In the corridor outside the hospital room, Sydney watched Wesley's troubled expression.Sydney couldn't help but reassure him, "She'll be okay." Wesley let out a soft sigh. "Sydney, I'm really not lying to you. My mom really—""I know," Sydney interrupted. "I believe you now."Rebecca had fainted right in front of her, so she had no choice but to accept it.Later, the doctor performed a CT scan and MRI for Rebecca. When the results came in, the doctor pointed to the findings and told them, "The patient shows enlarged lateral ventricles and widened sulci, with clear signs of cerebral atrophy in the frontal lobe. The MRI also indicates atrophy in the hippocampal area."Although Wesley didn't fully understand the medical jargon, he could guess the implications."So my mom really has dementia?" he asked.The doctor nodded. "Based on the current results, yes."Wesley felt his body sway in the chair. With Sydney wanting a divorce and his mother having dementia, the double blow wa
"Good point." Rebecca nodded. "It has to be up to the young people. But I think they'll agree; I know they love each other. After all, they've known each other since childhood."Mentioning this made Rebecca smile; she was clearly looking forward to it. She yawned, seeming a bit tired."Feeling sleepy? Mom, you should lie down and rest for a bit," Wesley suggested."Alright, I'll take a little nap. Getting older really takes a toll on me," Rebecca said, jokingly."You're still young, Mom! You've got decades ahead of you," Wesley reassured her."Haha," Rebecca laughed. "I'm not counting on living that long; otherwise, I'd just be an old hag!"After a few more exchanges, Rebecca settled into her hospital bed to sleep. Sydney and Wesley stepped out of the room."I'll call Theo," Sydney said, pulling out her phone."Do you think he'll pick up?" Wesley asked, recalling the message Sydney had sent him last night, assuring him Theodore was okay. Even though Sydney was considering div
Theodore looked up at Sydney, confusion in his eyes. "What's wrong, Mom?""Weren't you avoiding her? Why do you want to contact her now?" Sydney asked."That was then, this is different now. Grandma's sick, and she needs to know," Theodore insisted; though deep down, he didn't want to admit he still cared for Rosalie and wanted to see her.No matter how she treated him and how she refused to forgive him—even though she had chosen Sebastian, he couldn't help but miss her.Sydney could see through his facade. She knew he wanted to reach out to Rosalie. With Rosalie just recovering from surgery, it wouldn't be good for her or her baby to hear about Rebecca's situation.However, she couldn't tell Theodore about her pregnancy either. If Theodore found out Rosalie was pregnant or that she had undergone surgery without him knowing, it would only bring him pain.What worried her most was that if Theodore found out about Rosalie being pregnant with his baby, both her sons and Rosalie woul
Rebecca woke up, and saw Theodore entering the room. Concerned by his haggard appearance, she immediately asked, "Theo, what's wrong? Are you sick?"The pain in Theodore's chest lingered, but he forced a smile. "Grandma, I've just been really tired these past few days and haven't slept well. But I'm fine. Don't worry."Rebecca shook her head. "I've been too strict with you. You've worked so hard, and I shouldn't have scolded you like that. You're a good boy."Her demeanor softened, perhaps due to her awareness of her own condition. "Grandma, it's alright. You being strict was good for me; otherwise, I might have become a spoiled brat.""That's not true," Rebecca said. "Theo, you're a good boy. Even if I hadn't been tough on you, you wouldn't have turned out that way. You've always been ambitious and mature for your age. I know it's because you didn't have the love of both parents, and that must have hurt you."As Rebecca spoke, her emotions began to overwhelm her."Theo, if the
Wesley sighed internally. Sydney was a good woman, and she had said that comforting lie for Rebecca's sake. Yet, even knowing it was a falsehood, Wesley felt a flicker of hope rise within him. He grasped Sydney's hand, seeking warmth from her touch. If only she could show him a bit of compassion, it would make him happy for days."Really?" Rebecca beamed at the news. "Sydney, you've finally forgiven Wesley!"Sydney approached the bedside. "Yes, I've forgiven him."Rebecca's joy was short-lived, and her expression turned serious again. "I know how terrible he was. Don't force yourself to forgive him for my sake. If you truly don't want to be with him, I will fully support you.""Mom, that's not it. I want to forgive him. He knows he was wrong, and has been trying to make amends. I want to move on and live a good life," Sydney explained.Wesley watched Sydney's back silently, feeling a lump in his throat, sadness washing over him. If only it were all true! But deep down, he knew S
Theodore stayed in the hospital room a little longer with Rebecca. Eventually, Sydney called him out."Theo, you should go home and rest," she urged."Mom, it's fine. I want to stay with Grandma longer.""I know you want to be here, but you need to take care of yourself. Look at you! Grandma's worried. She asked me to tell you to go home and rest," Sydney said gently.Theodore had lost weight, and Wesley couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the sight. "Theo, your mom is right. You should rest, especially since you were injured so badly. Don't make Grandma worry.""Yeah," Sydney continued. "Once you go back, I'll call Rose to come over.""Mom, you really think I shouldn't see Rose, don't you?" Theodore asked, his voice heavy with disappointment.Sydney sighed softly, and patted his shoulder. "Theodore, Rose has been through so much pain, and now you're suffering too. What do you think will happen if you see each other? Do you think you can get back together? If not, it'l
