Wife my

“Yvonne? Why are you here?” Sebastian asked.

“I had a fight with Mom and Dad, so I came here to hide. You haven’t told me who this young lady is yet,” Yvonne said, staring inquisitively at Rosalie.

“She’s my friend,” Sebastian introduced. Then, he turned to Rosalie and said, “This is my sister, Yvonne. She’s my full–blood sister, and we have the same parents.”

He made sure to add the last part to avoid any misunderstandings.

Rosalie breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, she’s your sister.”

She had thought Yvonne was his girlfriend. That would’ve made things awkward.

“Seb, you’re pretty detailed with your introduction. You never introduce me like that to others,” Yvonne teased, walking over in her high heels. “Are you worried this lady might get the wrong idea?”

Sebastian frowned. “Stop being cheeky. You have your own place, so why come here?”

“You’re my brother. Can’t I come to see you? Are you trying to kick me out?” Yvonne retorted.

“Miss,” Yvonne said, as she immediately linked her arm with

Rosalie’s. “Is it okay if I stay with my brother? Could you convince him? After all, I’m his sister.”

Feeling awkward, Rosalie forced herself to smile. “Maybe I should go back.”

Since Sebastianla

for her to stay.

“Why are you going back?” Sebastian frowned. “Didn’t you agree to stay here for a few days? Yvonne won’t bother you. I’ll tell her to leave.

Sebastian said this in front of Yvonne, who frowned unhappily.

“Seb, how can you say that in front of this young lady? Others might think we’re not on good terms. Don’t forget, I’m your dearest little sister,” she said.

“Who are you calling young lady? She’s actually a year younger than you,” Sebastian said, rolling his eyes

“Oh, really?” Yvonne scratched her head awkwardly. “So you’re twenty- one. By the way, I don’t know your name yet.”

“I’m Rosalie.”

“That’s a lovely name. Can I call you Rose?”

Yvonne seemed to be the kind of person who could easily strike up conversation with anyone. She was very enthusiastic.

Rosalie nodded. “Alright.”

Then, Yvonne said, “Seb, am I bothering you and Rose? You said you’re friends, right? Or are you more than friends?”

Rosalie was startled. “No, we’re not like that. Maybe I should go. You two can stay here.”

Rosalie turned to leave.

Sebastian stopped her, sounding annoyed. “It’s late. Where are you going? Stay here. Don’t worry about Yvonne, we have plenty of rooms.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Yvonne chimed in. “Don’t leave. My brother has never brought a girl home before. You’re the first. I want to get to

+25 BONUS

know you better.

“Mind your own business,” Sebastian snapped coldly, showing no mercy to his sister.

“I’m just telling the truth,” Yvonne pouted.

“Enough,” Sebastian said sternly. “Third room on the left. Go stay there. Don’t bother me if there’s nothing important.”

“Fine,” Yvonne teased, swaying her body playfully. “I’ll go to my room now. I won’t bother you guys.”

She turned and headed upstairs, shooting them a curious glance and flashing a gossipy smile.

After Yvonne went upstairs, Rosalie chuckled awkwardly. “Sorry, I didn’t know your sister was here.”

If she had known, she definitely wouldn’t have come.

Sebastian furrowed his brow. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault. She just showed up without warning. Even if you weren’t here, I’d still want to send her away.”

“Do you get along well with her?” Rosalie asked. She felt that Sebastian had been a bit harsh towards his sister.

Sebastian smiled helplessly. “That little brat is just mischievous and stubborn. She’s always arguing with our parents. Don’t feel sorry for her. You’ll understand how she is once you’ve known her for a while.” “I see.”

“Let me show you to your room. Follow me.” Sebastian grabbed the things, and led Rosalie upstairs.

They entered a very tidy and clean guest room, with a large French window offering a beautiful view outside.

Rosalie sneezed again, and rubbed her nose. Sebastian immediately handed her some tissues.

“I’ll go get you some cold medicine.”

As he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back.

“Oh, right, you’re pregnant now. It’s better not to take medicine.”

