Chapter 29 – What Happened on the Honeymoon

Rosie looked at the big steamship puffing white smoke with an excited face.

“All set. Let’s go.”

Theo came up and wrapped an arm around her waist.

This man stood out among the crowd, and Rosie felt proud to call him hers. She smiled and nodded, following him.

Because of the Dukedom’s business, their honeymoon destination unexpectedly became a country across the sea.

“Aren’t you scared?”

“No, I’m so excited.”

Rosie smiled brightly, holding Theo’s hand tightly. Even the creaking of the wooden plank as she boarded the ship was fun.

She followed him onto the deck. The vast ocean stretched before her.

She was awed by the deep blue sea.

“Have you ridden before?”

“Yes, once.”

Theo watched her, amused by her childlike wonder. To him, Rosie’s clear blue eyes were more beautiful than the sea.

As the ship started moving, Rosie clung to him in surprise.

“Are you scared?”

“No, not really, but maybe I could fall.”

She pouted and snuggled into his arms, making Theo laugh.

‘My lovely Rosie.’

He grabbed her wind-blown hair and took a deep breath.

He wasn’t thrilled that their honeymoon was mixed with work, but Rosie’s happiness made it all worthwhile.

If he’d had to be apart from her right after the wedding, even the thought was terrible.

“Sir Theo, there’s something you need to check.”

Theo frowned at Ruth.

He was annoyed that most of the Dukedom staff came along for the work trip.

“I’ll be fine, go ahead. Mia’s here too.”

She nodded cheerfully, unlike him. Rosie leaned on the railing, enjoying the breeze.

“I’ll be back soon.”

Rosie nodded and waved big. Watching Theo’s reluctant steps, she couldn’t help but smile.

“How did you hold out so long, being so close?”

Mia shook her head, watching.

“I know, right? It’s so nice.”

Everything was perfect.

Handsome husband, refreshing breeze, great weather. The ship was cruising, and so was Rosie.

“This is really wonderful.”

Suddenly, a long shadow fell across her as she leaned on the railing.

“Is it… Rosie?”

Rosie looked up, eyes wide, at the owner of the shadow.

“Oh my. It really is you. It’s really you.”

A man looked at her with a face full of emotion, as if he might burst into tears.

“Stefan?”

Rosie straightened and looked at him in surprise. The man was delighted that she remembered his name.

“I’m honored you remember me. I thought you’d have forgotten someone like me.”

His dark blond hair blew in the wind.

Stefan Allred.

He was Rosie’s third boyfriend. He remained a unique memory for her—neither a clear breakup nor a clean ending.

Rosie looked at him, recalling the past.

What was it he’d said?

[I love you so much, Rosie, I had to break up with you.]

‘Yes, that was it.’

“You’ve changed a lot, Stefan.”

He nodded shyly and spoke.

“Yes. I worked really hard so I wouldn’t be ashamed to stand by your side, Rosie.”

Rosie frowned, trying to remember.

Stefan’s expression was the same, but his appearance had changed. He was the third or fourth son of an earldom, making it hard to inherit a title. He hadn’t been shabby, but he hadn’t been stylish either. Now he wore a suit made of the finest fabric.

“Did you find a gold mine or something?”

He laughed softly and shook his head.

“It’s a long story. Shall we talk over tea?”

He added hurriedly, his face flushed.

“Only if you want to, Rosie, of course.”

Rosie wondered what had happened to this man. After a moment, she spoke.

“But Stefan, I’m married now.”

“What?”

Stefan’s face crumbled as if his world ended.

“I’m on my honeymoon. I thought it was right to tell you first.”

With a shocked face, as if he might burst into tears at any moment, Stefan covered his mouth with his hand.

“Then, your husband? Could it be that you’re trying to get rid of me…?”

“He just went to work for a bit. He’s a busy man. But if you’re okay with it, I’ll keep you company for a while.”

Stefan rolled his light brown eyes and nodded.

“Yes, it’s fine. I’m fine, really. Even if it’s just for a little while together…”

* * *

“D*mn it, why did they make these documents so detailed?”

Theo threw the papers onto the table and stood up.

“You finish the rest.”

Ruth clung to his pants without hesitation.

“Not yet! There’s still a lot left.”

Theo sighed deeply and ran an irritated hand through his hair.

“Ruth, you must’ve forgotten, this is my honeymoon. I’ve already left Rosie alone for more than two hours.”

Ruth pouted and let go of Theo’s pants.

“Wrap it up and get some rest. We still have a long way to go before we arrive.”

Theo put on his jacket and left the room set up as an office. The sun was already beginning to set. Watching the sunset with Rosie on the deck sounded nice. Smiling, he went to look for Rosie.

“Where could she be?”

Thinking of spending time alone with her, his steps were light. But after searching for a while, what greeted Theo was Rosie, laughing brightly as she embraced a strange man. Rosie was the first to notice Theo, standing frozen at the restaurant door.

“Theo!”

Rosie saw him and ran over with a bright face, hugging him.

“You’re early. Did you finish work?”

