In Chapter 16 of “Before Sunrise Touches Earth We Forgive What Hurt Us,” titled “Rosette,” a significant emotional shift occurs within Axel that deeply affects Rosette. Their kiss is described as a complex mix of tenderness and urgency, awakening buried feelings within Rosette that both frighten and exhilarate her. This moment is charged with an intense connection, but it quickly turns chaotic as Axel’s overwhelming passion leads to a moment of panic for Rosette, who struggles to breathe. When Axel finally pulls away, she is left shaken, realizing that he, too, is trembling, revealing his own vulnerabilities.
As Axel retreats, he mutters words like “obsession” and “addiction,” which leave Rosette feeling confused and concerned. His sudden withdrawal creates a sense of emptiness within her, as she grapples with the unexpected emotions that have surfaced. The encounter has transformed her understanding of herself and her feelings, leaving her in a state of turmoil. Instead of feeling anger or indifference, she is confronted with a desire to comfort Axel, which terrifies her. This internal conflict illustrates her struggle between wanting to embrace her emotions and the fear of vulnerability that comes with it.
The chapter transitions to Rosette’s return to the mansion, where she experiences a heavy silence with Axel, who exits without a word. This silence amplifies her feelings of confusion and longing, making her question the nature of their relationship. Shortly after, she encounters Kross, who offers her a card with a monetary limit. This unexpected gesture introduces a new dilemma for Rosette, as she is torn between her principles of hard work and the allure of easy money. Kross’s offer serves as a lifeline amid her emotional chaos, prompting her to reconsider her values.
Ultimately, Rosette finds herself at a crossroads, where she must confront her feelings for both Axel and Kross. The chapter encapsulates her journey of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of her emotions and the fear of vulnerability. The tension between desire and self-preservation looms large, suggesting that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges but also opportunities for forgiveness and healing. As she stands on the brink of change, Rosette is forced to confront what she truly wants and the possibility of embracing her emotions, no matter how daunting that may be.
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**Before Sunrise Touches Earth We Forgive What Hurt Us by Vik Rowan Tate**
**Chapter 16: ROSETTE**
A palpable shift had occurred within Axel, one that transformed the very atmosphere surrounding us. It felt electric, charged with an unarticulated tension that sent my heart racing and my mind spiraling. I couldn’t quite grasp what was happening; the emotions swirling within me were a tempest I had never anticipated.
His kiss was nothing short of a riddle—an exquisite blend of softness and fervor, a juxtaposition of warmth and chill. It was as if he was trying to convey something monumental, cradling my face with a gentleness that suggested I was something truly… cherished. The sensation coursed through me, igniting shivers that danced along my spine, a thrilling concoction of fear and excitement flooding my veins.
It frightened me because it unearthed feelings I had long buried, emotions I had adamantly told myself I was incapable of feeling. Yet, at the same time, it exhilarated me, awakening a part of my soul that had lain dormant for far too long. Everything was unfolding at a breakneck speed; the experience was raw and unfiltered, unlike anything I had ever known.
As Axel’s hands slid from my hair, they trailed down my back with a deliberate slowness, almost reverent in their touch, before they gripped my backside with a possessive urgency. In a sudden rush of instinct, I wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling the heat radiate from his body, a warmth that enveloped me and made me crave more.
He continued to kiss me, his mouth devouring mine with an intensity that left me utterly breathless. I could feel the undeniable hardness of his arousal pressing against me, and I responded with equal fervor, pouring every ounce of passion I possessed into the kiss. But soon, the lack of oxygen began to cloud my thoughts, and dizziness washed over me, the world around us fading into a blur.
In previous encounters, Axel would have pulled away, allowing me a moment to catch my breath. But this time, he seemed lost in the moment, as if he had no intention of halting. Was he even human? Didn’t he need to breathe, too? Panic surged within me as I pushed against his chest, desperation creeping into my voice as I struggled to break the kiss.
“A–Axel,” I gasped against his lips, my heart pounding like a drum. “Axel, I–I need t–to b–brea–breathe.”
In a moment of sheer panic, I punched his chest, and to my astonishment, he froze, his body becoming as rigid as stone. Slowly, he pulled his head away, and I inhaled deeply, air rushing back into my lungs as I rested my head on his shoulder, trembling from the sheer intensity of the moment.
But then I noticed something unsettling. It wasn’t me who was trembling; it was Axel. He was shaking—no, he was practically quaking.
I lifted my gaze to meet his, and the sight sent a jolt of fear through me. His eyes were wide, filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher—fear, perhaps? Horror? My heart raced even faster. What was happening?