Rosalie smiled wearily. “I’ll be fine. I’ll just have some hot water later. Don’t worry.”

“Alright, I’ll go pour you some hot water. Wait here.”

Sebastian seemed very anxious about Rosalie’s condition. After he left the room and went downstairs, he headed to th

with a thermos.

Yvonne leisurely approached him. “Seb, are you really just friends with Rose? Don’t try to trick me.”

Sebastian frowned. “Who’s trying to trick you? I’m warning you, don’t act all spoiled in front of her. Got it?)

“You’re talking as if I’m some spoiled brat,” Yvonne pouted, crossing

her arms.

“Aren’t you?” Sebastian countered.

“Okay, fine. Whatever you say. Did you pour this hot water for her?” Yvonne asked.

“She caught a cold,” Sebastian replied honestly.

“Oh, really? Is the mighty CEO personally fetching hot water for a friend? I haven’t seen any friend treated like this, especially a female friend,” Yvonne said meaningfully.

After pouring the hot water, Sebastian closed the lid tightly and

fetched a clean cup.

“Vonnie, don’t talk rubbish in front of her, and don’t joke around. This isn’t just a reminder. It’s a warning,” Sebastian said firmly before leaving with the thermos.

Yvonne’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “He’s so nervous about her. I can’t wait to see who she really is!”

Sebastian arrived in Rosalie’s room with the hot water. He placed the thermos and cup on the table.

“This thermos keeps the water warm. It’s full, but if you need more, just let me know and I’ll get it for you.”

“Thank you. This is enough,” Rosalie said, rubbing her slightly reddened nase.

“Here’s the remote control. If you want to close the curtains at night, just press this button,” Sebastian explained.

Rosalie nodded in acknowledgment.

“Do you need help with the hot water? Do you want to take a bath?” Sebastian offered.

“Sebastian, I can manage. It’s late, you should rest early. I need some rest too,” Rosalie said.

She was exhausted and feeling dizzy. Right now, she just wanted some peace and quiet.

Sebastian was always understanding. He could sense Rosalie’s mood.

“Alright, go ahead and rest. I’ll leave now. Oh, by the way, I’m in the room next to yours. If you need anything, just call me,” he said.

“Okay. Good night,” Rosalie replied with a nod.

Sebastian stared at her blankly for a moment. “Good night.”

As he backed away, he accidentally bumped into the door, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Rosalie watched him curiously, sensing that he seemed distracted.

It wasn’t until Sebastian bumped into the door that he snapped out of it He smiled awkwardly, and left the room.

After taking a hot shower and drying her hair, Rosalie lay in bed. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her illness had worsened, turning into a cough that grew more intense as the night wore on.

Although she had sipped some hot water, she couldn’t stomach much of it. Wrapped in her blanket, she felt a deep sadness creep over her, perhaps intensified by her sickness.

In a daze, she couldn’t help but replay the images of Theodore and Cynthia together in her mind.

“Theodore, you bastard! I hate you, I hate you!” Rosalie exclaimed, her eyes suddenly snapping open.

She noticed a man by her bedside, and her emotions immediately overwhelmed her. She threw back the covers, sat up, and threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.

“Theo, why don’t you love me? Why?” she cried.

“What’s wrong with me? Am I not good enough for you? Is it because of my background, or do you think I’m too ugly, or…or is it because my personality is terrible?” she continued, her voice trembling.

“Can’t you tell me? I can change!” Rosalie wailed

“Why won’t you even give me a chance to change? Do you love Cynthia that much? What’s so great about her? Tell me!” she pleaded, clutching his shirt as tears streamed down her face.

After sobbing in his embrace, she suddenly remembered something and looked up.

“No, don’t tell me. You don’t love me. No matter how much I change, you won’t love me. If you only love me when I change, then you don’t love the real me!”

“Theo, you’ve made me feel so low, even inferior. I’m ashamed of my background, and I feel unworthy of you,” she confessed.

“But…but I know it’s wrong to think like this,” she added, her voice choked with emotion.

