After lunch, Sydney said she had something to attend to and needed to leave. Rosalie walked her to the door.Sydney mentioned that she wanted to speak to Rosalie privately, so Sebastian stood at a distance."Mom, what did you want to tell me?" Rosalie asked."Actually, it's nothing much. I see that you and Sebastian are getting along well. You trust him, right?"Rosalie nodded. "Yes, he treats me very well.""I already know about what happened in the restaurant yesterday," Sydney said. "Have you forgiven Sebastian?""Did Theodore tell you everything?" Rosalie asked.Sydney nodded."So, he sent you to persuade me?""He's worried about you, so I came to check on you. I don't have any other intentions.""Mom, at the end of the day, I have a new life. I hope he won't interfere anymore. Please tell him on my behalf that whatever happens from now on, it's my own choice and has nothing to do with him. Even if I make the wrong choice, I'll bear the consequences myself.""And what ab
"Mom, I know you're worried about me, but Seb has really been good to me. We've been through a lot together. Some things you weren't aware of, so you don't know about us...""Enough," Sydney interrupted her. "I know I wasn't involved in your matters, and I have no say in them. I'm just giving you a reminder. You can feel it out for yourself. Maybe what I'm saying is right, or maybe it's wrong. Who knows? But every word I've said to you is true. Even if you don't know what kind of person Sebastian is, you should at least know what kind of person his father is."Sydney gently patted Rosalie’s shoulder. "I'm leaving now."As Sydney opened the car door and was about to get in, Rosalie called out to her, "Mom, I trust Seb. He's a good man. It doesn't matter what kind of person his father is."Sydney smiled. "He's only a good man to you.""Mom, if what you said about his father is using me to threaten you is true, please don't do anything against your will because of me. I'll be fine.
Inside the car, Sydney was on the phone with Theodore."I saw Rose today, as well as Sebastian.""Mom, what did Rose say? Did she listen to you?""Listen to me?" Sydney let out a faint snort. "You make it sound like I demanded something of her. After all, I'm not her real mother. If I asked her to leave Sebastian, do you think she'd listen to me?""But Sebastian isn't a good person. Did you explain the seriousness of the situation to her?""It's only serious from your perspective," Sydney replied. "To Rose, it's not that serious.""How is this not serious? Sebastian is that kind of person...""What kind of person?" Sydney interrupted him. "No matter what, his feelings for Rosalie are real. He wouldn't hurt her. In that regard, he's better than you. Think about how many times you hurt Rosalie with your affair with Cynthia.""Mom, between Cindy and me..." At this point, Theodore suddenly stopped, unsure of what to say."What about you and Cynthia? You can't even finish your sent
Feeling guilty, Cynthia said, "I didn't do anything. Don't make baseless accusations if you don't have evidence.""Evidence?" Jennifer smirked. "Cynthia, if it wasn't you, then why did you run when the police came?""Did the police find any evidence?" Cynthia asked. "If they didn't, then it's slander.""Enough with the tough talk," Zac said impatiently. "You clearly know whether you did it or not. If it weren't for the fact that you're part of the Zellers, no one would have protected you. But now, you have the nerve to complain that we didn't contact you? If we really had reached out to you, would you have dared to come back? Now, you return without a word. What are you trying to do?""This is my home. Can't I come back?" Cynthia pulled out a chair and sat down. "Do you know what I've been through over the last two years? I had lung and heart transplant surgeries! Each time, it nearly cost me my life!""Your health was fine, so why did you need these surgeries?" Jennifer asked cur
Seeing that Cynthia was silent, Zac said, "I don't care who you've found outside, just don't embarrass the Zellers. If you've really found some useless man, that's your business. You can live your life with him, and we won't bother with you as long as you don't drag the Zellers down."Hearing Zac's words, Cynthia became furious. She subconsciously clenched her fists, struggling to suppress her anger. "Do you really think I'd only find someone worthless? Am I that stupid?"Jennifer said, "Cynthia, no one thinks you're stupid. You've been smart your whole life. Too smart, even. Everyone in this house has suffered at your hands. We wouldn't dare underestimate you."Hearing Jennifer's sarcastic tone, Cynthia snorted coldly. "That's right, don't underestimate me. Tomorrow, I'm marrying Theodore."When Theodore's name was mentioned, Zac and Jennifer exchanged glances. The name sounded familiar to them, but it was hard to believe."Theodore? Which Theodore are you talking about?""Who e
Even though Cynthia was marrying Theodore, Zac didn't seem to have the change in attitude toward his daughter that one might expect. He remained as indifferent as before.After Zac left, Cynthia said flatly, "Jen, is my room unoccupied?""Yes. No one's been in it. Come with me," Jennifer turned and went upstairs.Cynthia followed her up.Cynthia's room was exactly as it had been before, with servants regularly cleaning it. None of the belongings inside had been touched."See? No one's touched anything in your room," Jennifer said. Cynthia said, "That's good. I was worried that after I left, someone else might have taken this room.""There are plenty of rooms in this house. No one would take yours. Not everyone is out to get you or take your things. What belongs to you will always be yours. The Zellers won't shortchange you. But if you insist on wanting more, that's just being greedy."Cynthia frowned. "Jen, you're aware of my social status, right? After I marry Theodore, I'll
