"If it looks good on you, keep wearing it. After you and Theo get divorced, I'm afraid he won't be able to give you any more gifts," Cynthia said as she lowered her head, a hint of darkness flickering in her eyes.She picked up her utensils and took a bite of the lunch Rosalie had made, nodding at the taste. "It's really good. It's a pity that after you divorce Theo, he'll hardly get to eat something like this again."Her tone sounded somewhat regretful, but perhaps concealed a hint of satisfaction."You take your time eating. I'll leave first," said Rosalie.Rosalie wouldn't really stay to foolishly take care of Cynthia. This woman didn't need her care."Wait." Cynthia stopped her. "Didn't Theo tell you why you're here? If you leave like this now, he won't be happy."She was acting in a completely domineering manner, speaking in a tone that was gentle but carried a warning."Ms. Zeller, what do you want to hear from me? Don't you and Theodore understand your relationship the
"Because I was dying!" Cynthia's eyes reddened. "I had a serious illness and needed a double lung transplant surgery. Theo finally found a donor for me, but do you know what the old lady did?!""What did she do?" Rosalie asked."She used her connections to block the donor from reaching the hospital. My surgery was forced to stop. I was lying on the operating table, waiting for the lungs that never came. I was going to die!""That's impossible! Grandma wouldn't do that. I don't believe it!" Rosalie's eyes were red as she shook her head vigorously."You may not believe it, but it's true! Go ask Theo, or better yet, ask the old lady if she did such a thing!""And then what? You keep fabricating stories!"Rosalie couldn't believe it. Rebecca had raised her, nurtured her, and taken care of her. She couldn't just believe Cynthia's words without evidence.Cynthia sneered coldly before continuing, "My life was hanging by a thread. When Theo went to confront his grandmother, she forced h
Rosalie felt like her heart was being torn apart, and her mind was on the verge of splitting open.Cynthia even knew about these things. It seemed that Theodore had been telling Cynthia everything about his married life over the past year. They had been in contact all along."Theo once went on a two-month business trip, right? He was with me," Cynthia volunteered the information. "He was with me the whole time, traveling together. He was happiest when he was with me."It felt like one thunderbolt after another was striking Rosalie's brain. She was in a daze, hoping desperately that this was just a nightmare and that she would wake up soon.Rosalie remembered the night when Theodore had come home in a hurry, wanting to be intimate with her. They hadn't seen each other for two months, and she was deeply in love with him, so she hadn’t pushed him away.The whole process had gone smoothly. He had been gentle and considerate of her feelings. But the following day, he asked for a divorc
Despite Cynthia's gentle tone, every word felt like a knife, cutting straight to Rosalie's heart. The other woman seemed like a victorious queen, crushing Rosalie underfoot and leaving her with no room to maneuver.Indeed, Rosalie had almost forgotten that Cynthia, while not on the same level as the Spencer family, still came from a wealthy background.Struggling to control her emotions, Rosalie clenched her teeth and sternly said, "Ms. Zeller, you're overthinking it. I've known Theo for ten years. Do you think I don't know what kind of person he is?"Moreover, he made it clear to me before we got married that ours was a contractual marriage. You have no idea what he's going to give me after our divorce. Please don't pity me. I'm not as helpless as you think."Upon hearing Rosalie's words, Cynthia's worried expression softened into a slight smile. "Is that so? You don't feel wronged being with Theo?""As you said, he's an outstanding man. In this past year of marriage, he's given
Rosalie laughed bitterly. "What have I done behind your back? Hurt your Cindy? Do you know the whole story? You only heard what I said at the end, but not what she said earlier!""That's enough!" Theodore interrupted her. "I know what she said. I can show you all of Cindy's medical records. If you knew what she's been through, you would feel ashamed instead of questioning her here!"Rosalie was momentarily speechless. She did indeed doubt Cynthia, especially after seeing her looking healthy at the restaurant, while Theodore remained convinced otherwise.But whenever Cynthia went to the hospital, Theodore was always with her. It would be difficult for Cynthia to deceive him, but it wasn't entirely impossible. Even in Theodore's presence, Cynthia could have faked her condition, like Rosalie had done when she concealed her pregnancy from him.Apart from her health, Cynthia was also clearly acting in other aspects, especially when Theodore was around. She deliberately said things to pr
"Theodore, it's clear that you have double standards. You've said that as long as we remain married, we're still bound as husband and wife. However, you frequently criticize me whenever I bring up the divorce, accusing me inexplicably and reacting with anger as if I've betrayed you."Ironically, it's you who wanted to get divorced in the first place. You've barely mentioned it, yet you're already eager to move on with Cynthia. What right do you have to hold me responsible?"Yesterday, you asked me to come home, but you weren't there. Today, you called me to come here, but it turns out you just wanted me to explain things to Cynthia. I didn't have to come all the way here for a conversation that could have taken place over the phone. You even asked me to bring lunch, which I made spicy because I thought I would be having lunch with you!"I like spicy food, but I don't eat it because you don't! Every time I bring you lunch, I come on an empty stomach. I've never eaten first! I just sa