“Theo, I don’t want to feel inferior because of you anymore. But what should I do? I can’t help but feel sad. I can’t control myself. Why am I so useless?” she lamented.

The man held Rosalie in his arms, gently wiping away her tears. “It’s not that you’re useless. Loving someone can make you blind. Some emotions are just uncontrollable. You’re not alone in feeling this way.” “Really?” Rosalie asked hoarsely.

“Yes. Once you fall deeply in love with someone, even if they have a thousand flaws, you can’t help but care for them. You’ll miss them, feel sad for them, suffer for them, and even lose yourself for them. Love is beautiful, but it’s also full of blindness and pain. Once you’re in love, no one can escape it,” he answered, his tone unusually serious.

“What about you? Have you ever loved me–even for a few minutes or even for a few seconds?” Rosalie asked, holding him tightly as he gazed out at the swaying tree branches outside the window.

“I love…”

“No, don’t answer me,” Rosalie interrupted, clutching him tighter, “I don’t want you to tell me. I don’t want to know the answer.”

She already knew the answer. Theodore didn’t love her, and she didn’t want to heat it from him.

She was content with knowing the truth in her heart.

Knowing the answer in one’s heart and hearing it with one’s own ears felt different. The former allowed self–deception, but the latter was a brutal blow of despair.

A trace of melancholy flickered in Sebastian’s eyes. His heart was tight with discomfort as he swallowed the words he wanted to say. A sharp knife seemed to be cutting into his heart.

He gently placed his palm on Rosalie’s forehead, and felt the heat radiating from it. She must have had a fever, overwhelmed by sadness and suffering from heartbreak.

Theodore was truly despicable. His wife was out in the rain, possibly getting drenched, and he didn’t even know. He was probably with that Cynthia woman again.

It wasn’t that Rosalie wasn’t good enough for Theodor

Sebastian sighed softly, then carefully laid Rosalie down on the bed. and tucked her in.

As he turned to fetch the thermometer, Rosalie caught his wrist.”

Don’t leave… Please don’t leave.”

“I won’t leave. I’m just going to get the thermometer to check your temperature.”

Rosalie’s eyes welled up with tears. “You’ll come back, right?”

“I’ll be back right away.”

“You’re lying to me. You won’t come back. You’ll go to be with Cynthia again. Every time she calls, you go to her. You say she needs you, but I need you too. Me and the baby need you!” Rosalie sobbed. “Theo, I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a father…!”

It should have been good news. Yet when she said it, it sounded so sad. She cried even harder.

“That’s wonderful. I’m going to be a father,” Sebastian played along, smiling tenderly.

“Are you happy?” Rosalie seemed incredulous. “Do you want this baby?”

“Of course I want this baby. It’s our little one. Why wouldn’t I want it?”

Rosalie was confused now, so he tried to go along as he didn’t want her to despair even more. Perhaps when she came to her senses, she would forget about it.

At least for now, a brief moment of agreement could make her happy.

“Theo…” Rosalie gripped his hand. “I thought you didn’t want this

baby. I was scared to tell you. I thought you didn’t want him.”

#

“How could I not? I want this baby. Please don’t cry,” Sebastian said. His voice was full of compassion, stemming not just from playing along, but from genuine concern.

“Okay, I won’t cry anymore,” Rosalie said, wiping away her tears obediently.

.

Sebastian bent down, his slightly cold hand touching her face. “I’ll get the thermometer. Count to sixty, and I’ll be back, okay?”

“Then I’ll start counting,” Rosalie sniffled.

“Good. I promise, I’ll be back before sixty seconds is up,” Sebastian assured her.

Rosalie nodded. Then, she released his hand and closed her eyes, silently counting.

As Rosalie reached around forty–something seconds, the bed sank down a bit.

“I’m back,” Sebastian said.

“Theo!” Rosalie exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms again. “I thought you wouldn’t come back. I thought you went to Cynthia again.

The closer she got to sixty seconds, the more scared she became. Counting made her cry again.

