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
Rosalie never imagined she would encounter her aunt, Laila Young, here.Since the day her aunt abandoned her at the doorstep of SK Enterprise, Rosalie hadn't seen her again.After Laila was wheeled away, a doctor approached Rosalie. "What are you standing there for? Is she your aunt?"Rosalie nodded mechanically. "Yes.""Then hurry up! She’s seriously injured and needs surgery. Come and sign the consent forms!"Rosalie's mind was almost at a standstill, but she followed the doctor under his urgent prompting.A few hours later, Laila's surgery was over. It was now the dead of night, and Rosalie was exhausted. When the surgical bed was pushed out, she didn’t rush to her aunt. After all, she had no affection for the aunt who had abandoned her all those years ago. She stayed because Laila was her father’s sister, and that was all.“Doctor, how is she?” she asked as she stood up.The doctor replied, “Her leg was broken, and she has multiple injuries from what appears to be a vio
#Rosalie’s lips twitched in disbelief. "What did you say?"Yvonne took a step closer. "I shouldn't have spoken to you like that yesterday, and I shouldn't have followed you. I'm sorry."Yvonne's sudden apology left Rosalie at a loss. "Why are you apologizing all of a sudden?"Yesterday, Yvonne had been so self-righteous. Plus, she didn’t seem like the type to easily admit fault."I thought about it afterward," Yvonne said. "I was wrong. We’re friends, and I shouldn’t have doubted you like that. You’re not someone who plays both sides. I should have trusted you. I was just worried because Theodore hurt you before, and I was afraid he might hurt you again. So, I… I got a bit worked up and said some things I shouldn’t have. Can you please not take my words to heart?"Rosalie smiled faintly. "Vonnie, I was a little upset at first, but after thinking it over, I know you were worried about me. I was wrong too. If I had told you from the start, there wouldn’t have been any misunderstandi
Rosalie knew she couldn’t stay here to care for her aunt indefinitely, so she took out her phone and called for a caregiver to come look after Laila.Just as she was about to leave the room, Laila seemed to spot her."Rose!"Rosalie had to stop and, with some reluctance, walked back into the room."Rose, it's me! Do you remember me?" Laila reached out her hand. "I’m your aunt!"Rosalie sighed. As she reached the bedside, she saw that Laila was quite agitated."Rose, it’s so great to see you here! I thought I’d never see you again!"Rosalie looked at her aunt with a cold detachment. "A caregiver will come by soon to take care of you. I’ve already covered the costs.""Good, good," Laila said excitedly. "Rose, I knew you were a good kid. If I hadn’t run into you here, god knows what would happen to me. Could you stay a while and talk with me?"Rosalie frowned. "No, I have other things to do. I need to leave now. Rest up. I don’t plan on visiting frequently. Once you’re better, yo
“You were worried I’d have a hard time, so you abandoned me? Did you think I had it great with you? You should know what my life was like when you adopted me. You were often drunk, and took your anger out on me. I did all the housework until my hands were raw. Even though you took all of my parents' compensation money, you wouldn’t even pay for my school supplies. I was ostracized in class, and you never cared.”“Are you complaining about me?” Laila growled. “I did adopt you, after all! Without me, you’d have been homeless.”“And you have the nerve to say that?” Rosalie retorted. “You spent all my parents' compensation money! You know exactly why you adopted me.”Laila’s face darkened. “How can you say that? I didn’t adopt you just for the money! I’m your closest relative, so of course I should be the one to take you in. Since I did take you in, why shouldn’t I use the money? After all, I was taking care of their daughter. You’re a living, breathing person. What does that money matt
Rosalie walked out of the hospital room, ignoring Laila's frantic shouts. "Rosalie, come back! Come back now! You can't leave!" Laila tried to get out of bed to chase after her, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. All she could do was watch helplessly as Rosalie's figure disappeared down the hallway.-Once outside, Rosalie immediately called Rebecca. The phone rang only once before Rebecca's kind and patient voice answered."Rose, is that you? What’s the matter?""Grandma, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me."Rebecca chuckled softly. "Of course, dear. What is it?"Rosalie took a deep breath. "Did Aunt Laila ever come to see you?"There was a sudden silence on the other end.After a moment, Rebecca replied, "Why are you asking about this now?""Grandma, please just answer my question. She did come to see you, didn't she?"Rebecca sighed. "Yes, she did, but it was many years ago."Rosalie frowned. "Why didn't you tell me? I had no idea.""Becau
