Rosalie felt like her heart had been torn in two. Blinded? Yes, it had been ten years, yet he didn't even know who she really was. They had known each other for ten years, yet their time together couldn't compare to Cynthia's lie.Theodore believed everything Cynthia said and completely ignored Rosalie's explanations. In these ten years, not only had Theodore been blinded, Rosalie had also been blinded!"Come with me to the hospital and apologize to Cindy!" Theodore handed her a coat from the rack and pulled her out the door."I won't apologize to her, even if you take me there!"Theodore didn't say anything and just led Rosalie to the car.When they arrived at the hospital, Theodore firmly grasped her wrist and coldly reminded her, "When you see Cindy later, you're not allowed to say anything to upset her.""I won't say anything. You want me to apologize to her? Dream on!""You have to apologize to her!" Theodore's pace quickened. "Otherwise, I won't let it go.""What are you
Though Cynthia's suicide attempt was a commonplace tactic, it was effective. It had really got to Theodore. She was quite something, huh? She could be so ruthless to herself!Theodore tightly gripped Rosalie's wrist, trying to drag her into the hospital room, but she stood her ground."Why are you standing here? Get in!" Theodore demanded."Theodore, even if you kill me, I won't apologize to her. You can forget about it!""Kill you?" Theodore was exasperated. "You know I won't do that. Are you trying to resist me to the end?""That's right. I want to see how far you'll go for Cynthia!"Hearing Theodore's voice, Cynthia called out, "Theo, is that you? Are you outside?"Theodore's hard grip was almost enough to turn Rosalie's arm red."Get in.""I won't go. Even if you drag me in and break my teeth, I won't apologize to her. Watch me make her explode from anger."Rosalie was as stubborn as ever. Theodore's eyes were blazing with anger, and it looked like he was practically abou
"Also, Rose did indeed throw water at Cynthia. Don't worry. It was just cold water. But I suppose that even cold water would make you feel unbearable pain, wouldn't it?" said Sydney, her voice dripping with sarcasm."Mom, don't push me!" Theodore's gaze grew increasingly darker."What did I do? I'm just stating the facts. It's you who's not listening to the truth. Did you even listen to Rose when she tried to explain why she splashed water on Cynthia? No, you only listen to everything Cynthia says."Cynthia started crying in bed. "Aunt, I know it's my fault. It's okay if you blame me, but please don't make things difficult for Theo, okay? If you have any issues, take them out on me.""Shut up! Was I talking to you? You kept quiet when I asked you to speak, but you're so eager to interfere when it isn't your place. Don't think I don't know you're trying to sow discord!" snapped Sydney."That's enough!"Theodore grabbed Sydney's arm and pulled her out of the hospital room. Rosalie,
Meanwhile, Theodore was still at the hospital with Cynthia. She cried a lot, but he didn't stop her, instead just sitting in a chair by her bed, lost in thought. When she noticed that Thedore wasn't comforting her, Cynthia realized there was no point in continuing to cry and finally stopped.Hearing that her crying had subsided, Theodore glanced at her. "Feeling better?"Still upset, she said, "Theo, I'm sorry. I caused you to argue with your family.""I don't think Rose knew that my mom invited you to lunch. She was there because she had been invited too. My mom invited both of you separately, so you might have misunderstood," Theodore explained.Cynthia's heart thumped. Was Theodore defending Rosalie? Did he not believe that his mother and wife would team up to bully her?"I..."Cynthia's hands clenched into fists under the blanket. Since Theodore had explained the other two women's actions, she couldn't directly speak ill of them, or he might end up thinking badly of her inste
"What is it?""If I had nothing, would you still want to be with me?"Cynthia looked at him in confusion. "Theo, why are you asking this?""Answer my question first.""Don't you trust me? What do you take me for?" Cynthia was a bit angry. "Did I get together with you because of your status? How could you think that of me?"Cynthia's words, coming from a moral high ground, successfully made Theodore feel guilty.But he persisted, saying, "Cindy, that's not what I meant. But you know, my family really likes Rose. If I divorce her, I might lose everything."Cynthia was stunned. "Are you saying you'd be left with nothing?"When Sydney said those words at lunch, Cynthia had thought it was just talk. How could the Spencer family leave Theodore, their only heir, with nothing? But now, hearing the same thing come directly from this man's mouth left her feeling afraid."That day might come. Grandma really likes Rose. If she finds out I want to divorce her, she might strip me of my inhe
When Sydney and Rosalie arrived at the younger woman's home, she got out of the car and said, "Mom, you should stay the night.""There's no need. I'm used to living alone. You go back and rest well," Sydney refused.Rosalie coughed a few times.Having heard her daughter-in-law cough a few times during the drive, Sydney reminded her, "Drink some hot water when you get inside. You may have caught a cold. Try not to take medicine and get plenty of rest."Rosalie nodded. "Okay, I got it. Take care on your way back."Since it seemed that the older woman really didn't want to stay, Rosalie didn't try to convince and headed inside, straightening her coat. It was late at night, and the weather was chilly.The butler greeted her, "Madam, you're back.""Why are you still awake, Anthony?""I saw a car coming in and thought it might be you or the master."Rosalie smiled wryly. "He's not coming back. You should go to bed soon."Rosalie coughed a few times into her fist and went upstairs.
