A few people were seated in the vast living room. They were Theodore, Rosalie, Wesley, and Christopher.Christopher had only asked to meet Theodore and Wesley, but Theodore contacted Rosalie, whom he felt was family.Rosalie put her child in infant care and rushed over. When she heard that this concerned Sydney, she hurried over without any hesitation.The four of them sat on the couch, the air around them slightly awkward."Pardon me," Christopher began, "Sydney needs some time alone and asked me to reach out to you.""Mr. Jackson," Theodore said coldly. "You contacted us a few days ago saying that my mother is with you and safe. Now that you're right here, I'd like to ask you: what is she doing with you? If she's with you, why does she want to erase all traces of it? Could it be that she's not with you willingly?""That's right!" Wesley added. "Why is my wife with you for no rhyme or reason? You'll have to give us a good explanation today."They knew who Christopher was, but t
"Sydney has already signed on it. Mr. Spencer, please do so too," Christopher said. Wesley couldn't believe it, but it was indeed Sydney's signature and handwriting on the divorce agreement."How could this be? How could it?!"With a loud rip, Wesley agitatedly tore the divorce papers into two.Everything seemed to be within Christopher's expectations."I don't believe a bloody word you said!" Wesley stood up in a huff. "I want to see her! If you don't let me see her, I'll turn nasty! Where is she right now? Tell me!""Dad, don't be like this," Rosalie said as she stood up. "Calm down. Let's talk things through."Wesley shoved Rosalie aside. "What is there to talk about?!" Rosalie lost her footing and fell. Thankfully, the couch was right behind her and she collapsed into it."Dad, what are you doing?!" Theodore barked. "I know you're angry, but why attack Rose? She didn't do anything wrong!"He rushed to Rosalie's side. "Rose, are you hurt?"Rosalie shook her head. "I'm f
Theodore's words shocked not just Wesley, but Rosalie as well. She stared at him, the look in her eyes complicated.Wesley lifted a finger and pointed shakily at him. "What…what did you say?""Dad, let it go. You're the one in the wrong, and you can't salvage the situation. Don't cling to it and refuse to let go. This will only make things more painful between you two."He suddenly glanced at Rosalie as he spoke. Rosalie's heart leaped, and she looked away.Was Theodore actually referring to the two of them?Christopher opened his mouth to say something, but Rosalie immediately shot him a look to warn him against interrupting. Somehow, he listened to her and nodded.Wesley and Theodore were at daggers drawn.After a long while, Wesley snapped, "This is between your mom and me. You're my son, how could you agree to our divorce in front of outsiders? I'm extremely disappointed in you!"After which, he turned around and said to Christopher, "Are you very sure Syd is safe right now
Wesley was very distracted as he drove on the road.When he reached the bridge over the sea, he stopped the car. He got out of the car and walked onto the bridge, looking out into the vast sea, and sighed.He shut his eyes, looking pained.He knew he deserved everything that happened, but he still felt immense pain. If only everything could start over."Sir, what are you doing?"A voice sounded from behind him.He turned around; he saw a young lad standing behind him, looking anxious.Wesley furrowed his brows. Before he could speak, the young man suddenly ran over and said, "Sir, don't do anything foolish! You can always talk things through, or you can share it with me. It's very dangerous here. Don't stay here, alright?"At the sight of the anxious look on the young lad's face, Wesley knew the latter thought he wanted to take his own life."It's not what you think it is. I just need some time alone to calm down.""Really?" The young man walked to the sidewalk and stood ne
"Oh dear. Thanks, Mr. Spencer. Thankfully you picked it up. I'm so careless."Yerick opened his wallet to check that everything was inside. "It's a small matter if I lost my money, but my mom's photo is inside, and I only have one. I can't lose it."Yerick stared at the photo in the wallet with sad eyes."Your mother…" Wesley began."My mother's no longer around," Yerick said sadly. "This was her last photo. She died when I was very young. Look, Mr. Spencer. Isn't my mom beautiful?"Wesley took the wallet and saw the small photo inside. A young, beautiful woman looked back at him with a bright smile.Shock flashed past Wesley's eyes when he saw the woman's face. His mind buzzed, feeling as though it was going to explode.How could it be her?Wesley was completely shaken. He couldn't believe what he saw.That woman looked so familiar. He didn't know if he saw it wrongly, but she looked so similar."Mr. Spencer, what's wrong?" Yerick looked curiously at him. "Is my mom so bea
Wesley was drinking alone in a bar.At that moment, he noticed that a female salesperson was being harassed.He wasn't a nosy parker, but he noticed the lady was very resistant and no one was around to help her.Wesley approached her and pulled her into his embrace, coldly warning the ones who were harassing her. "My girlfriend sells alcohol, not her body. Touch her, and don't blame me for being nasty."The lady looked gratefully at him and didn't expose him for lying about their relationship.Just like that, Wesley stopped the men from harassing the lady whom he then brought away.Wesley was very drunk then, and he let her go before returning to the bar counter for more drinks. Toward the end, he was so wasted that he was knocked out cold.The lady held him up, wanting to send him home. He had helped her out and she was filled with gratitude for him, after all. However, he was too drunk and she had no choice but to take him to the nearest hotel.That was how they ended up slee
