Wife my

Theodore’s gaze fell in Sebastian and Rosalie’s direction. The moment he saw them, he turned away toward Cynthia across the table, and began chatting and laughing with her.

Rosalie felt like Theodore was doing it on purpose.

Why, of all the restaurants, did he have to go to this one? After what happened today, she couldn’t even find peace in having dinner.

Rosalie picked up the glass on the table angrily, and took a gulp of juice. She drank too fast, and accidentally spilled some on herself. The red liquid stained a small part of her white shirt.

Sebastian quickly pulled out a tissue for her. She took it, and wiped the liquid off herself.

“Sorry, I need to go to the restroom. Let’s leave after I come out. I don’t want to stay here anymore.”

“Okay.” Sebastian nodded.

Rosalie took a few more bites, nearly finishing the food on her plate. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, then got up to head towards the

restroom.

Rosalie splashed some water on her face. She wasn’t wearing

makeup, and didn’t care much. After washing her face, she felt a lot more awake.

She looked at herself in the mirror, and told herself “D

being sad over Theodore Cat

Just then, the restroom door opened, and a woman stood beside Rosalie. She took powder out of her bag to touch up her makeup.

Rosalie wiped the water off her face, not bothering to look up. She was about to leave, when the woman beside her suddenly stopped

her.

“Wait a minute.”

Hearing the voice, Rosalie turned her head and saw Cynthia. She frowned, but ignored the latter and intended to keep walking.

However, Cynthia blocked the doorway.

“Where are you rushing off to? I’m not going to eat you.”

Rosalie gave a cold smile. “You’re a delicate sort, Ms. Zeller. What if you accidentally fall and blame it on me?”

Cynthia retorted, “Look at how suspicious you are! You really think everyone’s out to get you, huh?”

Rosalie smiled faintly. “Please move aside. I have nothing to say to

you.”

“Rose, I just wanted to ask you about the resident register,” Cynthia asked with a big, fake smile.

“Oh, the resident register,” Rosalie replied calmly. “I’ve sent it back to Grandma. I’m sorry, but Theo and I can’t get it for now.”

Though Rosalie really wanted a divorce, she couldn’t let Cynthia feel smug.

Sure enough, Cynthia’s face darkened a bit. “Is it fun for you to drag this out? I think you’re doing it on purpose.”

“Me, on purpose?” Rosalie chuckled, “Ms. Zeller, please ask Theodore if I wasn’t planning to divorce him this afternoon. I was waiting for

him at the clerk’s office, but he…”

Cynthia frowned. “What happened to him?”

“Well, didn’t Theodore tell you?” Rosalie looked Cynthia up and down. I’m starting to wonder where you stand in his heart, and why he

doesn’t tell you important things.”

“What dirty tricks did you use?! You couldn’t even divorce him! Explain yourself clearly to me!”

Rosalie couldn’t be bothered to say more to Cynthia. “If you want to know, go ask Theodore.”

ia was n

Yet, “Why can’t you face reality? Do you know how much Theo wants to marry me? You keep getting in our way! If you care about him, you should divorce him and let him be happy!”

“I’m sorry, I don’t care about him anymore. Do you have anything else to say?” Rosalie said sarcastically.

“What…?!”

Cynthia couldn’t contain her anger.

“If you don’t care about him, that’s even more reason you should divorce him! What’s the point of dragging it out?” she yelled.

“Whether there’s a point or not, I’ll decide,” Rosalie said, holding her composure as she looked at Cynthia leisurely. She didn’t believe

Cynthia could keep blocking her forever.

Seeing the smugness in the Rosalie’s eyes, Cynthia laughed.

“You’re so pitiful. Your husband doesn’t love you, and all you can do is argue back like a stubborn mule. Does it have any real meaning? At most, it’s just a moral victory. In reality, Theo’s love is still for me. Do you know the piano piece he plays? It’s one he composed for me.”

Rosalie froze, and Cynthia continued, “He said he’d play that piece for me at our wedding. Unfortunately, he couldn’t marry me. Still, he said he’d write new pieces for me in the future.”

At that, Rosalie felt her heart drop instantly.

She remembered back when Theo held her hand. He sat at the piano, and told her, “Rose, this piece is for you.”

