\~\~\~\~\~The beauty of a Rose is breathtaking\, although many people forget how sharp the thorns can be when they try to harm it\, pull it out of its roots. \~\~\~\~\~

She knew it. Simple as that. Everything had diminished, and it tore her heart at the sheer knowledge of it. He cheated on her again. Rose knew she had to confront him the first time she suspected him of cheating, but assumed that she was jumping to conclusions. Rose didn't mention a word. David owned a 5-star hotel and was a part-time singer, so he got contacted on the phone and got messages all the time. One awful day she guessed it would be great to surprise him at his workplace as she had finished work early. To her surprise, he wasn't there. She asked the clerk on duty at the time about David's location. The clerk told her that David left two hours ago with a woman. She felt betrayed and by judging the pale expression on the clerk's face, she must have looked like a livid woman ready for her next kill. Rose had told him not to mention to David about her visit to the hotel.

She then left with a pale face and a million thoughts running through her head. Maybe she was overreacting, many women called him before and needed his help. David had told her before that the people that called him, needed a tour, and he had to help them settle in for the week, or they were wondering about his next album. He loved her, so she felt no need to worry. This time though, it was different. She came home from a business meeting, and she caught them both red-handed. The woman that he was having an affair with was her friend, Becky. It was like she was being struck by lightning as she heard the sounds coming from the guest room in her house.

" Babe " moaned a familiar voice.

The blood inside her veins started to boil with anger. She ran out as fast as she could. Rose got in her car and sped to the nearest petrol station.

"Think Rose, Think," She thought to herself.

She looked up the divorce courts on Google Maps and started the engine. Rose decided it was better to slow down as the wave of emotions kept crashing into her every two minutes. She tried to hold back her tears but could feel them trickling down her face. Who would have guessed that the man she married would cheat on her in the three months of marriage? She felt as her world had fallen apart.

Rose tightened her hands around the steering wheel as she tried to hold back her emotions. She stopped at a café and ran to the toilet. She closed the stall door behind her and slid down onto her knees, head in her hands. The shock and horror slammed into her, crashing over her in hot and cold waves as eerie silence swelled up, leaving a high-pitched buzzing in her ears. A sob racked through her body when abruptly Rose started to shake and started sobbing uncontrollably, the intensity of her heart being stabbed, never leaving her. Rose felt like she couldn't breathe.

She closed her eyes momentarily to help herself calm down. She felt drained, tired as if she hadn't slept in weeks, her heart burning, and she could feel another wave of hot tears threatening to fall. Sadness consumed Rose as she realized that the life that she has been dreaming about for years had signified nothing. It was all a lie. Why?

After what seemed like hours, she got up and moved to the sink to rinse her tear-soaked face. Her eyes were a deep red, and the state of her hair looked as if it was electrified. Rose let out a humourless laugh. It sounded hollow and empty.

" I look like a raccoon, and my hair is a mess" she muttered to herself while looking in the mirror. Once Rose thought she looked okay, she bought herself coffee to steady her nerves. "David was going to regret cheating on me," she thought, her heart aching.

" Rose? "

Rose jumped slightly out of her seat while looking at the girl who called out her name.

Standing 5'5 was a black-skinned woman that had a fun-loving vibe about her. She had a lean face with a cleft chin, a broad nose, small ears, and full pink lips. She had short, curly light brown hair that looked like she layered it. She had a good body figure. The girl giggled as she noticed Rose checking her out, her eyes wide in shock.

" MOIRA" yelled Rose in excitement as she pulled her into a hug, earning a couple of looks from the customers in the café

" C... Can't breath " Moira forced out.

Rose apologized as she let go; her mental breakdown pushed back as happiness overtook her.

"Can I sit here?" asked Moira.

"Sure, I don't mind, you don't even have to ask " replied Rose buzzing with excitement.

Moira Buchan was her loyal business assistant, a lawyer, not to mention her best friend. There was nothing that they hid from each other. Last week Moira went to collect the fabric from the fashion district in LA. After all, it had the best material in America. She was supposed to come in two weeks, but it appeared that she made it back faster than Rose initially thought.

" Fancy meeting you here. I was just about to call you and come to the flat" laughed Moira. Rose let out a laugh.

" Now, tell me, I couldn't help but notice you looking upset about something while I was ordering my coffee, then you started mumbling about someone breaking your heart, " stated Moira.

