At the end of the day, if she hadn’t loved Theodore, none of the things he did to her would have hurt her. It was ultimately because of love. Theodore thought she didn’t love him, which resulted in everything that had happened thus far.Yvonne blew her top at Rosalie’s words. “I think you’re just defending him. You’re seeking comfort from Seb after getting hurt by Theodore! You’re treating him like a spare tire, just as you did in the past!”Rosalie was furious. “That’s too much! I’ve never seen your brother as a spare tire! Also, I’ve never gone to your brother to seek comfort from him. I admit that he did keep me company and comfort me when I was hurt. For that, I’m very grateful to him. However, that wasn’t because I pestered him for it, but because he’s a good man who was willing to help me. Because of that, I was willing to help him, even to the point of marrying him. And now, you’re accusing me of treating him as a spare tire? Which woman in this world would go all out to h
Rosalie sighed. “Just listen to yourself! Don’t say such things anymore. Oh, yes. Grandma called me, but I didn’t tell her about your operation. Don’t tell her that first. I’ll cover up for you about the wedding.”“Thanks. I was too rash.”After sobering up, Theodore realized how rash he had been at the wedding. However, he didn’t really regret what he did.If he had another chance, he might do the same thing. People often did rash things, and life was bound to have its highs and lows, like the waves on an electrocardiogram of a living heart.“You finally realized how rash you were,” Rosalie said coldly. “You completely threw caution to the wind when you were drunk.”“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”The guilty look on Theodore’s face and his apology made Rosalie’s heart soften, but only by a little. Reason told her she couldn’t soften her stance toward him.“You’re always like this, apologizing after making a mistake.”Theodore looked innocently at her. “Should I remain stubbo
“Rose, don’t go!” Theodore yelled from behind her.Rosalie ignored her, and continued to walk out cruelly.Suddenly, there was a bang from behind. Rosalie turned around, only to see Theodore rolling down the bed. The needle was jerked out of his arm, and blood dripped on the floor.“Rose, don’t go! Don’t go!”“Theo!” Rosalie rushed back to him, and knelt down to help him up. “Are you insane? What are you doing?”“Rose, I was wrong!” Theodore grabbed her arm. “I was wrong! Please don’t go! Don’t go!”Beep, beep.The monitoring device started beeping; very soon, medical staff rushed in and lifted Theodore back on the bed.Ten minutes later…“Theodore Spencer, you’re a grown adult. Why are you behaving like a child who’s still not weaned yet?” Rosalie roared. She was on the verge of imploding. Really, she wanted to punch him good!Theodore leaned against the headboard, looking weak. He hung his head guiltily, and remained silent like a child who did something wrong.Rosalie,
Rosalie looked down, suddenly at a loss for words.Theodore went on, “Rose, whether you choose to forgive me or not, I have to remain hopeful and give it my best shot. Otherwise, I’ll die in misery. Perhaps I might give up eventually, but not now. I really can’t give up. If I do, I might not be able to survive.”Rosalie started tearing up. She couldn’t possibly feel nothing over what he said, given their decade-long relationship. However, she couldn’t possibly turn around, throw herself into his embrace and forgive him just because of what he said, either.She could neither be utterly heartless, nor forgive him completely. “Theo, I don’t know what to say. Why make things difficult for yourself?”“I don’t find it difficult at all. This is hope that keeps me alive. Rose, please don’t…don’t make me lose that bit of hope, won’t you?”“But I have the right to ask you to stop pestering me.”“Can you tell me if us attending the wedding that Grandma told us to is considered me pesterin
Rosalie knew that if the day Theodore discovered she was pregnant with his child came, it would certainly be a huge shock to him—whether pleasant or unpleasant.She just didn’t know in what way he would find out about it.When she imagined the scenario where she would tell him in person, she ended up in terrible pain.Rosalie pulled the chair closer to the bed, and sat back down. “Theo, to be honest, even though I don’t hate you, I do bear a grudge against you in the depths of my heart. You’re right—it’s a grudge family might bear against one another. I don’t know how long I’ll bear this grudge for, but I admit, you’re right. My relationship with the Spencers won’t be cut off just because of our failed relationship.”Rosalie pulled out her phone from her pocket, navigated to her call blacklist, and removed Theodore’s contact from it.“I’ve removed your number from my call blacklist, not because I’ve let go of things, but because on second thought, I can’t cut ties with the Spenc