His slender fingers danced on the black and white keys, playing a beautiful melody. She thought that piece was exclusively for them as a couple, a gift from Theodore to her.

She never imagined it was actually written for Cynthia.

Maybe he played it for her because Cynthia wasn’t around to longing.

Later, he refused to play it again–probably because he was thinking. of Cynthia, and didn’t want to play it for another woman. Now that Cynthia was back, he could freely play that piece he originally

intended for her in public.

Rosalie realized she had nothing–not even a piano piece. Everything belonged to Cynthia.

It was truly laughable.

“Do you understand now? You have no place in Theo’s heart! Holding on to this marriage is just a waste of your time. Anyway, Theo and I being together won’t be affected by your marriage to him. Our

relationship is real, while yours with him is just on paper,” Cynthia went on, provoking her on purpose.

Rosalie felt like even the little life inside her belly was weeping.

Just on paper, huh?

She and Theodore had a child together; but now, it seemed their relationship was nothing but a hollow shell.

Perhaps due to overwhelming sadness, her stomach suddenly churned violently. She covered her lips and rushed into one of the stalls in the restroom, leaning over the toilet to vomit.

Cynthia went to the restroom door, her face filled with tension.

Rosalie retched for quite some time. After flushing the toilet, she finally emerged from the restroom and went to the sink to rinse her mouth.

“What’s wrong with you? Why were you throwing up?” Cynthia asked anxiously.

Rosalie’s complexion was somewhat pale. “Are you concerned about me?”

+25 BOARUS

“Who’s concerned about you? You’re not… You’re not pregnant, are you?”

If this woman was pregnant, it would be disastrous!

Rosalie smirked. “Are you afraid I might be pregnant? Once I am, Theo will come back to me. You won’t have him running around with you anymore, will you?”

Cynthia suddenly laughed. “You’re dreaming! Even if you’re pregnant, Theo will just make you get rid of the baby. Are you really pregnant?”

Rosalie flicked off the water from her hand, and turned to face Cynthia.

“None of your business. Stop blocking my way. If I really am pregnant and I go tell Theo now, who can guarantee what the consequences will be?”

She turned to leave.

“Stop!” Cynthia grabbed Rosalie’s arm. “Are you really pregnant?”

“Ms. Zeller, you better not touch me. If I’m really pregnant and something happens because of you pushing me, I’ll blame it all on you. After all, it’s just the two of us here. If I decide to put the blame on you, even with Theo protecting you, the entire Spencer family…”

Rosalie paused, staring innocently at Cynthia.

Hearing that, Cynthia quickly let go of her hand.

This damn woman better not try to pin anything on her!

But… Was Rosalie pregnant or not?!

No, Rosalie definitely wouldn’t be so secretive if she suspected she was pregnant. If she really was pregnant, she’d boast to everyone about it. She’d be begging Theo not to leave her!

Why would she be acting so discreetly now? She probably just had a stomach ache, or ate something bad.

Rosalie looked coldly at Cynthia, then opened the restroom door and strode out.

In her flat shoes, she walked quickly. She glanced in Sebastian’s direction and headed towards him, wanting to leave the restaurant.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness struck her and her vision blurred. Her body weakened, and she stumbled backwards, falling to the side.

She braced herself for the expected pain, but there was nothing.

Rosalie found herself in gentle arms. After a moment, she opened her eyes, and her vision was clear again.

Theodore was holding her, his brows furrowed in worry.

4

“Rose, what’s wrong with you?”

Sebastian hurried over. “Theodore, let her go.”

Theodore ignored him, and said to Rosalie, “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

No, she couldn’t go to the hospital!

Rosalie quickly straightened herself, pushing Theodore away with force. But she pushed too hard, stumbling back and bumping into Sebastian.

Sebastian quickly caught her. “Rose, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just take me away.

If she stayed here longer, Theodore might realize something was wrong. If he found out she was pregnant, he definitely wouldn’t want the child. He made that clear enough last time when they were dining at Rebecca’s house.

“Alright.”

Sebastian held Rosalie’s arm, about to lead her out of the restaurant.

up:

However, Theodore caught up and shouted, “Stop, let go of my wife!”

Sebastian furrowed his brows. He was about to speak when Cynthia’s voice suddenly cut in.

“Theo.”

Cynthia walked over to Theodore, linking her arm with his.

