his carried familiarity and quiet affection.
Rosalie eventually excused herself to return to the mansion to fetch a warm jacket. As she walked away along the stone path, Ethan's gaze sharpened. Without hesitation, he followed her.
Isabella noticed immediately. Her eyes flicked between Ethan and Julian, and with a subtle smile, she gently distracted Julian by asking for help with the grill.
"Julian, could you help me with this? I think I overcooked it a little,"
She said smoothly. Julian nodded without suspicion and moved to assist her. That moment of distraction was all Ethan needed.
.....
Rosalie walked slowly along the garden path, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating her way. She suddenly sensed footsteps behind her. She turned and found that Ethan followed her. Her heart tightened instantly. Instinctively, she looked back toward the bone fire. Julian was too far away, busy helping Sam, his attention elsewhere.
Before she could react, Ethan closed the distance.
He shattered the wine glass in his hand against a stone wall, the sharp crack slicing through the peaceful night. Then, in a sudden, violent motion, he grabbed Rosalie and pulled her into his arms.
"Let go of me!"
Rosalie struggled, panic rising in her chest. But Ethan had been drinking. His strength overwhelmed her instantly.
"Just stay still…"
He muttered, breath heavy with alcohol and desperation. Rosalie fought harder, pushing against him with all her strength, but it was useless. His grip tightened, trapping her completely.
"This is your chance to understand…"
Ethan whispered darkly.
"You belong with me… not him."
Rosalie's eyes widened in fear. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to breathe, to escape, to scream. But no sound reached far enough.
Julian… she thought desperately. Just then,
"Rosie!"
A voice cut through the night like lightning. Ethan hesitated for a fraction of a second. That was enough. Rosalie used all her remaining strength and stomped hard on Ethan's foot. He flinched, loosening his grip just slightly.
She broke free and ran. Through blurred vision and trembling legs, she ran toward the voice she knew better than anything else in the world.
Julian.
She collided into his chest, gripping his shirt tightly as tears streamed down her face.
"Julian…"
She gasped, trembling.
"He… he…"
Julian immediately wrapped his arms around her. The moment he saw her tears, something inside him shattered. His expression darkened instantly. The calm, composed man was gone. Only fury remained. He gently moved Rosalie behind him, shielding her completely.
Ethan stood a few meters away, wiping his mouth casually, as if nothing serious had happened.
"Well… the hero arrived,"
Ethan said mockingly.
"I was just getting started."
Julian's jaw tightened.
"You touched her."
Ethan smirked.
"And what are you going to do about it?"
That was the final trigger. Julian moved first. A sharp punch landed directly on Ethan's face. The impact forced him back a step, but he quickly recovered and retaliated. The two men clashed violently under the moonlight, fists colliding in anger and rivalry. Rosalie stood frozen, trembling, unable to stop them.
"Stop it! Please!"
She cried. But neither of them listened. Ethan swung again, but Julian blocked and counterattacked with a brutal strike to his jaw. Blood appeared at the corner of Ethan's mouth. Ethan laughed through the pain.
"You've always had everything, Julian… let's see how long that lasts."
He charged again. The fight escalated rapidly until Lily suddenly appeared, shouting in panic.
"That's enough!"
She rushed forward and grabbed Ethan by the arm, pulling him away with force.
"Are you insane?!"
She shouted. Ethan wiped his mouth, glaring at Julian one last time.
"This isn't over."
With that, Lily dragged him away into the darkness. Silence slowly returned to the garden. Rosalie remained in Julian's arms, trembling uncontrollably. Julian looked down at her, his expression softening instantly as he saw how badly she was shaking. He gently cupped her face.
"Are you hurt?"
He asked softly, voice trembling with suppressed rage. Rosalie shook her head, tears still falling.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to leave…"
Julian shook his head immediately.
"No. Don't apologize."
He carefully brushed her hair back and leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead soft, protective, and filled with silent promise.
"I'm here now."
Then he lifted her into his arms.
"Tell me if anything hurts,"
He whispered.
"I won't let anything like that happen again."
Rosalie clung tightly to him, burying her face in his chest as he carried her back toward the mansion. Behind them, the fire continued to burn quietly. But the peace of the night had already been broken. And somewhere in the distance, Ethan's gaze remained burning with unresolved obsession… and rage.