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
The newscaster went on, "This incident has sparked widespread discussion and attention. Even though the relationship between this wealthy businessman and this mysterious lady remains unconfirmed, their intimate behavior has become a focal point of discussion amongst many. We shall continue monitoring developments and bring to you further updates and analyses."The image faded out as background music started to play.Rosalie fell silent.After watching the news, her heart became heavy as mixed feelings overwhelmed her. Tears started welling up in her eyes.The shock that registered made her body tremble, as if there were gusts of cold wind blowing into her soul. She didn't expect to see the two of them again like this.In the footage she watched, Theodore and Aurora held hands and shared a passionate embrace.Theodore even kissed her in public.Aurora handed an ice cream that she took a bite of to Theodore, who bit into it without any hesitation or disdain. Theodore caressed Au
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
The door to the ward was opened once more.Rosalie thought Theodore had returned and didn't expect to see just her two children.Jake held Chelsea's hand as they approached the bedside. Rosalie looked kindly at them."Children, if Mommy were to go, listen to Daddy. And remember, Mommy loves you two forever.""No," Jake said loudly. "Mommy, you don't love us."Rosalie was shocked and pleasantly surprised to hear Jake's words.She was pleasantly surprised to hear Jake call her Mommy, but shocked to hear his claim that she didn't love them."Jake, how could Mommy not love you both? I've been dreaming of you over the years, and I only left you just because I was worried about implicating you. I didn't mean to abandon you like that."Rosalie was filled with endless remorse."But you left me anyway. Now that you're finally back, you're unwilling to go for surgery. You're going to die, and you're going to leave me again. You'll leave Chelsea behind too. That's why you don't love us a
After a few days of mental tug-of-war, Rosalie still refused to accept Theodore's liver. It was clear to see that her condition was deteriorating fast."Rose, I'm begging you! Go for the surgery," Theodore pleaded, unable to wait any longer.If there really came a day where he hated her, the reason would be her stubbornness. She wanted to keep his liver at the expense of her life.Both children were sprawled on the bedside, sobbing hard.Rosalie's haggard face looked lifeless. She held Theodore's hand and said, "Theo, promise me one thing. After I die, please take care of Chelsea. I hope you can take good care of her. I'm leaving both children in your hands.""I won't say yes," Theodore said agitatedly. "I won't take care of your daughter. If you die, I won't care about your daughter.""Theo, don't be like this!" Rosalie knew that he was saying that to make her agree to accept his liver. "I really can't take your liver. That would be way too selfish of me.""Aren't you being sel
"Don't look at him," Rosalie said. "He didn't say a word. I guessed it myself. The doctor told me that someone who ended up in a vegetative state due to a car accident was going to have his liver donated to me, so I went looking for him but failed. Clearly, you have been lying to me.""Rose, you misunderstand. That man…""Enough, Theo," Rosalie said, cutting him off. "Stop lying to me. Is it that difficult telling me the truth? Quit lying to me in the name of doing so for my good. I've had enough of that."Rosalie spoke so loudly, she strained herself and clutched her chest out of pain."Rose, I'm sorry. I just wanted you to get better," Theodore said, visibly upset."You want me to get better by giving me your liver? Theodore Spencer, I don't want it. I don't want your liver. I'm not going for this surgery."What Theodore feared most was happening.Rosalie didn't want his liver."Rose, why don't you want it? It can save your life!" Theodore said, starting to get angry."You k
The nurse pushed Rosalie to the hall, about to guide her outdoors. Rosalie really wanted to see her donor, even if it was just a glance from afar. She didn't need to appear before them.So, she asked her nurse to push her to the nurses' station."Excuse me, I'd like to ask if there's a patient who got in a car accident and is now in a vegetative state? A 35-year-old man sent in a couple days ago?""What is his name?" asked one of the nurses."I don't know, but he's preparing for a liver donation surgery, and I'm the recipient. I just want to see him from afar. I won't disturb his family," Rosalie said."Liver transplant? I don't remember such a patient in the hospital. Did you make a mistake?"Rosalie recalled what Dr. Landon had told her, and was sure she wasn't mistaken. "How could that be? I'm due for the surgery tomorrow.""Let's go outdoors for a walk," Jake said as he pushed hard on Rosalie's wheelchair. He was small in stature, but he managed to move the wheelchair along.