Seeing this, Rosalie looked up and spat coldly, “Mr. Spencer, you should take care of your beloved woman. As I’ve said, my affairs are no longer your business.”

She emphasized her words. With Sebastian’s support, she left the

restaurant.

“Theo,” Cynthia said as she leaned against him, “I’m feeling a bit unwell. Can you take me home?”

Theodore stared blankly at Rosalie’s departing figure.

The words “none of your business” kept swirling in his mind.

Sebastian wanted to take Rosalie to the hospital for a checkup, but she felt tired, so he escorted her home instead.

Reaching her doorstep, she shot him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I planned to go for a stroll after dinner, but I didn’t expect to get tired. so quickly.”

“It’s okay. Your health comes first. Rest well for a while. Once you’re feeling better, you can do whatever you want,” Sebastian reassured.

her.

Rosalie nodded. “Okay.”

‘Do you want to come in and sit for a while?”

“No, it’s fine. You should rest early tonight. I’ll leave now,” Sebastian said.

“Okay. Take care on your way back,” Rosalie said.

After Rosalie returned to her room, she felt completely drained. She took a shower and lay down on the bed, wanting to sleep early.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.

Rosalie slowly opened her eyes. “Who is it?”

“Rose, it’s me.”

Rosalie immediately sat up from the bed, somewhat shocked.

Why was he back? Wasn’t he supposed to be with Cynthia?

Hearing no response from inside the room, Theodore’s voice rang again.

“At the resort today…” he began.

“That’s enough.” Rosalie interrupted him. “I’m tired and want to sleep. Please don’t disturb me. Thank you.”

Theodore stood outside the door, his hand resting on it. He remained silent for a while, then sighed and turned awa

Late at night, Caleb washed his face in the restroom and then stumbled back into the living room. He plopped down on the floor, and stared at the drunken man slouched against the French window.

“Hey, it’s been hours. What’s going on? Can you at least say something?” Caleb said.

Theodore had arrived hours ago, said nothing, and went straight to Caleb’s liquor cabinet. He took out all of Caleb’s prized bottles, one after the other, and drank himself into a stupor. Caleb had no choice but to drink along with him.

Caleb was feeling dizzy, but Theodore seemed ready for another round.

“Ugh.” Caleb flopped onto the floor, letting out a long sigh. “Bro, if you don’t say anything soon, I’m going to sleep.”

At this point, sleeping on the floor was fine by him..

The two grown men sat on the carpet, sprawled out in disarray. There was nothing elegant or refined about them, unlike their usual polished appearance.

Sometimes, the more polished someone looked on the surface, the more they might crave relaxation. They might even engage in more vulgar activities behind closed doors, even more than ordinary folks.

saw

“Rose me and Cindy lying in bed together,” Theodore muttered.

Caleb had just closed his eyes, but they snapped open immediately. He bolted upright from the floor.

“What did you say?!”

Theodore took a swig of his drink without speaking.

“You…”

Caleb was about to lay into him, but in the end, he sighed.

“Anyway, the damage is done. There’s no point in telling you off. You’re married, for crying out loud! Why can’t you control your urges?”

Caleb remembered that when Theodore got married, he had said it wouldn’t stop Theodore from philandering around. He even said it with confidence, too.

Now, he felt like Theodore deserved a good smack.

Theodore furrowed his brows, displeased. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Didn’t you say Rose caught you in bed with Cynthia? Oh, I see now. It was Cynthia. You can’t resist, can you? You must have…”

Theodore cut him off. “Shut up! It’s not what you think.”

“What is it then?”

Theodore sighed. “It’s just not what you think.”

“Hey, what are you planning to do? Are you going to divorce or not? Since both of you have someone else outside, why waste any more. time?”

A hint of confusion flashed in Theodore’s eyes. “What do you mean, both of us have someone else outside?”

“I mean exactly what I said. You have Cynthia, and Rosalie has her man on the side,” Caleb replied.

Theodore immediately stood up from the floor, his towering figure swaying a bit unsteadily as he strode over. “What are you talking. about?! How do you know she has someone else?”

Caleb looked up. “I saw it with my own eyes.”

“When did you see it?” Theodore’s tone grew more agitated.

Caleb looked puzzled. Theodore was leaving him baffled. “Didn’t I send you the video?”