Time flew by, and before long, it was time for Sebastian’s discharge. After spending about twenty-five days in the hospital, his recovery was progressing well, and he only needed to focus on resting.During this period, Rosalie hadn’t seen Theodore at all. It was as if things were completely over, and there was nothing left between them. In a way, it wasn’t all bad.Back at the Carter Residence, Sebastian found comfort in the familiar surroundings. Although he vaguely remembered some things, the memories remained fragmented. Now that he could move around freely and live a normal life, his spirits had lifted significantly.That evening, after a bath, Sebastian returned to his room. He saw Rosalie making the bed. Hearing his footsteps, she turned and said, "Seb, the bed’s ready. Come over and rest."She patted the bed’s edge, and then straightened up. As she turned to leave, he suddenly pulled her into a hug and leaned in, wanting to kiss her. Rosalie was startled and quickly
Theodore took his original pills to a pharmaceutical quality testing laboratory. He knew someone from there who did a composition analysis on the pills.The results showed that it was a legitimate psychoactive drug prescribed by the hospital and there were no issues with it.Theodore wanted to test the pills because he suspected that someone switched out the pills, but based on the test results, the pills were exactly what the doctor had previously prescribed.Perhaps he was overthinking.He had been exceeding the dosage during this period. The doctor had reminded him about the strong side effects of the pill and warned him to strictly follow his instructions, but he didn't heed the doctor's orders. He deserved whatever happened to him.For a long time, he had been relying on medication to maintain his mental state, which was hanging by a thread. Otherwise, the thought of death was always haunting him. Theodore drove back home.Upon hearing his car, Aurora immediately ran out.
Theodore spoke fiercely, and Aurora seemed to be frightened by it. She sat up on the bed and wrapped the sheets around her body, shivering."I suddenly remembered the places that my ex-boyfriend might be hiding and wanted to tell you about it, but the moment I stepped into your room, you pushed me onto the bed," Aurora said, biting her lip and lowering her head as tears trickled down her cheeks.Theodore tried hard to recall what happened last night based on Aurora's claims, but he felt as though he lost a part of his memories last night. He couldn't imagine himself doing what Aurora claimed."You mean that I forced myself upon you?""I…I didn't mean that," Aurora said, gripping the sheets tightly. "Theo, you wanted me and I was certainly willing to give myself to you. You didn't force me to do anything. I thought you wanted me last night. I didn't expect you to question me the moment you woke up. What happened? Did I do something wrong?"Theodore recalled that he seemed to have l
The two of them sat around the dining table, eating dinner as they chatted.Theodore looked disinterested as he chatted with Aurora. She could sense that as well, so she went silent and didn't bother him much.After dinner, he told her to do whatever she pleased before returning to his room. He never came out and Aurora wondered what he was doing inside.Aurora hovered outside Theodore's room, pacing back and forth many times. She wanted to knock on the door and talk to him, but she stopped herself many times for fear that he might be annoyed with her.Yerick said that he could make her get pregnant with Theodore's child.Although she managed to move to Theodore's place, he wasn't passionate with her at all, unlike in the past. He would never touch her.Aurora put her hand gently on the door as she whispered, "Theo, I'll do anything for you. I really love you."In the deep of the night, Theodore tossed and turned on the bed, unable to fall asleep.He pulled out a drawer and ret
Theodore sighed. "Rest and recuperate well. I'll send someone to find your ex-boyfriend. When I do, I'll use my network to make sure he sits in jail for a few years. I'm sure he's committed multiple crimes.""Thank you. If you really manage to find him, putting him behind bars is enough. But what should I do before you find him? He could come to me anytime. He said he'll never set me free and will kill me. He looked like he had gone mad.""I'll send someone to protect you. Don't worry.""Theo, can I…""What?" Theodore could sense that Aurora had something to say. "Just speak your mind. Don't beat around the bush.""Theo, I'm really scared. Can I stay with you before you find him? Don't worry, if you don't want me disturbing you, I won't. I'm just so scared to be by myself… I have nightmares when I sleep."Afraid that he might misunderstand, Aurora hurriedly added, "Don't worry, once he's found and put behind bars, I'll move out immediately. I'm just so scared right now. Please, I
