Theodore and Steve were in the garden playing with the swing.Steve sat on the swing, giggling happily as Theodore pushed him.Theodore crouched down in front of Steve. Every time Steve swung toward him, he would catch him and plant a kiss on his little face.Each time, Steve would burst into laughter, and Theodore would gently push him off again, letting him swing in the air.Father and son played joyfully, with Steve ending up in Theodore's arms over and over again."Mama!" Steve suddenly called out.Theodore smiled and said, "Do you miss Mommy? She's at work, but she'll be home soon.""Theo." Rosalie's voice rang out from behind him.Hearing that she had returned, Theodore was delighted. He turned around, just about to say something, but then he saw that she wasn't alone. Justin was with her, and they were holding hands.Theodore froze. The sight of their intertwined fingers stung his eyes, making it painfully clear what had happened.He was dazed for a few seconds before forcing hi
Rosalie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Theo, I… I can't keep living here. Now that I'm with Justin, it wouldn't be appropriate.""There's nothing inappropriate about both of you living here."Theodore made the greatest concession possible, something even Rosalie hadn't expected him to say."Theo, thank you, but Justin and I will still move out. It wouldn't be right for us to stay."Even if Theodore didn't mind, she and Justin did. She had chosen to be with Justin, and she knew Theodore must be heartbroken. If she and Justin stayed here, constantly appearing before him, there was bound to be conflict. Moving out was the better option."What about Steve, then? Are you planning to take him too? You said I'm his father—are you going to take my child away from me?"Theodore's emotions suddenly spiraled out of control, and his voice rose involuntarily.His fists clenched tightly against the couch, his entire body tense like a raging lion ready to pounce and subdue its prey.Rosali
Theodore averted his gaze, unable to continue watching how intimate they were with each other.He was angry and desperate, but as soon as he saw Rosalie's tears, his anger dissipated.In the end, he just sighed. "What now? Are you going to take Steve with you?""Theo, Justin and I will move to the house I rented before. I paid for a year's rent at that time. Steve can stay with you for now. After three months, I'll come back to take him. In between, we can make arrangements to spend time together with Steve.""What if Steve cries every night, wanting his mother? Can you come every day?""You can call me, and I'll comfort him over the phone."Rosalie couldn't visit every day while Steve stayed with Theodore for the first three months. If she couldn't do that, what would be the point of moving out? It was a challenge she would have to overcome."Theo, problems can be solved, and I believe you're a good father. You can take care of Steve, and he likes you a lot.""Alright." Theodore did
Hearing the word "brother," Theodore gave a bitter smile. "I once told you the same thing, and you were very angry at that time."Rosalie lowered her gaze, unsure of what to say. The situation was different now, and it couldn't be compared to the past."Rose, if there comes a day when you're not happy, remember to come back."He would always be here waiting for her."Theo." Rosalie suddenly realized that no matter what she said, it would feel meaningless."If he ever hurts you, you must tell me.""Theo..." Rosalie looked at him through her tears."Can I hug you one more time?" Theodore opened his arms.Rosalie hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse. Seeing Theodore's broken state, however, her heart softened. She nodded and stepped forward.Theodore pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. She could feel him trembling and sobbing. At this moment, she could do nothing but remain silent. Letting him hold her was the only thing she could do."Theo, you must live well. There's a
The next morning, after Rosalie and Justin woke up, they noticed Theodore was nowhere to be found. Not knowing where he had gone, Rosalie asked the butler and learned that he had left early in the morning.Rosalie knew Theodore was avoiding them, but she didn't press the issue.She still had to go to work. After having breakfast with Justin, she bid farewell to Steve."Dear, even though Mommy can't live with you anymore, I'll come to see you often. Your daddy will take good care of you, and in three months, you'll come live with Mommy."Rosalie held Steve, tears streaming down her face. She simply couldn't bear to leave. She kissed his cheek and held him tightly. "I'm sorry, Steve. I'm really sorry."Steve looked at his mother with confusion, seemingly unaware of what was happening, but he raised his little hand to wipe away the tears from her face."Mama, no cry," Steve said, his words still unclear, but he knew exactly what he was doing and saying.Rosalie was heartbroken. She grasp
Justin drove to Rosalie's office to fetch her before she knocked off.He drove very carefully and slowly, doing all he could to prevent any accidents.Justin suddenly noticed a car following behind him.Whenever he turned a corner, the car would do the same. Whenever he slowed down, the car would slow down, too.Justin started tensing up. He furrowed his brows and tightened his hold over the steering wheel.Just then, the car turned a corner and drove into another road, disappearing into the sea of cars.Justin started to relax.Perhaps he was overthinking things. He kept having this feeling that someone was following him.He felt the same way in the cafe and on the road.Perhaps it was an occupational hazard due to who he was. He always felt as though everyone around him was an enemy, and his guard would be up with any slight movement.Now that he was in Blencalgo with Rosalie, he couldn't be living in the past. He had to become an ordinary man.After work, Rosalie left the