“What video? When did you send it?”

“Remember the day I brought Rosalie here? You were there, too. We even got into a fight. Why didn’t you see the video I sent you? Did it fail to send?”

Caleb took out his phone from his pocket, opened WhatsApp, and glanced at the video he sent to Theodore. “No, it was sent successfully. Didn’t you receive it?”

Theodore realized that he hadn’t checked his phone that day. The next day, he smashed his phone out of anger and bought a new one. He hadn’t looked at any messages since then.

He snatched Caleb’s phone, and opened the video Caleb had sent him on WhatsApp.

The video showed Rosalie dining with Sebastian. They were both dressed elegantly, and even looked like a couple. What’s more, it happened to be her birthday.

Theodore recalled Rosalie telling him that she first met Sebastian when she was receiving her bachelor’s degree at school. However, the video Caleb sent him clearly showed that it was before she got her bachelor’s degree.

So, she had been lying to him all along. She had known Sebastian long before, but pretended they met later. She got involved with

Sebastian, so she deliberately lied to him about not knowing Sebastian earlier!

Hah… What a great liar!

He couldn’t help but think of Rosalie saying she had had enough of this marriage. Each time he thought of it, his heart felt like it was being squeezed painfully..

No wonder Rosalie said she had had enough, and was unhappy being with him. She had already liked someone else, and that someone was Sebastian.

If she truly liked Sebastian, why didn’t she tell him from the start and lie instead? Theodore didn’t expect her to be such a good actress!

The next morning, Rosalie received a call from Rebecca.

Rebecca’s tone was slightly solemn. The old I requested her to come over, saying she had something to discuss.

It made Rosalie uneasy.

+25 CONUS

When Rosalie arrived at Rebecca’s place, she was sitting in the living room. There was a cup of tea on the table, still steaming. She sat there silently, her emotions somewhat vacant, as if lost in thought.

“Grandma.” Rosalie walked over with a smile, sitting beside Rebecca and taking her arm. “Why did you call me over so early? Did you miss

me?”

Rebecca smiled faintly, gently patting Rosalie’s hand. “Yes, I missed you. Do you find me annoying?”

“How could I? Whenever you ask me to come, I’ll be there right away. I never find it annoying. I missed you too.”

Seeing Rosalie’s cheerful demeanor, Rebecca suddenly sighed. “Oh, child. You always know how to make me happy.”

“Who else can I make happy if not you, Grandma? I’m your little ray of sunshine.”

“But what about yourself?” Rebecca raised her hand, and gently

patted Rosalie’s face. “You keep your own sorrows inside, so who can make you happy?”

The smile on Rosalie’s face gradually vanished. “Grandma, what are you… What are you talking about? I’m not sad, I’m happy.”

Suddenly, she felt flustered inside.

“Silly girl, don’t lie to me. I know you’re hurting inside, and Theodore isn’t helping matters.”

Rebecca’s tone turned harsh as she spoke.

Rosalie hurriedly interjected, “Did you misunderstand Theo? Did he say something wrong and upset you again? Tell me, I’ll talk to him

I get back.”

hide it from me.” Rebecca’s aged hand rested on top of

11:

Rosalie’s. “I know.”

Rosalie pursed her lips. “Grandma… What do you know?”

“Do you remember your birthday? I went to see you. It was late at night, and you and Theodore were outside talking.”

Rosalie stayed silent.

Rebecca continued, “Actually, I heard everything you two said. You were talking about getting a divorce.”

“Grandma, I…” Rosalie’s heart raced, unsure of how to explain.

Rebecca’s tone remained calm as she continued, “Rose, don’t worry. I’m not angry with you, nor do I blame you. I just want to hear the truth.”

Rosalie was silent. With Rebecca bringing it up now, she saw no point in hiding it anymore.

“Yes, you heard it right,” she confessed.

Rebecca closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, and slowly opened them again.

“I never thought this day would come so soon. I knew that Cynthia was a restless woman. She’s no good. She’s like a locust, only causing destruction,” she spat bitterly.

“Grandma, I want to ask you something. Can you tell me the truth?” Rosalie asked.

“What is it?”

“When Cynthia had her double lung transplant surgery, did you stop it?

“Double lung transplant?” Rebecca pondered for a moment, a hint of confusion in her eyes. “Oh, I remember now. I did make some inquiries.”

