A sharp pain shot through Theodore's arm, but he remained composed and nonchalant."Mom, Dad, you're here."Wesley tugged at his tie and awkwardly cleared his throat. "If you have something to discuss, you should move to your room for privacy. Aren't you afraid of being seen and laughed at for doing that here? Were you two in that much of a hurry?"Rebecca walked over with her cane, smiling warmly. "I don't think you're in that much of a hurry. Otherwise, why is Rose's belly still flat? Theo, it seems like you need to be even more anxious."Theodore furrowed his brow, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes. "Grandma, it's not what you think.""You pinned your wife down on the couch and kissed her passionately. How else should we interpret that?"Rebecca didn't beat around the bush. After all, they were all adults who were experienced in these matters. There was no need to pretend otherwise.Theodore was at a loss for words. If no one had come in, he couldn't guarantee what
"Mom, this is just my usual expression. I'm like this with everyone," said Wesley, indirectly explaining that he wasn't intentionally targeting Sydney.Actually, he was quite happy to see his wife. It was just that he wasn't good at expressing it, and Sydney didn't mind either."She's your wife. Why would you treat her the same as anyone else?" Rebecca raised her finger at her son. "You..."Sydney took the older woman's arm. "It's alright, Mom. Let's go eat. It's rare for everyone to gather together. Let's not talk about unhappy things today."Sydney's implications were apparent to Wesley, who frowned but didn't say anything.Theodore chimed in, "Yeah, let's enjoy a meal since we're all together. It's rare.""Hah... you make it sound like such a good thing," said Wesley, glancing coldly at his son. His gaze was as sharp as a knife, as if implying something.Rebecca furrowed her brows. "Wesley, what's wrong with you now? What did Theo do to offend you?"Wesley smiled. "Mom, it's
Anyway, the Spencer family was well aware of the situation between the couple, so there was no need to worry about upsetting anyone. Sydney didn't want to make things difficult for herself either.Wesley awkwardly pursed his lips and remained silent, not showing any discontent, as if he had already gotten used to it.Rebecca's smile froze, but she simply sighed without commenting on it, instead turning to the butler and asking him to serve the dishes. The butler nodded in response, and the servants began to bring out dish after dish.The atmosphere at the dinner table was subtly awkward, and it wasn't just between Theodore and Rosalie. There was also a strange tension between Wesley and Sydney. Everyone else noticed it, but Rosalie, unfortunately, was oblivious to everything.It was quiet, unlike a lively family gathering, as if everyone had their own thoughts.Rebecca turned to her beloved granddaughter-in-law, the only one in the Spencer family who seemed relatively normal."Ro
Theodore smiled gently, not getting angry. "Got it, Grandma, I will."He reached out and took Rosalie's hand, making her feel a pang of bitterness. He was playing his part so well, but in his heart, he was thinking about another woman.Everything they were doing at tonight's dinner was fake. Once they got back home, they would return to their broken relationship. It was sad just to think about it.Even though her heart ached, Rosalie had to maintain a smile on her face. She played along with Theodore, gazing at him lovingly. When Theodore, who had momentarily been spacing out, turned back and met Rosalie’s gaze, he saw how her eyes seemed full of love for him.She was really playing her part so convincingly. If he didn't know better, he would think she really loved him. But in reality, she only saw him as a brother.No, perhaps not even that.She had told him herself that she had put him with him for long enough. Since she personally said it, it had to be true, right? Thinking ab
Rosalie glanced at Rebecca, whose complexion seemed a bit off.Worried that the tension between them might upset Rebecca, Rosalie quickly said, "Mom, Dad, the food is getting cold. Let's eat. I've made up my mind. I won't pursue further studies. I'll start looking for a job soon."Sydney and Wesley glanced at her. Since Rosalie had made a decision, they didn't say anything more. After all, they were concerned about Rebecca too. Their argument wasn't really about Rosalie's decision, with the exact reasons being known only to them.Theodore raised his wine glass and downed half of it in one gulp, his expression darkening. After that, he didn't speak much, remaining quiet. It was mostly Rosalie chatting with Rebecca, while Wesley and Sydney also remained silent. Yet, amidst the silence, there seemed to be a hidden tension.Rebecca wasn't foolish. She had seen her fair share of ups and downs. How could she not sense that something was amiss? She just chose not to confront it.Rosalie
"If you're talking about our home, then you sit in the passenger seat and I'll drive you back. But if you're talking about Cynthia's place, I'll have the driver take you there now."Either way, you're not driving. What if you hit someone on the road?" Rosalie said with furrowed brows."Hah," Theodore scoffed lightly. "So, you're not worried about me, but about strangers being hit by me."Rosalie frowned. "Shouldn't I be worried about that? Drunk drivers deserve to get into accidents, but the innocent people they hit don't."His anger flaring up, Theodore grabbed his wife's slender shoulder and demanded, "Deserve it? Are you saying it's my fault?""I was just giving an example. You haven't drunk and driven, have you?" Rosalie pushed him away forcefully. "Where do you want to go? Speak up!"After suddenly taking off his suit jacket and angrily throwing it to the ground, Theodore impatiently opened the passenger door and got into the car. It seemed like he was intending to head back
