He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 98

When Rose and Houston walked in, Sam called out enthusiastically, "Rose, Houston, come here."

They sat down on the sofa across from him, listening quietly as the old man began to speak.

Sam looked up and said, "Houston, Linda and I talked it over. Since the villa is going to be in Rose’s name, we should cover half the down payment. I’m selling this apartment. And I have a few family heirlooms—some paintings—that will bring in a little more. Altogether, we can put up three million dollars. Houston, this is the best we can do. I hope you’ll understand."

Houston stayed silent.

Suddenly, Rose’s temper flared. "Dad, I grew up in this little apartment, and I’ve been happy here. Why should you burn through your savings just so I can have a bigger house? We’re not buying it. I married Houston, but I don’t want you sacrificing everything just so I can match his world."

Houston felt deeply guilty. He had only wanted to give Rose a home—not to create such a burden for her family.

But Rose’s parents had their pride. They didn’t want their daughter to feel like she was living off someone else. They wanted her to feel secure and respected.

Houston turned to Rose with an apologetic look. "Rose, I’m sorry. I didn’t think this through."

Rose met his gaze, guilt twisting inside her. So this was my pride acting up. Houston only wanted to do something kind for me. How could I be upset with him for that?

Silently, Sam folded up his notes and quietly slipped away.

Houston pulled Rose into his arms, holding her tightly. His jaw brushed gently against her cheek. "Rose, what’s gotten into you today?"

She took a moment to calm herself, guilt washing over her. "Houston... I’m sorry. I..."

Houston’s voice broke a little. "I just wanted to give you a home."

Slowly, Rose wrapped her arms around him.

Maybe it’s time I let go of the past, she thought. Whatever Houston’s history may be, he’s been good to me. Better than most people in this world ever get. That’s enough.

Later that night, after Rose had fallen asleep, Houston was folding her clothes when something slipped from her pocket. A bracelet.

He picked it up and examined it closely.

There’s no doubt about it. Whoever gave her this bracelet—that’s what set her off today.

He snapped a picture and sent it to his assistant, Daniel. "Find out who bought this bracelet."

Daniel answered promptly. "Yes, sir."

The next morning, after dropping Rose off at the hospital, Houston received a text from Daniel. "Mr. Clarke, the bracelet was purchased by Madam Charlotte. It’s an outdated design from Spinic Jewelry."

Houston’s eyes narrowed. Outdated?

"Daniel, get in touch with Charlotte. Tell her I want to see her."

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