chapter1154

Mandy prided herself on being tough. There was no way she'd humble herself to

beg Lydia for anything. Besides, Lydia wasn't someone who would just let things go because they asked. If they wanted out of this mess, they'd have to figure it out on

their own.

She fixed Rosie with a sharp stare. If you won't go ask Lydia for help, then you need to tell me everything that happened. Start from the beginning. No secrets, not even the smallest detail."

Rosie looked away, guilt written all over her face. But at this point, hiding anything wouldn't help. So she told Mandy exactly what happened at the restaurant the night before, leaving out only her feelings for Carter.

But Mandy was her mother. She knew her daughter better than anyone. If Rosie's only goal was to get the internet to turn on Lydia, then why had she made sure Carter wasn't in the photos she took?

"You are into Carter, aren't you?" Mandy said, her voice sure and steady.

The words stunned not just Rosie, but Benjamin too. His mouth dropped open, like he was trying to catch flies.

"What? Rosie, you have a crush on Carter?" Benjamin's voice was full of disbelief, like his world had just turned upside down. He never thought his daughter would have feelings for Carter. Of all people, why Carter from the Shaw family?

The Shaws and the Hydes were basically sworn enemies. She could have fallen for anyone, but she had to pick him? Now, because of her, their reputation was trashed, and everyone was caught in the fallout.

Benjamin's anger boiled over. He raised his hand, and the sound of his palm connecting with Rosie's cheek cracked through the room.

Rosie stared at him, shocked. "Dad, you hit me?

been

She'd never been treated like this before. Tears spilled down her

cheeks, one after another, impossible to stop. In the past, seeing Rosiery like this would have. melted Benjamins heart Nottoday. The more he looked at her the angrier he got.

"Rosie! Alfie was a good match for you, but you threw it all away for Carter! Do you even realize who the Shaw family is? They're your uncle's biggest enemies! Are you trying to in yourself? I knew there had to be

a reason you were so desperate to break things off with Alfie. It was all because of Carter, wasn't it?"

Rosie pressed her burning cheek, but held her head high, glaring back at Benjamin.

"So what if I like him? Is it so wrong to want to be with someone I actually care about?"

Why did everyone blame her for how she felt?

Benjamin was so angry he could barely breathe. He wished he could open up Rosie's head and see what was going on inside.

"Is Carter even worth it? Didn't you see? He called you out, told everyone you were the one who took those photos and started rumors about Lydia. Are you thinking at all?"

Tears streamed down Rosie's face as she cried, But I can't help it. I just love him. I can't control it. What am I supposed to do?"

Even though she knew Carter had

been the one to expose her, even though he'd made everything worse, Rosie couldn't stop her feelings she was angry, she blamed Lydia, but her heart just wouldn't let go of Carter. It felt like she was obsessed with him, past the point of reason.

Benjamin was so furious, he looked like he might slap her again.

Rosie saw his arm start to rise. She lifted her chin and stared him down, her voice trembling but stubborn. Go ahead. Hit me again. Maybe it'd be better if you just killed me."