“Did you really stop it?”

“When I heard that woman was sick and needed surgery, I didn’t believe it. I thought she was faking it, so I made some inquiries. After a few phone calls, I didn’t hear anything more about it. What’s the matter?” Rebecca explained.

“Cynthia told me that back then, you delayed her lung transplant surgery so you could force Theo to marry me. One of the lungs that was supposed to be transplanted into her had problems. Now, she only has one lung. Her health is poor, which led to heart problems as well.”

“Oh, I see.”

After hearing this, Rebecca patted the armrest of the sofa calmly.

“That woman is really cunning. She’s blaming me for everything. No wonder Theo isn’t very willing to come see me. He must have

believed her nonsense.

Rosalie was somewhat excited. “Are you saying that you really didn’t do it?”

“Of course I didn’t do it! I do dislike Cynthia, but I wouldn’t do something like that. Rose, you’ve been fooled by her. That woman. talks nonsense all the time. Besides Theo, who else would beli her? Her tricks are only effective on love–struck men.”

Rosalie finally breathed a sigh of relief. Rebecca hadn’t done it!

Seeing Rosalie relax, Rebecca frowned slightly. “You didn’t actua believe that woman’s words, did you? Did you actually think I did something like that?”

Rosalie hurriedly explained, “No, Grandma. I was just doubtful, bu never actually thought it was you. I just didn’t dare to ask you. I wa afraid you’d worry if you knew about it, so I kept it to myself.”

She had been hiding it for so long, but in reality, Rebecca was ver clever and had already guessed it.

“You’re always making things difficult for yourself,” Rebecca said, feeling sorry for Rosalie.

Suddenly, the two of them fell into silence.

Seeing Rosalie looking dejected, Rebecca finally asked, “Have you really decided to divorce Theo?”

“Grandma, he doesn’t love me. Continuing this marriage is harmful to both of us, so I…” Rosalie felt a heavy burden in her chest. “I’m sorry. Grandma.”

She tried her best not to cry, or show her sadness.

“Do you really think he doesn’t have feelings for you, or do you think he likes Cynthia and doesn’t love you? I can find a way to deal with that woman…”

Rebecca wanted to intervene.

“No, Grandma.” Rosalie hurriedly interrupted

anything. Let them be. I’m just so, so tired.”

Rebecca gently patted Rosalie’s head. “You’re such a silly child. It seems you’ve been through a lot since that woman came back. Theo must have mistreated you.

Rosalie felt a pang in her heart. She was almost unable to hold back her tears and throw herself into Rebecca’s arms to cry, but she couldn’t do that.

“Grandma, he didn’t mistreat me…”

“You’re still defending him at this point. I don’t know what’s so good about that woman. Can’t he see his father’s mistake? And yet, he’s walking down the same path!”

Rebecca’s voice carried righteous anger.

“Grandma… When you love someone, it’s like being a moth to a flame. Even if you know it’s a one–way trip, you don’t care about the

consequences. Theo might be like that. He loves Cynthia so much that he disregards everything, even the danger.”

In this world, some people’s love was wild and reckless.

“Then, let me ask you again. Do you really want to divorce him? Or is it because of Cynthia that you feel you have to agree to Theo?”

“Grandma, I genuinely want to divorce him. Even if Cynthia suddenly vanished now, I’d still want a divorce. It’s not so much about her anymore. It’s about Theo and me not being happy together.”

Afraid Rebecca might misunderstand, Rosalie hurriedly went on, “It’s not that Theo treats me badly. I… I just feel exhausted, Grandma. I want freedom. I don’t want to be tied down by a man anymore. From now on, I want to control my emotions myself.”

After going through so much, Rosalie was exhausted.

Each time she wanted a divorce, stupid accidents kept happening. She once held onto a glimmer of hope, wondering if fate was keeping them from divorcing.

But now, she couldn’t endure any longer.

Even if Cynthia suddenly left now… Even if Theo had a change of heart, Rosalie didn’t want to continue holding on.

Rebecca could sense Rosalie’s mood. Though she was already old, she had once been young. She knew that feeling. Once a man was bewitched, no amount of persuasion will work unless he sees it for himself.

125 DOMUS.

Rebecca turned to Anthony, “Anthony, bring it here.”

