Chapter Twenty-Four

Dominic comes home expecting Rosie and instead finds an old house blueprint on the table. Realizing Rosie has discovered the secret property he bought without telling her, he panics and drives to the house, where Rosie sits on the porch.

They confront each other. Dominic admits he purchased the house over a year ago and recently sold it to finance Rosie’s restaurant. He explains his provider instinct, fears from deployment, and how keeping the secret felt safer than risking losing Rosie again. Rosie, devastated by the ongoing dishonesty, says she needs time and walks away.

Reeling, Rosie goes to Armie’s office. She recounts recent progress—Dominic’s support, the proposal, the restaurant—contrasted with the secret house. When she asks why Armie said their marriage wouldn’t work, Armie confesses it was a deliberate scare tactic; he always believed they would make it.

Armie reframes the house decision as a fear-driven mistake by a man who expresses love through actions. He guides Rosie to consider Dominic’s motivations and needs, emphasizing that change requires daily effort and deeds. Recognizing that Dominic’s dream is to provide for her, Rosie decides to make things right with an action of her own, enlisting Armie’s help for tomorrow.

Buoyed by love and a concrete plan, Rosie leaves—then realizes she may not be done uncovering deceptions.