Rosalie returned to the hospital Sebastian was warded in.She called Sebastian before her return to ask if he had had dinner. Sebastian said that he had not, and Rosalie bought dinner for herself and Sebastian.When Rosalie came back, Sebastian was in an excellent mood.She felt much more relaxed with Sebastian compared to Theodore, and they enjoyed their dinner amidst laughter and good conversation.Sebastian asked her about the wedding; Rosalie could only say that it wasn’t bad, as she was unable to tell him the truth.“Rose, when I’m fully recovered, I can accompany you to many places. You wouldn’t need to be alone.”Rosalie nodded. “Then you should really get well soon.”“I will! The doctor told me today that I’m recovering very well. I might even be able to get discharged early, depending on the situation.”Rosalie smiled. “That’s good.”“Oh yes, Rose,” Sebastian said as a thought suddenly came to mind. “I think I recalled some memories today.”“Is that so?” Rosalie excl
Sebastian stared at Rosalie in disbelief. “Really? You’re not lying to me?”“I’m not lying to you,” Rosalie reassured him. “Seb, trust me. It’s true. Otherwise, why would I continue staying by your side, right?”“You…” Rosalie’s words calmed Sebastian down. He nodded. “That…that makes sense. If I really did something wrong, you would have left me. But…but…”Sebastian remained doubtful.Rosalie asked, “But what?”“There seems to be a man in between us, a man I really hate.”Rosalie’s heart sank. Did Sebastian recall Theodore? She wondered if that was a good or bad thing at this point, given his condition.“And then?” she pressed further.Sebastian thought hard. “It feels strange, but you seem…you seem to like him.”He pondered about it before looking up and staring at Rosalie. “What’s with that?”Rosalie didn’t know how to explain things to Sebastian, given how complicated things were.“Seb, did you remember wrongly? I don’t like anyone else right now.”She didn’t like a
Rosalie patted the back of his hand gently. “Trust me, okay? Just relax. I'm right here with you. No matter what happens, I’ll be with you. You won’t be alone, so don’t worry. Can you do that for me?”Her soothing voice was like a warm current flowing into Sebastian’s heart. Instantly, he felt reassured and nodded obediently. “Alright, I trust you. I’ll wait.”Rosalie smiled slightly. “Eat up before the food gets cold, Seb.”He nodded, and soon, the two finished their dinner. After clearing the table, Rosalie stayed by Sebastian’s side. They watched two movies back-to-back, chatting and laughing. The atmosphere was harmonious until Sebastian yawned, showing signs of tiredness.“Feeling sleepy, Seb?” Sebastian nodded. “Yes, but I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.”“Let me help you to the bathroom.”Rosalie walked to Sebastian’s bedside, helped him out of bed, and carefully guided him into the bathroom, where she squeezed toothpaste onto his brush.“Seb, I’ve called a male caregiv
Theodore wrapped all of them up in his long arms.Under the golden sunshine, the family of four was wrapped up in each other's embraces. Sunlight shone on them, encasing them in a warm, golden glow. Everything felt calm and peaceful. The children snuggled in their parents' arms, innocent smiles lighting up their faces. They could feel the warmth of the sunshine as they found the safest and warmest haven in the entire world in their arms.In the evening sun and gentle breeze, they finally found happiness in each other's embrace.-In the deep of the night, Rosalie had a dream.Both Justin and Grandma came to her in her dream.Grandma and Justin were playing cards, surrounded by beautiful birds and flowers. They seemed to be in heaven, having the time of their lives with a look of tender love in their eyes.Grandma was very happy that she had reconciled with Theodore.Justin told Rosalie, "Rose, I'm so happy to see you happy.""Justin, do you hate me?""Silly girl, why would
Theodore made Rosalie feel like love was possible once more, and gradually opened her up.Love was ever-changing with time and the experiences they went through.Rosalie missed Justin dearly, but she also learned to treasure the people around her and every present moment of happiness. She learned how to accept the past and treasure the present amidst all her relationships.Justin would be her one and only in her heart, but Theodore also found his place in her heart amidst the unique position Justin was in.This was how their affections and love for each other grew and changed with time.Justin was dead, and Rosalie couldn't keep living in the past. She would carefully preserve her love for Justin in a corner of her heart.She would spend the rest of her life loving Theodore and their children."Chelsea," Rosalie said as she pulled Chelsea over. "Your daddy loves you very much, but he didn't get to see you come into this world. But you must remember his name. He is Justin Lynch."