"So, you all hate me because of my mother? You think my mother caused your mother's death, so you transferred all that hatred onto me?""The reason we dislike you is because you're just like your mother," Jennifer said. "Cynthia, you've been greedy ever since you were young. You want everything, no matter if it belongs to you in the first place or not. When you can't get it by your own ability, you use despicable means."You were jealous when Dad bought me an expensive and beautiful dress, so you secretly ruined it. You're selfish and unreasonable, treating the servants like slaves. You do as you please just because you're the second young lady of the Zellers, and then you pretend to be innocent afterward. Dad let it go because you're the second young lady of the Zellers after all, but we've seen everything you've done."Over the years, with so many things happening, we know very well what kind of person you are. But you still manage to surprise us. Mrs. Tate took care of me ever si
Sebastian had already made all the arrangements for going to Melrine tomorrow. They had agreed to leave tomorrow afternoon.Before leaving, Rosalie wanted to visit her grandmother because she didn't know when she would return from Melrine. She planned to tell her grandmother everything and no longer wanted to keep secrets.Rosalie and Sebastian had agreed that Sebastian would have dinner with his family in the evening, while Rosalie would have dinner with her grandmother. They each went about their own affairs.In the evening, Rosalie drove to her grandmother's place. On the way, she received a call from an unknown number.As soon as she answered, an anxious voice came through the phone. "Rose, is that you? It's your aunt."Rosalie frowned. "How did you get my phone number?"But as soon as she asked, Rosalie remembered that she had helped Laila with the hospitalization procedures and left her phone number. So, it wasn't surprising that Laila had her number."Rose, never mind tha
'Why?! Why are you doing this to me? What's so good about Rosalie Young? Why are you like this? She's another man's wife!' she cried inwardly.Aurora clutched her chest and stumbled back to her ward. 'Theodore Spencer, how could you stomp on my feelings so cruelly?'Aurora shut her eyes, overwhelmed by pain. She felt as though her world had turned dark. All she could see was black and white. Colors no longer existed in her life.That was all there was to life. Where was its beauty? Only lies and schemes existed between people, even between kin and loved ones.Aurora suddenly thought of something and pulled out a pill from her pocket. It was the pill Yerick gave her last night.'Should I really take it? What if I die?' she thought.However, if that man really wanted to kill her, he would have done it long ago. There was no need for him to do it in such a roundabout manner.Aside from getting a heart transplant, there was no way around her heart disease.However, if she were
When Aurora arrived, she noticed Theodore leaving the ward.She hurriedly hid behind a corner as he walked forward. At first, she wanted to call out to him. Then a thought came to mind, and she followed him in secret. Theodore left the hospital to buy breakfast from a nearby store. Who was he buying breakfast for? Was it for her?Aurora saw a glimmer of hope.Since Theodore stayed with Rosalie for an entire night last night, was he buying breakfast for her out of guilt?She saw Theodore buying two portions of breakfast in two boxes before returning.Aurora quickly hid herself again. She continued following Theodore, and saw him walking back into Rosalie's ward with breakfast in hand.Her world imploded before her eyes. Was Theodore going to have breakfast with Rosalie, too? He had already spent the entire night with her!'Oh Theo, what do you see me as? Am I not your girlfriend? Why are you keeping your ex-wife company?' Aurora thought, anguished. Gritting her teeth, she p
"You'll…you'll help me get a new heart? How will you do that?" Aurora asked."Why not? You can choose not to believe me, but once you miss this chance, it's gone," Yerick said. "The pill is right here. Eat it when you feel like it. If you really don't want it, you can throw it away—but that's akin to throwing away an opportunity."Yerick released his hand. "It's late. Go to sleep."Aurora looked coldly at the pill in her hand. "How can I possibly fall asleep?"She couldn't eat or sleep knowing that Theodore was with Rosalie. Hatred filled her heart right now.Suddenly, a pocket watch appeared before her and started swinging. Yerick's voice drifted into her ears as he fixed his gaze upon her. "Go to sleep."The pocket watch swung before her for around ten seconds. Aurora suddenly felt dizzy; she then collapsed on the bed, falling into a deep sleep.Yerick looked coldly at her as he kept the pocket watch away. He reached out to pull the sheets over her. "Good night, Ms. Payne.
But now that she thought about it, if she had really done that, Theodore would surely have found out."Let's go back to your ward first. I'll tell you what to do," Yerick said, extending his hand.Aurora took his hand, following him back to the room in a daze. Once inside, she sat on the bed and burst into tears."Theodore lied to me! Why did he lie to me? How could he do this to me?" She clutched her chest, struggling to catch her breath.Yerick's lips curled into a cruel smile, and he said seriously, "With your frail health, how can you compete with Rosalie?""What should I do, then? It's not my fault that I have bad health! I have no other choice."Yerick raised an eyebrow. "What if I told you that you do have a choice?""What do you mean? Can you help me?" She grabbed his arm, her voice trembling with emotion. "You can help me, right? Please think of a way for me! I can't lose Theo. I've fallen deeply in love with him. If I have to leave him now, I'll go crazy. I'd rather die!"Th
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