"Uhm I- "

''It's okay, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. " Revealed Moira

"It's okay. I don't mind. I had suspicions that David was cheating on me throughout the three months of our marriage. Today I went to his flat and heard Becky moaning babe in the guest room. Moira, I want to hurt him so badly, as he hurt me!!" Rose furiously told her, tears already starting at the corner of her eyes. Moira stared at her speechless, hatred bright in her eyes.

" Where is that mother-" Moira started to say, completely forgetting that Rose didn't like when people cursed.

"Moira!!" warned Rose.

Moira apologized. Moira explained "Listen, honey, there is no point in you trying to hurt him. It will not get you anywhere. You should heal, move on. Now that should make the pathetic excuse of a man guilty."

"Don't worry, Karma got this," she added, laughing slightly.

Rose laughed. Moira always rose her spirits back up, she was a great support but also didn't sugar coat anything. She sighed.

"Thanks. I needed that. Now, unfortunately, I will have to leave you as I have to go to the divorce court office to get the divorce papers, sign them and give them to David." said Rose as she got off her chair.

" No problem, love. I brought the fabrics. I left them at the warehouse. I will make dinner when yo- " Suddenly Moira let out a chuckle. Rose looked at her in curiosity.

" I am so glad you didn't buy your property with David. Imagine the hassle that it would have put you through. If it weren't for Jason Caeim, my client in prison right now, I would smack the crap out of that stupid excuse of a man." fumed Moira.

" Moira, come on, let's go. I don't want to talk about this any more. Your clients don't have time to wait and the files that you have to complete are horrendous. " said Moira as she got off her chair.

" Babe, tell me if you aren't feeling okay. This situation isn't something you should keep in yourself. I'm here for you. I will make dinner tonight, okay? Make sure you are home by six. We can get through this. " Moira gave an encouraging smile, clutching Rose's hands in hers, pulling her in for a hug. Rose gave a smile.

" Okay"

Moira then left for the meeting. Rose got in her car and started driving towards the Divorce Court Office.

"Let get this over with."

Meanwhile, in a Café, Fabian Griffith's assistant was getting the usual Iced Coffee, a croissant and a pretzel for his boss.

" Like coffee, like the boss," he thought.

It was a known fact that Fabian Griffith was one of the most powerful men in the world, but he was the most powerful man in America. At 22 old, he had acquired more money than anyone. By the time he reached the age of 24, he had built several offices all around the world that had about one thousand workers. His company, KODEC, was the most significant network provider in America, and it was currently expanding. Fabian had control over the network, even men with high power cowered over his intense look. His assistant knew what it felt second hand to be in the presence of a King. The King was cold and terrifying.

" God, let today be a good day " he prayed as he immediately noticed the murderous look in Mr Griffith's eyes as he was talking on the phone.

Rose drove to the Divorce Court with an ache in her chest. She got out of her car and started walking towards it while putting her car keys in her bag. Suddenly Rose hit some wall and landed on her butt. She hissed in pain and stared at the item she hit. It wasn't an object; It was a person with an intimidating glare on his face, who looked familiar. Rose frowned.

" Why do you look somewhat familiar," she asked herself.

" Rose? " The man asked, stretching out his hand to help her up. Rose narrowed her eyes and replied " yeah, that's my name. ''

" Do I know you from somewhere? You look somewhat familiar " she added tilting her head to the side as she tried to remember where she saw this man. Standing in front of her was a tall figure, dressed in a black retro suit and a dark burgundy tie, which she had to admit complimented the masculine body underneath. He had a strong, intimidating presence around him.

"Fabian Griffith. Don't tell me you have forgotten me already Rose Johnson? " replied The Man.

Rose eyes widened as she remembered him. Her childhood best friend. Her first kiss. " No way" she muttered to herself. Fabian chuckled.

"People change as years go by, you know," he teased. " You haven't, still beautiful as ever."

Rose blushed." Thank you" she said.

"No need. How is David?" Fabian asked while taking a sip of his coffee. Rose couldn't help but notice the dark look in his eyes as he asked, but it vanished as soon as it came.

Rose stayed silent. She didn't know how she could explain what she was feeling, although the feelings of betrayal and anger were still burning deep in her bones. Fabian noticed her silence.

'' So she found out, " he stated to himself. He sighed and walked closer to her, pulling her in an embrace, hoping that it provided her with some closure and that she would get the courage to move on. She nestled her face into his chest and held onto him, afraid that she would fall as another wave of emotions hits her hard. Rose let out a tear, but before it reached her cheeks, Fabian gently wiped it away, both of them staring intensely at each other. Suddenly Fabian's phone rang out. Rose pulled away, trying not to crumple his suit blazer.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what hit me," she rushed to say, embarrassed.

