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
"So… How are things going with Miss Payne?" Sydney's tone carried a hint of probing.Theodore remained silent.After a moment, Sydney asked, "Theo, is something wrong?""Do you really want me to get along well with Aurora? I want you to be honest with me," Theodore said.Sydney was silent for a few seconds before she spoke. "Yes, I think she's a good match for you. Since things are over between you and Rose, why not embrace a new relationship?"A new relationship? Theodore let out a mocking laugh. "Mom, when I was with Cynthia, why didn't you approve of her like this? But now, with Aurora, you do?""Aurora is a better fit than Cynthia. Back then, I thought there was still a chance between you and Rosalie, but things are different now. Rosalie has already married Sebastian. She's moved on."Sebastian. It was always Sebastian.Theodore's heart hurt as if it were being cut by a knife. He was also furious."Let me ask you something. Were you aware of Rosalie's pregnancy all along?" Theodor
After a long silence, Sydney finally spoke. "Theodore, things have already come to this. You're a smart kid and know what's best for you. Aurora is a nice girl, and if you can find happiness with her, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Your grandmother would also be happy, seeing how similar Aurora and Rose are. As for the real Rose, just let go. Don't bother her anymore.""Shut up!" Theodore suddenly lost control and yelled at Sydney. "Stop trying to get me to give up on Rose under the guise of doing it for my own good! I'm so sick of hearing that! Are you really my mother? Why does it feel like you're Sebastian's mother instead? Every time, you seem to speak up for him. Do you think I can't tell? You even call him ‘Sebastian' so affectionately—it's disgusting! What kind of spell did he cast on you?"He never expected his mother to take sides, but he at least expected her to be fair!Yet now, he couldn't help but feel that his mother wasn't siding with Rosalie but rather with someone who ha
Sydney threw off the covers, got out of bed, and started putting on her clothes."Sweetheart, where are you going?" Geoffrey asked."I don't have time to waste with you. Geoffrey, if it weren't for your threats, I would never have let you touch me. You know perfectly well how disgusting the things you've done are. You haven't shed a single drop of blood yourself, but you manage to make everyone suffer while you sit back and reap the benefits. Truly devious. To you, Sebastian is nothing more than a tool. You've never seen him as your son!"After getting dressed, Sydney picked up her bag, ready to leave."Sydney," Geoffrey said heavily. "Sebastian is our son, and that's an unchangeable fact. I love you, too. I've already compromised this much—even if you don't divorce Wesley, it's fine. Just spend some time with me, that's all I ask. What more do you want?"Sydney turned back around, her face full of rage. "Geoffrey, I'll tell you what I want. I will free myself from you—just wait and s
It was all his fault! He should have chased after her then. He shouldn't have let her leave alone.If he had resolutely pursued her, Rosalie wouldn't have run into trouble.How could he have let her go home alone after she came to find him in the middle of the night?One moment of hesitation had led to a grave error.With a thud, Theodore knelt beside the wrecked vehicle. "I'm sorry, Rose! I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I'm a bastard… I'm such a bastard!"He had lied to her to protect his pathetic pride, causing her pain. Once again, he had abandoned her for another woman, letting her leave on her own.He finally understood why Rosalie hated him and why she was unwilling to forgive him. He was just a bastard—a thorough and utter bastard!Every time, he hurt her feelings and even abandoned her. At first, he hurt her for Cynthia, and now it was for Aurora.He truly didn't deserve her, and he never would. If Rosalie died, he wouldn't live either.-Night fell.Rosalie had no idea what V
After a long time, Rosalie finally calmed down and realized that she was still holding onto him. She quickly let go and tidied her hair, feeling somewhat embarrassed.She had just been scared out of her wits, so she had clung to him like a lifeline.Rosalie turned and pointed at the door. "I heard strange noises from below and wanted to check it out. It seemed like there was something down there. Do you want to take a look?"Vincent dismissed her concern. "There's a lot of junk piled up down there. Sometimes things fall and make noise. It's perfectly normal.""Junk falling?" Rosalie was doubtful. She turned to glance at the door again. "But it didn't sound like that. Why don't you go check it out?""If you want to go, go ahead. I'm not going," Vincent replied nonchalantly as he walked away.Since he refused to go down, Rosalie naturally didn't dare to venture down either. Moreover, this house didn't belong to her.There was nothing more she could do. Perhaps she had indeed made a mist
In the next moment, he pounced on Rosalie like a wild beast, abruptly pinning her down on the couch with his hands tightly gripping her neck.Rosalie looked at him in terror, her heart racing from the sudden attack. Her eyes widened in fright, resembling a startled deer.She struggled weakly under Vincent's oppressive hold. She wanted to cry out, but her throat was constricted, producing only a silent gasp."Let…me…"She frantically hit Vincent's chest. Breath was slowly being taken from her.Rosalie's eyes filled with despair and helplessness as she struggled with all her might, trying to break free from his grip.Vincent's gaze quickly sharpened. Upon seeing the woman before him, he fearfully loosened his hold, guilt crashing into him like a tidal wave."It's you." Frustration welled up in his eyes.Suddenly, he scooped Rosalie into his arms, holding her tightly with one hand cupping the back of her head."I'm sorry, Youngie, I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?"Rosalie's neck hurt. She op
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