“Bribe?” Sebastian sneered. “So, what did you guys do about it?”He was met with silence once again.Bam!Sebastian slammed the table, and stood up. “Firing all of you wouldn’t be able to compensate for the losses we’ve incurred this time!”Rosalie and Yvonne stood a short distance from the office. They heard a loud sound from inside, accompanied by the shouts of a man.They stopped in their tracks, and stood there in a daze.“Ladies, Mr. Carter is occupied at the moment. Why don’t you two take a seat? We’ll get you some coffee and snacks.”“No,” Yvonne said with a wave of her hand. “Go ahead and be busy. Don’t worry about us.”The secretary smiled and bowed, not daring to offend Yvonne. “Alright, Ms. Carter. Please let me know if you need any help.”After the secretary left, Yvonne held Rosalie’s arm and walked further in.Rosalie heard the yelling in the office, and her heart raced. It was clearly Sebastian’s voice, though she had never heard him so angry before.Even when
Before Yvonne received a response, she barged in with Rosalie in tow.The moment Yvonne opened the door, an angry bellow sounded from inside the office. “Who let you in? Scram!”Sebastian was like a provoked beast breaking out from the earth, his deafening roar making the floor of the office shake.Yvonne stood where she was, dazed. Her eyes widened in shock as she instinctively tightened her grip on Rosalie’s arm.Rosalie was stunned too, her heart racing at the sound of Sebatian’s yelling.Although she was forcefully dragged into the room by Yvonne against her will, the rage on Sebastian’s face shocked her thoroughly. His anger ripped through the crowd like an earthquake, and no one was spared.Everyone’s gaze landed on the two—one of them was Ms. Carter, but the other was a woman they had never seen before.If Ms. Carter wasn’t spared from Sebastian’s scolding, the other woman was without a doubt doomed.Sebastian’s face froze; the fire in his eyes died the moment he saw Ros
His gaze turned warm and tender the moment it landed on Rosalie.Even a car needed time to accelerate. Despite that, Sebastian’s attitude changed in an instant, with no buffer whatsoever in between.Everyone gasped.Who in the world was that lady? Why did Mr. Carter treat her so differently?He wasn’t even that gentle with his own sister. What exactly was going on with this man, who was blowing his top just a minute ago?When Sebastian told Yvonne to shut up, a tremor shook through Rosalie’s body.She was pregnant right now, and her body was naturally more sensitive. When Sebastian was yelling just now, she even instinctively covered her stomach with her hands, as if to protect her baby from shock.Sebastian saw Rosalie in a state of fright, and anxiously tried to explain himself. “I…”He was about to say further, when he belatedly realized that there were still many other people in the room. He turned around, and ordered coldly, “Get back to work.”Everyone walked out of Seba
She knew Sebastian was bribing her. But since it was his credit card, she would succumb this time.“Rose,” Yvonne said meekly, “why don’t you stay here and chat with Seb? I’ll take a stroll downstairs. I’ll come back for you in a while.”“But I…”“Rose,” Yvonne whispered into her ear, “he looks quite anxious, and is probably worried that you’re angry at him. Just stay and chat with him, all right?”With that, Yvonne released Rosalie’s hand and grabbed Sebastian’s card before making a run for the door. She slammed the door shut, not giving Rosalie a chance to reject her.“You…”Rosalie was rendered speechless at the “bribe” that just took place under her nose.Sebastian strode forward, and stopped right in front of her.Left with no way out, Rosalie stood where she was and flashed him an awkward smile. “Rose, I’m sorry you had to see what happened earlier. They committed a huge mistake at work, and I had to tell them off. It wasn’t without reason.” He didn’t want Rosalie to
Sebastian stared at the woman before him, feeling his heart softening.He was still a little angry at her this morning and, if he were being honest, he had flared up at his subordinates because of his bad mood.But now, he realized that all the anger in him had dissipated. He wasn’t even angry at the lost project.Conversely, he felt content.There were a few levels to that feeling of content.Each level was like an empty bag that, once filled, would move on to the next level. The next level was a larger bag.He felt like the first bag was already full, and that he had progressed to the next level.With regard to Rosalie, he didn’t ask for much. His bar was very low to start with, and he would feel content with just a smile or a tender word from her.The knowledge that she was concerned for him instantly filled the empty bag on the first level to the brim.The bag on the second level was opened, and it was empty. Strangely, at the same instant when the bag on the first level w
