Theodore felt as if he had been struck by lightning. “You think he ended up like this because of me?”“They’re investigating, aren't they? We won't know who did it until we find out. Some people are beasts disguised as humans.” Rosalie emphasized the last four words.Theodore was dumbstruck.The police officers turned to look at Theodore. They noticed he had bruises on his face and hands, indicative of a recent fight.Rosalie's hands were trembling. She didn't want to think Theodore had done this, but she felt like she didn’t know him anymore. Moreover, if he continued staying here, he would only pressure her to sign the consent form. It was best for him to leave.“He’s my ex-husband, and often gets into fights with my husband. They’ve fought more than once. Yesterday, he suddenly came to reconcile with me. I refused, and he got very agitated. That’s when my husband arrived to protect me, and they had a fight,” she went on.“Rose, do you really have to smear my name like this?” T
In the hospital's resting area, Yvonne found a quiet spot for Rosalie to sit down. Worry was etched on Rosalie’s face.Yvonne sat beside her, and gently patted her shoulder. “Rose, no matter what happens, remember that Seb would want you to be okay.”“Vonnie, are you prepared for the worst?”Yvonne sighed. “Sometimes, we have to face reality.”“If that’s what you think too, should we let Seb save someone else?”Although Rosalie wanted to hold on to this slim hope, deep down, she knew it was as good as nothing.Yvonne shook her head. “I don’t know. If I were you, I’d be very conflicted too. I hope my brother wakes up, but given his condition…”“Vonnie, I hope for a miracle, but right now, I really wish your parents were here. After all, my marriage to Sebastian isn’t real. I feel it's unfair for me to make this decision.”“Rose, don’t think like that,” Yvonne said, holding her hand. “You are legally his wife, and that’s what matters. Besides, my parents aren’t here right now. Yo
“Mrs. Carter, my son is ten years old and urgently needs a kidney transplant! His kidneys are failing, and he has been on dialysis for a long time. It’s sad to see such a young child suffer. Could you take pity on us and sign the consent form?” another said.“Yes, Mrs. Carter. My husband is the provider of our family. Since he fell ill, our whole family has fallen apart!”A group of people had surrounded Rosalie. They all seemed to be family members of the patients. Though they were saying sorrowful words, their demeanor was quite menacing.They surrounded Rosalie, taking turns to emotionally blackmail her.“Move aside! Move aside!” Rosalie tried to leave, but she was blocked by the crowd.“Mrs. Carter, if you were in our position, you would be just as anxious!” they persisted.“Exactly! My son is only ten years old! He still has a bright future, while your husband is on the verge of death.”“Mrs. Carter, please do us a favor and agree! If you sign, your husband could save many
“Look at what you’re saying! Your brother is already dying. Would you rather cremate him than donate his organs? How can your whole family be so vicious?” one of them spat.“Why is there only two women here? Where are your parents? Get a man who can handle this to talk. Women are so petty, they can’t handle major matters!”Yvonne was furious. “I think you’re all stupid and evil! You don’t even know who’s in charge of medical decisions. I’m telling you, even if my parents were here today, they wouldn’t agree to it!”“Hey, how dare you insult us? Who are you calling stupid and evil? You’re ignorant and malicious!”“Both of you are so unreasonable! You obviously can’t see the bigger picture!”The surrounding voices grew louder as the crowd cursed. Rosalie’s head throbbed, and beads of sweat began to form on her forehead. Her emotions were like surging magma, and the pressure was growing unbearable.“All of you, shut up!” she suddenly screamed.The scene fell silent in an instant, a
Christopher’s gaze shifted back to Rosalie. It was obvious she was under immense pressure.“Don’t worry. With me here, no one will harass you. I’ve brought in some top doctors to consult on Sebastian's case and see what can be done,” he said. Rosalie stared at the man in front of her, feeling a strange familiarity and unfamiliarity. She was sure she had never met him before, but this man appeared imposing and authoritative. The police had also shown him great respect, indicating he was no ordinary person.“Rosalie, right?” Christopher asked, having been briefed by Yvonne over the phone before he arrived.“Yes,” Rosalie responded softly.“I’ll make sure that Sebastian’s case is thoroughly investigated, and we find out what happened. As his wife, you have the legal right to make medical decisions for him. So, what are your thoughts on this?”Christopher appeared very calm, almost to the point of indifference.But Rosalie could sense that he was capable, and could remain composed
