Sydney was thunderstruck. She stared at the man before her, dumbfounded. “What did you say?”Geoffrey looked at her back with red-rimmed eyes as he held her shoulders tight. “Syd, Sebastian is our son. He didn’t die. I kept him by my side all this while.”Sydney’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. “Impossible…. That’s impossible.”“It’s true!”“No! Let me go, let me go!”Sydney had wanted to run. She was sure Geoffrey was lying to her. He definitely was—how could Sebastian be her son?Sydney struggled against his hold, but Geoffrey kept her in his tight embrace.“Syd, calm down. Hear me out!”“I’m not listening, I’m not listening! Let me go, let me go! Sebastian is your and Xyla’s son, not mine! Don’t even think about fooling me!”“He is your son. Xyla and I have only one daughter, and she’s Yvonne! Sebastian is our son, I’m not lying to you! If I were lying, I swear I’ll die a terrible death!”“No! I don’t believe you! You’re scum who’s capable of saying anything. So wh
“Make it up to me? Hahaha…”Sydney laughed sardonically. “Make what up to me? Do you think everything in this world can be compensated for? You’re a joke. Geoffrey Carter, I hate you—I hate you! You stole my son from me and destroyed my life!”Sydney charged toward the door.Geoffrey immediately hugged her from behind. “I won’t let you leave, never!”“Let me go, let me go!”“I would have truly ruined your life if I hadn’t taken your son away from you!”“Geoffrey Carter, shut up! I don’t want to hear your excuses!”“I’m not making up excuses. You were only 19 years old back then, and still in university. Wouldn’t your life be ruined with a child in tow? You refused to stay with me, too.“I admit I let you down back then, but I could very well have found a random child and pretend it was Xyla’s child, but I didn’t do so. I did it in consideration of you. I lied to you and brought the baby to the Carters! I wanted our baby to grow up in a normal environment, and not be bound by
The mention of Theodore’s name made Geoffrey’s eyes burn with rage. “You’re still thinking about Wesley’s son at a time like this! Isn’t Seb your son, too? You cruelly called him a bastard, but he’s your biological son! Do you not feel even a tinge of guilt?”“It’s all your fault! Had you told me about this earlier, none of this would have happened! Can’t you see the monster you’ve raised? He’s as selfish and wicked as you are!” Sydney yelled. “He’s my son! Why can’t he be like me? At the very least, I kept him by my side and raised him as a son of the Carter family. Even Xyla never laid a finger on him! Has Wesley ever taken care of Theodore? He fooled around with other women, and didn't even care to raise his own son!”“Geoffrey Carter, are you showing off now? You were the one who snatched my son away from me! The cheek of you to claim that you raised him! How could you be so shameless? You deprived me of the chance to take care of him!”Sydney hated Geoffrey to the core.“W
Back at the hospital, Rosalie was supposed to be undergoing a minor surgery.However, due to her condition, the surgery had become complicated. Given the complications that arose, the surgery took six hours before it finally came to a close.Sebastian waited to the point of exhaustion, his heart in immense pain at every moment.When the doctor walked out of the operating theater, Sebastian dashed toward him and asked, “Doctor, how is she?”The doctor pulled off his mask, and exhaled long and loud. He said with a nod, “The surgery was a success. The mother and child are both safe.”Sebastian couldn’t believe his ears. He was in a daze as he stared blankly at the doctor.The doctor raised a hand and waved it in front of Sebastian. “Mr. Carter, are you alright?”Sebastian suddenly collapsed on the floor with a dull thud.“Mr. Carter, are you alright?” The doctor reached out to hold him.“I’m fine,” Sebastian said with a wave of his hand. “I was just too happy.”He suddenly laugh
Yvonne walked over, and said, “Rose is still unconscious. Keep her company after you eat. If she wakes up and realizes that you refused to eat while keeping her company, her heart would ache.”Sebastian sighed. “Alright.”After reminding the bodyguard to watch Rosalie closely, Sebastian left the ward and headed to the dining area.Yvonne opened the boxes, and handed Sebastian some cutlery. “Seb, quick. Have some food.”Sebastian took the spoon, but had no desire whatsoever to eat.Yvonne noticed that his cheeks were red and swollen and asked, “Seb, does your cheek still hurt? Do you need to see the doctor?”Sebastian shook his head. “No need. It’ll get better on its own.”Yvonne sighed. “To think that something like this would happen. Do you think Dad will teach Sydney Harper a lesson?”“I don’t know. They seem to know each other. The look in Dad’s eyes when he looks at her seems different,” Sebastian said mildly. “Is that so? How is it different?”Sebastian pondered for a m
Yvonne changed the subject. “Oh yes, Seb. Did Dad tell you that he divorced Mom?”Sebastian looked stunned, and tilted his head. “They’re divorced?”Yvonne sighed. “Seems like he didn’t tell you about it.”Sebastian put his spoon down. “Dad probably came today to tell me about it.”“Seb, what do you think about Dad and Mom’s divorce?”Sebastian said mildly, “I don’t know. They’re already so advanced in years, so making such a decision shows that they really can’t stand to live like this any longer.”He had witnessed for himself the state of his parents’ relationship over the years.Yvonne looked down in disappointment. “But Mom’s very sad. I can sense that she loves Dad very much, but he’s always been cold toward her. Their relationship has been worsening over the years.”Sebastian asked, “You feel bad for Mom, don’t you?”Yvonne nodded. “Yeah. I kept Mom company last night, and she drank a lot. I can sense that there were many things she wanted to tell me, but she didn’t sa
After Yvonne left, Sebastian still didn’t have much of an appetite. He tidied up the place, and returned to Rosalie’s ward. On the way back, his phone buzzed in his pocket.Sebastian pulled it out, and glanced at the screen. It was an unfamiliar number.He answered the call. “Hello.”“Hello, Mr. Carter.”Sebastian found the voice very familiar-sounding. “It’s you!” The voice was identical to that of the man who abducted Rosalie.“I’m so touched, you still remember my voice.”“You criminal, how dare you call me!”“But of course! The police haven't caught me until now, they’re so inefficient. I’ve been waiting, but they just can’t find me. I’m so frustrated, I almost turned myself in.”His arrogant words made Sebastian bite out furiously, “Why are you calling me? I’m warning you, don’t you dare hurt Rose! I won’t let you lay a finger on her again!”“Me, hurt her? Just listen to yourself,” the man said with a chuckle. “I saved her before. If I hadn’t rescued her from those ki
Yvonne arrived at her grandmother’s house. After her parents had divorced, her mother returned to her family’s home.The moment she stepped in, Chandra Fisher walked over. “Vonnie, you’re here.”Chandra was Yvonne’s grandmother and Xyla’s mother, the matriarch of the Carter family. At 80 years old, she took care of herself well and looked just slightly over 50. She had an imposing aura about her, one that belonged to a strong-willed and powerful woman. Yet, when she looked at Yvonne, she was all smiles and looked every bit the benevolent grandmother.“Grandma,” Yvonne said as she approached Chandra and wrapped her arms around the latter’s arm. “What’s up?”Chandra smiled warmly; she pulled Yvonne to the couch, and sat her down.“I missed you. Must you only come when something happens?”“No,” Yvonne said. “Grandma, I was just worried about you. I thought something had happened when you called me, so I rushed all the way here.”“My good granddaughter, I didn’t dote on you in vai
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