Sydney rested both hands on the table, her fingers intertwined. “If you want to avoid creating trouble, you should get married secretly and not openly invite your father and I to the wedding, and even ask your ex-wife to be the bridesmaid.”Sydney wasn’t usually good-tempered, but this time, she was speaking to Theodore very patiently.Although sometimes, the calmer the surface of the sea, the stronger the undercurrents.“She can choose not to be the bridesmaid, I’m not forcing her. I’m just giving her an option.”His cold tone made Rosalie clench her fists. All the more she didn’t want to stay here a second longer.“Mom, I’ll make a move first. Have a nice chat.”“Wait,” Sydney said as she turned her head. “Let’s head back together later.”“But Mom…”“Sit down.” Sydney pointed to a chair next to her.Rosalie furrowed her brows.“Sit down,” Sydney repeated herself.Rosalie sighed before acquiescing.She couldn’t be bothered to look at Theodore, and instead pulled out her ph
“I’ve always felt guilty for not fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother when I was younger and failed to be by your side. I admit, I don’t have the right to reprimand you. I’m not slapping you as your mother this time, but as Rose’s mother, to protect my own daughter.”Tears welled up in Rosalie’s eyes. She was very touched and completely caught off guard that her mother-in-law, whom she had no blood relations with and barely even knew until recently, would do something like this for her.Rosalie found herself very tragic at times, a failure in both her love life and marriage. Yet other times, she found herself very blessed in other areas. When she was in tears and in misery, when others mistreated her, there was always someone watching over her.Theodore rubbed his cheek gently with his fingers, and suddenly smirked. “Mother and daughter indeed. Each of you slapped me once. Do you feel great about that now?”Sydney was furious to see Theodore smile even under such circumstance
Eight hours ago, at ten in the morning, Theodore was still at Sydney’s place. He was lying on Sydney’s couch and groggy with sleep.He slowly opened his eyes. He was having a splitting headache, and was still tightly wrapped up in a blanket. It was even tied up with a rope, as if fearing the blanket might fall off him.Theodore looked at himself and then his surroundings in a daze. It was a living room that looked unfamiliar to him, but he knew where he was.Memories from last night flooded back in his mind.He came looking for his mother after getting drunk in the middle of the night… Like a three-year-old, he cried for comfort in his mother’s arms, claiming to be bullied by others.Theodore smacked his forehead hard.How embarrassing!He immediately untied the rope around the blanket, flung it aside, and stumbled into the washroom.After cleaning himself up, he left the washroom, rummaged around his pocket, and searched everywhere before finding his phone hidden in a corner o
Theodore was about to refute her, but suddenly remembered something and turned around to look at Cynthia. His gaze was heavy as he said, “Alright, I’ll see you tonight.”“Good. That’s all, then. Don’t forget what you said to me last night while you were drunk. I’m doing this to help you, so don’t ruin the chance and stop making wrong decisions. See you later.”Sydney wouldn’t have said so much if he weren’t her biological son. She would never remind a fool that he was a fool. No, she would just leave them to their own devices.Yet, because he was her biological son, she had to tell him that he was a fool and had to do better.Sydney was about to hang up when Theodore immediately added, “Oh yes, Mom. You shouldn’t have texted Cindy with my phone last night.”“Well, I did. What are you going to do about it?”Although it was wrong of her to text using someone else’s phone, Sydney did it without any guilt.Theodore sighed. “It was meaningless to send that text.”“Since it was meani
Sydney pulled Rosalie into the car.Rosalie was very silent as she sat in the shotgun seat. She even forgot to buckle her safety belt. Thankfully, Sydney enjoyed doing so for her and had done it before driving.Sydney drove on for a few seconds in silence. She glanced at Rosalie a few times, worried. Finally, she couldn’t hold herself back and murmured, “I know I was wrong to bring you there. I didn’t expect Theo to…”“Mom,” Rosalie cut her off. “This has nothing to do with you. You didn’t want this to happen, either. It’s alright, I’ve gotten used to it.”The calmness on Rosalie’s face told Sydney that she had been hurt countless times.Many times, people become numb not because they were born heartless, but because they had gone through so much. They knew they couldn’t change anything, and were helpless.Sydney thought about it before concluding, “Don’t tell him about your pregnancy. I take back what I said before, because I suddenly feel like he doesn’t deserve to know.”Rosa
“You silly billy! I gave you my passcode, didn’t I? You could have just gone in to wait for me. Why did you stay downstairs?”Sebastian gave her a warm smile. “You weren’t home, and I can’t possibly just stay in your house. That’s your place.”He knew clearly where the boundaries lay.Rosalie said helplessly, “You’re so silly. Remember, my house is your house, too. You can just go in. Don’t be like this next time. What if it’s winter, and it’s snowing outside? Will you just stand here and wait?”Sebastian nodded. “I will.”He had such a silly look on his face, but he was a handsome man to begin with. A handsome fool was an inexplicably mesmerizing sight to behold.Rosalie sighed helplessly. They were both men, but why was one a bastard to the extreme while another was kind to the extreme?“What happened here?” Rosalie lifted a hand and caressed his lips, finding it dry and chapped, even bleeding.Her simple move made Sebastian’s eyes light up. He shook his head, and said, “Noth
