The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)
Chapter 50

Chapter

17

That day, lan was shot dead on the spot, and Stephen, due to severe blood loss, was rushed into emergency care. Outside the ER, I suddenly recalled the look in Stephen's eyes when he saved me, along with his words, "Rosalie, I finally saved you." It felt like those past events had happened so long ago. Yet, there was no spark of excitement in my heart anymore. Still, I was afraid - afraid that Stephen might suffer, might even lose his life because of me.

But Theodore held my hand, giving me boundless strength.

When the surgery light turned off and they announced he was safe, relief washed over me so deeply that I fainted from the tension.

When I woke up, it was two days later. It was raining heavily outside, and I decided to go to the hospital to check on Stephen.

But as I opened the door, there he was, drenched from head to toe, still in his hospital gown, his face pale.

I told him to come inside, but he refused, kneeling down at my doorstep. I tried to pull him up, but he grabbed my hand tightly instead.

"Rosalie, I'm sorry. I didn't recognize you back then. I was a fool who couldn't protect Dobby, and I hurt you."

Dobby was the name of the kitten I'd given him.

"It's all in the past. Please, just get up, okay?"

But he stubbornly shook his head, pressing his face against my hand as he continued, "I always thought it was Ophelia who gave me the kitten. She just told me it was you. Rosalie, I love you. Can we start over?"

Just as I was about to reply, an arm wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me back, breaking Stephen's hold. Theodore steadied me in his embrace and said calmly, "She's your sister-in-law now, so show some respect."

At this, Stephen froze, disbelief all over his face.

"No way! Rosalie is my wife! What does this have to do with you?"

Theodore didn't answer. Instead, he tilted my face up and kissed me.

"Theodore, you bastard!" Stephen tried to charge at him, but he was too weak and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Epilogue Theodore and I held our wedding in the seaside town, with no guests invited. Theodore said, "Other people's blessings don't matter; as long as we love each other, we'll be happy." By the sea, we exchanged rings and completed our wedding ceremony.

Stephen was sent to Geneva by his Father, where he was to manage the family business. When we went to see him off, he clenched his fists the moment he saw Theodore, speaking through gritted teeth. I was worried he'd throw a punch at any second and quickly said, "Take care of yourself!"

Unwillingly, he muttered a response, then asked, "Rosalie, is there really no chance for us?"

I gave him the same answer, "Stephen, you'll find someone you truly love. I wish you happiness!"

He smiled, then suddenly rushed over, hugging me like he used to, whispering softly in my ear, "Goodbye, Rosalie."

Sometimes, a missed opportunity is simply a missed opportunity.