Theodore lay on the bed, unable to fall asleep. He felt a fire burning in his heart, his mind unable to stop thinking about Rosalie.Whether his eyes were opened or closed, all he could see was her.Frustrated, he flipped to his side to pull out a drawer and retrieve a bottle of pills. He couldn't calm himself down without medication.Just then, his phone rang. Theodore picked it up and saw the name on his phone screen—it was Aurora.He flung his phone aside.It kept ringing, irritating him greatly. Eventually, he answered the call. "What do you want?""Theo, save me! Save me, quick!"Shock registered on Theodore's face. "What happened?""He's chasing after me… Can I go find you? I really have nowhere else to go! I'm so scared!""Who's chasing after you? Where are you right now?""I…I'm now at… It's so dark, I can't tell. I'm hiding in a small alleyway right now. As I came here, I think I walked past a bar called Endless. I took a right turn and ended up in this alleyway. I'm
Aurora collapsed on the ground, overwhelmed by the sudden force. Her head was pounding and she cupped her red, hot cheeks with her hands. "What…what did you do? Why did you slap me?" she asked, stunned. Yerick looked down upon her, his towering figure dark and frightening in the night. "Are you taking me as your hitman, ordering me around as you like?"It was enough that she ordered him to kill another. How dare she ask him to kill Rosalie?! She was digging her grave!"I didn't mean that," Aurora said agitatedly. "I'm just so scared! We're on the same boat, so we should help each other out.""Help each other out?" Yerick crouched down and pinched her chin. "Tell me, then. What have you helped me with so far? Why do you think I arranged for you to be by Theodore's side and allowed you to get to know him? What do you think is my motive?""I…I don't know!" Aurora said with trembling lips. The man before her was way too frightening, his eyes ghostly as he chuckled. "But I'll do wha
Justin brought the baby home and saw Rosalie spacing out before the kitchen counter. She didn't even realize they were home."Mama," Steve called out to her.Rosalie heard him and turned to look at them. "You're back."She took Steve from Justin's hands and held him in her arms."Rose, are you alright? What did Theodore tell you?" Justin asked. "Aurora felt guilty and made Angie her scapegoat. Angie has been nabbed by the police," Rosalie replied.Justin frowned. "Angie surely wouldn't be a sitting duck. She'll expose Aurora.""That's not wrong," Rosalie said. "The problem is, Aurora is too good at putting up a facade. Theodore doesn't trust Angie and he said he'll investigate things and find out if Aurora was involved. At the end of the day, he refuses to believe that Aurora is capable of something like that. He subconsciously thinks that Angie was solely responsible.""That sounds like something he would do," Justin concluded. "Last time, I could tell he's very protective of
Theodore turned around. "Is there something else?"Justin walked over. "Do you want to hold him? He seems eager to hug you."Theodore paused. Then, he gave a helpless smile at the corner of his mouth."No, you take him upstairs." The more he held Steve, the harder it would be to let go. He didn't even know why he felt such strong emotions for Steve. Perhaps it was because Steve was Rosalie's child, and thus, he couldn't help but care for the baby.Seeing this, Justin didn't insist. He was about to leave when suddenly, Steve started crying in his arms. Steve stretched out his hands toward Theodore, trying to reach him.Hearing the cries, Theodore's heart tightened. He turned around and saw Justin trying to soothe the child."Steve, what's wrong? Are you hungry? I'll take you back right away."Steve continued crying, louder and louder, and Theodore felt as if his heart were being squeezed. His feet felt like they were nailed to the ground, and he couldn't move.Justin took a few steps b
"And what about you?" Theodore countered. "Rose, when will you finally see what kind of people are around you? Sebastian's two-faced, pretentious, and full of lies. Justin has blood on his hands, with numerous enemies. He's like a ticking time bomb, and both of them will only bring you disaster."Rosalie sneered. "And how much disaster have you brought me? Do you think the mental torment you've caused me isn't enough?"Theodore gave a bitter smile. "Rose, do you want me to die to make up for the harm I've caused you?""No, I just hope you won't bother me anymore. I have my own life now. Whether it's good or bad, it has nothing to do with you. Once upon a time, Grandma was the last connection between us, but now that she's gone, we have nothing left."She avoided Theodore's gaze. "You should go now."Theodore clenched his fists. "If this is what you want, then I understand. I'll stay away from you in the future and won't bother you again, because, as you said, we have nothing left."Wi