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
At that moment, a subordinate hurried over. Seeing the mess on the floor, he carefully avoided the shards and approached Sebastian."Mr. Carter, Theodore has gone to the desert."Sebastian rushed forward and grabbed his subordinate's arm. "Did he find her?"His subordinate shook his head. "No, he didn't."Sebastian had also sent his men to look for Rosalie, but they hadn't been able to track her down. Eventually, even her phone became unreachable.So, he sent people to follow Theodore to see what his investigation would turn up.At first, he didn't inform Theodore that Rosalie had already checked in to let him know she was safe. He wanted Theodore to find Rosalie, because if Rosalie was safe, then Theodore would be finished, since Rosalie only wanted some time alone.If Theodore kept trying to reach her and searched for her everywhere, Rosalie would surely be even more annoyed with him. Then, Sebastian would step in and take her away.Yet if something really had happened to Rosalie, th
Perhaps Sebastian had frightened Steve, as his crying grew even louder. With his little mouth open, he wailed loudly."Can you please stop crying? Steve, am I not holding you? Don't you always like it when Daddy holds you?" Sebastian said."Normally, when your mother holds you, you cry. But when I hold you, you stop. Look, I've been taking care of you all this time. Haven't I been good to you? So why are you still crying? Are you… Are you missing Theodore too?"Sebastian's gaze suddenly turned dark and menacing."Tell me, is that it? Are you thinking of him because he's your real father? Steve, you have to understand that I'm your father! I've been the one taking care of your mother and you. I treasure you both, but what about Theodore? He doesn't even know you exist! He's out there enjoying himself with other women!" Sebastian cried."Steve, I'm your father. When you grow up, you'll only acknowledge me, right? You can't accept Theodore. He can never be your father."Only I am your fat
Sebastian felt his heart melt."Baby, are you smiling at Daddy? Steve, can you smile once more, please?"Sebastian was so moved he nearly cried. It was the child's first smile, and it was directed at him.For the first time, he truly felt the joy of being a father. All along, though Sebastian cherished Steve, he had always felt some distance from the baby.After all, Steve was Theodore's child. It was because of Rosalie that Sebastian had grown fond of the boy, hoping this would earn Rosalie's affection.Deep down, he couldn't say he truly loved this child. Yet, at this moment, he suddenly felt he was falling in love with Steve.It felt as though Steve were his son, regardless of his bloodline.Blood ties no longer mattered. The moment Steve smiled at him, Sebastian no longer cared about anything else.Steve smiled again, his eyes clear and bright.When he smiled, it was like a small flower blooming, delicate and enchanting. His laughter was as crisp and delightful as silver bells, a h
"Steve, remember this name—Theodore. He is your enemy."-Night fell.The hospital was immersed in darkness, with starlight outside like scattered pearls glimmering over the buildings. The faint light outlined the hospital's silhouette as the moon slowly rose, casting a soft silver glow over the world.Theodore lay on the hospital's white bed with a white sheet covering him. The room was filled with the smell of disinfectant.Soft light bathed his pale face, highlighting his exhausted expression.An IV drip hung beside the bed, with a clear liquid slowly flowing into his veins.Theodore opened his eyes, his gaze wandering around the room. He sat up in bed and glanced at the IV drip bag, noticing there was still about half remaining.The door to the ward opened, and a foreign man walked in."Mr. Spencer, you're awake.""Have you found her?" Theodore asked anxiously.The man shook his head. "Not yet. We're still searching other locations."The light in Theodore's eyes dimmed, his face he
Theodore wrapped all of them up in his long arms.Under the golden sunshine, the family of four was wrapped up in each other's embraces. Sunlight shone on them, encasing them in a warm, golden glow. Everything felt calm and peaceful. The children snuggled in their parents' arms, innocent smiles lighting up their faces. They could feel the warmth of the sunshine as they found the safest and warmest haven in the entire world in their arms.In the evening sun and gentle breeze, they finally found happiness in each other's embrace.-In the deep of the night, Rosalie had a dream.Both Justin and Grandma came to her in her dream.Grandma and Justin were playing cards, surrounded by beautiful birds and flowers. They seemed to be in heaven, having the time of their lives with a look of tender love in their eyes.Grandma was very happy that she had reconciled with Theodore.Justin told Rosalie, "Rose, I'm so happy to see you happy.""Justin, do you hate me?""Silly girl, why would
Theodore made Rosalie feel like love was possible once more, and gradually opened her up.Love was ever-changing with time and the experiences they went through.Rosalie missed Justin dearly, but she also learned to treasure the people around her and every present moment of happiness. She learned how to accept the past and treasure the present amidst all her relationships.Justin would be her one and only in her heart, but Theodore also found his place in her heart amidst the unique position Justin was in.This was how their affections and love for each other grew and changed with time.Justin was dead, and Rosalie couldn't keep living in the past. She would carefully preserve her love for Justin in a corner of her heart.She would spend the rest of her life loving Theodore and their children."Chelsea," Rosalie said as she pulled Chelsea over. "Your daddy loves you very much, but he didn't get to see you come into this world. But you must remember his name. He is Justin Lynch."
