Chapter 48: Give Up

Evian hadn't expected Rosalie to remain so stubborn. Looking at Rosalie in disbelief, she asked, "Are you really willing to ruin your future and waste your talent for a man who refuses to take responsibility?"

"Someone's talent is innate," Rosalie said, trying to speak firmly, but tears fell. "Even if I don't go elsewhere, I have the talent. With my skills, I don't need to leave this country to achieve success!"

Selena looked at Rosalie in utter disbelief. "During this time, have you been seriously practicing your painting?"

A wave of guilt washed over Rosalie's face.

Even Carmen couldn't help but say, "Rosalie, you are indeed talented, but not a genius. Your talent requires substantial time, money, effort, and learning to cultivate before it can potentially lead to success. I assumed, given your previous effort, you understood this."

Carmen's words embarrassed Rosalie. She wanted to defend herself.

Isabella thought, The old Rosalie would have understood. It's different now. She didn't come up with those words; her boyfriend did. He's convinced her. She's become Dominic's most devoted believer, accepting his irresponsible words as her creed. It's frightening.

Embarrassed, Rosalie lost her temper and glared at Isabella. "I'm not like that! I just think Dominic's words make sense. I made the decision myself."

Isabella, thinking Rosalie expected her to speak up, averted her gaze. Are you kidding me? I usually give up after the first failure. Only close kin would repeatedly try to pull someone out of their mess. I don't want to be the bad guy.

Rosalie was taken aback. She'd assumed Isabella's remarks were a lecture, but Isabella simply didn't care.

This left Rosalie unable to cope, wondering if her family was trying to help. The image of Dominic's domineering face flashed through her mind.

Carmen sighed. "Rosalie, are you worried a long-distance relationship might lead to a breakup?"

Rosalie felt embarrassed. It seemed her artistic creations had been insulted.

"Mom, Evian, Professor Wilcok, I'm sorry. I know I've let you all down, but I can't give up. Our reconciliation was hard-won. I have to cherish this relationship," Rosalie said.

Her resolve was evident.

Her words nearly gave Evian and Selena a cerebral hemorrhage.

Isabella felt fortunate to be a bystander. Otherwise, she would have tried to knock some sense into Rosalie.

Even Carmen almost lost her composure. "When you're young, you believe love is grand. But when you truly love someone, you often feel indebted. The right person will always wish for your bright future and would never hold you back."

"He's not holding me back. He just loves me. He simply wants to be with me," Rosalie defended Dominic.

Isabella thought, Pfft! My brother is a prime example! Christopher moved to a foreign land for his love, even knowing she dedicated herself to research. He even moved his business there. How does that compare to your so-called true love? If he truly loved you, how could he threaten a breakup?

Isabella's remarks relieved the Quirks.

Rosalie's rebellious spirit intensified. She felt compelled to rebut.

"Love requires compromise and mutual sacrifice. Dominic and I are in love. It's entirely voluntary. I'm willing to compromise," Rosalie said.

Isabella thought, Well, I'll be damned.

"And what about him? What has he given up for you?" Selena asked.

"If it weren't for his affection, he wouldn't have reconciled with me after such humiliation!" Rosalie said.

Silence fell.

Carmen feared a calamity in her office. She offered earnest advice: "You're giving up a great opportunity. I can't say your future won't be successful, but to catch up, you'll likely have to put in ten times the effort. Love yourself before you love others."

Isabella expected Selena and Evian to continue, but they seemed tired. They took the application form, led Rosalie away, and headed home.

It wasn't until Rosalie got in the car that she realized her dorm belongings were with her.

"What is this all about?" Rosalie asked.

Evian said, "I've canceled your dorm. You'll be living at home."

Rosalie protested.

Selena cut her off. "In the Quirk family, there's never been a precedent for unmarried cohabitation."

"What does it matter? We're in a new era—" Rosalie began.

Evian said, "You're still a university student! You're not engaged, and you haven't met each other's parents. Do you understand what it means to live together before marriage? Even if you two have a future, aren't you afraid of being looked down upon by his family? They won't see your love as magnificent. They'll only think you lack self-respect!"

Evian, having been pregnant before marriage, knew the consequences. She didn't want Rosalie to follow the same path.

Rosalie's tears flowed. She bit her lip, silently reproaching Evian.

Evian was exhausted. Rosalie was more obstinate than ever. The car ride home was silent.

As Selena stepped out, she was tempted to confiscate Rosalie's phone, but hesitated. Rosalie retreated to her room, locking herself in.

Children raised in the Quirk family generally turned out well, leading fulfilling lives. Ironically, their romantic destinies were terrible.

Selena and Evian contacted other family members. Isabella returned to her room. She saw a crumpled piece of paper—an application—flying from the neighboring balcony. [The ending is abrupt and incomplete in the original text.]