“Why would I do that? I said I’d come back, and I did. I wouldn’t lie to you,” Sebastian assured her.

Theodore might deceive her, but Sebastian wouldn’t.

Theodore might leave her for another woman, but Sebastian wouldn’t.

This was the responsibilities and duties that a husband should

for his wife. However, Theodore didn’t do them. Instead, he left another man to do them in his stead.

One man was someone Rosalie had known for ten years, the other for only a month. Yet, the difference was immense.

Love didn’t care about the years. Sometimes, a glance was all it took.

Rosalie lifted her tear–stained face; she was trembling all over, her eyes filled with anxiety.

How badly had Theodore hurt her to make her feel this anxious? She looked like a frightened deer, scared and heartbroken!

Sebastian’s heart clenched with pain. His hand gently stroked the back of her head, running through her hair.

“Don’t cry. I’m back, just like I said. Crying too much isn’t good for the baby,” he said.

In truth, Sebastian was more concerned about how her constant

crying was affecting her own health. If she kept on like this, his heart would break.

Rosalie nodded vigorously. “I won’t cry. It’s not good for the baby. Here, Theo. Feel our baby.”

e. On the contrary, Theodore wasn’t good e

Rosalie grabbed Sebastian’s hand, and placed it on her belly. Despite the clothes between them, her body was hot due to the fever.

“Our baby needs his father. Promise me you won’t leave me and our child. Even if you don’t want me, you can’t abandon your baby!”

As she spoke, Rosalie seemed to drift into a haze, ready to fall asleep in Sebastian’s arms. But she was afraid that if she fell asleep,

Theodore” would leave, so she held his clothes tightly.

Sebastian’s tone remained gentle. “Be good and let me take your temperature.”

*Promise me first. Promise you won’t leave me and won’t see Cynthia again,” she insisted stubbornly.

“Okay, I promise.”

Of course, Sebastian could promise her anything and everything. Unfortunately, he wasn’t Theodore.

Did that man even realize how lucky he was to have Rosalie? He didn’t cherish her, and instead always felt like others owed him something.

Those who tried their best to cherish someone often couldn’t get what they wanted.

It was infuriating!

Was Theodore really that great? No, he wasn’t a good man. He was just lucky. Luck was more important than effort. He had Rose

because of luck.

“Then let’s pinky

promise

child, full of innocence yet terribly pitiful.

Sebastian raised his hand, his eyes filled with tender affection. He smiled, looking at her like a child, and extended his own pinky finger, to hook with hers. They made a pinky promise, and even sealed it with their thumbs.

Sebastian suddenly felt as if she were really his wife and the baby inside her was his. However, it was just an illusion. He knew she was simply sick and confused. Her condition caused her to mistake him for Theodore, the man she loved and hated.

Subconsciously, she wanted that man by her side.

Even so, Sebastian played along. He didn’t know what had come over him. He envied Theodore–he even hated that man.

Theodore effortlessly obtained what others couldn’t, yet he didn’t cherish it. He was always making excuses.

Everyone had a dark side, including Sebastian. His darkness lay in being happy that Theodore treated Rosalie poorly and didn’t cherish her. That way, he might have a chance.

He even wished Theodore could be harsher, and drown Rosalie in complete despair.

Sebastian knew he shouldn’t think like that, for he couldn’t bear to see Rosalie in pain. However, some emotions were beyond control; just like Rosalie, who couldn’t help but love Theodore and shed tears for him despite everything.

Everyone had selfish thoughts, blind spots, and moments when they threw caution to the wind.

After their pinky promise, Rosalie felt exhausted. She lay in

Sebastian’s arms, her voice fading as she succumbed to sleep. Due to her fever, she squirmed in discomfort f

Sebastian slid a thermometer into her mouth, asking her to hold it. After a while, he checked the temperature and frowned.

He couldn’t give her medicine now, as she was pregnant.

He gently laid Rosalie on the bed and tucked her in again. Then, he fetched a towel from the bathroom. He could only resort to cooling her down physically, hoping her immune system would prevail.

