“What?” Rosalie was shocked. “What happened to them?”Sebastian looked down, a forlorn look in his eyes as he retold to Rosalie what happened to him when he was young.Rosalie fell silent after listening to Sebastian’s story. There was a heavy look in her eyes as she stared at Sebastian.Why must his father be so vicious?“So, do you see why now?” Sebastian’s eyes were filled with fatigue. “I don’t want to resist him anymore. I’m afraid he might hurt you. He’s capable of anything, so I’ve changed my mind. I’ll get married. I’ve said all I wanted to say. Goodbye.”With that, Sebastian turned to leave.Rosalie hurriedly stood up, and grabbed his sleeve. “Seb, are you accepting your father’s arrangement because you’re worried about me?”Sebastian turned around, and smiled tenderly at her. “Rose, please don’t feel burdened by it. This is my destiny. I’m just submitting to it. I know you intend to leave, and you must go far away. It’s best we never meet again, and this might be our l
Was this the alliance marriage Geoffrey was so proud of? He claimed that only couples who get married for self-gain could last, but what was the point of such a relationship lasting for so long? They would even treat their own children so terribly!If humans were to reproduce this way, passing such practices down from generation to generation, what would humanity ultimately become? “Rose, what’s the matter? Why aren’t you talking?” Yvonne asked. She could sense Rosalie spacing out.Rosalie snapped back to attention. “I just don’t know what to say. I’m very worried about your brother. He said he’s willing to get married.”“Yeah, he came back home today saying that he wants to marry that woman. They’ve only met once or twice when they were young, and are almost strangers.”“Do you know that lady?” Rosalie asked.“I have heard some rumors about her.”“What about?” Rosalie asked further.“Well,” Yvonne said. “I do know where she will be tonight. I’ll bring you to see her in the
Rosalie found the sight before her very piercing to her eyes. She wasn’t used to such extreme scenes, and immediately looked away. “Vonnie, can I head out first?”“You can even take this? This isn’t even considered starters!” Yvonne had long gotten used to this. “Things are chaotic in this scene, and anything is possible, even beyond your imagination. That woman over there is the one my brother will be marrying.”Rosalie followed Yvonne’s gaze, and saw a woman dressed in a tight silver dress. She was tall and lanky, exuding an extraordinary aura. She was holding a microphone and shaking her body as she received a glass of alcohol from a male host next to her.Tammy downed the entire glass, then the male host over and jumped onto his torso, like an octopus clinging onto him. The tip of their noses rubbed against each other.Seeing that, Rosalie worried that Tammy might continue this lifestyle even after getting married to Sebastian.Wouldn’t he be made a cuckold? Tammy felt som
As Tammy spoke, she stretched out her hand. At this moment, a handsome male host handed her a cigarette and lit it for her with a lighter. Tammy took a skillful puff, and exhaled the smoke.Rosalie felt uneasy. She hated the smell of smoke and alcohol, but since she had come here by herself, she couldn't forbid them from smoking and drinking. After all, this was where they had fun, and she couldn't criticize them."Since you can't drink or smoke, how about trying your hand at gambling? I can give you some chips," Tammy suggested. She seemed to be a leader in her group."No, thank you," Rosalie said. "I don't gamble. I'm just here to accompany Vonnie. I'll be leaving soon."Just then, a beautiful woman stumbled over with a wine glass in hand. When she saw Rosalie, her eyes lit up, and she walked up to hug her. "Darling, did you come here alone? I’ve never seen you here before."Feeling uncomfortable, Rosalie leaned back. "Sorry, I... mmph..." Before she could finish speaking, the
"Sure." Tammy extended her hand. "Give it to me." The man placed a folded paper packet into Tammy's palm. Rosalie's eyes widened. What was that? Tammy unfolded the small white packet to reveal a fine white powder inside. She took a dented metal strip handed to her by the male host, scooped up some of the powder, placed it under her nose, and inhaled deeply. Then, she opened her mouth and tilted her head back. With a look of comfort on her face, she exclaimed, "This is really good stuff." Rosalie felt a chill run down her spine, and she turned and ran. Oh my god! Tammy was openly using drugs! "Rosalie, are you okay?" Yvonne had just managed to get away from the few girls who had cornered her, and hurried over to find Rosalie. Rosalie was panicking. "I need to get out of here." "Alright, let's go now." Yvonne knew that Rosalie was a strict rule-follower who couldn't handle such shocking scenes. She took Rosalie away immediately. After leaving the private room, Rosalie
Hearing the last two words, Rosalie immediately understood what Yvonne meant. She couldn't even bear to imagine the scene, and shuddered. "We have to save Seb. Is your father insane? Even if he wants a marriage of convenience for your brother, he should find someone normal!""My dad doesn't care about that. He’ll take whoever benefits him, regardless of their character. Not only is the Jones family wealthy, but they also have powerful backers. My father values power," Yvonne said. Rosalie huffed angrily. "In his eyes, power is more important than his own son!" Seeing Rosalie a bit out of breath, Yvonne put her arm around her shoulder. "Let me take you outside to get some fresh air."She then led Rosalie out of the club. The air outside was much better, and Rosalie took deep breaths. She had felt so suffocated inside."I'm sorry, Rose. I shouldn't have brought you here today. It must have scared you," Yvonne said."It's okay. Thank you for bringing me here. If you didn’t, I co
After Yvonne sent the text message, Rosalie asked, "What did you send?"Yvonne showed Rosalie her phone.Rosalie frowned. "Why did you send that? He'll be really worried if he sees it."Just as Rosalie finished speaking, Yvonne's phone rang. The caller ID showed that it was Sebastian.Yvonne proudly waved her phone, as if telling her, "See?" She then answered the call and put it on speaker.Before she could say anything, Sebastian's agitated voice came through. "Yvonne, what's going on? Where's Rose?""Seb, where are you right now? Why didn't you answer your phone?""Answer my question first!" Sebastian sounded somewhat irritable. "Where's Rose?""I'm here," Rosalie said.Hearing Rosalie’s voice, Sebastian asked worriedly, "Rose, are you okay? What's wrong?""I'm fine. You didn't answer our calls, so Vonnie sent that message to you."Sebastian's voice immediately turned cold. "Yvonne, you can’t crack that kind of joke!""I wasn't joking!" Yvonne said; she lowered her head,
Yvonne took a sip of her drink as she continued staring at her favorite couple. She silently cheered, "Go for it!""Why aren't you saying anything?" Sebastian asked when he saw that Rosalie was in a daze. He raised his hand, and waved it gently in front of her eyes. "What's going on, Rose? What's happened now?"Rosalie quickly shook her head. "It's nothing. I just want to tell you something.""What is it?"Nervous, Rosalie tugged at the hem of her shirt. Finally, she lifted her head and said, "Didn't you mention before that we could have a fake marriage?"Sebastian frowned. "Why bring that up?""Let's go see your father and tell him we're in a relationship. Even if you have to get married, you'll marry me," Rosalie said in one breath.A look of surprise flashed across Sebastian's face. "Rose, do you know what you're saying?""I do." Rosalie raised her voice. "Seb, I know exactly what I'm saying. Let's go see your father right now."She grabbed his hand and tried to lead him ou
"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