Wesley looked at Yerick standing before him. He couldn't help but wonder if this young man was truly his son.Was this what Janet wanted to tell him back then?The complicated look on Wesley's face made Yerick furrow his brows. "Mr. Spencer, what's the matter?"Wesley snapped back to attention. "Nothing. It must have been tough on you, losing your mother and not having your father around. How did you grow up? Did you have a relative taking care of you?""I was sent to the orphanage, and I grew up there.""The orphanage?" Wesley's heart throbbed with pain. "Do you not have any other relatives?"Yerick smiled bitterly. "What relatives? Even if I do, who'd be willing to bring around a burden like me?"Wesley wanted to say more, but Yerick just chuckled. "Mr. Spencer, how did we start chatting here? The traffic police will be here soon.""That's true," Wesley said with an awkward smile. "How about this? You get in the car. Let's have lunch. It's noon, anyway. My treat.""Mr. Spe
Wesley's heart ached badly as he listened to Yerick. He couldn't imagine the kind of life Yerick led, and how tough it must have been all alone. The tears welling up in Wesley's eyes made Yerick look curiously at him. "Mr. Spencer, what's the matter? Are you pitying me?""Oh no, not at all," Wesley hurriedly explained. "It's just that after hearing you out, I find you such a strong child. You're 19 years old, which is of schooling age. Are you studying right now?"He knew that many orphans in orphanages didn't get the chance to study."Mr. Spencer, I have three doctoral degrees," Yerick replied.Wesley was shocked to hear that. "You…you have three doctoral degrees?"Yerick nodded. "I had two, but I received my third one in recent months."Wesley was in disbelief. "You're a genius?""Well…" Yerick pondered for a moment. "I wouldn't dare call myself a genius, but in my opinion, studying is the easiest thing to do in the world. I have a photographic memory, which makes exams easy
After that camping trip, the relationship between Theodore and Rosalie seemed to have reached a new level of understanding.Though they were no longer husband and wife, they interacted like close family.Theodore found a good burial site to lay Justin to rest.Even though only a few fragments of Justin's bones remained, he still deserved a proper burial in a place with good geomancy.The burial was kept simple. There was no formal funeral. Only Rosalie and Theodore brought Justin's remains to the cemetery.Rosalie held the small box in her arms, reluctant to part with it. Theodore gently placed his arm around her shoulders. "Rose, let him rest in peace."Tears welled in Rosalie's eyes as she gazed at Theodore. She opened the box, revealing the few remaining fragments of Justin's bones, and gently caressed them. "Justin, I will come visit you again."Theodore glanced at the bones inside the box and frowned slightly. Something seemed off. There were supposed to be seven bone fragments
"That's right, you're not silly—you're just a little dummy," Theodore said teasingly. He didn't actually think Rosalie was silly. He was only joking with her.Rosalie knew that as well, so she wasn't upset. She turned and lay on her side to face him. "Theo, we got along so well when we were kids, and you always took care of me. I liked you ever since I was little. Later, when I was able to marry you, I was really happy.""I was happy to marry you, too. But I was the foolish one. Rose, you're not a little dummy—I'm the big fool here."If he hadn't been so foolish, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did. When it came to love, he was utterly clueless.Even a genius with a high IQ could be completely ignorant in certain areas. It often took countless detours before finally coming to a realization.Love, in particular, was the easiest thing to get wrong—especially when viewed from one's perspective."But we're still family, and we have a child together. The bond between us will
The sun gradually set, casting an orange glow over the tent and the grass. The family of three sat around the campfire, enjoying the joy of camping and admiring the beauty and tranquility of nature.Rosalie and Theodore had arrived in the morning, and they had spent the entire day together. They chatted, took walks, and explored the surrounding area.Neither of them had taken out their phones to pass the time, yet the hours flew by, and before they knew it, night had fallen.The three of them sat by the fire and enjoyed barbecued meat together. By the time they finished eating, the fire had begun to die down. The sky was now pitch black.Rosalie lay on the mat spread out on the grass, staring up at the sky. The twinkling stars above shimmered like glowing diamonds.In the quiet of the night, the occasional crackling sound came from the extinguished embers of the campfire.It was a soothing sound, one that didn't disturb the beauty of the night.Rosalie formed a circle with her index fi
