CHAPTER 43: DIARY

It started as pure curiosity.

Rose had been cleaning up the office space when her eyes landed on something unusual—a leather-bound book, its edges slightly worn from use, sitting near Alexander's desk.

His diary.

She hesitated. Should she?

Her fingers moved on their own, gently opening the cover. The pages inside were filled with meticulous handwriting, sharp yet elegant, just like him.

THE CASES & PHILOSOPHY

The first few pages were what she expected. Reports of past cases, notes on criminals, patterns of behavior, even details on how he outplayed them.

But as she kept reading, her chest tightened.

Each page unraveled more of his mind—his philosophy, his manipulation tactics, the way he read people so easily.

"Trust is a construct. People don't realize they are being manipulated until it's too late."

"Fear and power are two sides of the same coin. Those who fear you will obey. Those who respect you will follow. The key is knowing which to use."

"Justice is flawed. That's why I make my own."

She swallowed hard.

THEN… SOMETHING UNEXPECTED

After flipping through countless case files and mental strategies, she found a section that made her heart stop.

A page with just one title—

"HER."

Her hands trembled as she turned the page.

Unlike the cold, calculated notes from before… this section felt warmer. More human.

"Ways to keep her happy:"

Always listen when she talks.

Never let her feel alone.

If she's sad, find a way to make her smile.

"Ways to tease her:"

Whisper things that will make her blush.

Hold her waist when she least expects it.

Flirt just enough to leave her speechless.

"Ways to love her:"

Always remind her she's important.

Protect her, not because she's weak, but because she matters.

Never let her doubt what she means to me.

Rose's eyes softened.

This was Alexander Bluestone.

The same man who could manipulate criminals with ease, outthink even the most dangerous minds—

And yet… here he was, carefully writing down ways to love her.

She closed the diary with a soft smile.

Maybe, just maybe, beneath the ruthless detective…

There was a man who truly, deeply loved her.