Geoffrey himself had told her that even if Sebastian left the Carter family, Geoffrey would make sure he would be met with obstacles everywhere. Even if Sebastian tried to go abroad, Geoffrey would do something to stop it.Puzzled, Sebastian asked, “Rose, did he say something to you?”Rosalie nodded. “He even wanted me to persuade you to get married, but I really don’t know what I should do now. If you get married, you’ll end up marrying a woman you don’t love. But if you don’t get married, he’ll ruin your life.”Either way, Sebastian wasn’t going to be happy.“I’ve already made my choice,” Sebastian said firmly. “I won’t get married. I don’t mind if I lose everything. I’ve been living under another man’s control all my life, and I don’t want to live like this anymore.”Rosalie couldn’t imagine how it would be like for Sebastian to descend from heaven to hell. His father was a control freak and would certainly do something to him. The man might crush Sebastian to the ground, and
“Fine, I promise you. Quick, tell me.”Rosalie’s curiosity was growing by the minute.Sebastian pondered for a moment before saying, “Didn’t my father mistake us for a couple previously? If…”“Seb!” Rosalie suddenly called his name, and cut him off mid-sentence.She fully understood what Sebastian wanted to say. “Are you suggesting for us to get married?”Rosalie’s reaction made Sebastian swallow the rest of his sentence back into his throat.“You agreed not to get angry. Just pretend you never heard it from me.”Sebastian looked pitifully at her, like a hungry child asking for milk. At the sight of his innocent eyes, Rosalie’s heart softened.“Seb, I’m not mad. It’s just a little extreme that you thought of this idea. We’re friends, aren’t we?”“I know. My initial idea was for us to go through a fake marriage, but I thought you wouldn’t agree to it. I was very hesitant, and didn’t know whether to tell you about it. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have even thought of this idea. Just
"Next time, I'll make sure to not leave evidence behind." Sebastian gently caressed Steve's face."Steve, Daddy will win in the end. Just wait and see. When you grow up, you'll be like Daddy, always winning. We'll never lose." Sebastian laughed, his eyes bloodshot.Steve seemed startled, fear beginning to show on his face. He seemed like he was about to cry.-In the middle of the night…A peaceful atmosphere filled the ward, with the soft light of the night lamp casting a warm glow on Aurora's pale face. She lay alone in bed, her body seemingly blending into the silent night.Through the window, the night scenery appeared calm. Moonlight shone on the curtains, casting shadows in her room. Stars adorned the sky like diamonds, flickering as if silently telling tales of endless loneliness and thoughts.The door creaked open, and a man in black quietly entered the room. He was slender, and walked lightly. He blended into the shadows of the darkness. His gaze was sharp, like a star in th
Theodore gripped the magazine tightly in his hands, flipping through the pages. In truth, he didn't absorb a single word.Rosalie felt like she was suffocating. She couldn't continue speaking to Sebastian. "Seb, I'll hang up now. I'm going to rest."She was afraid that if she kept talking, she would lose control."Alright," Sebastian said, gently waving Steve's hand. "Steve, say goodbye to Mommy.""Goodbye, darling." Rosalie waved at the camera.Thinking about Steve made her heart ache deeply. This whole situation was just absurd. Steve's biological father was right next to her, but he could only remain invisible.After a while, Rosalie ended the video call with Sebastian. She set her phone aside and covered her mouth, crying.She was deeply upset. So many things had happened recently.On one hand, Theodore suddenly appeared in Melrine with his pregnant girlfriend. On the other hand, there was Justin. And then, Sebastian had done something terrible and lied to her. Now, he had returned
Rosalie asked this on purpose as she wanted to hear Sebastian's response. Had he truly returned to the country out of guilt, or was everything just a coincidence and the company issues had truly forced him back?"Actually, Rose," Sebastian said, "after I came back, I realized the situation is worse than I thought, so I won't be going to Melrine anytime soon. I just can't find the time.""I see." Rosalie lowered her gaze, a little disappointed.It just so happened that he returned to the country now, but it seemed that he also didn't dare to come back to Melrine. Was he really avoiding the authorities?But who had tipped Sebastian off? Could Sebastian have planted someone around Theodore? Who could it be?Rosalie forced a smile. "Alright then, I hope you sort out the company's matters at home. Don't worry about things here in Melrine. I'll come back as soon as I finish my studies.""Okay. Rose, why don't you talk to Steve for a bit?"Rosalie looked at the child on the screen, her eyes f
