"Cynthia, please understand. Whatever the reason he married me, we're legally married. Even if we get divorced, in any country, if he remarries, it will be a second marriage. I will always be his first wife," said Rosalie calmly.Cynthia's eyes turned red with anger at the mention of "second marriage." No matter how much she insulted Rosalie or said she didn't deserve it, Rosalie seemed unaffected — she was such a shameless woman!"Rosalie, if you really take Theo's money, how will he see you? Do you want to leave a gold-digger image in his mind?" said Cynthia, attacking her from a different angle."You're really funny." Rosalie chuckled. "The money is something he wants to give me. I didn't ask for it. If you don't believe me, go ask him. You're really good at jumping to conclusions."But come to think of it… Ms. Zeller, you keep looking down on me and talking about how I come from a humble background. I thought you were born into a wealthy family, but it seems that the amount of
Rosalie suddenly didn't know what to say. Her mother-in-law's attitude change was too drastic. So, why had she been so nice to Cynthia? Was it just to hit her hard at this moment, or had she been speaking sarcastically? Rosalie couldn't understand.Unable to hold back any longer, Cynthia hurriedly said, "Aunt, I also looked at the divorce papers. Theo really did give her a lot, especially since they've only been married for a year. Not many men are as generous as him. And anyway, Rosalie doesn't seem to have done anything for the Spencer family, so...""What do you consider as contributing to the family, Ms. Zeller?" Sydney frowned, seeming somewhat displeased. "Do you think dividing property in a marriage depends on contributions? Do you think marriage is a job where the more you do, the more you get paid? Are you likening Rose to a nanny?"Though momentarily stunned, Cynthia quickly recovered and said, "Aunt, that's not what I meant."Sydney smiled. "I know you definitely didn't
"If it weren't for you, Theo would have married Rose a long time ago. What chance would you have had then? Rose has known Theo for so many years. How long have you known him? If we have to talk about who came first, how do you know Theo liked you first?" Sydney retorted bluntly."Mom." Rosalie grabbed Sydney's arm. "Stop it. She's not feeling well. Theo won't be happy if you make her pass out from anger."Rosalie had only spoken out of consideration for Sydney. It wouldn't be worth it if the relationship between mother and son soured because of Cynthia. It was clear that Theodore and Cynthia were in love. Who Theodore liked first wasn't important anymore. What mattered was who he loved now, and who he was willing to get a divorce for.Cynthia was indeed getting dizzy from anger. She covered her chest as she gasped for air."If Theo loves her, why would he be with me? Aunt, he's your son. No one in the Spencer family cares about him. No one supports his love. They all forced him to
As they reached the door, Rosalie felt uneasy."Mom, she only has one lung, and has heart problems too. If something happens...""Let whatever happens, happen. If Theo gets angry, let him come to me. And if he blames you, just divorce him. What's so impressive about him?" Sydney replied sharply."Mom, are you okay? What's wrong with you?"Rosalie was worried at how agitated Sydney seemed. She had never seen her mother-in-law lose control like this, and couldn't believe the older woman had this kind of side to her."I'm fine," said Sydney, calming down. "You go back and get some rest. You need to take care of yourself. I don't think Cynthia is as weak as she pretends to be. I've seen plenty of women like her, always exaggerating their suffering. Women like her can only rely on men's sympathy to assert themselves.""Why did you call both of us out today, Mom? Was it just to scold Cynthia?" Rosalie asked."I wanted to see what kind of person she is. Men are all the same. They like
Theodore frowned. "My parents will always be your parents, and the Spencer family will always be your family. Getting divorced doesn't mean we become strangers. You need to understand that."Rosalie smiled bitterly. She understood a lot of things. She walked into the closet, and Theodore watched her take out a few pieces of clothing."What are you doing?" he asked."I'm packing up my things to move to the next room. Before the divorce, let's sleep in separate rooms. Otherwise, it's awkward when I keep coming in here," Rosalie replied, placing the clothes on the bed and folding them neatly.Theodore approached her and said, "But we're not divorced yet. Why rush to use separate rooms? We've slept together many times. What's the difference if we keep doing it?"He didn't like how distant she was being."Cynthia wouldn't like it. She'd be upset if she knew we were still sleeping together. Isn't her health already delicate? Don't upset her," Rosalie said as she looked up at her husban
