All Chapters of Roses Rising Above the Thorns: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

The following day, Fiona woke up a little later than usual because she'd fallen asleep in the wee hours. When she woke up, she was told that Michael hadn't gone to court. Instead, he was preparing breakfast for her.She sat there dazedly, suddenly thinking about the past. Since marrying Michael and becoming the lady of the Eastern Hall, she'd been determined to become a graceful and virtuous crown princess. So, she'd wanted to learn how to cook.However, she'd accidentally scalded herself. Michael's eyes had reddened at the sight, and his heart had ached when applying ointment to her hand. From then on, he'd banned her from entering the kitchen."From now on, the royal chefs will prepare the food. If you can't get used to the taste, I'll learn how to cook so that I can cook for you. You're not allowed to step foot in there anymore, do you hear me?"He was so considerate of her that he was willing to learn how to cook for her sake. He could also wipe out Darkwind Lair when they'd ab

Fiona returned to the Eastern Hall alone. Michael was still out. It was only when it was late at night that he sent someone back to tell her that he couldn't be with her because he was busy with work."Be good, Fi. I'll bring you a gift when I return." That was his message.Fiona sat in the empty palace, her face devoid of emotion. She nodded without asking any questions.Michael only returned to the palace several days later. He looked windswept, almost as if he'd truly been busy with work. He reached out to hold Fiona and leaned down to kiss her as he'd always done, but she dodged him.This took him aback. He sensed something was wrong with her. "What's wrong? Are you upset? Are you mad at me because I haven't spent the past few days with you?"The old Fiona had been cheerful and light-hearted. She loved clinging to him and being coquettish with him. However, she'd stopped doing that in the past two years. He'd almost forgotten that she used to act differently.For some reason,

Michael smiled and held Fiona's finger to his lips as he kissed it. "I've been feeling bad about missing your birthday the other day. That's why I've thought of many surprises to make it up to you."Fiona smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Is that so? Thank you."He didn't notice her indifference, though. He brought her out of the palace that night. He seemed to have prepared this for some time. It wasn't a special day, yet there was a night market outside the palace with bright lights and milling crowds.There were also acrobatic acts and people putting on plays. It was a lively affair. Everyone they came across would stop and bow and curtsy politely to her before giving her a protective talisman. Then, they would say, "Happy birthday, Your Highness."After countless birthday wishes, lanterns suddenly flew into the sky. The same sentence was written on all of them. "I wish my darling Fi will live a happy and worry-free life."Michael was so considerate and loving. Fiona would

The day before Fiona's departure, she spent a whole day preparing a feast. Michael had always doted on her and treated her like a princess, saying that he wouldn't let her do a single chore. He had indeed kept his word over the years.That was why, despite being the crown princess, Fiona knew nothing about managing the Eastern Hall's daily affairs or doing housework. There was havoc as she prepared the meal—she accidentally sliced her finger when chopping vegetables and got some hot oil on her arm.She was a mess by the time she was done cooking, but at least she'd gotten a proper meal ready.Michael returned to the palace as the evening sun set. He was surprised when he entered the palace and smelled the aroma of food. His expression shifted when he saw the cut and burn on Fiona's hand and arm."How did this happen? Didn't I tell you to leave this to the chefs? Didn't I forbid you from entering the kitchen?" The heartache in his eyes seemed genuine. He lifted her into his arms anx

Lorraine was pregnant with Michael's child. He and Fiona didn't yet have a child together. There would be no hope of him regaining Fiona's love if she were to hear of this.He said, "Fine. I'll give you whatever you want as long as you abort the child. Don't let Fi hear about this, and don't appear before her for the rest of your life!"Lorraine smiled after hearing what she wanted to hear. She curtsied with a laugh. "Thank you, Your Highness."Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he watched her sashay away. His eyes gleamed with ruthlessness. Once she was out of sight, he summoned a secret guard. "Get rid of her immediately. Get rid of the baby, too. Feed her to the dogs once she's dead. I don't want her to leave any trace in this world!"Lorraine was nothing but a plaything he'd taken a fancy to because of her good looks. She was courting death, thinking that she could threaten him with a child and even try to kick Fiona out of the picture.Soon, a blood-curdling scream rang out