“Alright.” Anthony turned and left.

After a while, he returned with the resident register.

Rebecca took the resident register, her voice hoarse. “Rose, this…is

for you.”

“Grandma…”

Rosalie never expected to receive the resident register this way. Rebecca had actually given it to her so willingly.

Rebecca felt extremely uncomfortable. “Actually, I knew about it. You wanted to steal the resident register. I also know you went to steal. the key.”

“Grandma, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.” Rosalie bowed

her head in shame.

All her little actions, Rebecca had known all along. The old lady just

hadn’t called her out on them.

“It’s not your fault, I understand. It’s my fault, thinking you two would be happy. I thought you and Theo were really meant for each other, so I made that decision. My intentions were good, but things turned out

like this.”

Rebecca’s only regret was making Rosalie sad.

“Grandma, I know you wanted both Theo and me to be happy. Your meant well, and we don’t blame you.”

Rebecca wiped the tears from her face. “Alright, here’s the resident register. I won’t hold onto it for you anymore. After you divorce Theo, you might want to change your residency. By then…”

“Grandma…”

Rosalie didn’t know what to say. After divorcing Theodore, she and Theodore wouldn’t be on the same resident register. She wouldn’t be a Spencer anymore.

To be precise, she had never been a member of the Spencer family. If it weren’t for Rebecca’s kindness, she wouldn’t have enjoyed such at good life and education.

She could have her current life not because of her efforts of intelligence, but because she was lucky enough to meet Rebecca.

At this moment, Rosalie couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She had been holding on desperately. But now, as she flipped through the resident register and saw Theodore’s name, tears flooded down her

face.

“Don’t cry. Aren’t you holding your resident register now? Do what you want to do.”

“Grandma.” Rosalie hugged Rebecca. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make your happy.”

“Silly child! As long as you’re doing well, I’m happy. Whatever happens in the future, I just hope you’ll be safe and healthy, and live the way.

you want.

“Whether you can be with Theo or not, I won’t force it. Actually, I’ve always known some things in his heart, but I held onto a glimmer of hope. I pretended to be ignorant, and turned a blind eye to everything. But in the end, it hurt you. For that, I apologize.”

Rebecca’s tears flowed freely, while Rosalie could hardly speak through her own sobs.

On the way home, Rosalie sat in the car while clutching the resident register, and cried all the way. The driver listened quietly, unsure of

what to do.

When they got home, Rosalie called Theodore. However, it wasn’t Theodore who answered.

It was Caleb.

“Caleb? Why is it you?” she asked, puzzled.

“Oh… Rose…” Caleb’s voice was polite. “Did you call me for something?”

“Why would you think I’m calling you? This is Theo’s phone.”

She had never contacted Caleb privately.

“Huh, Theodore’s?” Caleb sounded a bit groggy. He had drunk too much, and mistook Theodore’s phone for his own.

After a moment, Rosalie heard him shout, “Theodore, your wife’s calling you!”

Bang, bang, bang!

Caleb pounded on the door.

“Hey, open up! Your wife’s calling! Open the door! It’s one thing to hog my room, but it’s another thing to keep quiet in there! Are you dead in there? Open up!”

Rosalie furrowed her brow, feeling somewhat speechless at the

sounds coming from her phone. The simplicity of men’s relationships was truly something.

+2% BONUS

After a while, Caleb said. “Um… He drank too much last night. He’s in my room, but he won’t open the door.”

“Then please tell him I got the resident register from Grandma. Tell him to hurry up and divorce me. We can get it done as soon as possible, maybe even this morning.”

“What? You guys are really divorcing?!”

Caleb thought he misheard. They had been dragging it out for so long, he thought it was just talk. But now, with the resident register out, it

seemed real.

“Yes, please try calling him again.”

“Alright, I’ll try.”

“Theodore!” Caleb yelled, “Your wife has the resident register, and she’s waiting for you to divorce her! Get up and handle it!”

Rosalie’s expression was conflicted. The scene felt a bit odd, but there was nothing wrong with it either.

Rosalie listened as Caleb shouted for a long time, but there was no response from Theodore.

After a while, Caleb chuckled awkwardly. “He’s ignoring me. Probably too drunk and sleeping like a log. I’ll have him call you when he wakes.

up.”