"Alright." Theodore nodded. "I'll give the child a name, but this is an important matter—I need to think it through carefully."Since this was Rosalie's wish, he was naturally willing to fulfill it.Rosalie smiled and said, "Alright, let me know when you've decided on a name.""I will. I'll tell you as soon as I decide." Theodore raised his hand and gently stroked Rosalie's head.Steve stumbled as he ran toward his parents and threw himself into Rosalie's arms. His movement was a bit forceful, but Rosalie still managed to catch him in time.Seeing this, Theodore immediately took Steve from Rosalie's embrace.He said seriously, "Steve, Mommy is pregnant now. You can't throw yourself at her like that—you might hurt her."Steve's dark, round eyes blinked as he listened to Theodore's words. Realizing he had done something wrong, he looked at his mother with a guilty expression."It's okay. I'm fine," Rosalie quickly reassured him. "Come here, let Mommy hold you." Rosalie pulled Steve back
A few days later, Theodore took Rosalie and Steve on a camping trip. They found a quiet spot, and bodyguards were stationed around for security.The scenery was breathtaking. In the distance, layers of mountains stacked upon each other, while lush greenery spread in all directions. Just a few dozen feet ahead, a clear stream flowed gently, creating a serene and natural landscape."Theo, let's set up the tent first," Rosalie said.They had decided to camp here for the night, as it was a perfect spot for stargazing."Alright, I'll have the bodyguards set it up.""Theo," Rosalie walked forward and said, "let's set it up together. No need to ask the bodyguards.""But it will be tiring. I can do it myself—you should sit and rest," Theodore said, not wanting her to exert herself."It's fine. I can handle it. Let's set up the tent together," Rosalie insisted.Theodore nodded. "Alright, we'll do it together."He bent down, opened the bag, and took out the tent. The two of them then started ass
Late at night, Rosalie woke up from yet another nightmare. This time, however, she did not scream. Instead, her eyes snapped open, and her breathing was rapid.Theodore immediately rushed to her bedside. "Rose, did you have another nightmare?"She hadn't had one in several days.Rosalie turned on the lamp, surprised to see Theodore by her bed. "Theo, why didn't you go back to your room to sleep?""I was worried about you, so… Rose, I just want to stay with you. Did you have another nightmare?""Theo, I...""What is it, Rose? Do you have something to tell me?"Rosalie shook her head. "Repeating those words over and over again doesn't really change anything. I just...""Theo." She gripped his hand tightly. "You must protect yourself well. Get more bodyguards.""Alright, I promise you. I will protect myself, protect the baby, and protect you. I will never let you get hurt again." He pulled Rosalie into his arms."By the way, Rose, I have something to tell you. Aurora, Angie, and Cynthia
Rosalie wondered if the baby would look more like her or Justin.Looking up at the azure blue sky and the white clouds floating in it, she could almost see Justin looking and smiling back at her.Steve raised his hand and caressed her face. She looked at him and smiled, and caressed his head. "Stevie, Mommy will always love you."She kissed his forehead gently, and he hugged her gleefully.Just then, a voice sounded from behind. "What are you two talking about?"Rosalie turned around to see Theodore walking toward them. He was wearing a suit, looking smart, a tender look on his face as he stood next to the mother-and-son pair."Nothing much, just getting some sun. We should head in soon," Rosalie said as she stood up with Steve in her arms.Theodore took over Steve with one hand and pulled Rosalie up with another."Let's head in together."He held Rosalie's hand and didn't let go. She didn't shake his hand off and nodded, letting him hold her hand.They walked into the villa.
Theodore brought Rosalie back to her room and she sat by the windows, exhausted."Rose, lie on the bed and rest for a while. I'll call you when it's time for lunch.""Theo, you don't look too good."His face was very pale."I'm fine. Perhaps it's because I didn't sleep well the past two days.""You should get some rest too. Don't just keep staying by my side."During this period, she would see Theodore by her bedside whenever she woke up from a bad dream. She gathered he hadn't been getting enough rest during this period."I'm fine. I'll wait for you to fall asleep before leaving."He helped RoslIe onto the bed and covered her with the sheets. Rosalie shut her eyes and exhaled out loud."Oh yes, Rose. There's one more thing.""What is it?" Rosalie asked."We found a girl called Nana.""Nana?" Rosalie sat up on the bed. "You saw her?"Theodore nodded. "When we found her in the villa, she kept saying that you're her mother and Sebastian is her father.""Sebastian adopted he
She and Justin's baby must have really wanted to survive, which was why it tried so hard to stay in her body.For all she knew, it was Justin staying by her side in another way.Rosalie caressed her stomach while covering her lips as she sobbed brokenly. This time, she didn't cry merely due to sorrow, but because she saw a ray of light amidst the hopelessness, and Justin's shadow within the light.Theodore gently patted her through the sheets. "Rose, you still have me and Steve. We'll stay by your side. I'll also take care of the baby in your stomach. I won't let him grow up without a father."Rosalie looked at Theodore, tears streaming down her face. She held his hand tight, words unspoken in her heart that she didn't know how to express.After being under observation in the hospital for two days, the doctors made sure that she was physically fine and Theodore took Rosalie home.Rosalie was ready to see Steve.She had been emotionally unstable and didn't dare to see Steve not b