When they returned to the house, Rosalie felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. Although she initially didn't want to move back, she no longer feared the place because Justin was here with her.The thought of how she used to live with Steve here, and he was no longer around but with Theodore, made her so sad she wanted to cry.She and her child were clearly in the same city. She could, by right, visit him anytime she wanted. However, she couldn't rid herself of the disappointment she was feeling without Steve by her side. He was her biological child, her flesh and blood. As his mother, how could she not miss him? Sensing Rosalie's sorrow, Justin hugged her tight. "What's the matter? Are you not happy?""No, I just miss Steve. Steve lived here with me and his cot is still in my room. It makes me think of him.""I'll help you keep the cot, alright? We'll take it out when Steve comes back here. Otherwise, you'll get upset each time you see it."Rosalie nodded. "Okay."Justin
After dinner was ready, Justin served all the dishes on the table."Rose, dinner is ready. Why are you sitting there spacing out?"Rosalie snapped back to attention and jumped up from the couch. She ran to Justin and sang him praises, "You're such a good cook!"She hugged Justin's waist, tip-toed, and kissed his cheek.Justin looked down and kissed her forehead. "What's the matter? Not eating?""No, I just suddenly want to hug you," Rosalie said as she released him and sat at the table. She felt exceptionally happy as she took in the fragrance of the food.Justin sat down and put some food on Rosalie's plate. "Eat more.""Justin," Rosalie said as she looked up at him, her eyes glistening and voice dripping with honey."What is it?" Justin asked."Let's pick a date to get married."Justin put his spoon down. "What date do you have in mind?""Let me check the calendar. Wait for me." Rosalie pulled her phone out of her pocket.She realized that there was only one good date two
Rosalie and Justin headed home.After settling down on the couch, Rosalie leaned into his embrace. "We'll be getting married in a few days."Rosalie looked up at him. "Do you feel nervous at all?"Justin nodded. "A little. What about you?"Rosalie nodded too. "I feel a little nervous, too. No, very nervous."She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Justin, we'll definitely fight after we get married, right?"Which married couple didn't face conflicts in their lifetime? They weren't robots.Justin caressed Rosalie's cheeks, knowing that she was still worried about it. "Rose, let me ask you a question.""What is it?""Did you fight with Theodore when you two were married? Did you two have any conflicts?"Rosalie furrowed her brows. "Why are you asking me this?""Because I feel like you're very worried about our marriage, so I want to hear what you think of that."Since she was worried, they should have a good chat about it and resolve her concerns, instead of letting her bring
"Okay, let me see." Justin stood in front of the three gowns and chose the third one.It wasn't the gown he chose for Rosalie at the start, but one that Rosalie picked out herself. Chronologically speaking, Rosalie probably tried on this gown after trying on the first two gowns.Justin lifted the gown before Rosalie. "Darling, how about this one?"Rosalie looked at him doubtfully before turning her attention to the first gown. "Why not the first one? You picked the first one for me, I like it too."Justin said with a smile, "If you really liked the first one, you wouldn't have been in a dilemma over the next two. If you really liked the second one, there shouldn't have been a third one. That's why I think you should choose the third wedding gown.""Justin…" Rosalie was at a loss for words. She suddenly felt so thankful for his presence.She walked up to him and hugged the gown, nodding. "Let's pick this one, then. Let's now pick out a suit for you."Rosalie did like this gow
It was the kind of playful bickering that wasn't truly fighting.Rosalie glared at him. "I dare you to! If you dare find another woman, I'll find a young man and flirt openly with him in front of you and make your blood boil!"Justin couldn't stand the mere thought of it and jealousy overwhelmed him. He grabbed her shoulders and growled, "If you ever do that, I'll punch him to death!""What about your other woman?" Rosalie said huffily. "You're making my blood boil. Since you want to find another woman to anger me, I'll find a young boy to anger you back!""I'm sorry, I was wrong," Justin said as he pulled Rosalie into his arms. "I won't find another woman. You won't go around finding a young boy as a love interest."Justin was joking when he mentioned another woman and he knew Rosalie wasn't serious about finding a young boy, but somehow he still panicked when he heard that.Rosalie could sense Justin's insecurities. She was pulling his leg and neither of them were serious in wh
A few days later, Rosalie and Justin were planning their wedding. Rosalie felt overjoyed during this period. Every day spent with Justin was filled with sweet moments that she never tired of. All the unhappy memories of the past were put aside and she no longer thought about them. She focused her attention fully on Justin and happy thoughts.Rosalie and Justin were picking out their wedding gown and suit in a boutique. She held Justin's arm as she looked through the various gown designs, feeling excited and elated at the same time."Justin, these gowns are beautiful! I wonder how I'll look in them."Justin put an arm around her shoulder. "Try them on and we'll buy whichever looks good.""Help me pick, won't you?"Justin nodded. "Of course."He stepped forward and helped Rosalie choose a gown. He picked out a white lace mesh gown and handed it to her. "I think this looks nice. Try it on."A sales assistant stepped forward and praised Justin's choice. "Sir, you have good taste
Moments with one's lover were always sweet. Rosalie and Justin spent many happy days together.Aside from when Rosalie was at work, the two of them were always together, eating, sleeping and even going out for fun. They would often take walks at the park hand-in-hand.Justin had a high sex drive and was always in the mood for more. Rosalie sometimes felt overwhelmed, but the pitiful look on Justin's face always made her give in.Thankfully, Justin was always considerate of her feelings and never failed to make her very happy.Rosalie did find it tiring, but she also felt so filled with joy after each time.To be loved and doted on every moment by her lover made her immensely happy.This was the happiest Rosalie had been in her life. She hoped such happiness could last her entire lifetime.At night, Justin released Rosalie when he was finally sated.Rosalie panted heavily, her cheeks so flushed they looked like they were on the verge of bleeding. Sweat beaded on her forehead.