Rosalie sighed. “Okay, please make sure he knows when he wakes up.

“Got it, I’ll tell him.”

Rosalie hung up, then gently touched the resident register in her hand. Since she had the resident register now and Rebecca wouldn’t take it back, she didn’t have to worry about running out of time anymore.

She never expected Theodore to be with Caleb. She thought he stayed

overnight at Cynthia’s

When she had heard Caleb’s voice, she felt strangely relieved for the

first time

Caleb kept knocking on the door for a long time, but there was not response from inside.

Had something happened to Theodore?

“If you don’t open this door, I’ll break it down!”

Now, Caleb was really worried. Was Theodore in trouble? He had drunk way too much last night, and Caleb couldn’t stop him.

“Hey, are you not getting up? I’m really going to break down the door!

Caleb took a few steps back, then charged at the door.

Bang!

“Argh!”

Caleb bounced back with a low growl, falling in a sorry heap on the ground. He couldn’t break the door open. Instead, he got thrown back himself.

Damn it! In TV shows, guys could kick doors open with one blow. Were they made of steel or something?

Caleb groaned in pain as he rolled on the ground, rubbing his arms. He didn’t know where he had thrown the key to the door, and he

couldn’t find it now.

But for his good friend, he had to go all out. He couldn’t let Theodore die in there.

4

After pulling himself together, Caleb prepared to charge the door

again. Just as he reached the door, he suddenly heard an impatient

voice from inside the room.

“Get lost!” Theodore yelled.

Caleb stopped abruptly in his tracks, his whole face pressed against

the door.

“Oh, great, so you’re not dead after all! You could’ve said something earlier. I thought you were dead!”

Bang!

There was a sound of something hitting the door from inside.

It seemed Theodore had thrown something at the door.

“Hey, what did you throw at me? You better not have thrown my action figures!” Caleb said nervously.

Bang!

Theodore threw something again.

“Theodore, you can’t throw my stuff! This is my house!”

Bang!

Another sound of something being thrown.

“Alright, fine! I’ll shut up.” Caleb backed off, scared. “Stop throwing my

stuff! I won’t bother you anymore. But did you hear what your wife

said about divorcing you just now?”

Bang!

Something else was thrown.

“Argh, okay! I won’t say anything!”

Caleb winced in pain, covered his lips, and ran off.

Rosalie waited until the afternoon.

Actually, she had wanted to divorce earlier, thinking Theodore’s hungover would have dissipated by now.

She picked up her phone again and called Theodore, but it went straight to voicemail.

Rosalie was getting frustrated.

Didn’t Caleb tell Theodore about their divorce plan? How could he just turn off his phone at such a critical moment?

Rosalie went to find Anthony. He had a phone directory, and after finding Caleb’s number, she dialed it.

On the other end, Caleb answered, “Hello.”

“It’s Rosalie.”

“Rose, what’s up?”

“Is Theo still with you?”

“He… He’s not here anymore.”

“His phone is off, I can’t reach him. Since he’s not with you, do your know where he went?”

“He…”

“Come on, Caleb. Please tell me the truth.”

“He… he’s in the hospital.”

Rosalie gasped. “What happened? Did he get into another accident?”

Could Theodore have been drunk driving again?

+26 BONUS

“Oh, it’s not an accident. He’s been in the room for a long time, and he didn’t open the door. I went to check on him at noon, and when I found he hadn’t moved, I forced the door open. He was unconscious, so I rushed him to the hospital. The doctor said it’s stomach bleeding.

“Which hospital is Theo in? Tell me quickly!”

Rosalie hurried to the hospital, where Caleb was pacing back and forth in front of Theodore’s room.

“Caleb!” Rosalie approached quickly, anxious. “How is he?”

Caleb said, “He’s been treated in the emergency room, and is still

unconscious.”

“How could he have stomach bleeding? Is it because of drinking?”

“Drinking is indeed part of the reason, but…” Caleb scratched his head.

‘But what? Tell me.”

“Don’t you know he’s been taking stomach medication all this time?”

Rosalie went silent. She remembered seeing Caleb buying medicine before, saying it was for Theodore.

Back then, Caleb sounded like Theodore needed the medication. But later, Theodore told her he wasn’t taking it long–term.

“You mean his stomach isn’t in good condition, and he’s been taking medication?”