Placing the cool towel gently on her forehead, he sat by her side and held her hand, gazing at her with utmost care. So absorbed was he in her, he even forgot to close the door.

Outside the door, Yvonne stood with her arms crossed, watching the two with a hint of amusement.

nough for her.

Selection took great care of Rosalie feeling her temperaturs and leaning close to her mouth, trying hard to hear what she was saying. He was the very example of a gentle and patient man.

Rosalie shifted her body, and started crying again. He hurriedly wrapped her in his arms and comforted her

As he did so, their lips were mere inches apart. He just needed to lean in slightly more, and their lips would meet.

Sebastian stared at the woman before him, his eyes slowly glossing over as he started to lose his ability to think. His lashes trembled, as the misery on her face reflected deeply in his eyes.

Rosalie bit her lip, and stuck her tongue out to wet her lips. Her body kept twisting as she groaned in discomfort.

The sight of her eyes tightly shut and in a trance made Sebastian

think that she would be none the wiser to whatever he did. Just a

gentle peck was enough.

Sebastian cupped her cheeks in his palms, and inched closer to her.

Their lips were almost touching when Rosalie cried, “Theodore… I love you.”

Time seemed to stand still as the air around them froze.

Sebastian stared at her in a daze. A sweet smile crept up Rosalie’s face as she turned to lay on her side, hugging her bolster as if it were someone. She mumbled under her breath, “Honey, hug me.”

Sebastian felt as though someone had pierced his heart with a knife, giving him excruciating pain. As if someone had dunked his head in water, filling his mouth and nose, suffocating him.

Finally, he sighed and sat up straight. He pulled the covers up Rosalie’s shoulders. Then he sat by her bedside with his head bowed, his tall and towering figure suddenly looking desolate and dejected.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted someone. It was Yvonne, standing at the door and looking smugly at him, as if she was watching a drama unfold before her.

Sebastian’s brows furrowed as he stood up at once and walked toward the door. In hushed tones, he snapped, “What are you doing here?”

“Why are you in her room?” Yvonne asked back.

Sebastian immediately shut the door and grabbed Yvonne’s arm, taking her away.

Yvonne shook his hand off. “You’re hurting me!”

She rubbed her wrist, upset to see her brother treating her so

callously. He had never been like this before.

“She has a fever, and I’m taking care of her,” Sebastian explained, his eyes looking slightly awkward, as if he had a guilty conscience and was trying to hide something.

“Oh, is that so? Taking care of her?” Yvonne said with a gleeful smile. ” I know what’s going on. You’re taking care of her ‘cause she’s your friend. Of course you have to do that.”

Yvonne’s voice was tinged with sarcasm, as if she meant something else.

Sebastian said coldly, “That’s right. It’s normal for friends to take care of each other. Don’t run off your mouth.”

Yvonne smiled sweetly.

“I don’t really understand what you just said. Since it’s normal for

friends to take care of each other, why would you be worried about what I said? Or is the way you’re taking care of her so strange that you’re worried she might find out? She’s your friend, after all, and you

“Shut up,” Sebastian said, as he shoved her to the wall and covered her mouth with his hand, “Don’t talk rubbish!”

Yvonne pushed his hand away and yelled, “

“I was not! You saw wrongly. I was just trying to hear what she was saying, that’s all.”

Sebastian tried to explain himself, but panic was rising in his throat and his eyes darted around anxiously.

“Oh? So why are you panicking? Isn’t it enough to just let her sleep after giving her her medicine?”

“She can’t take medicine. She’s pregnant.”

“What did you say?! She’s pregnant? My god, you…” Yvonne sputtered, shocked. She then pointed a finger at him, and accused, “You made her pregnant! I’m telling Mom and Dad!”

“What nonsense! Rose is already married. The baby is her husband’s.”

He wasn’t trying to dissociate himself from the matter at hand, but was simply worried about ruining Rosalie’s reputation.

Yvonne’s eyes widened in shock. She looked at Rosalie through the door, and said, “If she’s already married, why did you bring her home and act so intimately with her? Are you interested in married women? Is her husband fine with this?”

