Chapter 86
After Theodore arranged everything that day, he felt somewhat at ease and decided to leave the Mitchell sisters' affairs alone. However, two months later, he unexpectedly heard from a friend that Rebecca was pregnant! Rebecca was two months along, suggesting the baby was conceived that night. Theodore's heart was thrown into turmoil. He was frustrated.
Before he could decide what to do, Janet excitedly announced her own pregnancy. She seemed oblivious to the fact that Theodore wasn't the father, happily believing the child was his. At that moment, Theodore felt a surge of anger toward Rebecca. If she had made him feel so uncomfortable, he would make her feel the same.
He discovered Rebecca's prenatal checkup schedule and arranged for Janet to have hers at the same time, ensuring Rebecca would witness their display. Janet shamelessly flaunted their relationship at the hospital. Theodore would never forget Rebecca's pale face as Janet gleefully announced the child she carried was Theodore's, even advising Rebecca to have an abortion. A twisted sense of satisfaction filled him. He felt good. Rebecca deserved it, he thought; she was paying for her actions. Theodore realized revenge was intoxicating. Seeing Rebecca's pain was an adrenaline rush. He let Janet continue her taunts and enjoyed Rebecca's distress.
Later, Janet persuaded him to divorce Rebecca. How could he ever have been interested in someone like Janet? He could never be attracted to such a despicable woman! But the idea of divorce was tempting. Rebecca was, in his mind, filthy and unfit to be his wife. After a few days, Theodore had a divorce agreement drawn up and forced Rebecca to sign it. He saw the devastation on her face, even more desperate than before. But when Rebecca finally signed, and their divorce was imminent, he felt surprisingly unsettled.
Every night, he couldn't shake the memory of Rebecca's gentle care while he was in a coma. A vegetative person isn't completely unaware. In the months before he woke, his mind was clear. Rebecca was the only one who consistently stayed by his side and cared for him. The caregiver was rough and careless, causing him pain and discomfort during baths. He wanted to lash out but couldn't control his body, let alone speak or fight back. Whenever Rebecca was home, she bathed him with gentle, careful hands. Her touch was always light and comforting.
Theodore realized he'd been lost in memory and refocused on his grandparents, selectively sharing parts of the story involving Janet. Melissa was baffled but quickly asked, "Theodore, did you say Rebecca had affairs? And that she had an abortion at seventeen?" Theodore's face darkened, and he nodded. "Yes."
"That's impossible!" Melissa denied immediately. Her gaze was firm. "Theodore, before you married Rebecca, we did a background check. Rebecca was a good, diligent girl! The Edwards family wouldn't have accepted just anyone, even if you were in a coma!"
Theodore was stunned. He stared blankly at his grandmother. Sam frowned and asked, "Theodore, who investigated this?"
'Investigate?' Theodore immediately thought of Wyatt, his close college friend. Wyatt wasn't from a wealthy family and had to seek employment after graduation, unlike the rest of them. Theodore, knowing Wyatt's academic achievements, had hired him as his assistant at Edwards Group. Wyatt had proven to be a capable assistant. However, Theodore now found Wyatt's behavior regarding Rebecca…odd.
Wyatt and Rebecca weren't close, yet he repeatedly spoke highly of her, urging Theodore to trust her. When Theodore was exacting his revenge, Wyatt tried to stop him, warning him he might regret it.
Theodore stood abruptly. "Grandma, I have to go. I'll be back later," he said, leaving in a hurry. Melissa watched him go, sighing. She suspected a misunderstanding between Theodore and Rebecca. Her thoughts turned to Rebecca's two children, and she smiled. At least Rebecca's children were true Edwards blood. They needed to discuss changing the children's last names to Edwards.
At the Aotori shooting base, Rebecca finally received notification that she'd passed the audition for Lovey Princess! Director Ruth Porat wanted her on set the next day for promotional photos. Thrilled, Rebecca messaged Charlie and Lynn with the good news. She had won the lead role!
Charlie was busy filming and didn't see her message immediately. Lynn, however, saw it and replied calmly, [Congratulations.] She wasn't surprised; she'd seen Rebecca's talent during rehearsals. Rebecca's message of thanks popped up: [Thank you, Lynn, for looking out for me. I wouldn't have improved without your coaching.] Lynn chuckled. Rebecca was worth investing in. Gratitude was rare. Lynn replied, [You earned it. Keep it up!] [I will!] Rebecca responded instantly.