After around 40 minutes, someone knocked on the ward door.As if afraid that Theodore might flare up again, Aurora spoke up from outside the door, "Mr. Spencer, it's me."Theodore said, "Come on in."Upon getting his permission, Aurora opened the door and walked in before carefully shutting the door behind her.The wound on her forehead had been treated. Her face looked pale, vulnerable, and pitiful—she was the type that men would fall for easily.A pity that the heart of the man before her belonged to another woman. Aurora made her appearance too late.She walked uneasily to Theodore's bedside with her hands clamped together, looking helpless and lost.Theodore saw the bandage on her forehead. "What did the doctor say? Did you get stitches?"Aurora shook her head. "No, the doctor said it's nothing major."Theodore heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good. You can always be honest with me and tell me what's on your mind."Aurora stood there, looking panicked and frightened. She
"I… I know what I'm asking. Mr. Spencer, I…""Shut up," Theodore said, cutting Aurora off. "I warned you not to harbor any feelings for me. There is only one woman I love, and her name is Rosalie Young. I'll never fall for you."Theodore's words were resolute and filled with determination, dashing all of Aurora's hopes. Despite her not saying anything further, it was as if he could tell what she was thinking of right now.Aurora's eyes widened, and her face turned pale as a sheet.Raw emotions roiled in her heart like strong waves crashing against her already weak and vulnerable heart. His words were like daggers, piercing through her heart again and again, making it bleed profusely.Aurora didn't cry and stood there emotionlessly, staring blankly at Theodore as if her soul was sucked out of her being.After a long time, Aurora composed herself and suppressed the sorrow growing in her heart. "Mr. Spencer, can you hear me out first before scolding me?"She had been addressing him
"At the very least," Aurora said through gritted teeth, "I won't kill myself. I'm not depraved, I just care too much about you. How can trying to save someone else be an act of depravity?""You're right," Theodore said sarcastically. "I was wrong. You're not depraved. You're being cheap."Aurora looked as though she was struck by lightning. "What…what did you say?"She didn't expect Theodore to say something so harsh."Was I wrong to say that?" Every word of his was sharp and incisive, piercing through Aurora's heart. "Crying over a man who doesn't love you, even asking him to yell at you and hit you. You're even harboring hopes of saving me? Are you even fit to do so? Do you think of yourself as a savior? Just look at yourself, getting moved to tears by yourself."He deliberately insulted her in an attempt to wake her up from her dream and tell her clearly that he would never fall for her.She was merely wasting her time on him, and she would only end up in pain. He would never
"Mr. Spencer, hear me out first, won't you?"She was worried he would get angry again and leave in a hurry without hearing her out first. If that happened, she would never get a chance to see him again.Theodore suppressed the fire burning in his chest, and tried to remain calm. "Go ahead.""You still love your ex-wife deeply, despite her being married to another man."Aurora observed the change in Theodore's countenance as she spoke. She could sense his eyes turning darker at her words.Aurora went on, "I think you should go to Melrine to see her, rather than staying here and dwell in your pain.""I…""Don't tell me you don't want to see her," Aurora said, cutting him off. "If you don't want to see her, you wouldn't have asked that man called Yerick for her address. You can't fool me, especially with how you look. And don't even think about fooling yourself! You want to see your ex-wife, more so than anyone else. Don't lie to yourself."Theodore stood silent.Aurora went on,
A few days later, Sydney and Aurora sat opposite each other at a table in a restaurant.The waiter approached their table with some menus in hand.Aurora sat opposite Sydney, feeling very nervous.The last time they contacted each other, Sydney was the one who reached out, telling her that something had happened to Theodore and asking her to go see him at the hospital.Aurora was very anxious at that time and hurried to the hospital. At that time, she didn't see Sydney in person. They only talked over the phone.She didn't expect Sydney to contact her again and ask her out one week later.This was Aurora's first time being in such a high-class restaurant. She felt slightly nervous.What made her more nervous was sitting opposite the mother of the man she loved.Theodore's mother was beautiful, graceful in her every move. With such a beautiful mother, it was no wonder that he looked so handsome.Sydney was a comforting testimony for Aurora that she might age as gracefully as Sy
Aurora forced a smile. "Mrs. Harper, you might have misunderstood things. Things between Mr. Spencer and I aren't what you think it is. We haven't known each other for long, and…"Aurora lowered her head and sighed, sounding disappointed."Is it because of his ex-wife? He must have told you about her."Aurora nodded, her eyes dark. "Yes. He only has eyes for his ex-wife, and no one else comes close.""Don't you want to try?" Sydney asked.Aurora's heart leaped. "I'm not fit to, so how would I even dare? Mr. Spencer is so outstanding, but I…I'm nothing."She was very ordinary, and women like her filled the streets. How could Theodore possibly fancy her?"Don't sell yourself short," Sydney said. "Tell me honestly. Do you like Theo?"Aurora blushed, her cheeks turning bright red. "Mrs. Harper, I…"How would she dare to tell her that she didn't find herself worthy? The Spencers were a wealthy family she would never be worthy of."If you really respect me, then tell me the truth.
