Geoffrey's earlier seriousness faded away, replaced by fatherly warmth. His words brought Yvonne a little comfort."Dad, I understand.""That's good. I'm really happy you came to have dinner with me tonight. I've asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes."He didn't want Yvonne to discover that Sydney was there. However, Sydney was so exhausted from his torment that she wouldn't wake up, not even if thunder struck.After Yvonne finished eating with him, she would leave. At that point, he would return to his room and continue sleeping with Sydney."Thank you, Dad." Yvonne smiled. "Dad, no matter what happens, remember that we're family and I'll always be your daughter. Even though you and Mom divorced, I know there must have been no way to continue living together, which is why you made that choice. The divorce is good for both of you. As your daughter, I just want you both to be happy. If one day you meet someone who can make you happy, you must tell me. I will support you
Yvonne returned to the dining room.She acted as if she hadn't seen anything and continued drinking and chatting with her father.After dinner, it was time for her to leave.Before leaving, Yvonne tested the waters. "Dad, why don't I stay here tonight and leave tomorrow?""You used to never stay home and are always out playing, and now you want to stay with me? I think you should go out and have fun like you used to."This was Geoffrey's private residence, and Yvonne and Sebastian didn't live here."Dad, are you trying to get rid of me?""Exactly."Yvonne pouted, seemingly a little upset. "I'm your daughter. How can you chase me away?"Geoffrey patted her on the head. "Alright, now. How could I bear to do that? I was just joking. You should go spend some time with your brother. He must be exhausted taking care of your sister-in-law."Yvonne could sense that her father wanted her to leave.It made sense—he was hiding a woman here. If his daughter stayed and she found out, it w
In the early hours of the morning, Theodore sat in the penthouse, gazing down at the view through the large windows. Outside, the lights sparkled, and the bustling streets twisted and turned. Even in the dead of night, the city remained vibrant.He reached out to touch the bottle of liquor beside him, but just as he was about to grab it, the bottle was taken away.Theodore turned around, frowning as he extended his hand. "Give it back.""Don't drink anymore. Your wounds haven't healed yet." Caleb forcibly took the bottle.Theodore snapped coldly, "If you don't let me drink, do you want me to jump off the building?""Don't try to scare me. My heart is weak. If you jump here, I'll die of fright, and then I'll hunt you down in hell and give you a good beating," Caleb said.Theodore chuckled. "Then I won't jump."He had considered jumping and had almost done it, but at the last moment, Wesley stopped him.Later, he waited for Rosalie, but no matter how long he waited, she never cam
The scene shifted back to before Theodore left the hospital. He looked at the time on the wall; it was already nine o'clock. He had planned to wait until nine, but time was up now.9.01 PM, 9.02 PM, 9.03 PM… The minutes ticked away.Theodore stared at the clock and smiled."Rose, you wouldn't even let me see you one last time. You've deceived me again. You said you would come, but you changed your mind. Do you hate me so much? Then I'll die. If I die, you won't hate me anymore. If I die, I won't have to listen to your lies anymore or feel so much pain and despair," he thought.Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the door to his ward.Theodore paused in his movements. He turned his head, filled with hope. Could it be Rosalie?The knocking continued.Unable to hear any response from inside, the person outside grew worried and cautiously opened the door, peeking inside.She saw Theodore standing by the window ledge, and was startled. She quickly walked in. "What are you tryin
Aurora was taken aback, thinking she might have misheard. Her expression was one of confusion."What do you mean by compensation?" He had asked her for her number. Wasn't it because he wanted to contact her?"You saved me, so I want to give you some money as compensation. You can leave now." Theodore's expression was cold and devoid of warmth. His words were also filled with a lack of compassion.He had said thank you, but his so-called gratitude was being expressed through money. Aurora felt that this man showed her no respect.Noticing that he hadn't left, Theodore turned his head and glanced at her indifferently. "Is there anything else?""Mr. Spencer." Aurora struggled to hold back her tears. She felt a bit wronged, but maintained a calm exterior.She added, "I feel like you're humiliating me."Theodore responded coolly, "I'm not humiliating you. Perhaps I misspoke. This is a thank-you gift, not compensation."It was the truth. He had not meant to insult her. He merely
"My name is Aurora Payne," she replied."I'm Theodore Spencer. Nice to meet you, Ms. Payne." His tone was no longer as cold as before.Aurora nodded. "Nice to meet you. I know you're Theodore Spencer. I recognized you when I was saving you. I've seen you on TV. You're the CEO of SK Enterprise."Theodore gave her a helpless smile. "So what if I'm the CEO of SK Enterprise?"Hearing the dejection in his tone, Aurora thought about him climbing the window ledge earlier. She quickly said, "I don't know what's going on, but whatever it is, I believe it can be resolved. You're so capable, you don't need to—"She wanted to say that he didn't need to resort to extreme measures, but Theodore himself didn't acknowledge it, so saying it would seem like she was overstepping.After all, they weren't close to each other. Even though she saved his life, she couldn't just speak her mind freely."Some problems cannot be solved by being capable. Moreover, you misunderstood. I'm not capable."The