They way his eyes looked right now…“Sebastian,” Rosalie said, looking at him with crystal clear eyes. “We’re good friends. You helped me when I was at my lowest, and I’m just returning the favor. I don’t mean anything else, so please don’t overthink things.”Sebastian felt as though someone splashed an entire bucket of cold water over his head. He didn’t know if Rosalie was deliberately reminding him not to overthink things, or if it was just a casual remark on her part.Whatever it was, Rosalie had only one objective in mind—which was to stop him from overthinking. They were just friends, and she was just showing concern for a friend.A friend…Sebastian’s mind was in a mess.At the same time, a sharp knife was slicing through his heart.He knew they were just friends—he knew that all along. That was why he had been so cautious. However, it didn’t stop his heart from breaking when Rosalie pointed it out so incisively and matter-of-factly.Rosalie was still feeling uneasy, and
“I do have someone I fancy,” Sebastian said as he looked at her.Rosalie asked doubtfully, “Is that so? Do you really have someone you fancy? Who is she?”“She…is very close to me…”Rosalie instinctively wanted to take a step back, but her body froze on the spot as the corners of her lips twitched.Sebastian suddenly took a step closer to her. Rosalie instinctively stepped back.“Rose, can you do me a favor?” he asked. “What is it?” Rosalie asked.“Can you teach me how to court a lady?”“Me, teach you?” Rosalie said in disbelief. “I think Yvonne would be a better person to ask. I’m such a dull person, and I don’t understand men very well. I don’t understand women, either.”“I’m sure you do. The woman I fancy is quite similar to you in character. I’m afraid Yvonne wouldn’t understand. She’s so rambunctious, she wouldn’t know a thing about quieter and more reserved ladies.”“Is that so?” Rosalie asked. “Who is this lady you fancy?”“She… I met her at a banquet. She’s very res
“Yeah,” Sebastian nodded. “That’s her name.”“Do you have a photo of her?” Rosalie was curious as to how the girl who caught Sebastian’s fancy looked. Her curiosity was further piqued by the fact that Sebastian said that she was similar to her in character. “A photo of her…” Sebastian looked as though he suddenly remembered something. “It’s in my phone, but I left it at home and didn’t bring it with me. That’s also why I didn’t see your text and answer your calls.”What a perfect excuse! It didn’t seem at all suspicious. He was telling the truth, too.He had left the house in a hurry this morning and, in his ire, forgot to bring his phone. He would never not answer Rosalie’s calls.“I see.”As it turned out, Sebastian had already left his house when she texted him.“I’ll check out her photo next time, then. But have you tried courting her? Or did you try and fail?”“The problem is…” Sebastian lamented helplessly, “she has a boyfriend.”“Oh, so she’s not single.” Rosalie s
Theodore wrapped all of them up in his long arms.Under the golden sunshine, the family of four was wrapped up in each other's embraces. Sunlight shone on them, encasing them in a warm, golden glow. Everything felt calm and peaceful. The children snuggled in their parents' arms, innocent smiles lighting up their faces. They could feel the warmth of the sunshine as they found the safest and warmest haven in the entire world in their arms.In the evening sun and gentle breeze, they finally found happiness in each other's embrace.-In the deep of the night, Rosalie had a dream.Both Justin and Grandma came to her in her dream.Grandma and Justin were playing cards, surrounded by beautiful birds and flowers. They seemed to be in heaven, having the time of their lives with a look of tender love in their eyes.Grandma was very happy that she had reconciled with Theodore.Justin told Rosalie, "Rose, I'm so happy to see you happy.""Justin, do you hate me?""Silly girl, why would
Theodore made Rosalie feel like love was possible once more, and gradually opened her up.Love was ever-changing with time and the experiences they went through.Rosalie missed Justin dearly, but she also learned to treasure the people around her and every present moment of happiness. She learned how to accept the past and treasure the present amidst all her relationships.Justin would be her one and only in her heart, but Theodore also found his place in her heart amidst the unique position Justin was in.This was how their affections and love for each other grew and changed with time.Justin was dead, and Rosalie couldn't keep living in the past. She would carefully preserve her love for Justin in a corner of her heart.She would spend the rest of her life loving Theodore and their children."Chelsea," Rosalie said as she pulled Chelsea over. "Your daddy loves you very much, but he didn't get to see you come into this world. But you must remember his name. He is Justin Lynch."