Rosalie had been in the hospital for about ten days, and was finally discharged. Her baby was five months along, and her belly had grown quite large. Due to her condition, she found herself getting tired after just a few steps and spent most of her time resting in bed. Sebastian took great care of her, personally bringing her meals and drinks, almost feeding her like a child. He even wanted to help her bathe, but she declined, preferring to wash herself or, if necessary, have a maid assist her. Sebastian respected her wishes.After dinner, Rosalie sat on the bed, suddenly feeling the urge to call Rebecca. It had been a while since she last contacted her. Despite her divorce from Theodore, the Spencers still insisted she was part of the family, but the reality was that their connection had faded since the separation—not out of intent, but almost subconsciously.When she dialed Rebecca's number, Sydney answered. "Hello?"Rosalie recognized her voice immediately. "Mom? Why do you h
Sebastian drove Rosalie to Rebecca's house, but on the way, Sydney suddenly changed the destination. They headed to a restaurant instead. Sydney and Rebecca were already waiting in a private room.When Rosalie arrived, her pregnancy evident, she rushed in. "Grandma!"Rebecca looked around, puzzled. "What did you just call me?"In the phone call, Sydney had mentioned that Rebecca was suffering from dementia, and Rosalie had felt as if she were dreaming. Seeing Rebecca now made everything painfully real.Sydney immediately stood up. "Please, sit."Her gaze fell on Sebastian, filled with mixed emotions—no disdain, but perhaps a hint of happiness. Sebastian found her suddenly warm attitude strange and unsettling. He had no idea what led to this change. He sensed it was connected to his father, though he didn't believe Sydney was being threatened. After all, she was a strong woman, not easily intimidated.Sebastian helped Rosalie into a chair. "Grandma, it's me, Rose. Don't you
It was like a long, long nightmare.Rosalie didn't know how much time had passed. All she could remember was herself walking in the desert for a long, long time. She felt tired, thirsty, and hot. She saw no end to the desert and she seemed to be looking for something, although she had forgotten who she was.Just as she fell from tripping over a stone and found herself unable to crawl back up, a man appeared before her.Rosalie looked up, and tears welled up in her eyes the moment she saw who it was.She suddenly remembered who she was and she reached out a trembling hand, calling out, "Justin… Justin…!"Her voice was hoarse.Justin crouched down. "Rose.He reached his hand out, as tender as before.Rosalie felt as though she had found her lifeline. Yet right before their hands touched, a loud gunshot sounded as she saw a bullet pierce mercilessly through Justin's chest. Blood trickled down the wound.Justin collapsed to the ground."No…no, no!"Rosalie yelled at the top of h
"Sebastian Carter, dare you kill me? Hahaha…!" Rosalie laughed.Her scornful laughter was akin to blades that pierced Sebastian's heart. He knew his time was up and all forms of pretense were useless.Although he refused to concede defeat, he had no other choice.Anyone who loved this woman was bound to end up in a horrible plight.Out of the blue, he asked, "Theodore, do you love Rose?" "Of course I do, but I'm not as perverted as you are," Theodore spat."Yes, I'm perverted while your love is noble and dignified. At the very least, Rose loved you once, but what about me? She has never loved me." Sebastian chuckled bitterly, tears filling his eyes. "I just want her to love me! What wrong have I done? I just don't want to lose the woman I love. How is that wrong?"Until now, Sebastian refused to admit his wrongdoings. He might know it in his heart, but he refused to admit it outright.Tears of indignation rolled down his cheeks as he bawled like a child. "The only wrong I di
Sebastian gritted his teeth as he vented his overwhelming wrath on Rosalie's body.Rosalie shut her eyes and bit down on her lips hard, bearing with the pain. She didn't cry out for fear that the people outside would hear her and realize the indecency that was going on.The men outside were shouting anxiously. Just then, one of their members ran over with an electric drill in hand. "I found this! Let's try it."A loud drilling sound came from the door. A few minutes later, the door lock finally came loose.The door was kicked open with a loud bang and Theodore barged in with his men. Sebastian and Rosalie were seated by the bedside, with Sebastian holding a gun pointed at Rosalie's temple.Rosalie's hair was in a mess, with tears streaming down her face. Her sleep gown was all tattered and torn.Fire burned in Theodore's eyes when he saw the scene before him. "Sebastian Carter, what did you do?!""I did everything you can imagine! If you don't believe me, just watch." Sebast
