Cynthia was thunderstruck. Her eyes went wide with shock and disbelief, as if she had heard something utterly inconceivable. She shook her head frantically. “No! Theo, you’re lying to me. You must be lying! I don’t believe it!”Theodore lowered his gaze, took a deep breath, and said helplessly, “I’m telling the truth. Whether you believe it or not doesn’t change anything.”“I refuse to believe it!” she cried. “You took care of me when I was sick! You even sent me abroad for treatment. You were so kind to me because you love me! Why otherwise would you have taken such good care of me? You were already married—even if I was just an excuse, you didn’t have to look after me. If you wanted to divorce, you could have easily made up a story about falling in love with someone else. But your kindness to me was real! I—”“It’s all because of my guilt!” Theodore interrupted her.Cynthia was stunned. “What did you say?”“When your lungs were failing, I thought it was because of something my
“Theo, you have to marry me! You can’t just drop these cruel words on me and walk away like this! I’ve spent my youth loving you. All these years, I’ve loved you so much! I’ve held on for you, but…but how can you do this to me? You promised you’d marry me! How can you break your promises, time after time? It’s so despicable of you!”“I really am a bastard. You can curse me however you want, it’s all my fault. I will take responsibility.”“Then marry me!” Cynthia shouted. “I don’t want anything else! I just want you to marry me. You must fulfill everything you promised. How can you call yourself a man otherwise? You’ve hurt Rosalie, and now, you’re hurting me. It’s simply unforgivable!”“I’m sorry.” Theodore didn’t know what else to say beyond that.“I don’t want to hear your apologies! I want you to marry me!”“I can’t marry you.”“You promised you would! I don’t care what you’re thinking now. You must marry me! Theo, you can’t do this to me!” Cynthia, frantic, grabbed his suit.
As Cynthia cried, she suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, and she struggled to breathe. She clutched her heart, gasping for air.Theodore immediately kneeled beside her, and helped her up from the floor before guiding her back to the bed. He quickly pressed the emergency button.Medical staff rushed in to check on Cynthia. The doctor informed Theodore that Cynthia had recently undergone a heart transplant, and was still recovering. She needed to get plenty of rest and avoid emotional stress, as it could put a significant strain on her new heart.Once the medical team left, Cynthia lay on the bed in her white wedding dress. Theodore walked over to her.He didn’t take her hand, but said with a resigned tone, “Cindy, why are you doing this to yourself? I’m just a man who’s always breaking his promises. You shouldn’t waste your time on me. There are many other men in this world who deserve your love. You will meet someone better.”“That’s easy for you to say,” Cynthia sneered. “An
Theodore looked down, and nodded as gently as he could. “I admit that I do feel guilt toward you, but…I don’t love you.”Cynthia pulled the sheets open with a whoosh, and rushed to the windows.Theodore immediately chased after her. “Cindy!”He shot out like an arrow toward Cynthia, and grabbed her arm.Cynthia charged forward stubbornly. “Let me go! Let me go!”“Cindy, don’t be like this!” Theodore pulled her back hard.“No, just let me die! What’s the point of living? Let me die, let me go!”Cynthia cried brokenly, and threw herself into his embrace as Theodore pulled her back. She hugged him tight, and buried her head in his chest.“You can’t treat me like this,” she said through sobs. “You can’t be like this! You said you wanted to marry me! You promised me… You promised me!”“Cindy, didn’t you hear what the doctor said? You can’t get agitated.”“I’m getting agitated, I don’t care! I managed to survive, and this is how you treat me? What’s the point of surviving? Just let
“I must tell you this beforehand, because I can’t bring myself to accept another woman born emotionally and physically,” Theodore said. “Another woman?” Those words were like salt to Cynthia’s wound. “Am I just ‘another woman’ to you now?”“Aside from Rose, all other women are ‘another woman’ to me. That has always been the case. So, Cindy, it’s not too late to leave me right now. I’m not worthy of your devotion. You’ll only be miserable if you marry me now.”Theodore made himself absolutely clear, without holding anything back. He made sure to present the whole truth in its cold and cruel entirety.Cynthia had never imagined all these happening. She thought she had full control over Theodore—that he would trust, defend, and love her the moment she shed a tear or looked weak and innocent. It was only until today, after hearing everything he said to her, that she realized everything had been in his control all along. He had been holding himself back the entire time. How well he t
Christopher placed his teacup on the coffee table in the living room.“Rose, Seb has been recovering pretty well. We can rest assured now,” he said.“Yes,” Rosalie said. “Seb is blessed. It’s just a pity he hasn’t regained his memories. I’m not in a rush for that to happen, though. It’s just that I’ve spotted him secretly trying to recall his memories many times, and it would only make him upset. I don’t know how else to help him. Each time, I’d tell him not to think so hard if he really can’t recall, but…he would continue torturing himself.”Seeing the worry etched on Rosalie’s face, Christopher said, “Rose, I actually contacted an overseas medical institution who have seen memory loss cases like Seb’s. They have a treatment that has gone through clinical trials with pretty good results. Perhaps it might help him regain his memories.”Rosalie looked pleasantly surprised at the news. “Really?” Christopher nodded. “Yes. I read their report and various data, as well as success case
Doubts seeped into Rosalie’s mind when she heard Christopher’s words. She sensed that something wasn’t right, and tried to rack her brains for an answer. “One time when I went to Sebastian’s company, I saw him flaring up at his subordinates. I was a little frightened by the way he looked at that time. It was completely different from the usual gentle person I know him to be.”“And then?” Christopher pressed further. “How did you feel at that time? Were you shocked?”“Well…” Rosalie said, “I was a little shocked, but come to think of it, who hasn’t flared up in his entire life? I didn’t think much of it, and just hoped that he wouldn’t blow his top so badly next time. It surely isn’t good for his health.”Christopher nodded. “Okay, I got it.”“I don’t understand. Why are you suddenly saying something like this to me? Is there something about Seb that I don’t know?”She had niggling doubts that Christopher was trying to get at something.“Rose, I don’t want to lie to you. Everyon
Just then, Sebastian walked over. “Rose, Chris, what are you two talking about?”Sebastian walked toward Rosalie, sat next to her, and hugged her around her shoulders. “Rose, Chris, what were you two talking about?” he repeated. “Just random things,” Rosalie said with a smile.Sebastian didn’t press further, and asked, “Rose, can we go out for a stroll in the afternoon? I feel like I haven’t been out for such a long time. The doctor says I can go out for some fresh air.”Rose nodded. “Of course, we can. Where do you want to go? I’ll bring you there.”“Anywhere is fine,” Sebastian said. “As long as you’re with me, I can go anywhere.”“Alright, then. We’ll head out after lunch.” Rosalie looked at Christopher, and asked, “What would you like to eat for lunch?”Christopher glanced at Sebastian, and smiled. “No, thanks. I have a lunch appointment. I’ll join you two next time. Go to a restaurant for lunch later.”With that, Christopher stood up and bade them farewell. “I’ll be off
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