"I'm perfectly sober!" Theodore exclaimed, his expression especially grim."I remember every word you said and everything you did! And did you really dislike that bracelet that much? Even if you didn't like it, was it necessary to break it in front of me? Did I make a mistake giving you a gift?"Theodore had been holding back his anger all this time. There were many things bothering him, which was why he had been drinking during dinner. But he couldn't explode then, so he held it in until they got home, and was now finally confronting Rosalie about everything.When the topic of the gift came up, Rosalie laughed sarcastically."Yeah, because you oh-so-carefully chose that gift for me, right? Cynthia told you to give me a crystal bracelet, so you gave me one. Would you have listened to her if she had asked you to give me diamonds?"Theodore frowned. "What are you talking about?""You know exactly what I'm talking about! Asking another woman for suggestions on what gift to give you
"Grandma even said you'd be a good father! Hah! What a joke! Theodore, you wouldn't be a good father! It's a good thing I didn't get pregnant with your child. That would've been a tragedy!"Completely agitated, Rosalie’s emotions were running high. As tears streamed down her face, she felt Theodore's hand slowly loosen from her shoulder, and he eventually weakly backed away from her.Rosalie wiped away the tears from her face, smiling bitterly. "Since you and Cynthia love each other so much, why didn't you tell me from the start? Oh, I know why. You thought telling me wouldn't make a difference, so you planned it all from the beginning. From start to finish, I've been played for a fool by you."Theodore remained unusually silent.Rosalie didn't remember if he had ever been this silent before. He couldn't find any words to refute the woman before him.A pang of pain shot through Rosalie's heart as she continued, "Bring me the divorce papers already. I don't want anything, not the h
"Justin, why are you up?" Rosalie wanted to bring breakfast to him in his room.Justin saw Theodore in the living room, and immediately realized what was going on. "I'm fine. I feel much better," he said. Rosalie helped him onto a chair and sat him down. "You need a lot of rest right now. Have some food and take your medicine later."Justin nodded. "Got it.""Theo got a doctor last night to treat you. You really should thank him," she added.Justin glanced at Theodore and said, "Thanks.""Don't mention it. I didn't do it for you. I did it for Rose," Theodore said bluntly; he was very honest.Justin gave him a faint smile. Theodore was a bastard, but at least he was honest."Alright now, let's have breakfast," Rosalie said. She didn't want things to get too awkward. The three of them enjoyed breakfast in silence. Rosalie gave her sunny-side-up to Justin. "Justin, eat more." He needed nutrients to recuperate.Theodore handed his sunny-side-up to Rosalie.Rosalie passed
Dawn broke over the city.Rosalie slowly opened her eyes, feeling a little woozy. She turned around to glance at the clock, and saw that it was six and a half in the morning.Suddenly, she recalled something and immediately sat up on the bed. She rubbed her eyes, threw off the sheets, and got out of bed.When she arrived at the living room, she saw her baby lying on the couch, his two hands waving in the air. She hurriedly approached him. "Darling."Just then, Theodore walked out of the kitchen. "Rose, you're awake."Rosalie looked up to see Theodore donning an apron. "Did…did you not leave the entire night?""The baby refused to fall asleep so I stayed on. He slept a little when the sky started turning bright. Seems like he's awake again now.""Why didn't you wake me up?" She didn't expect him to stay through the night."You were so sound asleep, why would I wake you up? You're really tired, too. Go sleep a while longer. I'll call you up when breakfast is ready. Don't worry
Rosalie hurriedly handed the baby to Theodore.She was at her wits' end. What exactly was going on?Perhaps this was because they were truly father and son. Sometimes, there were no explanations for things that were simply amazing and mysterious.Theodore felt energized looking at the baby. Rosalie, on the other hand, was exhausted."Rose, why don't I stay here and coax the baby to sleep? You can go to bed first.""How can I make you do that? You need to rest early.""But Steve cries each time I put him down. If he keeps crying, it'll disturb you and Justin, or even our neighbors.""Well…" Rosalie didn't know what to do."How about this," Theodore suggested, "I'll give you Steve. If he doesn't cry, I'll leave. If he cries, then do as I say. I'll stay to coax him to sleep and I'll leave once he's asleep, okay?"Rosalie pondered for a moment before nodding. "Okay, then."She stretched her arms out to receive the baby.The moment Theodore put the baby in Rosalie's arms, the bab