"It's okay, I don't mind," he assured her as he declined the call. Fabian couldn't believe that he met Rose again in person. He wanted to hold Rose back. To be hers was an understatement, but he didn't dare. She was a married woman for crying out loud. He didn't want the drama. He didn't want to influence her into something she might regret later. No. Fabian wanted to win her heart the natural way, and it was her choice what to do about it. Rose sighed.

"Well, it was nice talking to you, but I have to go. I have to get the divorce papers. They won't sign by themselves "chuckled Rose darkly. Suddenly Fabian's phone rang again. Rose took that as her cue to leave." Bye," she mumbled. Fabian gave her a two-finger salute with a smile as he answered the phone.

Just like that, his usual cold demeanour returned as he answered the phone.

"Yes? " He asked, angrily.

"Son, have you checked the list yet?" his father inquired.

"No, I haven't, and I don't plan to father. I won't get married to someone I don't love. It's not worth the pain."

"I know son, but how much longer, you're twenty-six years old for goodness' sake. I'm not getting any younger, you know. Mother and I have discussed this, we want grandchildren," his father stated.

Fabian laughed. The number of conversations they had about this topic.

"Okay, father, I'll think about it," he said. Suddenly he pulled the phone away from his ear as a loud squeal came from the other end of the line.

"Mother, please stop," he demanded light-heartedly.

"We love you. Bye." The phone beeped as soon as his call ended.

Fabian let out a deep sigh. "What am I supposed to do?" he thought to himself. He looked out in the distance, his mind running. The big sign with the words Divorce Court on the building was the only object that was higher than the houses in the area.

" Son, what are you going to do with the Woods Family? " His father asked curiously.

" I might as well kill them" Fabian responded, his eyes transmitting waves of anger.

His father was about to respond when they heard laughter outside. Fabian walked over to the window, his heart longing, already knowing who it was. His sister Beatrice was playing with Rose outside. Beatrice had made a daisy chain and was reaching to put it up on Rose's head. Rose laughed as she saw Beatrice pout since she couldn't reach her. Beatrice was only 5'4 while Rose was 5'7. Rose crouched down to her level and kissed her forehead. Beatrice hugged her when suddenly she started tickling her. Fabian chuckled as Rose's shrieks of laughter filled the air.

" She will make a beautiful bride" he stated, the anger he felt previously melted away.

His father nodded, giving him a warm smile.

He looked out in the distance, his mind running. Instantly, an idea popped into his head.

"Dear Lord, let this work. Please "he silently prayed. Fabian walked to his car and stepped inside.

"Welcome back. Is everything sorted?" asked Earl, his assistant. His boss took a long time to come back.

"Earl, bring me Rose Johnson's resume," Fabian ordered.

The assistant quickly grabbed his tablet, did a quick search, and offered the results to his boss. Fabian looked through the resume, and two minutes later, he let out a genuine smile. His parents were in for a surprise. She wasn't a girl from the list, but she smote him. This girl, Rose, she got underneath his skin. The funny thing was that she didn't even know it. As Fabian got out of the car, he told Earl to run a few errands for him.

"I'm getting married."

As Fabian walked to the Court, he let his mind go back to the last day he saw Rose, six years ago. He got invited by one of his friends who had got invited to his worker's engagement party. Fabian remembered the way he said no and how he told his friend Jason that it would be boring. In the end, Fabian went not to upset his friend. Oh, what a fool he would have been if he didn't go. Fabian shook his head at the thought of it. He was having a hard time talking to the people as he didn't recognize many of them. No one wanted to talk to him. He was no one back then, he just started his company, and no one knew about it.

Then he saw her. Her elbow-length brown hair, curled in waves, her golden-brown eyes were glowing, but at the same time, he sensed a hint of sadness from her. She wore a white midi dress with a black belt filled with glitter at the waist. She wore a pair of white sandals. Her cute oval face struck to him the most. For him, it was like time froze all over again. She then went to the dessert table and was drinking a cup of cranberry juice on her own. He grabbed a plate and sat beside her, asking about her grandfather. Their first kiss was still fresh in his mind. Fabian looked at the dessert table and reached out to add a dessert to his plate when suddenly she swatted his hands away.

"You won't like it," she said while scrunching up her small button nose. Fabian chuckled at the memory.

Guests asked them for a dance every once in a while. Fabian remembered the way she laughed every time they met up after they finished dancing with the guests. Fabian tried to distract her from the sadness that would've lingered if she started worrying about her grandfather again. It worked. They had so much fun, and her face was full of laughter.