After neatly folding the clothes in her hands and placing them on her lap, Rosalie said, "No need. You can do whatever you want with it. I don't want it."It was better to clarify things. She didn't want the boundaries between them to remain unclear.Frowning, Theodore withdrew his hand. "You don't want this bracelet just because you think Cindy asked me to buy it. Let me make it clear to you. I bought this bracelet on my own. Cindy didn't know about it at first. She just happened to see it and asked about it, saying it would suit you well. I didn't buy it because she suggested it."Rosalie paused slightly, thinking about what Cynthia had said previously, which was completely opposite to what Theodore was saying now. She felt it was ridiculous how easily she had been influenced by Cynthia's words, perhaps because she was already so disappointed in Theodore."She even saw the gift you bought for me, huh? It seems like you two are really close. She seems to know everything about you,
"Don't overthink it."Those words pierced Rosalie deeply. Clearly, it was obvious that Theodore thought she was overreacting. Why did it suddenly become her fault? Was she really overthinking it?"Theodore, am I overthinking it, or are you just being unreasonable?! Every time, you unconditionally trust Cynthia and think I'm lying. Cynthia is always portrayed as kind and pure! I don't understand. What has she done to influence you like this?" Rosalie exclaimed in frustration."Rosalie, don't speak ill of her. She hasn't done anything to influence me, but you... Why have you become so mean? You said it yourself that you're unhappy and fed up with me. How does my relationship with Cindy affect you? What good does it do to hurt her?" Theodore retorted.When Rosalie openly said she was fed up with Theodore and tired of their marriage, did she ever think about how he felt? Why did she think she was the only one suffering?Rosalie tried hard not to get angry. She reminded herself that sh
Cynthia had cut her wrists, but luckily, she had been found in time and was saved. Now, she lay silently in bed, feeling very aggrieved and crying non-stop, no matter how much Theodore tried to get her to talk to him.Finally, she managed to say, "Theo, don't bother about me anymore. Just live well with Rosalie. Let's not meet again.""Cindy, I'll ask you one last time, what happened? If you don't tell me now, I'll get angry."Cynthia always kept her grievances bottled up inside, but every time she saw Theodore truly angry, she would tell the truth.Cynthia sobbed as she choked out, "The Spencer family won't accept me. This afternoon...""What happened this afternoon? Tell me quickly.""Theo, this afternoon your mother, Rosalie, and I had lunch together.""What?"Theodore was surprised. He thought it was only Rosalie and his mother who had lunch together. No one had told him about Cynthia being there."I was happy when I received your mother's call. She said she wanted to have
"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
The sky gradually darkened.By now, Rosalie's IV drip bag was empty.She wanted to go to the bathroom. She had just gotten out of bed when Theodore stepped forward to support her.Rosalie immediately pulled away from his arm, her tone cold. "I can manage."With that, she carefully made her way to the bathroom, closed the door, and locked it.Theodore felt helpless.Later, she came out of the bathroom. She had finished washing up and returned to bed to lie down. "I'm going to sleep now. You can go back."Theodore didn't say anything but sat down on the couch."Go ahead and sleep." He picked up a magazine, and began flipping through it.Seeing his demeanor, Rosalie knew she couldn't change his mind. She turned to the other side, facing away from him.Theodore put down the magazine and secretly watched her. He cautiously walked over and adjusted the blanket on her, then returned to sit on the couch.Late at night, Rosalie's phone rang. It was a video call from Sebastian.Rosalie glanced d
