After lunch, Sydney said she had something to attend to and needed to leave. Rosalie walked her to the door. Sydney mentioned that she wanted to speak to Rosalie privately, so Sebastian stood at a distance.
Mom, what did you want to tell me? Rosalie asked.
Actually, it’s nothing much. I see that you and Sebastian are getting along well. You trust him, right?
Rosalie nodded. Yes, he treats me very well.
I already know about what happened in the restaurant yesterday, Sydney said. Have you forgiven Sebastian?
Did Theodore tell you everything? Rosalie asked.
Sydney nodded.
So, he sent you to persuade me?
He’s worried about you, so I came to check on you. I don’t have any other intentions.
Mom, at the end of the day, I have a new life. I hope he won’t interfere anymore. Please tell him on my behalf that whatever happens from now on, it’s my own choice and has nothing to do with him. Even if I make the wrong choice, I’ll bear the consequences myself.
And what about the child? Sydney gently touched her belly. Have you thought about how he would feel if he knew you were carrying his child, and that his child might suffer in the future? How painful would that be for him?
Do you know he’s marrying Cynthia tomorrow? Rosalie said. He mentioned it in the restaurant yesterday. And in the future, I’m afraid he won’t even be able to care for Cynthia’s child.
Sydney closed her eyes and sighed heavily. She then slowly opened them, looking serious. I want to tell you something.
What is it? Rosalie asked.
Have you ever wondered why someone like Geoffrey would agree to let you be his daughter-in-law, especially when he knew from the beginning that you were pregnant with a child that wasn’t his son’s?
I didn’t know at the time that he already knew I was pregnant. But hearing this now, I’m a bit puzzled. But back then, I was in such a rush to help Sebastian that I didn’think much about it, Rosalie said.
When I was 17, I was with Geoffrey. Later, he abandoned me for a wealthy woman. Recently, he had you contact me to meet him, and it wasn’t about any loan issue. Do you understand now?
Rosalie was stunned. Mom, I never knew about this. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?
I didn’t expect you and Sebastian to
get married so quickly. If I had
known, I would have told you sooner. Geoffrey even asked me to divorce Wesley and return to him. He deliberately had you marry his son to use you as a hostage to blackmail me.
Rosalie was incredulous. But, why did he know I would definitely marry his son?
Because he understands human nature. He can see right through people at a glance. And his son is no saint, either. Sydney glanced at Sebastian.
Rosalie’s heart trembled. Mom, you mean Sebastian and his father… No, that’s impossible. Sebastian has a woman he loves. He wouldn’t do something like this just to marry me. Besides, if I hadn’t agreed to marry him back then, he wouldn’t have succeeded. I had agreed to it myself, so this kind of thing…
Do you know what manipulation is? Sydney interrupted her.
Rosalie frowned. Are you saying I was manipulated?
I don’t know, Sydney said. This is something only you can tell. And even if I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.