After Theodore left, Jake looked glum."Jake, what's the matter?"He shook his head. "Nothing.""Are you upset that your dad was fierce to you? Is your dad always so fierce to you?"Jake nodded with a pout.Rosalie's heart ached. "I'll tell him not to be so fierce to you for no reason."Jake finally broke up into a smile, but very soon, his face fell again, looking as if he had something to say."Jake, what's the matter? Do you have something to tell Mama? Just tell me, it's fine.""Yeah, Jake. Mommy really wants you to talk more to her. Anything will do," Chelsea chimed in."Can you be with Dad again?" Jake said after pondering for a long while.Rosalie was stunned by his question. "Jake, why did you suddenly ask that?""I just want to know. Can you tell me?"Rosalie could sense that Jake was asking the question very seriously, and couldn't bear to give him a perfunctory reply. "Jake, although your dad and I are divorced, we'll always be your parents. We're family.""So y
Two days later, it was the weekend. Jake and Chelsea didn't need to go to school, so they kept Rosalie company in the hospital."Mommy, do you feel any pain in your body?" Chelsea asked, worried.Rosalie caressed her daughter's head and said, "No, I don't. Don't worry. How is everything in kindergarten? Are you used to it there?""I want to be with Mommy," Chelsea said indignantly."Chelsea, you're still very young. It's not good for you to always be at the hospital," Rosalie said. "I'll be discharged once I get better. For now, just be good and go to school."Chelsea nodded. "Okay, Mommy. I'll be good."Rosalie turned her attention to Jake. "Jake, come here and let Mommy take a good look at you."Having not seen him for so many years, Rosalie wanted to spend every waking moment with him.Jake walked over to her, opening his mouth as if wanting to say something, but when he drew close to Rosalie, he still felt rather reserved.He was now willing to be close to Rosalie, but sti
A few days later, Theodore was sitting on Rosalie's bedside.He was peeling an apple for Rosalie."Theo, you've been keeping me company at the hospital the past few days. You must be very tired. Go back and get some rest," Rosalie said.Theodore had been staying the night at the hospital for the past few days.Jake was in primary school, and Chelsea had to attend kindergarten. Theodore managed to find one for her as it wasn't ideal for a child to keep going to the hospital."It's fine, I'll stay here with you.""Theo, you feel different from five years ago."At over 30 years of age, Theodore felt more mature.He said with a smile, "Do I feel older than before?""No, but more handsome," Rosalie said honestly.Theodore sliced the apple after peeling it and put it near Rosalie's mouth. "Have some apples."Rosalie opened her mouth and bit into the sweet, fragrant apple, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes.Theodore ended up being the one by her side, after all."Rose, it's y
The next day, Chelsea felt the sun shining on her. She slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself lying on a bed.She turned her head and saw someone at the bedside looking at her. She sat up on the bed in fright.Jake was seated on the chair, sprawled across the bedside.Upon seeing Chelsea stir awake, he sat up and simply stared at her in silence.Chelsea stared back at him curiously, and the two of them ended up in a staring contest.Jake stood up and ran out of the room. "Dad, she's awake."Jake dragged Theodore into the room."Chelsea, you're awake," Theodore said as he approached her. "Go wash up and brush your teeth first before having breakfast.""Why did I end up here? Wasn't I at the hospital last night?" Chelsea asked, confused."You fell asleep in the hospital. I was worried that you might catch a cold there, so I carried you back home. I'll take you to the hospital to see Mommy after breakfast."Chelsea scratched her head as she looked at Jake, still in a daze.