"Ah!" Aurora shrieked again.Theodore was about to go over and help her up when the man behind him who was holding the gun against the back of his head warned, "Don't move!" Sebastian pointed his gun at Theodore's forehead."Theodore, kneel!"Theodore threw a punch at Sebastian and snatched the latter's gun away at lightning speed. He held Sebastian down and pressed the gun against the aorta in Sebastian's neck.In an instant, everyone aimed their guns at Theodore and Aurora. "Let Mr. Carter go!""Put all of your guns down!" Theodore warned loudly. "Or I'll kill your Mr. Carter!"Shock registered on Sebastian's face. He didn't expect Theodore to do this.Theodore had guns pointed at him both front and back, but he managed to extricate himself from the dangerous situation.Damn it, he had been careless!"Sebastian!"Theodore whispered a warning in his ear, "You're the one who should be careful right now. Make your subordinates put their guns down, or I'll kill you and we'l
Theodore and Sebastian were left in the living room.All the guns on the floor had been kept away and they were the only two people left there."Theodore Spencer, what do you want now? I'm telling you, if you dare hurt me, Rose will hate you her entire life. You should know that I'm the father of her baby. I'm her husband!" Sebastian yelled. Theodore shoved Sebastian hard to the floor.Sebastian's body rolled on the floor from the impact. When he got up, there was blood oozing from the corner of his lips."Theodore Spencer, you bastard!"Sebastian was about to charge toward him when he realized that Theodore was holding a gun in his hand."Well? Scared now?" Theodore sneered. "You didn't seem scared when you came all the way here with your subordinates to point some guns at me. Sebastian Carter, is that all you're made of?"Whoever was armed had the right to be arrogant. Whoever had to fight unarmed was at a clear disadvantage.Theodore opened up the magazine of the gun and t
Whether it was he or Sebastian who found Rose, either way was better than her being in danger outside."I don't need you teaching me what to do!" Sebastian burst out in fury. "Theodore, you're just a bastard. What right do you have to go find her? I'm the one who should be looking for her. I'm her husband."Theodore charged forward and grabbed Sebastian's collar."Sebastian Carter, I was once her husband. I have known her for longer than you do. No matter what, Rose is the most important woman to me in this whole world. Whether I love her or go find her, shut your mouth because you have no right to comment!"With that, Theodore shoved Sebastian hard to the floor. He then turned to head upstairs."Theodore, you have no right to love her!" Sebastian said. "You betrayed her and fooled around with other women while you had her. After you divorced her, you started to regret after you lost her and now you're fighting with me over her. You're no man, you're a beast!""The police alarm h
Theodore was very calm as he said those words. It seemed as though those thoughts had been carved into his very bones and he was speaking them instinctively, and no one could change his mind.Aurora looked at him with dismay, as though she had been struck by lightning. There was an empty look in her eyes, as though they had lost their spark."What about me? Everything that has happened between us, the things you did to me, what are they to you? What is my heart and body to you?" she asked. Every word of hers was drenched with agony and sorrow, as if someone was burning her at a stake.Theodore looked down as guilt flashed past his eyes."I'm very sorry for what I did to you," he said as he lifted a hand and wiped her tears away. "Thank you for replacing Rose and bringing me warmth.""Replacing Rose…" Aurora lost all hope upon hearing Theodore's words.As it turns out, she had been a mere replacement all along. Theodore had never treated her as who she was, Aurora Payne.Whet
Theodore grabbed Aurora's hand and pried her fingers away. "Go back and get some rest. Go to sleep and for all you know, I'll be back tomorrow morning."He hoped he'd be back first thing tomorrow morning.Not because he wanted to come back to Aurora, but because he wanted to find Rosalie as soon as possible.Theodore turned around and held Aurora's shoulders.Aurora's tear-streaked face and look of misery made Theodore say helplessly, "Aurora, don't invest too much emotions on me. I can't give you much."He admitted that he was wrong. He had made it clear right from the start, but this woman was undaunted in sacrificing everything for him with no hesitation whatsoever.He was moved by it and accepted her being Rosalie's replacement, using her to relive those happy moments during his marriage with Rosalie.Yet, he still couldn't wipe Rosalie away from his memories. He was still living in the past, unable to extricate himself from it.He wiped the tears from Aurora's face with gu
Theodore had reached out to local forces in Melrine. He knew that to locate Rosalie effectively, he needed their help. They were familiar with the area and typically well-resourced. They also had strong underground connections and extensive intelligence networks.Furthermore, SK Enterprise's business in Melrine was huge, so they maintained connections with various local factions across the regions. They retrieved surveillance footage across Orego. Though they located the car Rosalie had been driving, they couldn't find where it ultimately ended up.The surveillance in Orego wasn't comprehensive. Cameras were primarily installed in places like commercial centers, government buildings, important sites, and transit hubs to ensure safety. Residential areas, remote locations, or sparsely populated areas had low or no camera coverage. Their only option was to analyze the available footage and search different locations based on possible leads.Though they didn't know exactly where Rosal
Suddenly, a startled shout pierced the dry air. "There's someone buried under the sand!"Theodore heard the shout and rushed over like a madman. He stumbled several times along the way, but each time, he clawed his way back up. At last, he reached the spot the person had pointed out.A piece of fabric was poking out from beneath the sand.Theodore's heart felt as though it was being gripped by an invisible hand. His gaze was filled with confusion and fear as waves of despair and anguish surged within him, drowning his soul.With a thud, he fell to his knees and put his trembling hands into the sand. He frantically started scooping away the sand, his hands still shaking. He was overwhelmed by panic and dread.Every heap of sand being shoveled away felt like the ticking of an endless clock, tearing his heart into countless pieces."Mr. Spencer, please don't do this." Two foreign men stepped forward, attempting to pull him back.Theodore's hands were bloodied from digging. His fingers w
In a daze, Theodore reached out. He lightly touched the air, as if he was touching her.Gazing up at the sky, his eyes were weary yet tender, filled with endless longing and yearning."Rose…" With a soft thud, his hand fell to the ground. His eyes closed and he passed out."Mr. Spencer, Mr. Spencer?" A few people quickly lifted Theodore and carried him toward the vehicle.-In the afternoon, the villa basked under the radiant sunlight.The sky was as pure as a sapphire, with feathery white clouds drifting across the horizon. The lush green trees and colorful flowers surrounding the villa complemented each other, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.However, within the villa, chaotic sounds echoed. The sharp clang of objects clashing and the sound of things crashing down could be heard, all conveying an atmosphere of agitation and unrest.It was as if the interior and exterior of the villa were two entirely different worlds—one peaceful, the other tempestuous.Inside a room, a child w
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