Theodore and Rosalie brought both children to Justin's tomb.Before they left, Rosalie said that she and Chelsea wanted to spend some time alone with Justin.Theodore brought Jake to the car to wait for them.Golden sunlight shone on the land, feeling warm and toasty and giving the earth a beautiful glow.Rosalie caressed the tombstone. "Justin, I'm sorry for not coming to visit for such a long time."The last time she came back was a few months ago, during which she snuck a peak at his tombstone.Rosalie pulled out a bone fragment. "That's because you're always by my side, which is why I think that I can bring you everywhere I go. You're not just here at this tombstone."Justin, Theo and I have reconciled. He did so much for me, even sacrificing his own life for me. I can't just stand idly by and do nothing about it. I can't bring myself to reject him ruthlessly again and again."You can say that I'm moved, or that I fell in love with him once more. He's just too good, and I c
Jake had so much fun today and was exhausted by the time he reached home. After his shower, he crawled into bed and fell right asleep without any coaxing whatsoever. Jake would sometimes sleep in the bedroom with Chelsea, and sometimes they slept separately.At night, when Rosalie went to Chelsea's room to tuck her in and tell her a bedtime story, she asked, "Chelsea, how was your day with Theodore?""Hmm, it was alright," Chelsea said. "But Mr. Spencer was so silly, he burnt the food. I only got to eat lunch very late.""Is that so?" Rosalie burst out laughing. "How silly of him indeed.""But Mr. Spencer is quite nice," Chelsea said. "I like him. He said that I can call him Daddy."Rosalie's eyes lit up. "Do you want to call him that?""I do," Chelsea said with a nod, "but I'll do that tomorrow."Chelsea yawned. She felt tired, too.Rosalie caressed her cheek. "Goodnight, my darling. Go to sleep."-Rosalie returned to her room, took a shower, and laid on the bed. Theodo
Their parent-child bonding efforts officially began the next day.Rosalie brought Jake to the theme park. In the beginning, Jake felt rather stiff and reserved. It was his first time alone with his mom, after all.As time went by, Rosalie's earnestness, concern, and gentle patience with him slowly opened him up.They sat on the carousel, drove the bumper cars, rode on the Viking ship, zoomed down slides, bounced on the trampolines, and sailed on mini-boats. They had a whale of a time.Jake was covered with sweat, but he was so happy, he didn't want the day to end.He had grown closer to his mom, so much so that he would jump into her arms, hugging her and asking for kisses.Rosalie did not hold back from expressing her love for him and even carried him on her back as they continued exploring the park.Jake was very obedient and came down very soon, for fear that Rosalie might get tired. They moved on to the next attraction hand-in-hand.Rosalie found out one thing from Jake, wh
Some time later, Rosalie realized that Jake was being rather sullen.Each time she asked him whether something was wrong, he would brush her away, claiming that he was fine before running off.It was a Saturday, and Rosalie didn't need to go to work. She was seated on the couch with a book when Chelsea ran over, her braids swaying behind her. "Mommy, can you give me a hug?"How could Rosalie say no to her adorable little daughter? She shut the book and said, "But of course. Come on over."Rosalie opened her arms, very willing to show Chelsea affection.Chelsea crawled up onto the couch happily, sitting on Rosalie's lap and diving into her embrace.Jake happened to see it all.Rosalie noticed Jake standing a short distance away and was about to say something to him when he ran off.The smile on Rosalie's face faded as a look of worry took over.At night, Rosalie put Chelsea under Theodore's care and went to Jake, wanting to speak to him alone."Jake, what's with you recently
A gentle breeze lifted the curtains slightly in the deep of the night.Rosalie laid in Theodore's embrace, panting slightly. Her cheek leaned against his chest, feeling his heart pounding heavily, and her cheeks flushed.She never expected this day to come between her and Theodore, yet everything happened in a flash. He went to bed with her just like that, bewitched and completely infatuated with her.Although they were once husband and wife and had been intimate countless times, this felt different from the last. Things felt more intense this time around."Rose, are you happy?"Although Theodore's liver had been doing well over the last three months of recuperation, he was still worried that his fitness level might be affected before his liver was fully recovered.Rosalie gave him a slight smile. "Of course, I am. You almost crushed me."Her face flushed the moment she spoke those words. She hugged Theodore tight, feeling safe and secure.She could sense that he was telling th
"Theo, have you had a woman over the past five years?" Rosalie asked very frankly.They weren't naive young men and women but mature adults with experience in this matter.Theodore was a red-blooded young man who had his needs. Suppressing his desires, which were absolutely normal, would only jeopardize his health.Theodore was getting angry. "Am I someone like that to you, going to bed with a woman I don't love just to satisfy my physical needs?""Aren't men all like that?" Rosalie said. She didn't mean it in a scornful way but simply highlighted it as a typical observation.Lonely men and women in the city were bound to seek companionship in some places and part ways after the night.Someone as powerful and influential as Theodore wouldn't even need to go searching for someone else. Women flocked toward him like bees to honey."Why can't I be an exception?" He was in no state whatsoever to find another woman over the past five years and would always deal with his sexual desire
Time flew by, and three months later, Rosalie was fully recovered and back at work.Her colleagues welcomed her back with a bash.Everything seemed to have returned to normal.To keep Jake company, Rosalie would go back to Theodore's house every day after work. She was practically living there.Rosalie and Jake's relationship had improved over time, and they were looking more and more like they were truly mother and son.Everything was going well.At night, the four of them sat around the dining table and chatted happily with each other.After dinner, Rosalie and Theodore sat in the living room chatting. She suddenly noticed a book on the table. It looked so familiar that it caught her eye.It was the book she had written. Over the past five years, not only was she busy learning and working, but she also managed to write the book she had conceptualized and even gotten it published. However, this book was only available in Briusian and not exported to Blencalgo.Rosalie's book