Sydney concealed the guilt in her eyes. "No, I was just asking casually. There's nothing to it.""Mom, Sebastian has tried to kill me multiple times! I won't let him off easily."Sydney inhaled sharply, feeling a pang of discomfort. She opened her mouth, about to say something, but the words caught in her throat. She couldn't speak up for Sebastian in front of Theodore; that would be too obvious."Theo, I hope you stay safe and don't put yourself in danger again."She truly didn't want her two sons to hurt each other. For her, it would be a disaster if anything happened to either of them."I won't put myself in danger. From now on, I'll be on guard a hundred times more against Sebastian. He better not give me any reason to take action."Seeing the coldness in Theodore's eyes, Sydney didn't dare say more. The words she was about to speak were swallowed down.-After visiting Sydney, Theodore walked out holding Steve, with Rosalie following behind him.In the hallway, she said, "Theodore
Yerick sighed and lowered his head, looking somewhat dejected. "Rose, can you not break my heart? You know that only I know where the video is. If I get angry, I might not give it to you. How are you going to deal with Sebastian then?""You..." Rosalie's anger flared. "What do you want?""I just want to have a chat with you, Rose. Now that Sebastian is out of the picture, will you choose Justin or Theodore?""I choose you, okay? You freak!" Rosalie tightened her grip on the phone and gritted her teeth.Yerick was flattered. "Rose, you make me so happy when you say that." Even though he knew it was a lie."Yerick, I'm begging you. Give me the video.""Rose, you really like Justin, don't you? When you thought he died, you must have been in despair. It was like you lost your soul, didn't you?"Rosalie's hand trembled.Yerick continued, "Tell me, is that true?""So what? Yes, I like Justin. Are you satisfied now?"Yerick didn't look happy, but rather dispirited. "In the end, you fell for h
Theodore and Rosalie exchanged a glance, their faces filled with shock.In the video, Yerick laughed. "Are you surprised? Angry? That's good. That's exactly what I wanted! How could I let you catch Sebastian so easily? Although I've been caught, I had to leave someone to deal with you. How could I let something happen to Sebastian? Otherwise, it wouldn't be fun anymore.""He must have already notified Sebastian," Theodore said angrily."Exactly, you guessed it right." Yerick had already anticipated what they would say, and he continued in the video, "I've already notified Sebastian. It's too late for you to catch him now. But I'll help you out—he definitely won't go to Melrine, since he already committed crimes there."Theodore tapped on the phone a few times, trying to turn off the video, but it kept playing."Don't think you can switch off the phone," Yerick said. "I modified the phone's code. If the video doesn't finish playing, the phone will just be like a brick. You can smash it
Theodore's anger burned like a raging fire. His brow furrowed and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His hands clenched into fists so hard that his knuckles cracked, as if he wanted to tear everything apart.Theodore felt like a pitiful fool.With a loud crash, he slammed the phone onto the ground, and the screen shattered.But the phone was of excellent quality. Even though it had hit the ground, Yerick's voice continued to echo. Theodore stepped forward and stomped on it a few times."Shut up! Shut up!"Finally, the phone was crushed into two pieces, and Yerick's voice ceased."Theo." Rosalie tried to stop him, but she couldn't quench the fury inside him. The evidence had been destroyed beneath his feet. "Theo, he said all those things to provoke you. Don't fall for it, or he'll have won.""Rose, everyone knew except me, right?"His face flushed red, his lips trembling as if he were about to unleash a torrent of rage. His entire body was taut."Theo, it's all in the past now."