The sky gradually darkened.By now, Rosalie's IV drip bag was empty.She wanted to go to the bathroom. She had just gotten out of bed when Theodore stepped forward to support her.Rosalie immediately pulled away from his arm, her tone cold. "I can manage."With that, she carefully made her way to the bathroom, closed the door, and locked it.Theodore felt helpless.Later, she came out of the bathroom. She had finished washing up and returned to bed to lie down. "I'm going to sleep now. You can go back."Theodore didn't say anything but sat down on the couch."Go ahead and sleep." He picked up a magazine, and began flipping through it.Seeing his demeanor, Rosalie knew she couldn't change his mind. She turned to the other side, facing away from him.Theodore put down the magazine and secretly watched her. He cautiously walked over and adjusted the blanket on her, then returned to sit on the couch.Late at night, Rosalie's phone rang. It was a video call from Sebastian.Rosalie glanced d
"So, Dad, I can stay in Blencalgo without worry for now, right?"As they say, experience came with age. His father's connections and resources were certainly more extensive than his own.Sebastian had committed the offense in Melrine, but now he was back in Blencalgo. There was no extradition agreement between Melrine and Blencalgo, and Blencalgo had no law enforcement rights over him. Coupled with his background, he could escape any danger."I can help you this time, but next time, you'd better be more careful. If you're going to do bad things, don't let anyone have anything on you."Sebastian lowered his head. "I understand. I'll be more careful next time."Geoffrey's gaze lingered on him for a long moment before asking, "I heard you brought the child back."Sebastian nodded. "Yes. Rose is staying there to finish her studies, so I thought I'd bring him back to take care of him. After all, I've been looking after him all this time.""You really are something, raising another man's chi
"What question?" Sebastian asked. "Are you pregnant? Which man did you fool around with?""Seb, why are you acting like this?" Yvonne retorted. "I didn't mean that! I was going to ask you something.""Ask me? What is it?"Yvonne thought for a moment, then said, "Have you and Rose...consummated your marriage?"Sebastian furrowed his brow. "What on earth are you talking about?"Yvonne's heart skipped a beat. She had been indirect enough. "Well, Seb… You two are married now, and Rose has a child. Have you…?"Sebastian gave her head a tap, though not gently."Ouch! Why did you hit me, Seb?" Yvonne rubbed her head."Don't mention this again."Seeing the gloomy expression on Sebastian's face, Yvonne seemed to realize something. Could it be that he and Rosalie hadn't slept together yet? If that was the case, then it was great."Vonnie, hold the baby for a moment." Sebastian handed Steve to Yvonne.Yvonne took Steve into her arms. "You're so cute."The baby in her arms was soft and cuddly, lik
"I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I just blurted it out. Why are you being so harsh?" she said, stuttering.Could the treatment he went through damaged his brain and caused a change in his personality?Why did it feel like Sebastian's gaze had become so dark? It was completely different from the warm look he used to have. Was it just her imagination?Sebastian pursed his lips. "Vonnie, stop saying things that upset me. You know very well that I treat him as my own. Next time, don't speak without thinking. It could be bad if someone else hears it. After all, Theodore doesn't know about this yet. Do you understand?"Yvonne nodded. "I understand, Seb, but why is Rose staying in Melrine? Did she not want to take care of him? Or is she coming back soon?""She's busy with her studies over there. I wanted to take care of him, and he's more attached to me, so I brought him back to look after him. Once she's done with her studies, she'll come back.""So, from the way you're speaking, you're not
"Steve, isn't your mother being unreasonable? How could she treat me like this?" Sebastian said. "I just left, and she took advantage of my absence to get together with her ex-husband. I'm livid."But I know this can't be Rose's fault. It must be Theodore who seduced her."Steve, who was awake, blinked his big, round eyes.Sebastian picked him up and held him in his arms."You wouldn't do this to me, would you? Steve, you're with me now. Don't worry, I won't blame your mother. If I blame anyone, it'll be Theodore. It's that man who destroyed everything. I won't let him get away with it."Sebastian held Steve's small hand. "We, father and son, must be of one mind, right? When you grow up, you'll help your dad get revenge. You'll make sure to teach those who've bullied your dad a lesson.""Seb, you're back!" Yvonne rushed in.Upon hearing that Sebastian had returned, Yvonne hurried over. She saw Sebastian sitting on the couch, holding Steve in his arms.Yvonne was overjoyed and ran over
Theodore told Rosalie that Aurora was pregnant, but now, she knew that Aurora had a heart condition and needed a heart transplant. How could Aurora possibly be pregnant, then?"We weren't careful," Theodore said. "We didn't use protection, and she got pregnant. So now, I have to cherish her and make sure she doesn't come to any harm."Rosalie was left speechless. She didn't know what to say. Theodore was absurd—he found a woman who resembled her, and coincidentally, that woman had a heart condition and became pregnant. Was this man out of his mind?If Rosalie thought about it, Aurora did look a little like her. Plus, Aurora shared some traits with Cynthia—heart disease and fragile health.Theodore was a true romantic, wasn't he? He had found a new woman who combined the traits of his two previous lovers.What if, in the future, after breaking up with Aurora, he found a fourth woman? Would the woman have combined features of his first three women?The more Rosalie thought about it, the