"So, Dad, I can stay in Blencalgo without worry for now, right?"As they say, experience came with age. His father's connections and resources were certainly more extensive than his own.Sebastian had committed the offense in Melrine, but now he was back in Blencalgo. There was no extradition agreement between Melrine and Blencalgo, and Blencalgo had no law enforcement rights over him. Coupled with his background, he could escape any danger."I can help you this time, but next time, you'd better be more careful. If you're going to do bad things, don't let anyone have anything on you."Sebastian lowered his head. "I understand. I'll be more careful next time."Geoffrey's gaze lingered on him for a long moment before asking, "I heard you brought the child back."Sebastian nodded. "Yes. Rose is staying there to finish her studies, so I thought I'd bring him back to take care of him. After all, I've been looking after him all this time.""You really are something, raising another man's chi
"What question?" Sebastian asked. "Are you pregnant? Which man did you fool around with?""Seb, why are you acting like this?" Yvonne retorted. "I didn't mean that! I was going to ask you something.""Ask me? What is it?"Yvonne thought for a moment, then said, "Have you and Rose...consummated your marriage?"Sebastian furrowed his brow. "What on earth are you talking about?"Yvonne's heart skipped a beat. She had been indirect enough. "Well, Seb… You two are married now, and Rose has a child. Have you…?"Sebastian gave her head a tap, though not gently."Ouch! Why did you hit me, Seb?" Yvonne rubbed her head."Don't mention this again."Seeing the gloomy expression on Sebastian's face, Yvonne seemed to realize something. Could it be that he and Rosalie hadn't slept together yet? If that was the case, then it was great."Vonnie, hold the baby for a moment." Sebastian handed Steve to Yvonne.Yvonne took Steve into her arms. "You're so cute."The baby in her arms was soft and cuddly, lik
"I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I just blurted it out. Why are you being so harsh?" she said, stuttering.Could the treatment he went through damaged his brain and caused a change in his personality?Why did it feel like Sebastian's gaze had become so dark? It was completely different from the warm look he used to have. Was it just her imagination?Sebastian pursed his lips. "Vonnie, stop saying things that upset me. You know very well that I treat him as my own. Next time, don't speak without thinking. It could be bad if someone else hears it. After all, Theodore doesn't know about this yet. Do you understand?"Yvonne nodded. "I understand, Seb, but why is Rose staying in Melrine? Did she not want to take care of him? Or is she coming back soon?""She's busy with her studies over there. I wanted to take care of him, and he's more attached to me, so I brought him back to look after him. Once she's done with her studies, she'll come back.""So, from the way you're speaking, you're not
"Steve, isn't your mother being unreasonable? How could she treat me like this?" Sebastian said. "I just left, and she took advantage of my absence to get together with her ex-husband. I'm livid."But I know this can't be Rose's fault. It must be Theodore who seduced her."Steve, who was awake, blinked his big, round eyes.Sebastian picked him up and held him in his arms."You wouldn't do this to me, would you? Steve, you're with me now. Don't worry, I won't blame your mother. If I blame anyone, it'll be Theodore. It's that man who destroyed everything. I won't let him get away with it."Sebastian held Steve's small hand. "We, father and son, must be of one mind, right? When you grow up, you'll help your dad get revenge. You'll make sure to teach those who've bullied your dad a lesson.""Seb, you're back!" Yvonne rushed in.Upon hearing that Sebastian had returned, Yvonne hurried over. She saw Sebastian sitting on the couch, holding Steve in his arms.Yvonne was overjoyed and ran over
Theodore told Rosalie that Aurora was pregnant, but now, she knew that Aurora had a heart condition and needed a heart transplant. How could Aurora possibly be pregnant, then?"We weren't careful," Theodore said. "We didn't use protection, and she got pregnant. So now, I have to cherish her and make sure she doesn't come to any harm."Rosalie was left speechless. She didn't know what to say. Theodore was absurd—he found a woman who resembled her, and coincidentally, that woman had a heart condition and became pregnant. Was this man out of his mind?If Rosalie thought about it, Aurora did look a little like her. Plus, Aurora shared some traits with Cynthia—heart disease and fragile health.Theodore was a true romantic, wasn't he? He had found a new woman who combined the traits of his two previous lovers.What if, in the future, after breaking up with Aurora, he found a fourth woman? Would the woman have combined features of his first three women?The more Rosalie thought about it, the