“I can’t be bothered to explain things to you.”

Things were complicated, and Rosalie’s privacy was at stake.

Sebastian couldn’t possibly tell others about Rosalie and Theodore’s private affairs.

He said coldly, “Go back to your room and sleep. Don’t talk rubbish tomorrow, or I’ll be nasty.”

His cold, warning glare was enough to tell Yvonne that he week

serious and not joking around. Her brother looked as if he was going to eat her alive!

She trembled, frightened. She had never seen him like this before,

much less for the sake of a woman. She didn’t believe a word of what he claimed about them being friends. It may be unrequited, but he certainly seemed to have affections for that lady.

Yvonne was certain about that, but she also remembered how Rosalie looked at Sebastian simply as a friend and nothing more.

While Yvonne was lost in her thoughts, Sebastian returned to Rosalie’s room.

He took care of Rosalie through the night, diligently changing out her towels and taking her temperature.

If her temperature rose again, he would have no choice but to give her medicine. For the sake of protecting the baby in her stomach, he couldn’t allow something to happen to her. Thankfully, her

temperature gradually started to drop.

Rosalie was deep in sleep. Sebastian himself was exhausted, but he kept himself awake so he could take care of her. He downed a few. cups of coffee for fear that he might fall asleep, and not catch any rise in Rosalie’s temperature in time.

The next morning, Rosalie woke up at noon due to her fever. Her head was spinning when she woke up, and she felt like she couldn’t control. her body. Her mind was in a blank, and she felt like a lifeless shelf.

She turned, and was surprised to see a man snoozing on the chair next to the bed.

Memories from last night were blurry. Her head was spinning, and she felt warm, as if she had gone down with something. Did.

Sebastian take care of her the whole night?

Sebastian opened his eyes. He had just shut them a moment ago, but found himself unable to fall asleep in peace. He had opened his eyes many times; now, he found Rosalie awake.

He immediately sat up, and said, “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

He reached out, and felt her forehead. Her body temperature had returned to normal, and he heaved a sigh of relief. “Your fever’s down. Thank god.”

Rosalie sat up on the bed. “Did you take care of me the entire night?”

He looked incredibly exhausted, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Fearing that she might worry, Sebastian laughed it off.

“No, it’s not what you think it is. I haven’t been here for long.”

I’m not! I saw it with my own eyes. You were trying to kiss her!”

Rosalie was still feeling slightly dizzy and lethargic. Her voice was hoarse, and her throat felt dry.

Sebastian, the thoughtful man he was, poured her a cup of hot water from the thermos.

Rosalie took the cup from him, and downed the whole thing. It made her feel much better, and even the fuzziness in her mind cleared up as memories from last night came flooding back. Although details escaped her, she could roughly make out what happened.

“You lied to me,” Rosalie suddenly said coldly, her face solemn.

Sebastian looked at her in shock. Did she remember that he tried to take advantage of her last night?

Panicked, he tried to explain. “Rose, …”

“You clearly took care of me the entire night, but you’re lying and telling me that you didn’t,” Rosalie cut him off, not letting him speak. The more you lie, the worse I feel. I’d rather you tell me the truth.”

Sebastian looked straight into Rosalie’s eyes; he could sense that she wasn’t blaming him one bit, and heaved a sigh of relief. He chuckled, and looked tenderly yet slightly apologetically at her.

“You had a fever last night, but you couldn’t take any medicine. I was worried about you, so I decided to stay here with you.”

Now that he thought about it, he felt thankful he had insisted on not letting her stay in the hotel. What if she ended up all alone with a fever there?

Rosalie stared at Sebastian in a daze as blurry images flashed past her mind. She vaguely remembered being wrapped in a man’s arms

and crying as he comforted her.

She felt as if she was in Theodore’s arms and talking to him. Suddenly, a bad feeling struck her. Did the fever make her so delirious, she took Sebastian for Theodore?