Aurora had to admit that Sydney's words gave her tremendous support and encouragement. She was convinced Sydney wouldn't lie to her. Theodore had said that anything could be replaced. Since he said this on his own accord, did that mean that even his beloved ex-wife could be replaced one day?Aurora was extremely nervous. "Mrs. Spencer, do you really think I can do it?"Sydney gently patted Aurora's hand and comforted her softly. "Of course you can. I wouldn't have said these things if I didn't think you could. I'm encouraging you because I believe in you, so don't belittle yourself anymore.""My family background is quite ordinary, and I don't have any connections," Aurora said anxiously. "And the Spencers are a prestigious family.""Don't talk nonsense." Sydney's tone turned more serious. "Yes, the Spencers are powerful, but so what? All I want is for Theodore to be happy. His ex-wife didn't come from a powerful or wealthy family, either. Her parents passed away, and the Spencer
Melrine.In the blink of an eye, it had already been two months since Steve was born. Rosalie had almost fully recovered.She had been in Melrine for about half a year now. Even before the baby was born, Rosalie hadn't been idle. She attended several training courses tailored for finance professionals. These courses provided practical financial knowledge and skills within a short period while also allowing her to network with other professionals. Additionally, she kept an eye on financial seminars and academic conferences, and attended useful ones. She listened to lectures given by experts, kept abreast of the latest trends and research in finance, and engaged in discussions with scholars and industry professionals. It was a fruitful time for her.After giving birth, she observed a two-month confinement period, but she kept herself busy. Since she had help, she spent most of her time studying finance. She even enrolled in a graduate exchange program.After selecting a suitable
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
When Rosalie opened her eyes, she saw the ceiling above her. The mild scent of disinfectant drifted in the air and tears filled her eyes."Rose, you're finally awake."Theodore heaved a sigh of relief and held her hand tight.Rosalie was still in a daze, her eyes empty as she lay silently on the bed."Rose, you're pregnant. The doctor said that the fetus is two months old."Rosalie's brows furrowed. She turned around and gaped at Theodore in shock. "What…what did you say?""It's been less than 50 days since you disappeared, but the fetus is more than 50 days old, so I think this baby…" Theodore didn't go on, but the meaning behind his words was clear.Rosalie caressed her stomach and recalled what Justin said in her dream about their love continuing. He was caressing her stomach at that time. As it turned out, it was a foreshadowing of what was going to happen."It's Justin's child," she said agitatedly.Sebastian had a vasectomy, and the timing wasn't right. The baby was cert
"Silly girl, it isn't your fault. It was my own choice. If I were given another chance, I'd still be willing to be with you. Moments spent with you were happier than my entire lifetime. I should be the one saying sorry. I didn't protect you well and let you get hurt."Justin felt so real, as though he were still alive. Rosalie could sense the tears in his eyes and feel his every breath."Justin…" Rosalie broke down crying."Rose," Justin said, holding Rosalie's hand. "It's time for me to leave. I'm sorry, but I can't stay by your side.""No, Justin!" Rosalie grabbed his hand and cried agitatedly, "You said earlier that you're mine and I'm yours. You said you'd never leave me! You can't go back on your word!""Rose," Justin said, tears streaming down his face. "Although my body is no longer with you, my soul will always be in your heart. No matter where you go, you'll bring me with you. As long as you think of me, I'll live on."He gently pulled Rosalie up to her feet, his face ha
Warm sunlight shone on Rosalie's face, making her feel toasty.She opened her eyes slowly and found herself in a warm embrace. Before her was a face that was so achingly familiar, her breath caught.He looked at her affectionately with his deep, dark eyes, caressing her face with his hands. His coarse hands rubbed against her tender cheeks, and it all felt so real."Justin," Rosalie called out tentatively and very cautiously, suppressing the emotions stirring in her heart. She almost whispered it, for fear that her dream might come to an end.Justin flashed her a doting smile. "Why are you crying? Did you have a bad dream?""Bad dream?" Rosalie looked around her. She and Justin were in their room.Everything felt so real. She felt so happy and warm, and all those scary things that had happened felt like nothing but a nightmare.Rosalie started tearing up as she dove into Justin's arms. "Justin, I was so frightened! Turns out that it's just a dream. I thought I lost you."She wo
In the deep of the night, Rosalie dreamt of Justin once again.They were walking down the red carpet, filled with joy—but the next moment, a bullet pierced mercilessly through his heart, snatching his life from him. She saw him lying in a pool of blood.She screamed and struggled with all her might, but she was helpless. Nightmares haunted her night after night."Justin, Justin! Don't die! I'm begging you, don't die! Don't kill Justin, I'm begging you, don't kill him, don't! Ahhh!" Rosalie screamed as her eyes flew open.In the next second, she found herself in a warm embrace. "Rose, I'm here. It's just a nightmare, a nightmare."Although it was a nightmare, it really did happen.Rosalie felt the warmth of his arms and burst out crying."I caused Justin's death, I harmed him! If…if I made him leave, if I didn't go to the airport to find him, he would still be alive and well. Why did I go and find him? Sebastian was right, everyone who loves me ends up in a terrible plight. I cau
Rosalie held the rings tightly in her hands and put them at her chest, sobbing, "Justin, Justin…"She collapsed on the bed, dissolving into tears."Rose, I know you're in a lot of pain, but I want you to know that you still have me and your son. Don't you want to see Steve? He really missed you."The mention of Steve made Rosalie come alive, but only for a split second.She gripped her collar tight. "I need some time to be alone. I don't want him seeing me like this."She didn't want to scare her son. She was afraid that she might break down before Steve."Okay. If you need me to be by your side, just call me."Rosalie shut her eyes and curled up into a ball, ignoring Theodore's offer.Theodore sighed and pulled the sheets up over her before leaving the room.When he was walking down the corridor, his phone started buzzing in his pocket. He pulled it out of his pocket and answered the call."Mr. Spencer, we've dealt with Sebastian's corpse."Theodore clenched his fists so ti
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