Fabian remembered the peaceful atmosphere he had every time he was around her. The reaction was something new to him. When the party was nearing towards the end, someone rushed in and told Rose that her grandfather had a stroke. Rose quickly said her goodbye and rushed off. Fabian had tried to catch up to her but with no avail. He rushed to visit her home, but no one was there. They most likely were at the hospital. The very next morning, Fabian went early to check up on Rose and the new situation. Unfortunately Rose wasn't there. Eventually, he found out that Rose had been taken back to America to stay with her mother. Rose left unaware that Fabian had fallen for her.

When he reached home, he sensed as if someone sucked the life out of him. The following year he made it to the top making sure his empire would rise, putting his work before anything. Women swooned over him. Fabian ignored the rumours and worked hard to make sure that his company would be the best one out there.

Fabian stepped into the Court and looked for Rose. He found her talking to the receptionist at the desk.

"The process will take around six to twelve months till the judge completes the divorce petition signed by both spouses," the receptionist tells Rose. Fabian noticed the colour draining from her face. Without hesitation, he stepped forward to the other receptionist that was available. The receptionist glanced at him and gave a mischievous smile.

"Call the office that handles the papers, "he ordered, his tone cold while checking his watch. A tall man walked into the room a minute later. He nodded at Fabian, and they shook hands. The man led the way to an office and gestured for Fabian to sit down.

"What can I do for you, old friend? " The man asked, smiling at Fabian.

"Robert, I want to get married," Fabian said with no hesitation. "But "he continued, "As we know, the papers take almost a year to get completed. If your staff can get Rose Johnson's divorce papers completed in the next two hours, I will triple your month's salary."

Robert stared at Fabian in utter shock. "Now, Robert! "Fabian warned.

"Oh... okay" he stuttered. As he went to the drawers to look for the files, he questioned, "Who is the lucky girl? "

"There is a woman outside talking to the receptionist at Reception Desk A. Send one of your staff to bring her to this room, " Fabian replied.

Robert nodded as he walked out. A minute later, Rose walked into the room. Rose stared confusingly at him.

"Your divorce papers are getting completed in two hours, "Fabian stated as he stood up and went towards her.

Rose shook her head in surprise at him.

"Fabian, you don't have to. It's fine." Rose told him, lowering her head.

"Rose look at me" he ordered gently. Rose lifted her eyes to look at him.

"I will help you get your revenge on those who hurt you but in return, be my wife," he softly whispered in her ear as he held her in his embrace.

Rose looked at him, shock on her face and thought about it. Fabian had so much power; he could choose any woman he wanted. He was one of the most eligible bachelors. Love was not his priority. After all, he was never rumoured to be seeing anyone. What did she have to lose? If any person could guarantee her safety it was Fabian, after all, they were best friends, before--

"OK" Rose replied without any hesitation.

Fabian slightly raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. He was ecstatic although his heart ached a bit. If someone else asked, would she be this quick to respond, would she sell herself out? Rose noticed his eyes go cold as he looked deep in thought.

" I trust you," She said, holding her head up high with dignity. " I trust you that you won't hurt me. I trust you that you will shelter me and protect me. Although we haven't seen each other for six years, the trust is still there. I wouldn't agree to a random person on the street. You should know that" Rose looked hurt as she stated the last the part.

Fabian stared at her, guilt spreading throughout his heart. He tightened his hug around her.

" I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you. I know this current situation isn't easy on you, so I thought-" Fabian shook his head, smiling at her.

" It's okay," Rose said. Above everything, she wanted David and Becky to feel guilty and regret breaking her heart.

True to their word, Robert handed the completed divorce papers to Rose in the next two hours. All that was left was for David to sign the papers and just like that he became the past. In the next half hour, Earl showed up with the government official, and the wedding papers were signed. Fabian motioned for her to go to his car as soon as they got hold of their documents. Rose in disguise went and got in a Pagani Huayra BC known as The King. As soon as she sat down on the pitch-black leather seat, she let out a long sigh and tried to make the tension leave her body. Her eyes were sore from the crying in the Café, and her heart ached gently inside. Rose rubbed her eyes and tried to stifle a yawn making a mental note to update the recent events to Moira. Slowly her eyelids were drooping to a close, and the sound of steady but relaxed breathing, resonated in the car.

Fabian opened the car door only to find Rose sleeping soundly on the passenger seats in the back. He smiled and closed the door silently. As soon as he got home, he took her bridal style and brought her to his bedroom. Fabian placed her on the bed, staring at her cute sleeping face. He went and took a shower and then laid beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her towards him.

' You're Finally Mine'