Upon hearing Sydney finally speak those words, Theodore smiled. "You've been holding it in for so long, and now you've finally said it."Seeing Theodore's calm expression, Sydney immediately realized something."You've known all along. That wasn't easy, was it? You have a son outside, and all these years, you must have missed him terribly, right?""Theo, listen to me. When I gave birth to Sebastian, Geoffrey took him away. I thought the child was dead, but a year ago, Geoffrey told me that Sebastian was my son. I was unaware all these years." Sydney held Theodore's hand tightly.Theodore shook her hand off. "Mom, now that you know, do you feel guilty? Your biological son grew up without you, so you're doing everything to make it up to him, even trying to match him with Rose. Now I finally understand why you acted so out of character. It turns out he's your son."When Theodore said this, he smiled bitterly."You... How did you know?" Sydney asked, shocked."So you admit it now. You int
Rosalie hadn't seen Theodore for several days and didn't know where he had gone. The two of them had spoken on the phone, but he only told her that he was fine and that he needed a few days to handle some things.Theodore assured her that nothing was wrong and that he would be back soon, telling her not to worry.Rosalie felt that he probably needed some time to calm down, so she gave him space and decided not to bother him, waiting for his return to address things.She was currently staying at his place, taking his earlier suggestion to live together, which would make it easier for them to take care of Steve.As for Sebastian, he had already escaped as Yerick said.Rosalie had asked Christopher about this, but he said he didn't know anything.Christopher told her that in a few days, it would be Chandra's 70th birthday, and he wanted her to join the celebration.Rosalie naturally didn't want to go and directly refused. She still hadn't accepted her own identity.That morning, she went
"I used to be like that too," Justin said, "but with time, I realized that we live on this earth to enjoy every day, every minute and every second of the entire process. No one grows up in one minute, gets married in the second minute, and dies in the third. The endpoint might be important, but it only comes around from the accumulation of many little, ordinary things in life. Only when there are lows will we appreciate the highs. Only when we're sad will we appreciate happy times. It is only in the ordinary that we can see the extraordinary."I wondered if I should feel a complicated piece by myself, understanding the ups and downs of its story, or if I should listen to others. I eventually chose the former. Many things in life aren't black and white and you'll have to look at the whole picture to understand its complexity instead of just hearing a superficial summary."I subsequently began enjoying watching a movie, a drama series, or a novel without being affected by other people'
The topic of impending separation felt rather heavy and neither of them wanted to continue."Let me peel an apple for you." Rosalie picked an apple from the basket and peeled it with a knife.They remained silent, not saying a word for a long time."Rose, how is Theodore?""Some things happened recently and he wanted some time alone. He said he'll be back soon.""What happened?"Rosalie told Justin about it.Justin's brows furrowed. "Turns out that they are siblings. That's unfortunate for Theodore. Not only does he have a madman for a younger brother, but he also has an older brother who wants to kill him.""Yeah. We don't know what to do about it. After he returns, I want to have a good chat with him. Even if I can't help him with much, I can offer some words of consolation.""Do you still live with him now?" Justin asked.Rosalie nodded. "Yeah, I'm staying with him now and taking care of Steve with him. I feel like Steve has been quite happy recently, perhaps because both
The nurse pushed Rosalie to the hall, about to guide her outdoors. Rosalie really wanted to see her donor, even if it was just a glance from afar. She didn't need to appear before them.So, she asked her nurse to push her to the nurses' station."Excuse me, I'd like to ask if there's a patient who got in a car accident and is now in a vegetative state? A 35-year-old man sent in a couple days ago?""What is his name?" asked one of the nurses."I don't know, but he's preparing for a liver donation surgery, and I'm the recipient. I just want to see him from afar. I won't disturb his family," Rosalie said."Liver transplant? I don't remember such a patient in the hospital. Did you make a mistake?"Rosalie recalled what Dr. Landon had told her, and was sure she wasn't mistaken. "How could that be? I'm due for the surgery tomorrow.""Let's go outdoors for a walk," Jake said as he pushed hard on Rosalie's wheelchair. He was small in stature, but he managed to move the wheelchair along.
After Theodore left, Jake looked glum."Jake, what's the matter?"He shook his head. "Nothing.""Are you upset that your dad was fierce to you? Is your dad always so fierce to you?"Jake nodded with a pout.Rosalie's heart ached. "I'll tell him not to be so fierce to you for no reason."Jake finally broke up into a smile, but very soon, his face fell again, looking as if he had something to say."Jake, what's the matter? Do you have something to tell Mama? Just tell me, it's fine.""Yeah, Jake. Mommy really wants you to talk more to her. Anything will do," Chelsea chimed in."Can you be with Dad again?" Jake said after pondering for a long while.Rosalie was stunned by his question. "Jake, why did you suddenly ask that?""I just want to know. Can you tell me?"Rosalie could sense that Jake was asking the question very seriously, and couldn't bear to give him a perfunctory reply. "Jake, although your dad and I are divorced, we'll always be your parents. We're family.""So y
Two days later, it was the weekend. Jake and Chelsea didn't need to go to school, so they kept Rosalie company in the hospital."Mommy, do you feel any pain in your body?" Chelsea asked, worried.Rosalie caressed her daughter's head and said, "No, I don't. Don't worry. How is everything in kindergarten? Are you used to it there?""I want to be with Mommy," Chelsea said indignantly."Chelsea, you're still very young. It's not good for you to always be at the hospital," Rosalie said. "I'll be discharged once I get better. For now, just be good and go to school."Chelsea nodded. "Okay, Mommy. I'll be good."Rosalie turned her attention to Jake. "Jake, come here and let Mommy take a good look at you."Having not seen him for so many years, Rosalie wanted to spend every waking moment with him.Jake walked over to her, opening his mouth as if wanting to say something, but when he drew close to Rosalie, he still felt rather reserved.He was now willing to be close to Rosalie, but sti
A few days later, Theodore was sitting on Rosalie's bedside.He was peeling an apple for Rosalie."Theo, you've been keeping me company at the hospital the past few days. You must be very tired. Go back and get some rest," Rosalie said.Theodore had been staying the night at the hospital for the past few days.Jake was in primary school, and Chelsea had to attend kindergarten. Theodore managed to find one for her as it wasn't ideal for a child to keep going to the hospital."It's fine, I'll stay here with you.""Theo, you feel different from five years ago."At over 30 years of age, Theodore felt more mature.He said with a smile, "Do I feel older than before?""No, but more handsome," Rosalie said honestly.Theodore sliced the apple after peeling it and put it near Rosalie's mouth. "Have some apples."Rosalie opened her mouth and bit into the sweet, fragrant apple, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes.Theodore ended up being the one by her side, after all."Rose, it's y
The next day, Chelsea felt the sun shining on her. She slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself lying on a bed.She turned her head and saw someone at the bedside looking at her. She sat up on the bed in fright.Jake was seated on the chair, sprawled across the bedside.Upon seeing Chelsea stir awake, he sat up and simply stared at her in silence.Chelsea stared back at him curiously, and the two of them ended up in a staring contest.Jake stood up and ran out of the room. "Dad, she's awake."Jake dragged Theodore into the room."Chelsea, you're awake," Theodore said as he approached her. "Go wash up and brush your teeth first before having breakfast.""Why did I end up here? Wasn't I at the hospital last night?" Chelsea asked, confused."You fell asleep in the hospital. I was worried that you might catch a cold there, so I carried you back home. I'll take you to the hospital to see Mommy after breakfast."Chelsea scratched her head as she looked at Jake, still in a daze.