Wesley turned his head. "What's the matter? You're really something, always eyeing something else while not being satisfied with what you already have."Theodore was momentarily at a loss for words, but still unwilling to relinquish Rosalie's hand.Cynthia gritted her teeth, a hint of unwillingness flashing in her eyes as she put on another pitiful act."Uncle, it's all my fault. I'm sorry, I-""Since you know it's all your fault, then just kill yourself already," Wesley ruthlessly interrupted her.Rosalie was shocked. In fact, she hadn't met her father-in-law many times, and was quite afraid of him. He rarely smiled, and Rebecca didn't mention him much either. All she knew was that her father-in-law and his wife seemed to have a bad relationship. The couple lived separately, which made Rosalie think her father-in-law didn't value marriage much.A shocked Cynthia's lips trembled. "I...""Dad, you're going too far." Theodore frowned, his voice icy. "It's not Cindy's fault, it's a
Theodore gently patted Cynthia's slender back. "Don't worry, I'll handle everything.""Is it true that I'll never be able to be part of the Spencer family? Are we really never going to be together?"Thinking of Wesley's words, Cynthia was furious. What was so great about Rosalie?! She was from a humble background and wasn't worthy of the Spencer family's protection!Theodore frowned, his expression grave. "Let's not think about that for now. Take care of yourself.""I don't think I can take care of myself anymore." Cynthia wiped her tears. "Theo, I don't know how long I have left. But even if it's only for a short time, I'll be happy as long as I'm with you. Whether or not we can make our status official doesn't matter anymore.""Alright, stop crying."Theodore didn't say much more. Instead, he bent down to tidy up the lunch boxes on the coffee table. He took special care with the one with the chili peppers, covering it carefully."Theo, aren't you going to have lunch?" Cynthia
In the deep of the night, Rosalie dreamt of Justin once again.They were walking down the red carpet, filled with joy—but the next moment, a bullet pierced mercilessly through his heart, snatching his life from him. She saw him lying in a pool of blood.She screamed and struggled with all her might, but she was helpless. Nightmares haunted her night after night."Justin, Justin! Don't die! I'm begging you, don't die! Don't kill Justin, I'm begging you, don't kill him, don't! Ahhh!" Rosalie screamed as her eyes flew open.In the next second, she found herself in a warm embrace. "Rose, I'm here. It's just a nightmare, a nightmare."Although it was a nightmare, it really did happen.Rosalie felt the warmth of his arms and burst out crying."I caused Justin's death, I harmed him! If…if I made him leave, if I didn't go to the airport to find him, he would still be alive and well. Why did I go and find him? Sebastian was right, everyone who loves me ends up in a terrible plight. I cau
Rosalie held the rings tightly in her hands and put them at her chest, sobbing, "Justin, Justin…"She collapsed on the bed, dissolving into tears."Rose, I know you're in a lot of pain, but I want you to know that you still have me and your son. Don't you want to see Steve? He really missed you."The mention of Steve made Rosalie come alive, but only for a split second.She gripped her collar tight. "I need some time to be alone. I don't want him seeing me like this."She didn't want to scare her son. She was afraid that she might break down before Steve."Okay. If you need me to be by your side, just call me."Rosalie shut her eyes and curled up into a ball, ignoring Theodore's offer.Theodore sighed and pulled the sheets up over her before leaving the room.When he was walking down the corridor, his phone started buzzing in his pocket. He pulled it out of his pocket and answered the call."Mr. Spencer, we've dealt with Sebastian's corpse."Theodore clenched his fists so ti
It was like a long, long nightmare.Rosalie didn't know how much time had passed. All she could remember was herself walking in the desert for a long, long time. She felt tired, thirsty, and hot. She saw no end to the desert and she seemed to be looking for something, although she had forgotten who she was.Just as she fell from tripping over a stone and found herself unable to crawl back up, a man appeared before her.Rosalie looked up, and tears welled up in her eyes the moment she saw who it was.She suddenly remembered who she was and she reached out a trembling hand, calling out, "Justin… Justin…!"Her voice was hoarse.Justin crouched down. "Rose.He reached his hand out, as tender as before.Rosalie felt as though she had found her lifeline. Yet right before their hands touched, a loud gunshot sounded as she saw a bullet pierce mercilessly through Justin's chest. Blood trickled down the wound.Justin collapsed to the ground."No…no, no!"Rosalie yelled at the top of h