As realization dawned upon her, she asked uneasily, “Did I talk nonsense last night?”

“No, you didn’t. Your fever knocked you out cold, and you were asleep half the time.”

If Rosalie discovered what happened last night, she would definitely feel awkward.

Rosalie heaved a sigh of relief. Perhaps she had very vivid dreams. because of her fever last night, and the blurry images that popped up in her mind were from her dreams.

“Thank you. I really don’t know what I can do or say to thank you.”

Aside from thanking him, she didn’t know what else to say.

Sebastian sat by her bedside, and looked tenderly at her. “The best way to thank me is to never be so upset over someone who isn’t worth it. I know it’s easier said than done, but time heals all wounds.”

Rosalie looked down as her eyes darkened.

Time heals all wounds…

Somehow, his words pierced her heart.

She then looked up at him, and said gloomily, “Do you also think time. will wash away love until nothing is left?”

If that was true, what was the point of love? If there was an expiry date to love, how different was it from a commodity?

Sebastian looked solemnly at her.

“Time may bury love deep down in one’s heart, just like how you lock a precious item in a box and leave it in a corner. You can’t bear to throw it away because it is very important to you, but you don’t want to open it either because it’ll hurt you.

“But as long as you just put it there and leave it alone, you can

continue living your life. You might occasionally think about it, but it remains locked in the box.

“Whenever that happens, all you’ll do is to lament about the past and everything that happened. And then, you’d go right back to living your life.”

Sebastian’s words felt like a warm breeze in the middle of winter. He could always answer her questions with seriously and with great consideration. He empathized with her, rather than sitting on a moral high horse and talking down on her as an outsider. O

Rosalie found it hard to believe that such an outstanding man like Sebastian was still single. She was sure that truckloads of women adored him. She wondered what kind of woman he would fancy.

What woman would be worthy of his gentle kindness?

Rosalie’s nose turned red, and she rubbed it before squeezing out a smile. “I know what you mean. I’ll lock it up and put it in a corner.”

Since her love didn’t come to fruition, she didn’t want to be in pain over him for the rest of her life. Just as Sebastian said, she would lock it up and bury her affections in the deepest, darkest corner of her heart. She would let time bury those memories, and not let them.

affect her life.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.

Yvonne’s voice sounded from the other side. “Seb, do you want

lunch?”

Sebastian glanced at the clock, and noticed that it was already noon.

“Rose, do you still feel unwell? Can you make it for lunch?”

Rosalie smiled. “I’m fine now.”

“All right, then. Shall I bring lunch up to your room? You can continue lying on the bed.”

“No need,” Rosalie said as she threw the covers open and got out of bed. “I’ll go wash up and head to the dining room.”

“Okay,” Sebastian said, respecting her wishes as always.

The exhaustion etched all over Sebastian’s face made Rosalie say, ” You go wash up, too. I’ll see you in the dining room.”

The three of them sat around the dining table during lunch. Yvonne was devouring her food voraciously, while Sebastian and Rosalie took their time to enjoy the meal.

“Hey, why are you two eating so elegantly? I look like a hungry ghost!”

Sebastian, a furrow of his brow, said, “Just eat your food.”

“I am. You two, on the other hand… You’ve been together since last night all the way till noon today. Don’t you feel hungry?”

Rosalie’s spoon dropped on the table with a clank as her heart leapt. Did Yvonne misunderstand things between them?

She hurriedly explained, “It’s not what you think. I…”

“Yvonne,” Sebastian said coldly, “If you continue spewing rubbish, go away.”

“I’m not! I meant what I said. I know that Rosalie fell sick last night, and you were taking care of her. What did you think I meant?” Yvonne said with feigned innocence.

The two of them were so jittery and tense, it made one wonder

whether they had a guilty conscience.

Rosalie smiled awkwardly. She thought that Yvonne suspected there was something going on between her and Sebastian.

Chuckling, she said, “Sebastian is a nice man, and I’m very thankful that he took care of me last night. Given how delirious I was, things might have turned out terrible for me.”