Thus, Theodore arrived at Caleb's place without informing anyone, not even his parents. He didn't want to tell them. They would only offer comfort and advice, and he had heard enough of that."Caleb, do you remember a few months ago when I was still married to Rose? I got drunk at your place, and you brought Rose over?""Of course, I remember. You even beat me up back then. You were so angry. If you weren't my best friend, I'd have made you pay for it." As he spoke, Caleb clenched his fists with gritted teeth."Do you remember why I beat you up?" Theodore asked.Caleb scratched his head. "Of course I remember. At that time, Rose came over, and you were drunk. I had a few arguments with her, and when you woke up, you came over and beat me up to protect her. I thought you were protecting your wife, but it turned out you mistook her for Cynthia. So, specifically, you thought I was bullying Cynthia."Theodore forced a bitter smile. "Yes, I remember. After I beat you up, I was holding
Theodore's current state was entirely of his own making."Are you cursing me silently, thinking I deserve this?" Given the atmosphere, he could guess what Caleb was thinking.Caleb scratched his head. "I actually sympathize with you.""You don't need to sympathize with me. I know I brought this upon myself."Caleb sighed. "Will you get back up?"Theodore's gaze shifted to him. After a long pause, he nodded. "I will."It was good that Rosalie was fine. It was just that she didn't love him anymore. What was the point of wallowing in self-pity here?…Morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm rays into the ward. The beams illuminated the bed, bathing the person lying there in a soft glow.The room was filled with a faint smell of sunshine, making the whole world seem warm at that moment.Rosalie slowly opened her eyes in the warmth. For a moment, her mind was blank, but soon, vivid memories flooded back.Her eyes shone with sudden clarity as she reached out to
After that camping trip, the relationship between Theodore and Rosalie seemed to have reached a new level of understanding.Though they were no longer husband and wife, they interacted like close family.Theodore found a good burial site to lay Justin to rest.Even though only a few fragments of Justin's bones remained, he still deserved a proper burial in a place with good geomancy.The burial was kept simple. There was no formal funeral. Only Rosalie and Theodore brought Justin's remains to the cemetery.Rosalie held the small box in her arms, reluctant to part with it. Theodore gently placed his arm around her shoulders. "Rose, let him rest in peace."Tears welled in Rosalie's eyes as she gazed at Theodore. She opened the box, revealing the few remaining fragments of Justin's bones, and gently caressed them. "Justin, I will come visit you again."Theodore glanced at the bones inside the box and frowned slightly. Something seemed off. There were supposed to be seven bone fragments
"That's right, you're not silly—you're just a little dummy," Theodore said teasingly. He didn't actually think Rosalie was silly. He was only joking with her.Rosalie knew that as well, so she wasn't upset. She turned and lay on her side to face him. "Theo, we got along so well when we were kids, and you always took care of me. I liked you ever since I was little. Later, when I was able to marry you, I was really happy.""I was happy to marry you, too. But I was the foolish one. Rose, you're not a little dummy—I'm the big fool here."If he hadn't been so foolish, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did. When it came to love, he was utterly clueless.Even a genius with a high IQ could be completely ignorant in certain areas. It often took countless detours before finally coming to a realization.Love, in particular, was the easiest thing to get wrong—especially when viewed from one's perspective."But we're still family, and we have a child together. The bond between us will
The sun gradually set, casting an orange glow over the tent and the grass. The family of three sat around the campfire, enjoying the joy of camping and admiring the beauty and tranquility of nature.Rosalie and Theodore had arrived in the morning, and they had spent the entire day together. They chatted, took walks, and explored the surrounding area.Neither of them had taken out their phones to pass the time, yet the hours flew by, and before they knew it, night had fallen.The three of them sat by the fire and enjoyed barbecued meat together. By the time they finished eating, the fire had begun to die down. The sky was now pitch black.Rosalie lay on the mat spread out on the grass, staring up at the sky. The twinkling stars above shimmered like glowing diamonds.In the quiet of the night, the occasional crackling sound came from the extinguished embers of the campfire.It was a soothing sound, one that didn't disturb the beauty of the night.Rosalie formed a circle with her index fi
