"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
He had indeed done something wrong, but he was not a child; he was a strong and tall man. Yet at this moment, he was helpless like a child, creating a somewhat humorous contrast.Rosalie stood up from the couch, adjusted her clothes, and walked toward the dining room.When she reached the dining table and before she could sit down, Vincent said, "Wait a moment."He then pulled out a chair for her. "Please sit."After pulling out the chair, he laid a napkin for her and poured her a glass of drink.Rosalie looked at him incredulously. "What are you doing?""Eating." After saying these two words, Vincent sat down opposite her.He avoided Rosalie's gaze, as if he were trying to hide.Rosalie made Toscanian food, which Vincent loved. He had requested her to cook it for every meal.He picked up his cutlery and helped Rosalie to some food. "Eat more."Rosalie realized he was apologizing to her. Pulling out her chair, laying the napkin, and serving her food—this was Vincent's way of saying sor
She had learned her lesson; there definitely wouldn't be a next time.Vincent sat down beside the couch. His injury hadn't fully healed yet, and he still felt some pain when he moved.He picked up the remote control and asked, "What do you want to watch?"Rosalie replied, "Anything is fine."Vincent switched to a channel showing a romance drama.This love story was a bit cliché, with the male lead divorcing his wife for a mistress. The wife was heartbroken and sought solace from another man. In the end, the male lead regretted his decision and wanted to win her back.After just a few minutes, Rosalie suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. How was this so similar to her own experience?Indeed, these dramas often stemmed from reality, and the melodrama of real life far exceeded that of fictional works.If everyone's experiences were laid bare, they would all resemble a dramatic soap opera. Rosalie was engrossed.The female lead witnessed the male lead in bed with the female antagonist.Th
A few days later, Theodore took Rosalie and Steve on a camping trip. They found a quiet spot, and bodyguards were stationed around for security.The scenery was breathtaking. In the distance, layers of mountains stacked upon each other, while lush greenery spread in all directions. Just a few dozen feet ahead, a clear stream flowed gently, creating a serene and natural landscape."Theo, let's set up the tent first," Rosalie said.They had decided to camp here for the night, as it was a perfect spot for stargazing."Alright, I'll have the bodyguards set it up.""Theo," Rosalie walked forward and said, "let's set it up together. No need to ask the bodyguards.""But it will be tiring. I can do it myself—you should sit and rest," Theodore said, not wanting her to exert herself."It's fine. I can handle it. Let's set up the tent together," Rosalie insisted.Theodore nodded. "Alright, we'll do it together."He bent down, opened the bag, and took out the tent. The two of them then started ass
Late at night, Rosalie woke up from yet another nightmare. This time, however, she did not scream. Instead, her eyes snapped open, and her breathing was rapid.Theodore immediately rushed to her bedside. "Rose, did you have another nightmare?"She hadn't had one in several days.Rosalie turned on the lamp, surprised to see Theodore by her bed. "Theo, why didn't you go back to your room to sleep?""I was worried about you, so… Rose, I just want to stay with you. Did you have another nightmare?""Theo, I...""What is it, Rose? Do you have something to tell me?"Rosalie shook her head. "Repeating those words over and over again doesn't really change anything. I just...""Theo." She gripped his hand tightly. "You must protect yourself well. Get more bodyguards.""Alright, I promise you. I will protect myself, protect the baby, and protect you. I will never let you get hurt again." He pulled Rosalie into his arms."By the way, Rose, I have something to tell you. Aurora, Angie, and Cynthia
Rosalie wondered if the baby would look more like her or Justin.Looking up at the azure blue sky and the white clouds floating in it, she could almost see Justin looking and smiling back at her.Steve raised his hand and caressed her face. She looked at him and smiled, and caressed his head. "Stevie, Mommy will always love you."She kissed his forehead gently, and he hugged her gleefully.Just then, a voice sounded from behind. "What are you two talking about?"Rosalie turned around to see Theodore walking toward them. He was wearing a suit, looking smart, a tender look on his face as he stood next to the mother-and-son pair."Nothing much, just getting some sun. We should head in soon," Rosalie said as she stood up with Steve in her arms.Theodore took over Steve with one hand and pulled Rosalie up with another."Let's head in together."He held Rosalie's hand and didn't let go. She didn't shake his hand off and nodded, letting him hold her hand.They walked into the villa.
Theodore brought Rosalie back to her room and she sat by the windows, exhausted."Rose, lie on the bed and rest for a while. I'll call you when it's time for lunch.""Theo, you don't look too good."His face was very pale."I'm fine. Perhaps it's because I didn't sleep well the past two days.""You should get some rest too. Don't just keep staying by my side."During this period, she would see Theodore by her bedside whenever she woke up from a bad dream. She gathered he hadn't been getting enough rest during this period."I'm fine. I'll wait for you to fall asleep before leaving."He helped RoslIe onto the bed and covered her with the sheets. Rosalie shut her eyes and exhaled out loud."Oh yes, Rose. There's one more thing.""What is it?" Rosalie asked."We found a girl called Nana.""Nana?" Rosalie sat up on the bed. "You saw her?"Theodore nodded. "When we found her in the villa, she kept saying that you're her mother and Sebastian is her father.""Sebastian adopted he
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