Rosalie was sound asleep when she heard a commotion from outside.Then, shrieks pierced the air.At that moment, the door to her room was locked open and the lights were switched on. Rosalie felt the cold muzzle of a gun pressed against her temple.Sebastian's face was dark with fury as he yanked Rosalie out of the bed."What happened?" she asked.She saw his sweat-beaded brow and knew something serious had happened.Sebastian yanked the rope in his hand and Rosalie tumbled into his arms. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pointed a gun at her forehead with another.Rosalie panted hard. "Sebastian Carter, are you going to kill me? Just shoot me!""Theodore's here. Do you want to see him?""What did you say?" Rosalie was shell-shocked. "He's here?""What, are you very happy?"A flurry of gunshots sounded outside the room."Do you hear that? He's here to rescue you," Sebastian said with a smirk.Rosalie took a deep breath and said, "Why aren't you making a run for it? If
Before his departure, Theodore carried Steve in his arms for a long time, saying many things to him."Stevie, I'm so sorry. If anything were to happen to Daddy, I can't take care of you anymore. I know I should be doing that and that I shouldn't be so selfish, but I can't help it. I have to go save Mommy. If I don't come back, you must listen to Grandpa and Grandma. They will take care of you."Theodore kissed his cheek. "I left you many videos, enough to last you till you turn 18. Remember to watch one every year on your birthday. I want you to know that I'll remember you forever."He started tearing up. "I'm sorry, Daddy needs to go. I'll protect myself and your mommy as best as I can. We'll definitely find a way back home."Theodore put Steve back into his cot."Dada…" Steve leaned against the edge of the cot and blinked innocently at Theodore."I'm sorry. Daddy's leaving." He planted a final kiss on Steve's cheek and left, his heart breaking.Steve plopped onto the mattr
They were thirty hours away from the launch of the rescue operation.Theodore called Sydney and Wesley over for a talk in the living room. With his solemn expression, the atmosphere was very tense."I called you two over because I have something very important to tell you.""What is it?" Wesley asked."If I were to die, please take good care of Steve."Shock registered on both their faces when they heard Theodore's words."Theo, what do you mean by that?" Sydney asked. "What happened? You've been acting so secretively as of late. I don't see you and can't even reach you. In fact, I can't reach Rose, either."She sensed that something major had happened, but no one was telling her what it was. She even tried contacting Christopher to understand what was going on, but he refused to breathe a word about it.The rescue operation had to be kept under wraps. Theodore and Christopher hid it from everyone else for fear of unnecessary complications and information leaks. They couldn't a
In the dark, silent night, moonlight flitted about in the night sky like a weak flame on a candle in the endless darkness.Clouds covered the sky and the night breeze felt chilly, like a sneaky thief drawing close under the cover of the night.The office was a mess, the darkness outside melting into the tense atmosphere in the room.There were many computers laid out on the large table, information and data blinking rapidly on the screen like the stars in the night sky, piercing through one's nerves.Theodore was leading the pack, walking around the periphery of the table amidst the tense atmosphere, his attention completely drawn toward the computer screens. Everyone was involved in this extremely dangerous and challenging rescue operation. They were now at the stage of planning for the rescue operation.Christopher was involved, as well. Half of the men in the office room were working under him.Theodore placed the report he received on the table and said to Christopher, "Vel
Nana's tears fell down her cheeks as she clutched the blanket tightly, her small body trembling.Sebastian was originally furious. He had suffered at Rosalie's hands, but upon seeing Nana's pitiful appearance, the anger inside him began to subside. He moved closer to her and reached out his hand, but she shrank back in fear.Sebastian forcibly pulled the blanket off Nana and lifted her. He then walked toward the balcony.Nana was terrified, but she dared not move recklessly. She could only silently shed tears, too scared to cry out loud.Sebastian carried Nana to the balcony, where a cool breeze blew. He sat down in the chair on the balcony, placing Nana on his lap."Nana, are you upset with Daddy for not saving you at that time?"Nana lowered her head and kept silent."I could only save one of you. Your mother was right by my side, and you were far from me. I couldn't get to you in time."Though if given another chance, he would still save Rosalie."You didn't die, so you're lucky. I
Sebastian took a deep breath, seemingly trying to hold back his anger. Finally, he said in a calm tone, "Let's eat first. We have plenty of time ahead of us. Rose, think about it. You're just in your twenties, and we still have so many years to go. This is just the beginning."Sebastian was not in a hurry because he was the one in control. He still had plenty of time with Rosalie. He would slowly make this woman obey him.After lunch, Sebastian didn't stay long. Even though he wanted to talk to Rosalie, she wouldn't say anything pleasant. Listening to her would only frustrate him.Just as he reached the door, Rosalie called out to him. "Wait a moment."It was rare for her to call him. Sebastian couldn't help but feel a flicker of expectation in his heart.Rosalie asked, "Won't you sleep with me tonight?"There was a hint of mockery in her eyes when she said this. Sebastian's brows furrowed tightly. He knew she was humiliating him. She was saying this on purpose, trampling on his pride