Theodore and Rosalie brought both children to Justin's tomb.Before they left, Rosalie said that she and Chelsea wanted to spend some time alone with Justin.Theodore brought Jake to the car to wait for them.Golden sunlight shone on the land, feeling warm and toasty and giving the earth a beautiful glow.Rosalie caressed the tombstone. "Justin, I'm sorry for not coming to visit for such a long time."The last time she came back was a few months ago, during which she snuck a peak at his tombstone.Rosalie pulled out a bone fragment. "That's because you're always by my side, which is why I think that I can bring you everywhere I go. You're not just here at this tombstone."Justin, Theo and I have reconciled. He did so much for me, even sacrificing his own life for me. I can't just stand idly by and do nothing about it. I can't bring myself to reject him ruthlessly again and again."You can say that I'm moved, or that I fell in love with him once more. He's just too good, and I c
Jake had so much fun today and was exhausted by the time he reached home. After his shower, he crawled into bed and fell right asleep without any coaxing whatsoever. Jake would sometimes sleep in the bedroom with Chelsea, and sometimes they slept separately.At night, when Rosalie went to Chelsea's room to tuck her in and tell her a bedtime story, she asked, "Chelsea, how was your day with Theodore?""Hmm, it was alright," Chelsea said. "But Mr. Spencer was so silly, he burnt the food. I only got to eat lunch very late.""Is that so?" Rosalie burst out laughing. "How silly of him indeed.""But Mr. Spencer is quite nice," Chelsea said. "I like him. He said that I can call him Daddy."Rosalie's eyes lit up. "Do you want to call him that?""I do," Chelsea said with a nod, "but I'll do that tomorrow."Chelsea yawned. She felt tired, too.Rosalie caressed her cheek. "Goodnight, my darling. Go to sleep."-Rosalie returned to her room, took a shower, and laid on the bed. Theodo
Their parent-child bonding efforts officially began the next day.Rosalie brought Jake to the theme park. In the beginning, Jake felt rather stiff and reserved. It was his first time alone with his mom, after all.As time went by, Rosalie's earnestness, concern, and gentle patience with him slowly opened him up.They sat on the carousel, drove the bumper cars, rode on the Viking ship, zoomed down slides, bounced on the trampolines, and sailed on mini-boats. They had a whale of a time.Jake was covered with sweat, but he was so happy, he didn't want the day to end.He had grown closer to his mom, so much so that he would jump into her arms, hugging her and asking for kisses.Rosalie did not hold back from expressing her love for him and even carried him on her back as they continued exploring the park.Jake was very obedient and came down very soon, for fear that Rosalie might get tired. They moved on to the next attraction hand-in-hand.Rosalie found out one thing from Jake, wh
Some time later, Rosalie realized that Jake was being rather sullen.Each time she asked him whether something was wrong, he would brush her away, claiming that he was fine before running off.It was a Saturday, and Rosalie didn't need to go to work. She was seated on the couch with a book when Chelsea ran over, her braids swaying behind her. "Mommy, can you give me a hug?"How could Rosalie say no to her adorable little daughter? She shut the book and said, "But of course. Come on over."Rosalie opened her arms, very willing to show Chelsea affection.Chelsea crawled up onto the couch happily, sitting on Rosalie's lap and diving into her embrace.Jake happened to see it all.Rosalie noticed Jake standing a short distance away and was about to say something to him when he ran off.The smile on Rosalie's face faded as a look of worry took over.At night, Rosalie put Chelsea under Theodore's care and went to Jake, wanting to speak to him alone."Jake, what's with you recently
A gentle breeze lifted the curtains slightly in the deep of the night.Rosalie laid in Theodore's embrace, panting slightly. Her cheek leaned against his chest, feeling his heart pounding heavily, and her cheeks flushed.She never expected this day to come between her and Theodore, yet everything happened in a flash. He went to bed with her just like that, bewitched and completely infatuated with her.Although they were once husband and wife and had been intimate countless times, this felt different from the last. Things felt more intense this time around."Rose, are you happy?"Although Theodore's liver had been doing well over the last three months of recuperation, he was still worried that his fitness level might be affected before his liver was fully recovered.Rosalie gave him a slight smile. "Of course, I am. You almost crushed me."Her face flushed the moment she spoke those words. She hugged Theodore tight, feeling safe and secure.She could sense that he was telling th
"Theo, have you had a woman over the past five years?" Rosalie asked very frankly.They weren't naive young men and women but mature adults with experience in this matter.Theodore was a red-blooded young man who had his needs. Suppressing his desires, which were absolutely normal, would only jeopardize his health.Theodore was getting angry. "Am I someone like that to you, going to bed with a woman I don't love just to satisfy my physical needs?""Aren't men all like that?" Rosalie said. She didn't mean it in a scornful way but simply highlighted it as a typical observation.Lonely men and women in the city were bound to seek companionship in some places and part ways after the night.Someone as powerful and influential as Theodore wouldn't even need to go searching for someone else. Women flocked toward him like bees to honey."Why can't I be an exception?" He was in no state whatsoever to find another woman over the past five years and would always deal with his sexual desire
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