"Alright." Theodore nodded. "I'll give the child a name, but this is an important matter—I need to think it through carefully."Since this was Rosalie's wish, he was naturally willing to fulfill it.Rosalie smiled and said, "Alright, let me know when you've decided on a name.""I will. I'll tell you as soon as I decide." Theodore raised his hand and gently stroked Rosalie's head.Steve stumbled as he ran toward his parents and threw himself into Rosalie's arms. His movement was a bit forceful, but Rosalie still managed to catch him in time.Seeing this, Theodore immediately took Steve from Rosalie's embrace.He said seriously, "Steve, Mommy is pregnant now. You can't throw yourself at her like that—you might hurt her."Steve's dark, round eyes blinked as he listened to Theodore's words. Realizing he had done something wrong, he looked at his mother with a guilty expression."It's okay. I'm fine," Rosalie quickly reassured him. "Come here, let Mommy hold you." Rosalie pulled Steve back
A few days later, Theodore took Rosalie and Steve on a camping trip. They found a quiet spot, and bodyguards were stationed around for security.The scenery was breathtaking. In the distance, layers of mountains stacked upon each other, while lush greenery spread in all directions. Just a few dozen feet ahead, a clear stream flowed gently, creating a serene and natural landscape."Theo, let's set up the tent first," Rosalie said.They had decided to camp here for the night, as it was a perfect spot for stargazing."Alright, I'll have the bodyguards set it up.""Theo," Rosalie walked forward and said, "let's set it up together. No need to ask the bodyguards.""But it will be tiring. I can do it myself—you should sit and rest," Theodore said, not wanting her to exert herself."It's fine. I can handle it. Let's set up the tent together," Rosalie insisted.Theodore nodded. "Alright, we'll do it together."He bent down, opened the bag, and took out the tent. The two of them then started ass
Late at night, Rosalie woke up from yet another nightmare. This time, however, she did not scream. Instead, her eyes snapped open, and her breathing was rapid.Theodore immediately rushed to her bedside. "Rose, did you have another nightmare?"She hadn't had one in several days.Rosalie turned on the lamp, surprised to see Theodore by her bed. "Theo, why didn't you go back to your room to sleep?""I was worried about you, so… Rose, I just want to stay with you. Did you have another nightmare?""Theo, I...""What is it, Rose? Do you have something to tell me?"Rosalie shook her head. "Repeating those words over and over again doesn't really change anything. I just...""Theo." She gripped his hand tightly. "You must protect yourself well. Get more bodyguards.""Alright, I promise you. I will protect myself, protect the baby, and protect you. I will never let you get hurt again." He pulled Rosalie into his arms."By the way, Rose, I have something to tell you. Aurora, Angie, and Cynthia
Rosalie wondered if the baby would look more like her or Justin.Looking up at the azure blue sky and the white clouds floating in it, she could almost see Justin looking and smiling back at her.Steve raised his hand and caressed her face. She looked at him and smiled, and caressed his head. "Stevie, Mommy will always love you."She kissed his forehead gently, and he hugged her gleefully.Just then, a voice sounded from behind. "What are you two talking about?"Rosalie turned around to see Theodore walking toward them. He was wearing a suit, looking smart, a tender look on his face as he stood next to the mother-and-son pair."Nothing much, just getting some sun. We should head in soon," Rosalie said as she stood up with Steve in her arms.Theodore took over Steve with one hand and pulled Rosalie up with another."Let's head in together."He held Rosalie's hand and didn't let go. She didn't shake his hand off and nodded, letting him hold her hand.They walked into the villa.
Theodore brought Rosalie back to her room and she sat by the windows, exhausted."Rose, lie on the bed and rest for a while. I'll call you when it's time for lunch.""Theo, you don't look too good."His face was very pale."I'm fine. Perhaps it's because I didn't sleep well the past two days.""You should get some rest too. Don't just keep staying by my side."During this period, she would see Theodore by her bedside whenever she woke up from a bad dream. She gathered he hadn't been getting enough rest during this period."I'm fine. I'll wait for you to fall asleep before leaving."He helped RoslIe onto the bed and covered her with the sheets. Rosalie shut her eyes and exhaled out loud."Oh yes, Rose. There's one more thing.""What is it?" Rosalie asked."We found a girl called Nana.""Nana?" Rosalie sat up on the bed. "You saw her?"Theodore nodded. "When we found her in the villa, she kept saying that you're her mother and Sebastian is her father.""Sebastian adopted he
She and Justin's baby must have really wanted to survive, which was why it tried so hard to stay in her body.For all she knew, it was Justin staying by her side in another way.Rosalie caressed her stomach while covering her lips as she sobbed brokenly. This time, she didn't cry merely due to sorrow, but because she saw a ray of light amidst the hopelessness, and Justin's shadow within the light.Theodore gently patted her through the sheets. "Rose, you still have me and Steve. We'll stay by your side. I'll also take care of the baby in your stomach. I won't let him grow up without a father."Rosalie looked at Theodore, tears streaming down her face. She held his hand tight, words unspoken in her heart that she didn't know how to express.After being under observation in the hospital for two days, the doctors made sure that she was physically fine and Theodore took Rosalie home.Rosalie was ready to see Steve.She had been emotionally unstable and didn't dare to see Steve not b