“Axel—”
“Obsession,” he muttered, his voice distant and unfocused, his trembling growing more pronounced. His grip on me slackened, and I slid back down to my feet, the sudden absence of his warmth leaving me feeling inexplicably hollow.
My brows knitted together in confusion. “What—”
“Addiction,” he murmured again, running a shaky hand through his tousled hair. He cursed softly, turning his back to me, his frustration palpable. Then he cursed again, louder this time, a harsh sound that echoed in the silence between us.
I reached out, my fingers brushing against his back gently, but he flinched away, still refusing to meet my gaze.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper as he began to walk away. “Meet me in the car when you’re ready.”
He didn’t look back, his footsteps heavy and hurried as he left me standing there, my heart sinking like a stone. I stood frozen, my hand still outstretched as if I were trying to reach him, but slowly I withdrew it, staring at it as if it belonged to someone else entirely.
What had just transpired? I wasn’t just referring to Axel’s sudden shift; I was grappling with the hurt I felt, the overwhelming urge to comfort him. What was that? I didn’t get hurt; I didn’t offer comfort. So, what the hell was happening?
This was precisely why I was terrified. This was why I was so damn scared. These emotions were a tangled mess, confusing and painful, making my head spin. My heart raced, ached, and throbbed with an intensity I couldn’t comprehend.
I hated it. I loathed it with every fiber of my being. I didn’t want to feel this way again. I never wanted to experience these emotions again. I would much rather remain in the familiar territory of hate, rage, and lust. But even that was becoming murky, especially since lust had led me into this chaotic whirlwind in the first place.
***
The ride back to the mansion was steeped in an oppressive silence. It wasn’t an awkward silence or a tense one; it was simply a void, both of us lost in our own tumultuous thoughts, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.
Upon arriving at the mansion, we parted ways without exchanging a single word. I fought against the nagging thought that Axel hadn’t even bothered to hold the car door open for me. He had simply exited the vehicle, striding away with a heaviness in his step that spoke volumes.
I waited until I was certain he had exited the elevator before I stepped inside, making my way up to my room, exhaustion pulling at my limbs like a heavy blanket. But just as I was about to close the door, a voice called out to me.
“Rosette.”
I halted, turning to find Kross standing there, the last person I had expected to see. He was still dressed in his suit, even at this late hour, though his jacket was discarded, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, revealing his muscular arms. His hair was tousled, and he wore a pair of socks, a casual look that made him appear more human—and undeniably attractive—than the cold, calculating figure I had come to know.
“A minute,” he said, his tone serious yet inviting. “If you can.”
I nodded, dragging myself toward the office he had just entered. It was a simple, classy space, devoid of unnecessary clutter. Kross approached his desk, retrieving an envelope and handing it to me, leaning against the surface with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed intently on me.
I could feel his eyes on me, always watching, always assessing.
As I opened the envelope, I found a card inside, just as he had mentioned. Slowly, I raised my head to meet his gaze, an eyebrow arched in disbelief. “And the limit is three thousand?”
He nodded, his expression remaining stoic, though I could see the weariness etched on his face. “Three thousand.”
“Just like that?” I questioned, incredulity dripping from my voice. “No strings attached, Kross? Just like that?”
A flicker of amusement crossed his face, breaking through his blank facade. “Yes, Rosette, just like that.”
The way he pronounced my name felt like a performance, each syllable treated with care, as if it were a precious gem.
I sighed, rubbing my temple as frustration bubbled within me. “Okay, but I thought you were just messing with me. I mean, back in the morning, I thought it was a joke, and—”
“You thought it was a joke, yet you quit your job?” he interjected, cutting me off, his eyebrow raised in challenge, the amusement in his expression now more pronounced.
My cheeks flushed, but I held my ground, refusing to back down. “Yes, well, that’s not the point! The point is, I can’t just take this card and spend money without doing anything to earn it. It feels… wrong, okay?”
Throughout my life, I had always worked hard for what I had. Even as a child, nothing was handed to me on a silver platter. I had to earn my keep—whether it was doing dishes for Mom or cleaning Dad’s shoes.
I never complained because that was simply how it was. I thought it was normal. But as I grew older, I continued to work for my money. Nothing was ever given to me for free. So accepting this felt like a betrayal to everything I believed in.
Kross continued to watch me, arms crossed, his expression now devoid of amusement. It was as if he was wrestling with something he wanted to say but was holding back. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady and firm. “You want to work for the money? Fine then.”
