But there were no "ifs" in this world, and he wouldn't get another opportunity anymore. Reality wasn't like a sci-fi drama where you got to travel through time and change your fate.Reality was reality. Once something was lost, it was gone forever.“Theodore...” Rosalie’s eyes reddened. She raised her trembling hand, cautiously reaching toward his shoulder, with the intent to comfort him. Her fingers hovered a few centimeters away before she pulled her hand back. “Don’t be like this. It’s all in the past. Sometimes, letting go is the best way to move on.”Theodore took a deep breath, released the steering wheel, and sat up straight. His eyes were red too. He turned to look at her and smiled, but it was one filled with despair. “Have you already moved on?”Rosalie nodded. “Yes, I’ve moved on because there are many more things in this world that are worth my attention.”Like the child she was carrying, and those who cared about her.As soon as she finished speaking, Rosalie rea
She planned to tell Theodore that she had slowly come to terms with things, but at a later time.Right now, she was still in a nominal marriage with Sebastian. The situation was messy with the three of them involved. Once Sebastian recovered, the divorce would be finalized, and the child would be here. She would talk about it then.If Theodore knew that they had a child, he wouldn’t give up. Moreover, Sebastian couldn’t handle any more stress in his current situation.Theodore nodded. “If you don’t want to hear it, I won’t talk about it anymore. I won’t bring it up again.”“Theo, actually, after what you told me today, I feel like you’ve grown up. You've started to consider things from other people's perspectives. I take back the harsh words I said to you before.”This was the most comforting thing Theodore had heard all day, and it soothed his wounded heart slightly.“Yes, I was immature and foolish before, even blunt and stupid,” Theodore admitted.Rosalie shook her head. “No.
Rosalie nodded. “I approached you very carefully at that time, trying hard to be as obedient as I could. I was worried that if I weren’t, you’d hate me. You held my hand so gently when I approached you.”“You were trembling at that time,” Theodore said. “I could feel it. When I held your hands, they were shaking so badly because you were so scared.”“But you didn’t let go of my hands. Instead, you kept whispering to me, ‘Don’t be scared. You won’t be hurt from now on. I’ll protect you.’ From then on, I stayed with the Spencers and was always with you, going everywhere you brought me. Whenever I encountered a question I didn’t know the answer to, you would teach me patiently until I got it. You were never anxious or impatient with me. “When I was bullied, you were always the first to step forward and scare the bullies away. When I missed my parents, you would stay by my side quietly, saying nothing but simply being there. When I felt exhausted from crying, you would quietly hand me
“Rose.” Theodore turned around, and looked at her. “I’m just so sad. You’re so near to me right now, but I know that I’ve lost you and we can never go back to what we were in the past. I really…really miss you.”Theodore looked down, despondent. “Do you know? On your birthday, I was drinking at Caleb’s place. You came over, and I thought he was bullying you, so I hit him.”Rosalie nodded. “I remember that. You took me as Cynthia.”That memory still made her slightly upset and very uncomfortable. She remembered feeling disappointed and miserable at that time.Theodore smiled bitterly. “I knew it was you. I didn’t mistake you for Cynthia. I deliberately called her name.”“What did you say?” Rosalie said, shocked.Theodore inhaled sharply. “After asking for a divorce, I felt terrible, which is why I kept drinking. I couldn’t tell you about it because at that time, you treated me as a brother and you were happy when I brought up divorce. I didn’t expect you to be at Caleb’s pla
Theodore smiled bitterly. He said no further but lowered his head, looking as though he was crying.Rosalie lifted a hand and patted his back gently, trying to comfort him. She didn’t know what to say right now. Be it comforting or cruel words, she would only end up making him sadder—because she could never go back to him.Even without Sebastian in the picture, she wouldn’t go back to Theodore.Theodore was stuck in a never-ending cycle of sorrow, unable to walk out of it no matter how hard he tried. Nothing she said would be able to help him, unless he managed to figure things out himself and let go of things.“Had you known things would come to this, would you have done things differently?” she asked. People were often like this, never treasuring the things they had and only caring for them when they lost it.Rosalie really didn’t want to go back to Theodore. It was no longer a question of love. Just the mere thought of it hurt her immensely.It wasn’t just the two of them—it
Theodore nodded. “Fine. Forget it if you don’t want to share.”In fact, he hadn’t asked Rosalie because he was clueless. He had asked precisely because he knew Sebastian’s current state. It wasn’t difficult to find out that, apparently, Sebastian had lost his memory. Rosalie was the sole exception, being the only person he remembered.Theodore didn’t believe that was the case, and felt that Sebastian was putting on an act. How could he possibly only remember Rosalie if he had really lost his memories? It was too much of a coincidence.However, he wasn’t sure about his conjecture. Sebastian was probably the only one who knew the truth.Sebastian wanted to keep Rosalie by his side—but come to think of it, they were already husband and wife. There was no need for him to pretend that he lost his memories.Everything was in a mess, and it frustrated Theodore very much.“Rose, I have something to attend to. I won’t go into the hospital. Go on back. As much as you’re taking care of Seba
“I see. Vonnie must be having a hard time right now,” Rosalie said. “Don’t worry about her. She has to learn how to manage the company instead of relying on her brother for everything. It’s good for siblings to share the burden together,” Christopher said.Rosalie nodded. “Yes, I trust Vonnie is up to the task.”“Can you join me for dinner?”“Me?” Rosalie exclaimed in shock. She already had dinner, and couldn’t have another meal.“Oh.” Christopher smiled. “I know you’ve already had dinner. What I meant was, could you sit down for a chat with me as I eat? I haven’t talked with someone for a while. So many things happened, I do feel quite regretful about things.”Rosalie found it hard to reject Christopher’s invitation, but the thought of Sebastian still waiting for her made her bite and bullet and say, “Seb might still be waiting for me, so…”“Don’t worry,” Christopher said. “He was in good shape when I saw him. He even told me you’ve been taking care of him, and he feels quite
