“Oh. Did he approach you first, or did you start the conversation with him?” Sebastian asked.“He thought I was in a bad mood, so he came over to ask me what was wrong,” Rosalie said. “Were you in a bad mood?” Sebastian asked, concerned.“No, I was just quiet. I wasn’t in a bad mood.”“I see,” Sebastian said thoughtfully. He sensed that Rosalie was hiding something from him. “That Yerick seemed quite enthusiastic about you.”Rosalie blinked in confusion and turned to look at Sebastian’s side profile, sensing a hint of jealousy in his tone.Chuckling, she said, “He’s only eighteen.”“Eighteen…” Sebastian relaxed a bit at the mention of Yerick’s age. However, he suddenly remembered that Rosalie was only twenty-one, just three years older than Yerick.“Eighteen-year-olds are popular nowadays. Many girls like them,” Sebastian said interrogatively.Rosalie nodded. “Yes, Yerick is very sweet. He's like a younger brother. His voice is so soft and cute that it cheers me up when he ta
“Even though it’s a fake marriage, it’s still a spousal relationship. After we’re married, I won’t be fooling around with others,” Sebastian said.In his eyes, there was only Rosalie. There was no room for a third person in a relationship. It would be too crowded.Rosalie looked at Sebastian with a hint of suspicion in her eyes.Noticing Rosalie staring at him, Sebastian asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”He was focused on driving, but from the corner of his eye, he could see Rosalie seemed to be doubting something. He felt uneasy—had she noticed something?Rosalie smiled. “It’s nothing. It’s just that you seem a bit…”She paused, suddenly unsure how to describe Sebastian.He asked curiously, “A bit what?”Rosalie thought for a moment, and came up with a word. “You seem a bit…honest.”“Honest?” Sebastian was puzzled. “You think I’m honest?” No one had ever described him like that before.“Aren’t you? We’re in a fake marriage. You don’t need to be loyal to
When they arrived in the city hall, Geoffrey’s assistant was already waiting.Everything went smoothly, and the couple soon received their marriage certificate.Rosalie stared at the marriage certificate in her hand, her heart racing. She suddenly felt a great deal of pressure. Even though she knew it was a fake marriage and she was only helping a friend, seeing the certificate still made her think about the time she got her certificate with Theodore.Even though it was just over a year ago, it felt like decades.As they exited the city hall, the assistant said, “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, the chairman has requested for you to go home right after you received the marriage certificate so you can have a meal together.”Sebastian nodded. “Alright, I’ll take Rose back.”The assistant left. He had completed his task of witnessing the couple obtaining the certificate in person and ensuring it wasn’t a forgery.After the assistant departed, the two of them looked at each other while holding
“Even if I told you, you wouldn’t know. Anyway, we’ll be away for about a month. During that time, Sebastian and Rose will handle the family affairs,” Geoffrey said.For Sebastian, it was somewhat of a relief that his parents would be away for a while. “Alright, I understand. I’ll take care of the company and family affairs.”Geoffrey responded, “Good. Since your mother and I will be on vacation and there will be no one at home, you and Rose should stay here for now.”Sebastian was afraid Rosalie might feel uncomfortable staying in his parents' house, so he said, “Dad, since Rose and I are married, I plan to buy a new house. So I think…”“We’re not stopping you from buying one,” Geoffrey said. “It’s just that while your mother and I are away, you two can stay here temporarily. You can buy your own place, and after your mother and I return, you can move out. I know you don’t want to live with us.”“This...” Sebastian still wanted to refuse, but Rosalie noticed that Geoffrey seemed
The three of them arrived at a luxury goods mall. Sebastian rarely went to malls himself. Usually, the watches he wore were sent to his home by the brands for him to choose from, and his suits were tailored at his house.Meanwhile, Yvonne enjoyed going to malls. Instead of having items delivered to her home, she preferred visiting stores to select items. She enjoyed the shopping experience, and liked the hustle and bustle.“Seb, when we shop later, I’ll pay. You don’t need to buy anything for me,” Rosalie said.The items here were very expensive. If Sebastian bought them for her, it would cost a lot. Since their marriage was fake, she didn’t want him to spend too much on her.Sebastian said, “Don’t worry about it. Even though it’s a fake marriage, I don’t mind buying you some things as a token of appreciation.”“But the things here are very expensive. I don’t want you to spend too much money.”“It’s not expensive for me. Besides, if I don’t have any spending records, my dad wil
Theodore originally intended to quietly pick out a ring and leave, but now that he was blatantly provoked, he slammed the ring he was holding onto the glass counter.“So, it’s Mr. Carter. What a coincidence.”“Indeed. What a coincidence,” Sebastian replied coldly. “Mr. Spencer, who are you buying a ring for?”Obviously, it was for Cynthia.“What does it matter to you?” Theodore snapped icily.Rosalie felt uncomfortable, and gently tugged at Sebastian's sleeve. “I’m going to the restroom.”Sebastian was worried, so he said, “I’ll go with you.” With that, he escorted Rosalie away.Yvonne stood there, bewildered, still holding a ring in her hand. What was going on?She approached Theodore, and asked, “Mr. Handsome, do you know my brother?”“Your brother?” Theodore asked. “He’s your brother?”Yvonne nodded. “Yes. What’s your relationship with him?”“Since he’s your brother, didn’t he tell you who I am?”Yvonne shook her head. “No. It’s my first time meeting you, but you look a
Theodore’s face turned cold. He barged in without Rosalie’s permission, and slammed the door shut.“What are you doing?” Rosalie demanded with furrowed brows. “I haven’t agreed to let you in!”“I’ve just entered. What can you do about it?” Theodore looked every bit like an unreasonable bastard, bent on having his way. Rosalie tried to hold her anger back. “What do you want?”“How many times have you called me a bastard behind my back to others?” Rosalie’s brows remained tightly knitted. “I don’t know what you’re saying!” She had never spoken ill of him behind his back.“Didn’t you? Then why does Sebastian’s sister keep calling me a bastard? Isn’t it because you keep doing so in front of her?”Anger boiled in Rosalie’s chest, and she yelled, “Why would I know why she called you a bastard? Whatever it is, I’m not the cause! Get out, I don’t want to see you!”Theodore’s rage grew when Rosalie chased him out of her house. He came here with the intention of interrogating her for
Theodore’s words sent Rosalie spiraling in shock. She stared at him wide-eyed, as if time had come to a stand-still.Very soon, she snapped out of her daze. A strong sense of irony took over.“Theodore Spencer. Do you mean to say that everything that has happened has nothing to do with you and Cynthia, but it’s all because you thought I don’t love you? That you let me go as an act of compassion, so I could be happy? Is that it?”Her words sounded laughable even to herself, but it seemed to be exactly what Theodore meant.Theodore suddenly leaned in closer, his voice hoarse with sorrow. “If I say yes, can you tell me if you ever loved me?”Rosalie laughed bitterly. “We’re coming back full circle once more. You asked me if I ever loved you, but does that change anything? If I say that I never loved you, will you just blame everything on me? If I say that I do, will you cut things off with Cynthia?”“I can!” Theodore proclaimed loudly and resolutely.Rosalie’s world turned quiet. E
"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