In the aftermath of that charged encounter with Axel, Rosette found herself standing at a precipice of emotions she never anticipated feeling. The kiss had awakened something deep within her, a mixture of fear and exhilaration that left her breathless and trembling. Yet, in the wake of Axel’s sudden retreat, she was left grappling with an unsettling mixture of confusion and longing. The emotional turmoil stirred inside her, a chaotic blend of desire and dread, made her question the very foundation of her feelings. The fear of vulnerability loomed large, casting a shadow over her heart, as she wrestled with the urge to retreat back to the safety of indifference, a place where hurt could not reach her. But the truth was undeniable; she was irrevocably changed, forced to confront the reality that her heart was capable of more than she had ever allowed herself to believe.
As she stood alone in her room, the weight of Axel’s absence hung heavily in the air, a reminder of what could have been. The encounter had not only shaken her perception of him but also of herself. The unexpected offer from Kross, however, brought a flicker of hope amidst the chaos. It was a lifeline, a chance for her to reclaim control in a world that felt increasingly unpredictable. Yet, even as she considered the implications of accepting his offer, the internal battle raged on. The struggle between her ingrained principles and the allure of something easier tugged at her heart. Ultimately, Rosette realized that she was at a crossroads, where the path to self-discovery lay not in the rejection of her emotions but in embracing them, no matter how terrifying that might be. The journey ahead promised to be fraught with challenges, but perhaps, just perhaps, it was also filled with the possibility of forgiveness and healing—both for herself and for Axel.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the next chapter, readers can expect the emotional landscape to deepen as Rosette grapples with her conflicting feelings for both Axel and Kross. The aftermath of her intense encounter with Axel will linger, leaving her questioning not only his sudden withdrawal but her own capacity for vulnerability. As she navigates the complexities of her emotions, the tension between desire and fear will become palpable. Will she dare to confront Axel about what happened, or will she retreat into her familiar defenses, avoiding the very feelings that terrify her? Meanwhile, Kross’s unexpected offer will present a new dilemma for Rosette. The allure of easy money clashes with her ingrained principles of hard work, igniting a fierce internal battle. As Kross challenges her, the stakes will rise, pushing Rosette to reconsider her values and what she truly wants. The dynamic between them promises to shift, revealing layers of Kross’s character that may surprise her—and the readers. With the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future pressing down on her, Rosette must navigate a path fraught with temptation and self-discovery. Will she embrace the chaos of her emotions, or will she cling to the safety of her old ways? The answers lie just beyond the horizon, waiting to unfold.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of that electric encounter with Axel, Rosette stands at a crossroads, her heart a battleground of conflicting emotions. The kiss, both exhilarating and terrifying, has unearthed a vulnerability she had long buried beneath layers of indifference and self-preservation. As she grapples with the intensity of her feelings, the fear of what lies ahead looms large, casting a shadow over her burgeoning desire for connection. The sudden withdrawal of Axel, filled with his own turmoil, leaves her feeling hollow and questioning the very essence of her emotional landscape. Yet, amidst the chaos, a flicker of hope emerges in the form of Kross’s unexpected offer. It serves as a lifeline, a chance for Rosette to reclaim her agency in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.
As she contemplates the implications of Kross’s offer, Rosette realizes that the journey ahead is not merely about navigating her feelings for Axel or the allure of easy money. It is about embracing the complexity of her emotions and the possibility of healing. The struggle between her ingrained principles and the temptation of a more straightforward path challenges her to confront not only her fears but also the potential for growth. In this moment of introspection, Rosette understands that true self-discovery lies in the willingness to embrace vulnerability, to forgive what has hurt her, and to open her heart to the possibility of love. With the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future pressing down on her, she prepares to step into the unknown, ready to confront the chaos of her emotions and the transformative power they hold.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter, readers can expect the emotional tension to escalate as Rosette confronts the aftermath of her electrifying encounter with Axel. The haunting memory of their kiss will linger, prompting her to delve deeper into her feelings—both for Axel and the enigmatic Kross. As she wrestles with the tumultuous emotions that have surfaced, the stakes will rise. Will Rosette find the courage to seek answers from Axel about his sudden withdrawal, or will she retreat into the safety of her emotional barriers, fearing the vulnerability that comes with genuine connection? The internal struggle between desire and self-preservation will create a palpable tension, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
Simultaneously, Kross’s unexpected offer will serve as a catalyst for Rosette’s self-discovery. The allure of easy money will clash with her deeply ingrained values of hard work, forcing her to reevaluate what she truly stands for. As Kross challenges her beliefs, the dynamics between them will shift, revealing hidden depths to his character that may astonish Rosette. This chapter promises to explore the complexities of their relationship, as well as Rosette’s journey toward embracing her emotions rather than shying away from them. With the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future looming large, the choices she makes will shape her path forward. Will she succumb to the chaos of her feelings, or will she find a way to navigate through the storm? The answers await just around the corner, inviting readers to join Rosette on her tumultuous journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening.