Theodore and Chelsea stayed by Rosalie's side till late.Rosalie felt pain all over her body. The doctor prescribed painkillers with sedative effects, and she fell into a deep sleep.Chelsea was very stubborn and refused to leave, wanting to stay by Rosalie's side. She eventually couldn't hold out any longer and fell asleep on the couch. Theodore carefully carried her in his arms and left the hospital.Theodore carried Chelsea in his arms the entire trip. She remained in a very deep sleep until he reached home. He put her on the bed and pulled the sheets over her. Then, he left the room quietly.He headed to Jake's room and knocked on the door. "Jake, are you asleep yet?"Even if Jake was, Theodore had to go in and wake him up to tell him something.Jake slowly and carefully opened the door a crack."I have something to tell you," Theodore said.Jake took a few steps back to allow Theodore in.Theodore walked into the room, shut the door, and carried Jake up on the bed.Jake
Theodore took Chelsea out for almost half an hour before returning. He wanted to see how Rosalie and Jake were doing.Yet, when he arrived at the door, he saw that Rosalie had collapsed on the floor."Rose!" Theodore put Chelsea down and ran toward Rosalie, carrying her up in his arms.Rosalie's brows were tightly knitted. She was barely conscious, sweat beading on her forehead."Mommy, Mommy!" Chelsea was frightened to see her mom in such a state.Just then, the door to the room suddenly opened. Jake heard the commotion and came out, only to see Rosalie on the floor. He was utterly shocked.Theodore yelled at Jake, "What did you do?"Jake stood stunned. He knew nothing, since he was hiding in his room all the while. He thought Rosalie had left when he didn't hear her voice anymore.Rosalie opened her eyes and grabbed Theodore's arm, saying weakly, "Nothing to do with him.""Rose, I'll take you to the hospital." Theodore carried Rosalie in his arms and stood up in a panic.
When Theodore arrived home with Rosalie and Chelsea in tow, Jake was playing water guns with the servants.The servants pretended to be afraid as they hid from Jake's sight.Jake was having the time of his life when a voice interrupted him. "Jake."He jumped up in fright at the sound of his father's voice and immediately hid the water gun behind his back.Yet, when he turned around, he saw two people standing next to Theodore—a lady and a little girl.Jake suddenly had a bad feeling about things as he looked wide-eyed at them."Jake," Rosalie said agitatedly as she looked at her son. She wanted to rush toward him, but was worried that it might frighten him.Theodore took a few steps forward. "Jake, do you still remember what I told you about how your mom is back?" He crouched down low and gently caressed Jake's head. "She is your mom, and that's your younger sister."Jake's water gun fell on the floor with a thud."Jake," Rosalie said in a trembling voice as she approached h
Lunch went by without a glitch, although neither of them spoke much.Perhaps because Chelsea was around, they found it inappropriate to say what was on their mind, even if there was much they wanted to say.After the meal, Theodore put his spoon down and said, "Now that you're back, will you leave again?"Even after having met Rosalie, he didn't dare to hold out hope and braced himself for the possibility that she might leave and disappear from his world again."I'm here for work, as I've been dispatched here to take on a long-term position. If there are no surprises, I'll probably be staying here for good.""So if it weren't for work, you wouldn't have returned, am I right?"Theodore's tone was calm, but he was in fact trying his best to suppress his agitation.Rosalie's heart throbbed with pain. "I really missed Jake. I think even without work, I might still have come back.""Might," Theodore repeated her words through gritted teeth. "I see."Rosalie had nothing to say to ju