He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 110

Then Houston gave Rose a charming wink and said, "Tonight could work too."

Rose was almost scorched by his flirtatious gaze, her face turning red as she hurried into the bedroom.

Linda gave Sam a meaningful look, and he promptly stood up, making an awkward excuse, "Honey, let's go. I'll bring you to the cinema, let's watch some movies. We'll stay at the hotel tonight and won't come back until tomorrow."

Linda nodded, grabbing her gear—water bottle, tissues, medication, and her bag—and followed him out.

"Houston, take good care of Rose tonight," Sam said pointedly to Houston before closing the door.

Houston's smile was radiant. "Sure, Mr. Sam."

After Rose's parents left, the room fell into a deep silence.

Houston walked into the bedroom and saw Rose sitting shyly on the bed. He sat down next to her and began to tease, "Rose, what do you think about their suggestion?"

Rose's face turned redder and redder.

Memories of her time with Ethan flashed through her mind, all of them causing her heartache.

When I had taken him and Vivian out for a meal, he had ordered dishes that Vivian loved, ignoring my preferences. When I expressed my displeasure, Ethan had dismissed it with a casual "the guest's preference is paramount," making me feel petty.

Later, whenever Vivian faced difficulties, she no longer called me but directly contacted Ethan, who would rush over faster than a rabbit, even when I was sick with a cold and fever, weakly pleading for him to stay. Yet, Ethan had still abandoned me without hesitation!

Even after Ethan and Vivian had betrayed me and gotten together, I had still harbored unrealistic fantasies about Ethan. I thought that our shared history of ten years, even if not romantic, should at least be respected as a bond of friendship.

But that day, when Ethan had drunkenly lured me over and Vivian had accused me of seducing him, I had hoped that Ethan would at least fairly clarify the truth. Instead, Ethan, concerned about Vivian's pregnancy, had chosen to let the rumors stand.

It was then that I had finally seen Ethan for who he truly was. His so-called friendship and loyalty were all a facade. He had merely used those moral principles to placate me.

He didn't love me.

He simply just didn't love me.

He had never truly loved me from the beginning.

And so, he had never cherished me.

Rose's decade-long attachment to Ethan finally came to an end with her newfound clarity.

...

She looked at Houston, her eyes sparkling like a bud about to bloom, ready to be plucked.

Houston's Adam's apple bobbed. "Rose, the way you're looking at me, I might lose control."

Rose nodded slightly, like a fleeting touch of a dragonfly on water.

Houston's eyes lit up with joy.

He released his unrestrained passion and kissed Rose dominantly.

"Rose, are you sure?"

"Yes."

Rose and Houston were having breakfast when Linda burst into Rose's bedroom, making up an excuse, "The sun is strong today. I need to wash your bedding and put it on the rooftop to dry."

Rose looked out the window at the foggy weather.

Nearly the New Year's season—where is the sun?

Houston understood and a smile played on his lips.

Soon, Linda came out, looking dejected, holding the bedding.

After Houston left for work, Rose, who stayed at home, was interrogated by her parents. The two elders began to question the details of the previous night.

"Rose, did you and Houston... not having sex last night?"

Rose honestly nodded.

Her parents exchanged worried glances.

"Was it you who didn't want to have it?" Linda continued to press.

Rose shook her head honestly.

Linda almost lost her balance and fell back onto the sofa.

Confused by her parents' concern, Rose asked, "Dad, Mom, what's wrong?"

Sam sighed, looking at his innocent daughter, and said to Linda, "Honey, you need to properly guide this child. Don't let her be taken advantage of without even realizing it."