With a smile, Yvonne teased, “Sebastian treats you so well. He really sees you as a very good friend. I’ve never seen him treat his other friends so well.”

20

Rosalie wondered if she was an exception for Sebastian. She wished it weren’t the case.

“Yvonne, shut up,” Sebastian said irritably. “Even food can’t shut you up.”

“What’s wrong with chatting with Rose? You’re so dull! You’re making things awkward around here. I’m helping you entertain our guest, but you’re telling me off.”

Thankfully, Yvonne wasn’t petty enough to count it against Sebastian.

It seemed as though this was exactly how the siblings interacted with each other, and Yvonne had long gotten used to it. She wouldn’t have a falling out with Sebastian just because of something he said. Their relationship sounded rather healthy.

“You…”

Sebastian was about to say something more, when Rosalie cut in, We’re just having a chat. It’s all good.”

“Hear that? Our guest has spoken. Stop talking so fiercely to me,” Yvonne said, displeased.

Sebastian looked helplessly at his sister, feeling at his wits‘ end when dealing with her.

Rosalie looked enviously at the siblings before her. If only she had at brother… A pity she didn’t.

She mentioned taking Theodore as her brother, but Theodore wasn’t actually her brother. No, he was her lover and husband. That was worlds apart from a brother.

How could she take the man she loved the most as her brother? She couldn’t do it.

After lunch, Rosalie tried to persuade Sebastian, who looked

completely exhausted, “Sebastian, go back to your room and sleep. You didn’t sleep the entire night. You’re probably very tired.”

“I’m fine.”

He was the one who brought Rosalie here. If he went back to his room and sleep, she would be left all alone.

Yvonne ran over, and said, “Just look at you! Your eyes are so red, and you still say you’re fine. Go and sleep. I’ll keep Rose company here. Two women in each other’s company is better than having you around here.”

Sebastian furrowed his brows. “Don’t scare her away.”

“Why would I?” Yvonne held Rosalie’s arm enthusiastically. “Rose, I’ll stay with you. Let Sebastian go get some rest.”

“Sure.” Whether there was someone with her or not, Rosalie wanted Sebastian to catch some sleep.

“Sebastian, go get some rest. It’s good having your sister here.”

The unease in Rosalie’s eyes made Sebastian nod, as he was unwilling to put her in a difficult spot. “All right, then. I’ll go take a nap.”

He warned Yvonne, “Take good care of her and don’t bully her. If you do, I won’t spare you after I wake up and find out about it.”

“Just listen to yourself! Why would I bully her? Don’t you trust me at all?”

Although Yvonne appeared displeased, Sebastian continued issuing warnings to Yvonne until Rosalie shoved him in the direction of his

room.

After Sebastian left, Yvonne grumbled, “Seriously! He makes it seem like I’m a witch.”

Rosalie smiled, not knowing what else to say.

“Rose, do you feel better now?” Yvonne felt Rosalie’s forehead. ”

You’re not running a fever now. That’s good. Looks like Sebastian did You’re not running a fever a good job taking care of you.”

Rosalie smiled awkwardly. “How did you know he took care of me the entire night?”

“I saw it myself. He took great pains taking care of you. He stayed by your bedside and didn’t leave at all. He kept changing out your towel and taking your temperature.”

“Is that so?”

Rosalie couldn’t remember the details, but she could vaguely recall a man taking great care of her. She had mistakenly thought that it was Theodore, but a pity that it wasn’t him. Theodore was taking care of Cynthia right now.

She wondered how Cynthia was doing. If she was doing well,

Theodore would proceed to marry her. If she wasn’t, Theodore would probably lose his mind.

Rosalie became more frustrated the more she thought about it, and her brows knitted tightly.

Yvonne sensed that something was wrong. “What happened? You don’t want my brother taking care of you?”

She thought Rosalie was frowning because of Sebastian.

Rosalie said, “Of course not. I’m very thankful for Sebastian. I was just thinking about something else.

“I see. What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing much. Just something minor.”

She didn’t want to share the things between her and Theodore with others so casually.