"Are you still mad at me?" asked Theodore.Rosalie's expression suggested that she hated him to the core. It would be a lie to say she wasn't angry. Her heart was filled with resentment towards him."Would I dare to be mad at you? Go back to Cynthia's side so you don't have to see a malicious woman like me and feel upset!"Upon hearing the word she used, a sudden pang of pain struck the man's heart. She had taken everything he said in anger to heart.While Theodore was at a loss for words, Rosalie started coughing again. He quickly pulled her into his arms and gently patted her back.His voice was soft as he said, "Can I take your temperature? Be good, okay?""Let go of me," Rosalie said, pushing against his chest.However, Theodore held onto her tightly, not letting her move."If you let me take your temperature, I'll let you go. If not, I'll keep holding you like this."He would hold her like this all night if he had to.Rosalie pushed at his chest forcefully. "I don't want
With a thermometer in her mouth, Rosalie looked tired but also pouty. It was kind of cute, yet really heartbreaking. When enough time had passed, Theodore took the thermometer from her mouth and checked the temperature.Thirty-eight degrees. She had a slight fever.Seeing this number, Theodore's brow furrowed with worry. "I'll take you to the hospital for some IV fluids.""No, I don't want to go to the hospital," Rosalie firmly refused."But you have a fever, you need-""Theodore, why do you want to take me to the hospital again? You've already traumatized me. Don't you remember? It's because of you I ended up like this. What else do you want?"Rosalie was deliberately being harsh as she was terrified of going to the hospital. If he found out she was pregnant, it would be a disaster.Theodore paused, then said, "Okay, you don't have to go to the hospital. I'll have a doctor come over instead.""Anthony gave me medicine, and I've already taken it. I just want to sleep now."In
After dinner was ready, Justin served all the dishes on the table."Rose, dinner is ready. Why are you sitting there spacing out?"Rosalie snapped back to attention and jumped up from the couch. She ran to Justin and sang him praises, "You're such a good cook!"She hugged Justin's waist, tip-toed, and kissed his cheek.Justin looked down and kissed her forehead. "What's the matter? Not eating?""No, I just suddenly want to hug you," Rosalie said as she released him and sat at the table. She felt exceptionally happy as she took in the fragrance of the food.Justin sat down and put some food on Rosalie's plate. "Eat more.""Justin," Rosalie said as she looked up at him, her eyes glistening and voice dripping with honey."What is it?" Justin asked."Let's pick a date to get married."Justin put his spoon down. "What date do you have in mind?""Let me check the calendar. Wait for me." Rosalie pulled her phone out of her pocket.She realized that there was only one good date two
When they returned to the house, Rosalie felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. Although she initially didn't want to move back, she no longer feared the place because Justin was here with her.The thought of how she used to live with Steve here, and he was no longer around but with Theodore, made her so sad she wanted to cry.She and her child were clearly in the same city. She could, by right, visit him anytime she wanted. However, she couldn't rid herself of the disappointment she was feeling without Steve by her side. He was her biological child, her flesh and blood. As his mother, how could she not miss him? Sensing Rosalie's sorrow, Justin hugged her tight. "What's the matter? Are you not happy?""No, I just miss Steve. Steve lived here with me and his cot is still in my room. It makes me think of him.""I'll help you keep the cot, alright? We'll take it out when Steve comes back here. Otherwise, you'll get upset each time you see it."Rosalie nodded. "Okay."Justin
Justin drove to Rosalie's office to fetch her before she knocked off.He drove very carefully and slowly, doing all he could to prevent any accidents.Justin suddenly noticed a car following behind him.Whenever he turned a corner, the car would do the same. Whenever he slowed down, the car would slow down, too.Justin started tensing up. He furrowed his brows and tightened his hold over the steering wheel.Just then, the car turned a corner and drove into another road, disappearing into the sea of cars.Justin started to relax.Perhaps he was overthinking things. He kept having this feeling that someone was following him.He felt the same way in the cafe and on the road.Perhaps it was an occupational hazard due to who he was. He always felt as though everyone around him was an enemy, and his guard would be up with any slight movement.Now that he was in Blencalgo with Rosalie, he couldn't be living in the past. He had to become an ordinary man.After work, Rosalie left the
The next morning, after Rosalie and Justin woke up, they noticed Theodore was nowhere to be found. Not knowing where he had gone, Rosalie asked the butler and learned that he had left early in the morning.Rosalie knew Theodore was avoiding them, but she didn't press the issue.She still had to go to work. After having breakfast with Justin, she bid farewell to Steve."Dear, even though Mommy can't live with you anymore, I'll come to see you often. Your daddy will take good care of you, and in three months, you'll come live with Mommy."Rosalie held Steve, tears streaming down her face. She simply couldn't bear to leave. She kissed his cheek and held him tightly. "I'm sorry, Steve. I'm really sorry."Steve looked at his mother with confusion, seemingly unaware of what was happening, but he raised his little hand to wipe away the tears from her face."Mama, no cry," Steve said, his words still unclear, but he knew exactly what he was doing and saying.Rosalie was heartbroken. She grasp