“Yeah, he has a stomach condition and takes medicine regularly. He’s also careful about what he eats. He avoids spicy foods, but he still likes to drink.”

Rosalie tightened her grip on the straps of her bag. “He never told me

about this. I even asked him, and he said he wasn’t taking it long–term.

“Maybe he was afraid you’d worry. Do you want to go in and see him?” Caleb asked.

Rosalie nodded, and cautiously opened the door.

Theodore was still unconscious on the hospital bed. She backed out, and closed the door.

“Did the doctor say when he’ll wake up?” Rosalie asked.

“He should wake up once the anesthesia wears off. But…” Caleb paused for a moment. “Are you really going through with the divorce?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“No chance of turning back?”

Rosalie shook her head. “None.”

Caleb sighed. “It’s a shame. How did it come to this?”

“When did you start caring about me and Theo’s marriage?”

Caleb looked regretful. “It’s not that I care, it’s just… It feels uncomfortable. After all, Theodore’s a good friend of mine. I feel like if you two divorce, he won’t be happy about it.”

Rosalie smiled wryly. “That’s unlikely. He might actually be happy. especially since after our divorce, he can be with the person he likes.”

“You mean Cynthia.” Caleb sighed and crossed his arms. “If she marries Theo, I won’t want to talk to that woman.”

“Why?”

When Theodore woke up, he found Rosalie sitting by his bedside. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming. However, the intense

discomfort in his body reminded him that this was reality.

“You’re awake. How do you feel?” Rosalie tried to restrain how concerned she felt.

“Why are you here?” Theodore’s voice was hoarse, and his lips were cracked.

“Is it weird for me to be here? Unless you’ve told everyone not to let anyone know you’re here, like last time at the resort.”

Theodore frowned.

“Are you here to divorce me?”

Rosalie glanced at the time on her phone. “It’s too late to divorce today. Even if we go there, we won’t get to our turn in the queue. After all, more and more people are getting divorced these days.”

How many marriages these days were happy?

Theodore felt uncomfortable lying down for so long. He wanted to sit up for a while, but Rosalie pressed down on his shoulder. “Don’t move.

She pressed a button, and the head of the bed raised up. Soon, Theodore was sitting up without needing to move.

“Is this better?” Rosalie’s expression was cold, but she was still helping him.

Theodore nodded.

Rosalie picked up a cup and went to the water dispenser. She poured

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a glass of warm water for him. “Have some water.”

Theodore took the cup, and dranil the water in one go. His dry lips

felt much better.

“Do you want more?” Rosalie asked.

Theodore shook his head. “No thanks.”

Rosalie took the cup back and placed it aside, then sat on the chair beside the bed.

“Are you still angry at me?” he asked.

“Angry?” Rosalie smiled faintly. “If you’re referring to you and Cynthia,

I really don’t have that much spare time to waste my emotions on

such matters.”

She had been angry, furious, and in pain. She had cried a lot. She really didn’t want to go on like this. Even though she couldn’t control the pain inside, she could at least not show it.

Theodore stayed silent for a while before finally speaking.

“You have a stomach condition. Why have you never told me?”

Rosalie asked.

“There was nothing to say. You can’t cure me anyway,” Theodore replied.

“Is that so?” Rosalie smirked. “That’s a good point. Since I can’t cure you, you just don’t tell me.”

Her tone was sarcastic. Even though they had only been married for a year, they had known each other for ten years. Yet, she wasn’t deemed worthy enough to know about his stomach condition.

“You avoid spicy food because of your stomach, right?”

Theodore simply responded with a faint hum.

“I see. Before, I made two packed lunches, one spicy and one not. You swapped yours with Cynthia’s, willingly choosing the spicy one for her even if it meant hurting your stomach. But when eating with me, you never wanted anything spicy.”

She didn’t expect Theodore to eat spicy food with her, but she felt that he treated Cynthia differently from her.

He loved Cynthia and was willing to do anything for her–even things. he couldn’t do. But for his own wife, he only did what he could. He

would never do those things he couldn’t do for her.

That was the difference between love and not being loved.

“Rose, what are you trying to say with all this?”

“I’m not trying to say anything. I just find it…interesting.”

The way she said ‘interesting‘ sounded particularly sarcastic.