"Sebastian Carter, dare you kill me? Hahaha…!" Rosalie laughed.Her scornful laughter was akin to blades that pierced Sebastian's heart. He knew his time was up and all forms of pretense were useless.Although he refused to concede defeat, he had no other choice.Anyone who loved this woman was bound to end up in a horrible plight.Out of the blue, he asked, "Theodore, do you love Rose?" "Of course I do, but I'm not as perverted as you are," Theodore spat."Yes, I'm perverted while your love is noble and dignified. At the very least, Rose loved you once, but what about me? She has never loved me." Sebastian chuckled bitterly, tears filling his eyes. "I just want her to love me! What wrong have I done? I just don't want to lose the woman I love. How is that wrong?"Until now, Sebastian refused to admit his wrongdoings. He might know it in his heart, but he refused to admit it outright.Tears of indignation rolled down his cheeks as he bawled like a child. "The only wrong I di
Sebastian gritted his teeth as he vented his overwhelming wrath on Rosalie's body.Rosalie shut her eyes and bit down on her lips hard, bearing with the pain. She didn't cry out for fear that the people outside would hear her and realize the indecency that was going on.The men outside were shouting anxiously. Just then, one of their members ran over with an electric drill in hand. "I found this! Let's try it."A loud drilling sound came from the door. A few minutes later, the door lock finally came loose.The door was kicked open with a loud bang and Theodore barged in with his men. Sebastian and Rosalie were seated by the bedside, with Sebastian holding a gun pointed at Rosalie's temple.Rosalie's hair was in a mess, with tears streaming down her face. Her sleep gown was all tattered and torn.Fire burned in Theodore's eyes when he saw the scene before him. "Sebastian Carter, what did you do?!""I did everything you can imagine! If you don't believe me, just watch." Sebast
Rosalie was sound asleep when she heard a commotion from outside.Then, shrieks pierced the air.At that moment, the door to her room was locked open and the lights were switched on. Rosalie felt the cold muzzle of a gun pressed against her temple.Sebastian's face was dark with fury as he yanked Rosalie out of the bed."What happened?" she asked.She saw his sweat-beaded brow and knew something serious had happened.Sebastian yanked the rope in his hand and Rosalie tumbled into his arms. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pointed a gun at her forehead with another.Rosalie panted hard. "Sebastian Carter, are you going to kill me? Just shoot me!""Theodore's here. Do you want to see him?""What did you say?" Rosalie was shell-shocked. "He's here?""What, are you very happy?"A flurry of gunshots sounded outside the room."Do you hear that? He's here to rescue you," Sebastian said with a smirk.Rosalie took a deep breath and said, "Why aren't you making a run for it? If
Before his departure, Theodore carried Steve in his arms for a long time, saying many things to him."Stevie, I'm so sorry. If anything were to happen to Daddy, I can't take care of you anymore. I know I should be doing that and that I shouldn't be so selfish, but I can't help it. I have to go save Mommy. If I don't come back, you must listen to Grandpa and Grandma. They will take care of you."Theodore kissed his cheek. "I left you many videos, enough to last you till you turn 18. Remember to watch one every year on your birthday. I want you to know that I'll remember you forever."He started tearing up. "I'm sorry, Daddy needs to go. I'll protect myself and your mommy as best as I can. We'll definitely find a way back home."Theodore put Steve back into his cot."Dada…" Steve leaned against the edge of the cot and blinked innocently at Theodore."I'm sorry. Daddy's leaving." He planted a final kiss on Steve's cheek and left, his heart breaking.Steve plopped onto the mattr
They were thirty hours away from the launch of the rescue operation.Theodore called Sydney and Wesley over for a talk in the living room. With his solemn expression, the atmosphere was very tense."I called you two over because I have something very important to tell you.""What is it?" Wesley asked."If I were to die, please take good care of Steve."Shock registered on both their faces when they heard Theodore's words."Theo, what do you mean by that?" Sydney asked. "What happened? You've been acting so secretively as of late. I don't see you and can't even reach you. In fact, I can't reach Rose, either."She sensed that something major had happened, but no one was telling her what it was. She even tried contacting Christopher to understand what was going on, but he refused to breathe a word about it.The rescue operation had to be kept under wraps. Theodore and Christopher hid it from everyone else for fear of unnecessary complications and information leaks. They couldn't a
In the dark, silent night, moonlight flitted about in the night sky like a weak flame on a candle in the endless darkness.Clouds covered the sky and the night breeze felt chilly, like a sneaky thief drawing close under the cover of the night.The office was a mess, the darkness outside melting into the tense atmosphere in the room.There were many computers laid out on the large table, information and data blinking rapidly on the screen like the stars in the night sky, piercing through one's nerves.Theodore was leading the pack, walking around the periphery of the table amidst the tense atmosphere, his attention completely drawn toward the computer screens. Everyone was involved in this extremely dangerous and challenging rescue operation. They were now at the stage of planning for the rescue operation.Christopher was involved, as well. Half of the men in the office room were working under him.Theodore placed the report he received on the table and said to Christopher, "Vel