Hearing the word "brother," Theodore gave a bitter smile.


    "I once told you the same thing, and you were very angry at that time."


    Rosalie lowered her gaze, unsure of what to say. The situation was different now, and it couldn''t bepared to the past.


    "Rose, if therees a day when you''re not happy, remember toe back."


    He would always be here waiting for her.


    "Theo." Rosalie suddenly realized that no matter what she said, it would feel meaningless.


    "If he ever hurts you, you must tell me."


    "Theo..." Rosalie looked at him through her tears.


    "Can I hug you one more time?" Theodore opened his arms.


    Rosalie hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse. Seeing Theodore''s broken state, however, her heart softened. She nodded and stepped forward.


    Theodore pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. She could feel him trembling and sobbing. At this moment, she could do nothing but remain silent. Letting him hold her was the only thing she could do. "Theo, you must live well. There''s a long life ahead of you, and you''ll surely meet a girl you love in the future.


    Rosalie could only say these words tofort him, but Theodore didn''t respond. He said nothing, just holding her in silence for a long time.


    Before long, Justin walked in. He froze upon seeing the scene.


    Rosalie noticed him and, fearing he might misunderstand, gently pushed Theodore away.


    Theodore turned his head and looked at Justin, coldly saying, "You don''t mind if I hug her, do you?" Justin didn''t get riled up and simply said, "If Rose doesn''t mind, I don''t mind. I trust her."


    "When are you two nning to get married?" Theodore asked again.


    "We haven''t decided, but we''ll let you know," Rosalie replied.


    "You don''t need to tell me. I don''t want to attend your wedding," Theodore said. "If one day you get married, don''t tell me."


    He didn''t want to have another knife stabbed into his heart.


    Rosalie understood Theodore''s feelings and nodded. "Alright, I understand."


    Suddenly, Theodore couldn''t hold


    back his emotions anymore. His- eyes were bloodshot as he turned


    swnoy


    and mmed the door him.


    Rosalie felt a little worried and hurried to follow him.


    She saw Theodore return to his room and m the door. A momentter, the sound of a low, anguished


    cry came from within.


    Rosalie hurried forward, about to knock on the door, but Justin grabbed her hand.


    "Rose, don''t disturb him. Let him vent."


    "But he might hurt himself. I''m worried-"


    "Rose," Justin-interrupted her, gently holding her shoulder. "I''m a man, so I understand men. Right now, he needs some space. If you go in, you''ll only trample on his pride This is the hardest time for him. Let him maintain some dignity. Going in now Will only hurt him more."


    Rosalie turned to look at the door, tears streaming down her face. Hearing the sobs inside, she


    ve


    herself into Justin''s arms t


    "Justin, I feel so sad. What should I do? I feel guilty toward him."


    cried.


    "Rose, don''t feel guilty just because you didn''t ept a man. Don''t be so kind. If you feel guilty toward him, what about me?"


    "I..." Rosalie didn''t know how to respond.


    "Rose, you can worry about him. You can think of him as a brother and as family, but don''t feel guilty."


    "I''ll try." Rosalie wiped her tears away. She took Justin''s hand as they left.