Hearing the word "brother," Theodore gave a bitter smile. "I once told you the same thing, and you were very angry at that time."Rosalie lowered her gaze, unsure of what to say. The situation was different now, and it couldn't be compared to the past."Rose, if there comes a day when you're not happy, remember to come back."He would always be here waiting for her."Theo." Rosalie suddenly realized that no matter what she said, it would feel meaningless."If he ever hurts you, you must tell me.""Theo..." Rosalie looked at him through her tears."Can I hug you one more time?" Theodore opened his arms.Rosalie hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse. Seeing Theodore's broken state, however, her heart softened. She nodded and stepped forward.Theodore pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. She could feel him trembling and sobbing. At this moment, she could do nothing but remain silent. Letting him hold her was the only thing she could do."Theo, you must live well. There's a
Theodore averted his gaze, unable to continue watching how intimate they were with each other.He was angry and desperate, but as soon as he saw Rosalie's tears, his anger dissipated.In the end, he just sighed. "What now? Are you going to take Steve with you?""Theo, Justin and I will move to the house I rented before. I paid for a year's rent at that time. Steve can stay with you for now. After three months, I'll come back to take him. In between, we can make arrangements to spend time together with Steve.""What if Steve cries every night, wanting his mother? Can you come every day?""You can call me, and I'll comfort him over the phone."Rosalie couldn't visit every day while Steve stayed with Theodore for the first three months. If she couldn't do that, what would be the point of moving out? It was a challenge she would have to overcome."Theo, problems can be solved, and I believe you're a good father. You can take care of Steve, and he likes you a lot.""Alright." Theodore did
Rosalie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Theo, I… I can't keep living here. Now that I'm with Justin, it wouldn't be appropriate.""There's nothing inappropriate about both of you living here."Theodore made the greatest concession possible, something even Rosalie hadn't expected him to say."Theo, thank you, but Justin and I will still move out. It wouldn't be right for us to stay."Even if Theodore didn't mind, she and Justin did. She had chosen to be with Justin, and she knew Theodore must be heartbroken. If she and Justin stayed here, constantly appearing before him, there was bound to be conflict. Moving out was the better option."What about Steve, then? Are you planning to take him too? You said I'm his father—are you going to take my child away from me?"Theodore's emotions suddenly spiraled out of control, and his voice rose involuntarily.His fists clenched tightly against the couch, his entire body tense like a raging lion ready to pounce and subdue its prey.Rosali
Theodore and Steve were in the garden playing with the swing.Steve sat on the swing, giggling happily as Theodore pushed him.Theodore crouched down in front of Steve. Every time Steve swung toward him, he would catch him and plant a kiss on his little face.Each time, Steve would burst into laughter, and Theodore would gently push him off again, letting him swing in the air.Father and son played joyfully, with Steve ending up in Theodore's arms over and over again."Mama!" Steve suddenly called out.Theodore smiled and said, "Do you miss Mommy? She's at work, but she'll be home soon.""Theo." Rosalie's voice rang out from behind him.Hearing that she had returned, Theodore was delighted. He turned around, just about to say something, but then he saw that she wasn't alone. Justin was with her, and they were holding hands.Theodore froze. The sight of their intertwined fingers stung his eyes, making it painfully clear what had happened.He was dazed for a few seconds before forcing hi
Seeing Rosalie crying like this, Justin felt extremely guilty. He would do anything if it meant she would stop crying.Rosalie was still shaken and held onto him tightly, refusing to let go. "I'm really mad at you. How could you just leave like that without saying a word? You scared me to death!""I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Rose." He kept apologizing, unsure of what else he could say. He gently patted Rosalie's back, comforting her. "I won't leave you again. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry."Feeling guilty, Justin pressed a firm kiss on her face, then pulled her head into his embrace. "Please don't cry anymore, alright? I'm begging you."Rosalie cried for a long time before finally looking up from his arms. Her entire face was red from crying."Let's not stand here," Justin said. "Let's go inside."Rosalie nodded and wiped the tears from her face.The two of them returned to the hotel room. After entering, Justin still couldn't bear to let go of her. Instead, he held her while sitting on