Justin shut his eyes and suddenly felt something on his face.He opened his eyes, only to see Rosalie kissing him. The covers between them were shoved aside and she pounced on him.Justin's breathing turned heavy. Rosalie sat up straight and took off her pajamas."Justin, I'm ready."With that, she bent over and kissed his lips, his face, and his neck as her hands got busy taking off his pajamas.Justin panted harder as he wrapped an arm around her waist and took over control. He pressed her down on the bed and cupped her face in his palms. "Really? Are you ready to give yourself to me?"Rosalie nodded. "I am. Take me."Justin, overjoyed, lowered his head to kiss her lips.They burned with overwhelming love and passion for each other, unable to keep their hands away from each other.At the height of their passion, Justin bit Rosalie's ear and growled, "Rose, I love you."His words made tears roll down Rosalie's cheeks. She hugged him back and whispered hotly into his ears,
Justin waited for an entire day, but Rosalie was still not back by the time the sky turned dark.He didn't leave the house at all, for fear that she would worry if she returned and didn't see him at home. There were many times he wanted to give her a call, but he held himself back.He thought that she must be very happy to be by Steve's side and didn't want to interrupt her. If Rosalie were to return reluctantly out of consideration for his feelings, she might not feel good about it. Yet, not doing so made him feel uneasy.Justin sat on the couch, watching TV in a daze. There was a comedy on, but he couldn't bring himself to laugh.Dinner was long over, but Rosalie was still not back yet. It seemed she wasn't coming back for dinner.Justin cooked some noodles for dinner and had a simple meal. He switched off the TV, laid on the couch, and stared at the door.He looked just like a sad wife waiting for a husband who refused to come home.Why wasn't she coming back? Was it because
Theodore and Rosalie sat in the living room as the butler carried Steve away. Rosalie wanted to talk to Theodore alone.But they remained silent as they sat opposite each other, none of them saying a word.Rosalie was the first to speak up. "Theo, you've taken really good care of Steve. Thank you."Theodore leaned back on the couch and said plainly, "There's no need for you to thank me. I'm just doing what a father should do.""Theo, what have you been busy with these few days?""Nothing much, just work stuff.""Even if you're busy with work, you should get enough rest and not tire yourself out too much."Theodore nodded. "I know. You and Justin…""Everything is well between us, don't worry.""Did he bully you?""Of course not," Rosalie said with a smile. "If he did, I'll definitely tell you."She thought saying that might make Theodore feel a little better.Theodore nodded. "If he bullied you, you must tell me and I'll go to him immediately."Rosalie nodded. "He won't. Lo
After a few days, Rosalie managed to adapt to life away from her son and gradually calmed down.She would video-call him every night so that she could still catch a glimpse of him.Rosalie set her mind to slowly drop the frequency to once every two days and then once every three days.This Saturday, Rosalie woke up early in the morning. Justin was still asleep. She didn't want to wake him up, so she quietly got up, washed herself up, and got dressed.Justin felt a strong sense of security with Rosalie around and wasn't so sensitive. He didn't even realize it when Rosalie got out of bed and was only awakened by the slight sounds she made when she came out of the washroom, all dressed and ready."Rose, you don't need to go to work today. Why are you up so early? Come here and sleep a little more.""Justin, I want to go visit Steve."Justin sat up on the bed. "You want to go right now?"Rosalie nodded."Yeah, it's not early anymore and I want to go see him. I miss him."Rosalie