“Uncle, are you interested in Rose’s affairs?”She could sense something wrong with the look in Christopher’s eyes when he looked at Rose. It didn’t feel malicious, but more like he had bumped into someone familiar after having not seen her for many years.Christopher’s face turned cold. Displeased, he said, “What? Can’t I just ask about it? Should I not be asking about your husband from now on? I’ve doted on you in vain.”“No, Uncle!” Yvonne said. “I’ll tell you if you want to know. Let's find somewhere to sit down and talk.”With that, Yvonne led Christopher away.-Rosalie sprawled in the hospital bed as she looked sorrowfully at Sebastian. “Seb, can you hear me? I really wish you can wake up right now. Give me a miracle, won’t you? As long as you wake up, I’ll do anything you ask of me. I won’t make you angry, too.“Seb, I’ve made things clear to Theodore. I’ve rejected him, too. Don’t be angry at me anymore, okay? Wake up, please.”Just then, a voice sounded from outside
“Why do you say that? Did you two fight before the incident occurred?” Yerick asked doubtfully.Rosalie sighed. “You can say that. If only we had talked things out peacefully… I’m really beginning to think that Sebastian’s accident was all my fault.”“Rose, please don’t blame yourself,” Yerick said, crouching. “How could it be your fault? In such a situation, the only appropriate conclusion is that the perpetrator is wicked through and through.”“But I feel very upset. Give me another chance, and I’ll stop him from leaving even if it costs my life! I’m willing to do anything,” Rosalie said bitterly.Yerick patted Rosalie’s shoulders gently to comfort her. “Rose, don’t blame yourself too much. There are some things that are out of your control. You didn’t want this to happen, either.”What a silly woman!Yerick had been targeting Sebastian for a long time. Even if Rosalie didn’t exist, Sebastian would be doomed for having such a useful organ anyway.The only regret he had was tha
Sebastian opened his car door, and was about to head in when the man behind him said, “What a perfect man! I’m almost falling in love with you. Drive safely.”His words made Sebastian furrow his brows as he recalled the man’s suggestion of dying. He sensed that something was off, but he got into his car and drove away.Along the way, he wanted to call Rosalie. However, he found her phone switched off and guessed that it must have run out of power.He put his phone aside, and drove back. He had to find Rosalie, and make things clear with her.He wanted to tell her that he loved her, and that he was willing to keep waiting for her. He didn’t want to keep his feelings to himself any longer!Suddenly, Sebastian started seeing double. His vision was blurring.His head felt dizzy, and he immediately stopped the car by the roadside. He held his forehead, and shook his head hard.What was wrong with him? He only had a couple of drinks. That wasn't enough to knock him out.Suddenly, a
Aurora collapsed onto the bed and gripped the sheets tightly, tears streaming down her face. "What do you want from me? What do you want?""Welcome to my game, Aurora. What I want is random, based on my mood. Before this, all of you were players in my game. The rules are set by me."Aurora lifted her head, finally realizing that she had walked straight into a trap. Yet now, she had no choice. If she told Theodore, it would prove that she had been lying to him. She had saved Theodore not by accident, but by deliberate design.Aurora wiped the tears from her face. "Are you going to hurt Theodore?""That depends on how cooperative you are. When the game's over, if you listen well, maybe I'll let you both grow old together. After all, I was the one who made you two go from strangers to being acquainted, to being in bed together. My abilities are greater than you think."Yerick's eyes gleamed with confident amusement. Aurora knew she was no match for him, so she could only resign herself a
"Aurora, you still haven't seen the thing that will break your heart even more. If you saw it, you wouldn't be saying this," Yerick countered."I still don't know your name," Aurora said. "You've been telling me you're Theo's friend, but he never mentioned he had such a friend.""He certainly wouldn't mention me, because things between him and I are very strained."Aurora was rendered speechless. He had told her that they had severed ties."By the way, Aurora, did he go back?" Yerick asked.Aurora nodded. "Yes. He originally wanted to stay and take care of me, but I was worried he'd get tired, so I told him to go back and rest. He'll come to see me again tomorrow.""Did he really go back?""I'm absolutely sure," Aurora said. "I told him to go back. Otherwise, where else could he go?""Have you thought about the possibility that he went to find Rosalie?""Rosalie! Are you saying he's with Rosalie now? No, that's impossible! Theodore wouldn't do that," Aurora protested."Why not? Didn't
"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