Theodore and Rosalie brought both children to Justin's tomb.Before they left, Rosalie said that she and Chelsea wanted to spend some time alone with Justin.Theodore brought Jake to the car to wait for them.Golden sunlight shone on the land, feeling warm and toasty and giving the earth a beautiful glow.Rosalie caressed the tombstone. "Justin, I'm sorry for not coming to visit for such a long time."The last time she came back was a few months ago, during which she snuck a peak at his tombstone.Rosalie pulled out a bone fragment. "That's because you're always by my side, which is why I think that I can bring you everywhere I go. You're not just here at this tombstone."Justin, Theo and I have reconciled. He did so much for me, even sacrificing his own life for me. I can't just stand idly by and do nothing about it. I can't bring myself to reject him ruthlessly again and again."You can say that I'm moved, or that I fell in love with him once more. He's just too good, and I c
Jake had so much fun today and was exhausted by the time he reached home. After his shower, he crawled into bed and fell right asleep without any coaxing whatsoever. Jake would sometimes sleep in the bedroom with Chelsea, and sometimes they slept separately.At night, when Rosalie went to Chelsea's room to tuck her in and tell her a bedtime story, she asked, "Chelsea, how was your day with Theodore?""Hmm, it was alright," Chelsea said. "But Mr. Spencer was so silly, he burnt the food. I only got to eat lunch very late.""Is that so?" Rosalie burst out laughing. "How silly of him indeed.""But Mr. Spencer is quite nice," Chelsea said. "I like him. He said that I can call him Daddy."Rosalie's eyes lit up. "Do you want to call him that?""I do," Chelsea said with a nod, "but I'll do that tomorrow."Chelsea yawned. She felt tired, too.Rosalie caressed her cheek. "Goodnight, my darling. Go to sleep."-Rosalie returned to her room, took a shower, and laid on the bed. Theodo
Their parent-child bonding efforts officially began the next day.Rosalie brought Jake to the theme park. In the beginning, Jake felt rather stiff and reserved. It was his first time alone with his mom, after all.As time went by, Rosalie's earnestness, concern, and gentle patience with him slowly opened him up.They sat on the carousel, drove the bumper cars, rode on the Viking ship, zoomed down slides, bounced on the trampolines, and sailed on mini-boats. They had a whale of a time.Jake was covered with sweat, but he was so happy, he didn't want the day to end.He had grown closer to his mom, so much so that he would jump into her arms, hugging her and asking for kisses.Rosalie did not hold back from expressing her love for him and even carried him on her back as they continued exploring the park.Jake was very obedient and came down very soon, for fear that Rosalie might get tired. They moved on to the next attraction hand-in-hand.Rosalie found out one thing from Jake, wh
Some time later, Rosalie realized that Jake was being rather sullen.Each time she asked him whether something was wrong, he would brush her away, claiming that he was fine before running off.It was a Saturday, and Rosalie didn't need to go to work. She was seated on the couch with a book when Chelsea ran over, her braids swaying behind her. "Mommy, can you give me a hug?"How could Rosalie say no to her adorable little daughter? She shut the book and said, "But of course. Come on over."Rosalie opened her arms, very willing to show Chelsea affection.Chelsea crawled up onto the couch happily, sitting on Rosalie's lap and diving into her embrace.Jake happened to see it all.Rosalie noticed Jake standing a short distance away and was about to say something to him when he ran off.The smile on Rosalie's face faded as a look of worry took over.At night, Rosalie put Chelsea under Theodore's care and went to Jake, wanting to speak to him alone."Jake, what's with you recently
A gentle breeze lifted the curtains slightly in the deep of the night.Rosalie laid in Theodore's embrace, panting slightly. Her cheek leaned against his chest, feeling his heart pounding heavily, and her cheeks flushed.She never expected this day to come between her and Theodore, yet everything happened in a flash. He went to bed with her just like that, bewitched and completely infatuated with her.Although they were once husband and wife and had been intimate countless times, this felt different from the last. Things felt more intense this time around."Rose, are you happy?"Although Theodore's liver had been doing well over the last three months of recuperation, he was still worried that his fitness level might be affected before his liver was fully recovered.Rosalie gave him a slight smile. "Of course, I am. You almost crushed me."Her face flushed the moment she spoke those words. She hugged Theodore tight, feeling safe and secure.She could sense that he was telling th
"Theo, have you had a woman over the past five years?" Rosalie asked very frankly.They weren't naive young men and women but mature adults with experience in this matter.Theodore was a red-blooded young man who had his needs. Suppressing his desires, which were absolutely normal, would only jeopardize his health.Theodore was getting angry. "Am I someone like that to you, going to bed with a woman I don't love just to satisfy my physical needs?""Aren't men all like that?" Rosalie said. She didn't mean it in a scornful way but simply highlighted it as a typical observation.Lonely men and women in the city were bound to seek companionship in some places and part ways after the night.Someone as powerful and influential as Theodore wouldn't even need to go searching for someone else. Women flocked toward him like bees to honey."Why can't I be an exception?" He was in no state whatsoever to find another woman over the past five years and would always deal with his sexual desire
Time flew by, and three months later, Rosalie was fully recovered and back at work.Her colleagues welcomed her back with a bash.Everything seemed to have returned to normal.To keep Jake company, Rosalie would go back to Theodore's house every day after work. She was practically living there.Rosalie and Jake's relationship had improved over time, and they were looking more and more like they were truly mother and son.Everything was going well.At night, the four of them sat around the dining table and chatted happily with each other.After dinner, Rosalie and Theodore sat in the living room chatting. She suddenly noticed a book on the table. It looked so familiar that it caught her eye.It was the book she had written. Over the past five years, not only was she busy learning and working, but she also managed to write the book she had conceptualized and even gotten it published. However, this book was only available in Briusian and not exported to Blencalgo.Rosalie's book