Rosalie nodded. “He hasn’t, but I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose. He seldom tells me about his family, and I only found out he had a sister when I met her in person.”She was afraid Christopher might be upset, so she tried to offer an explanation.Christopher took a sip of his tea. “Don’t be so anxious to explain things to me. It’s fine. I don’t really mind that Seb didn’t mention me to his wife. Since you two are together now, it’s a matter of time before we meet. Aren’t we both seated here at the moment? It’s not too late for us to get to know each other.”Rosalie smiled politely. “Yes. I never knew he had an uncle like you before this.”“An uncle like me?” Christopher asked curiously. “What sort of uncle do you think I am?”“I know that you’re of high status, but keep a low profile.” “I’m not someone important, just a government worker. At the end of the day, no matter how high-ranking I am, I am but a civil servant. It’s just a matter of address,” Christopher said indiffe
Time flew by, and three months later, Rosalie was fully recovered and back at work.Her colleagues welcomed her back with a bash.Everything seemed to have returned to normal.To keep Jake company, Rosalie would go back to Theodore's house every day after work. She was practically living there.Rosalie and Jake's relationship had improved over time, and they were looking more and more like they were truly mother and son.Everything was going well.At night, the four of them sat around the dining table and chatted happily with each other.After dinner, Rosalie and Theodore sat in the living room chatting. She suddenly noticed a book on the table. It looked so familiar that it caught her eye.It was the book she had written. Over the past five years, not only was she busy learning and working, but she also managed to write the book she had conceptualized and even gotten it published. However, this book was only available in Briusian and not exported to Blencalgo.Rosalie's book
The door to the ward was opened once more.Rosalie thought Theodore had returned and didn't expect to see just her two children.Jake held Chelsea's hand as they approached the bedside. Rosalie looked kindly at them."Children, if Mommy were to go, listen to Daddy. And remember, Mommy loves you two forever.""No," Jake said loudly. "Mommy, you don't love us."Rosalie was shocked and pleasantly surprised to hear Jake's words.She was pleasantly surprised to hear Jake call her Mommy, but shocked to hear his claim that she didn't love them."Jake, how could Mommy not love you both? I've been dreaming of you over the years, and I only left you just because I was worried about implicating you. I didn't mean to abandon you like that."Rosalie was filled with endless remorse."But you left me anyway. Now that you're finally back, you're unwilling to go for surgery. You're going to die, and you're going to leave me again. You'll leave Chelsea behind too. That's why you don't love us a
After a few days of mental tug-of-war, Rosalie still refused to accept Theodore's liver. It was clear to see that her condition was deteriorating fast."Rose, I'm begging you! Go for the surgery," Theodore pleaded, unable to wait any longer.If there really came a day where he hated her, the reason would be her stubbornness. She wanted to keep his liver at the expense of her life.Both children were sprawled on the bedside, sobbing hard.Rosalie's haggard face looked lifeless. She held Theodore's hand and said, "Theo, promise me one thing. After I die, please take care of Chelsea. I hope you can take good care of her. I'm leaving both children in your hands.""I won't say yes," Theodore said agitatedly. "I won't take care of your daughter. If you die, I won't care about your daughter.""Theo, don't be like this!" Rosalie knew that he was saying that to make her agree to accept his liver. "I really can't take your liver. That would be way too selfish of me.""Aren't you being sel
"Don't look at him," Rosalie said. "He didn't say a word. I guessed it myself. The doctor told me that someone who ended up in a vegetative state due to a car accident was going to have his liver donated to me, so I went looking for him but failed. Clearly, you have been lying to me.""Rose, you misunderstand. That man…""Enough, Theo," Rosalie said, cutting him off. "Stop lying to me. Is it that difficult telling me the truth? Quit lying to me in the name of doing so for my good. I've had enough of that."Rosalie spoke so loudly, she strained herself and clutched her chest out of pain."Rose, I'm sorry. I just wanted you to get better," Theodore said, visibly upset."You want me to get better by giving me your liver? Theodore Spencer, I don't want it. I don't want your liver. I'm not going for this surgery."What Theodore feared most was happening.Rosalie didn't want his liver."Rose, why don't you want it? It can save your life!" Theodore said, starting to get angry."You k
The nurse pushed Rosalie to the hall, about to guide her outdoors. Rosalie really wanted to see her donor, even if it was just a glance from afar. She didn't need to appear before them.So, she asked her nurse to push her to the nurses' station."Excuse me, I'd like to ask if there's a patient who got in a car accident and is now in a vegetative state? A 35-year-old man sent in a couple days ago?""What is his name?" asked one of the nurses."I don't know, but he's preparing for a liver donation surgery, and I'm the recipient. I just want to see him from afar. I won't disturb his family," Rosalie said."Liver transplant? I don't remember such a patient in the hospital. Did you make a mistake?"Rosalie recalled what Dr. Landon had told her, and was sure she wasn't mistaken. "How could that be? I'm due for the surgery tomorrow.""Let's go outdoors for a walk," Jake said as he pushed hard on Rosalie's wheelchair. He was small in stature, but he managed to move the wheelchair along.