Rosalie stood at the door, watching Theodore coaxing Steve. She paused in her steps.It didn't take long for Theodore to calm Steve down. When he saw Steve stop crying, a gentle smile appeared on his face."I'm leaving now. I won't disturb you. You and your mom should go to sleep early."He carefully placed Steve on the bed, but as soon as he let go, Steve started crying again.Theodore quickly picked him up again and soothed him. "What's wrong, baby?"After coaxing Steve for a while, Steve stopped crying and began giggling. "Steve, be a good boy and sleep, okay?"At that moment, Rosalie walked forward. "Theo."Hearing her voice, Theodore immediately came back to his senses and realized that he had overstepped his boundaries."Sorry, I rushed in as soon as I heard him cry. Here, I'll give him back to you."He wasn't sure why, but when he heard Steve cry, he felt sad. He had an urge to comfort Steve, almost as if it were a responsibility.Theodore stepped forward and handed Steve to Ros
Rosalie's heart trembled. She rushed forward and covered Theodore's mouth with her hand, her eyes filled with intense panic. "Don't say such things."He had a son now, but he was speaking of an end to his lineage. She also didn't want Theodore to die a terrible death.Theodore grabbed her wrist and suddenly pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her lips.Rosalie's eyes widened, and her mind felt like it exploded in that instant. In a panic, she stretched out both hands to push him away, trying to resist—but he wouldn't budge.Rosalie dared not struggle or shout too hard, fearing that Justin might hear. Justin would certainly come out to stop them. He was injured and running a fever; his body couldn't handle such an ordeal. He definitely wouldn't be a match for Theodore. Rosalie had no choice but to helplessly close her eyes, allowing him to kiss her.After a long while, Theodore finally let her go. He cupped the back of her head with one hand and held her waist with the
Theodore walked in, and Rosalie passed by him directly. She found a thermometer and went back into the room to take Justin's temperature. The thermometer read 104 degrees."Justin, you have a fever. We need to go to the hospital."Rosalie tried to help him sit up, but Justin grabbed her wrist. "I can't go to the hospital. I'll be fine after one night of rest.""No, your temperature is too high, and you're injured. Your wound is definitely inflamed.""I'm really fine, don't worry. Do you have any fever medicine here?"Seeing Rosalie's anxious expression, Theodore closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed the anger within him. He walked over and said, "I can call a doctor to treat him."Rosalie turned to him and asked, "Will they talk about it?""I guarantee they won't. I know people who are professionals in secret treatments. They will not reveal a thing."Rosalie thought for a moment, then looked at Justin. "Can we call the doctor? Please? Otherwise, your life will be at risk
After Theodore hung up the phone, he walked to the liquor cabinet and opened a bottle of whiskey, pouring it into a glass.Just as he was about to take a sip, he suddenly thought of his stomach and put the glass aside. He had promised Rosalie many times that he would stop drinking. If he drank now, he would feel guilty.He walked over to the window, gazing blankly at the night sky. The city was especially bright, shimmering with light, as if the stars were hovering on earth.Why was Justin at Rosalie's place at this hour? Was he really sick? Or was it just an excuse?Furthermore, what was Justin's sudden arrival in Blencalgo about? With his status, he could only bring trouble and danger to Rosalie.Theodore became more and more troubled as he thought about it.He walked to the wardrobe, opened it, and took out his coat.-Rosalie was lying in bed, unable to sleep. She gently held Steve and stared at his face, thinking, 'Steve, if your grandmother wakes up, I will tell Theodore that you
Aurora tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.She turned over and asked, "Angie, how did Rebecca react after the injection?"Angie was holding her phone, reading a novel online. Hearing Aurora's question, she turned to her and asked, "Why aren't you asleep yet?""How could I sleep?""She didn't have any reaction," Angie replied.Aurora recalled what Yerick had told her. The solution was provided by Yerick, who had said that there wouldn't be any special reaction once it was administered. They just needed to wait. Aurora didn't know if the solution would work.She turned her head and saw that Angie was still absorbed in reading, as if nothing had happened."Angie, how can you still read a novel? After what happened, can you still concentrate?""What's so hard to handle? It's just a dead old woman. Nothing to worry about."Angie lay back on the bed. She started cursing again while reading a novel. "The female lead is such a saint, but now she's acting so promiscuously. Don't blame t
Rosalie helped Justin onto the bed, and he lay down. "Rest well. You can stay here as long as you need to recover."She took the blanket and put it over him."Justin, how long were you waiting outside my door?"Justin smiled faintly. "Not too long."In reality, he had waited for several hours. However, knowing she was busy, he didn't want to disturb her, so he waited quietly on his own."Why didn't you call me beforehand? If you had, I would have come back earlier."Despite his injuries, he had been waiting at her door. She felt he must have waited for quite a while."I planned to come after my wound healed, but I wasn't sure how long that would take. I wanted to tell you about this as soon as possible because I was worried about you. I needed you to think about whether there was anyone suspicious around you.""I can't think of anyone suspicious… Oh, by the way, Theodore lied to me earlier, saying he had stomach cancer. I really believed him. Later, I received an email with his medica