It had been precisely seven days since Erik had last seen or spoken to Rosaline during which time, it seemed as if the torturous feeling inside his chest that he experienced on a daily basis would never cease. Despite this, he had managed to effectively replay the scenes from Rosaline's birthday party, in an attempt to work out if there was any other potential outcome than the one that had regrettably manifested. During the first three days of their separation, Erik allowed himself to wallow in his own pity and sadness and even questioned himself over the fate of his relationship with Rosaline. By the time day four and five had arrived, Erik disregarded his own feelings entirely and instead tormented himself in a far worse way by wondering how Rosaline was dealing with the discovery of a multitude of relational issues. He had begrudgingly come to the conclusion that the chances of rekindling his relationship with her were slipping away from him for each day that he didn't speak with her. At the same time, he feared that if he didn't offer her time away from him to consider things from afar, that she might flee from him before he even had a chance at explaining himself. Erik struggled to remember another time in his life when he was caught in such a grim predicament and yet, there was still something from within his heartbroken self that compelled him to repair the treacherous misfortunes caused by none other than Bianca.

After awaking alone in bed on day seven from a horrendous nights sleep, Erik resided to the bathroom to bare a cold shower. He knew that the freezing blast would surely wake his mind and as such, momentarily distract him from his bleak thoughts. He had just stepped out from the shower and wrapped a towel around his hips when he walked towards his vanity and stood glaring at himself in the mirror. The mauve coloured bruise that was resting against his mandible reminded him of his most recent losses. He had just picked up his toothbrush, when his thoughts inevitably transported him back to that frightful day. At the time, Erik couldn't quite process the blow in which Nickolas delivered to his jaw. Instead, he was too focused on the final glance that Rosaline gave him. Among a vast array of emotions that were likely to have conjured up in both her heart and mind, she mostly looked defeated and sorrowful. He eyes were red, puffy and continuously filled with salty tears, whilst her lips quivered in obvious hurt. Her body was hunched over itself and she moved with clear trepidation. It seemed as if she couldn't get away from him fast enough, which made sense to Erik as he watched her run away, even after he was assaulted by her brother.

The moments following the attack were quiet and distant. Surprisingly, Iris had begun to silently cry and Conrad looked as if he were about to apologise on behalf of his sons for their unjust behaviour. If nothing else, Erik thought it was most likely because he didn't want him filing a police report against his son, something Erik was more than capable of convincing the authorities of given his stature. Despite the clear disappointment that was etched across both of their faces, neither reached out to Erik to offer him even a sole apology. Erik could understand perfectly the reasons for their actions, given the fact that as parents they were merely doing their job at protecting their daughter, but he hoped that since Rosaline was no longer in the room he might be able to redeem himself and explain the situation in its entirety. Sadly, the palpable tension between all individuals was still very raw, which unfortunately only confirmed what Erik knew all along that he wouldn't be receiving that opportunity today. With a shattered expression exchanged between Rosaline's parents and himself, Erik walked towards the front door of their family home and let himself out. He could barely remember the drive back home, but as soon as he was within the confines of his own walls he let his emotions unwind, as he spent that first night drinking himself into oblivion and woefully sobbing after the loss of sweet Rosaline.

Forcing himself back to present day, Erik entered his bedroom after brushing his teeth and changed into a clean pair of pyjamas. Seeing as though he refused to return to work for the moment, he chose comfort and convenience over his usual business attire. He then did what he had been doing most mornings since last weekend and contacted Albert, who had little to no choice but to cancel all of Erik's scheduled meetings, appointments and other work related ventures. Although Erik clearly heard the resistance in his managers voice to postpone his work commitments for an extended length of time, Erik barely gave it a second thought. He knew that his passion and drive for working would only return once he reconciled with the one person whom he loved more than life itself. Of course, there was also that small voice inside his head that questioned what would happen if Rosaline didn't want to restore their relationship, but Erik bravely disregarded that thought as soon as it entered his fragile state of mind.

After brewing some coffee and gulping down two mugs of the scalding black liquid, Erik found himself returning to his bedroom and lounging against his bedside ottoman. He couldn't seem to escape his thoughts nor the endless pondering he did over Rosaline. He suddenly averted his gaze so that it caught his dressing table and paused as he focused in on the diamond that sparkled between the minuscule white cushions inside. His heart ached at the reality of not being able to present Rosaline with her birthday present, especially given the significance of the meaning behind the ring. As he sat there longing to see her, Erik hoped that there was at least a small part of her that was wanting the same thing. Given their earlier obstacles dealing with Rosaline's reluctance to date him, the apparent difference between their ages and of course most recently the dealings with her family, Erik prayed for one more miracle, one where he would be able to hold Rosaline in his arms again and know that she belonged to him. It wouldn't be an easy road to win back her trust and heart Erik thought, but he also knew there was no man as determined and in love as he was.