After Theodore left, Jake looked glum."Jake, what's the matter?"He shook his head. "Nothing.""Are you upset that your dad was fierce to you? Is your dad always so fierce to you?"Jake nodded with a pout.Rosalie's heart ached. "I'll tell him not to be so fierce to you for no reason."Jake finally broke up into a smile, but very soon, his face fell again, looking as if he had something to say."Jake, what's the matter? Do you have something to tell Mama? Just tell me, it's fine.""Yeah, Jake. Mommy really wants you to talk more to her. Anything will do," Chelsea chimed in."Can you be with Dad again?" Jake said after pondering for a long while.Rosalie was stunned by his question. "Jake, why did you suddenly ask that?""I just want to know. Can you tell me?"Rosalie could sense that Jake was asking the question very seriously, and couldn't bear to give him a perfunctory reply. "Jake, although your dad and I are divorced, we'll always be your parents. We're family.""So y
Two days later, it was the weekend. Jake and Chelsea didn't need to go to school, so they kept Rosalie company in the hospital."Mommy, do you feel any pain in your body?" Chelsea asked, worried.Rosalie caressed her daughter's head and said, "No, I don't. Don't worry. How is everything in kindergarten? Are you used to it there?""I want to be with Mommy," Chelsea said indignantly."Chelsea, you're still very young. It's not good for you to always be at the hospital," Rosalie said. "I'll be discharged once I get better. For now, just be good and go to school."Chelsea nodded. "Okay, Mommy. I'll be good."Rosalie turned her attention to Jake. "Jake, come here and let Mommy take a good look at you."Having not seen him for so many years, Rosalie wanted to spend every waking moment with him.Jake walked over to her, opening his mouth as if wanting to say something, but when he drew close to Rosalie, he still felt rather reserved.He was now willing to be close to Rosalie, but sti
A few days later, Theodore was sitting on Rosalie's bedside.He was peeling an apple for Rosalie."Theo, you've been keeping me company at the hospital the past few days. You must be very tired. Go back and get some rest," Rosalie said.Theodore had been staying the night at the hospital for the past few days.Jake was in primary school, and Chelsea had to attend kindergarten. Theodore managed to find one for her as it wasn't ideal for a child to keep going to the hospital."It's fine, I'll stay here with you.""Theo, you feel different from five years ago."At over 30 years of age, Theodore felt more mature.He said with a smile, "Do I feel older than before?""No, but more handsome," Rosalie said honestly.Theodore sliced the apple after peeling it and put it near Rosalie's mouth. "Have some apples."Rosalie opened her mouth and bit into the sweet, fragrant apple, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes.Theodore ended up being the one by her side, after all."Rose, it's y
The next day, Chelsea felt the sun shining on her. She slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself lying on a bed.She turned her head and saw someone at the bedside looking at her. She sat up on the bed in fright.Jake was seated on the chair, sprawled across the bedside.Upon seeing Chelsea stir awake, he sat up and simply stared at her in silence.Chelsea stared back at him curiously, and the two of them ended up in a staring contest.Jake stood up and ran out of the room. "Dad, she's awake."Jake dragged Theodore into the room."Chelsea, you're awake," Theodore said as he approached her. "Go wash up and brush your teeth first before having breakfast.""Why did I end up here? Wasn't I at the hospital last night?" Chelsea asked, confused."You fell asleep in the hospital. I was worried that you might catch a cold there, so I carried you back home. I'll take you to the hospital to see Mommy after breakfast."Chelsea scratched her head as she looked at Jake, still in a daze.