“Yeah, mostly. But…”

The mysterious man, who had his back turned, now faced Theo. Instantly, Theo’s brow furrowed.

He remembered exactly who this was.

Of Rosie’s five boyfriends, this one had threatened Theo the most. The man stood and approached them.

“Hello, I’m Stefan Allred.”

Theo silently shook Stefan’s offered hand.

“I know who you are. You’re quite famous. I’ve seen you from afar, even when you were dating Rosie.”

Before Theo could speak, Stefan smiled and said introductions weren’t necessary. His manners were gentlemanly, but he was an annoying man.

“I hope you don’t misunderstand. I was just so happy to see Rosie again… We were just talking.”

Stefan’s words and his downcast, forlorn expression made Theo raise one eyebrow.

“Stefan’s traveling for business, same as us. So, should we have dinner together?”

Rosie, holding Theo’s arm, looked up at him with pure, innocent eyes. If there had been even a hint of selfishness, Theo could have refused coldly.

“Sure. If you want.”

Theo nodded reluctantly.

“That’s good, Stefan. You said you were lonely.”

Rosie took Theo’s arm and led him to the table.

Judging by the empty teacups and half-eaten cookies, they hadn’t just met.

‘I shouldn’t have left her alone.’

Theo clicked his tongue softly.

“Shall we order? Since it’s been so long, I’d like to treat you, if that’s okay?”

“No, I’ll pay.”

Theo answered for Rosie, raising his hand to call the waiter. No need for unnecessary celebrations.

After ordering, Theo sat in silence, listening to the two chat about trivial things.

He disliked Stefan. He disliked all of Rosie’s other boyfriends, but especially this one. Maybe even more than Calvin.

When Rosie dated her first boyfriend, Theo thought he’d let her go if she found someone good. She never showed any feelings beyond friendship for Theo.

But every man she dated was so disappointing, it was almost amazing how bad her taste was.

Except for Stefan.

Theo couldn’t find a single reason why Stefan wasn’t a good match for Rosie.

If anything, he was just too humble.

If not for his sudden breakup, Rosie and Stefan might still be together.

He was the best of her boyfriends—good personality, smart, good family, even his looks. Not as big as Theo, but decent.

And he really loved Rosie, enough for Theo to notice.

Thinking that, Theo gripped his teacup tighter.

“Theo, are you okay?”

After laughing and chatting with Stefan for a while, Rosie checked on Theo, her blue eyes full of concern. Theo thought,

‘Look at those worried eyes. Rosie is my wife. So it’s fine.’

He smiled.

“I was just thinking about something.”

Rosie reached out and stroked his furrowed brow.

“Are you feeling sick? You barely slept last night. If you’re too tired, do you want to head back first?”

Head back first.

Theo didn’t understand at first.

She wanted to eat dinner alone with Stefan, on the first day of their honeymoon?

“No, not at all. I’m fine.”

Theo forced a cheerful smile.

He would never allow it. Never.

He’d rather die eating here than leave her alone.

“If you ever feel tired, tell me, okay?”

Theo nodded vaguely and took a sip of wine.

He met Stefan’s gaze, who looked at him quietly. Stefan quickly turned away, but Theo saw the lingering feelings in his eyes. Theo clicked his tongue.

“So, Stefan, please tell us more. What’s Aranpoca like?”

Theo sat quietly, listening to their conversation until the food arrived. Stefan had disappeared for a while but returned as a businessman.

“Your food is here.”

Stefan’s eyes were full of lingering feelings as he looked at Rosie. Even without touching her, his gaze and words overflowed with longing.

“Rosie, you used to like this.”

Stefan tried to move food from his plate to Rosie’s.

“It’s okay, Stefan. You must be hungry from talking.”

“I haven’t touched it yet. Please, go ahead.”

Stefan insisted, glancing at Theo, then looking dejected.

“Oh, maybe this is too much? Maybe I was too familiar with Rosie. I’m just so happy to see her after so long… Sorry, Young Master.”

Rosie waved her hand, not wanting Stefan to feel bad. She didn’t want to make his low self-esteem worse.

“No, Theo is so generous and understanding. He doesn’t mind things like this. Right, Theo?”

‘No, Rosie. Your husband is terribly narrow-minded and has the thinnest patience.’

Theo swallowed his words and managed a faint smile, barely nodding.

“Yes.”

“See?”

With Rosie’s encouragement, Stefan happily placed food on her plate.

D*mn. That clueless guy.

Theo wanted to drag Rosie out of there, but her innocent smile made him hesitate.

He finished the meal in silence.

“There’s a performance at 5 tomorrow. The Loranta show you liked.”

“Really? Loranta is on this ship?”

Stefan smiled softly and nodded.

“I know her manager, so we can get front-row seats. If you still like Loranta, do you want to go?”

Stefan glanced at Theo as he spoke.

“Young Master, you’re welcome to join us.”

Rosie’s face brightened as she looked at Theo.

“Theo, can I go?”

Her sparkling eyes looked at him. He nodded silently.

“That’s great.”

“Yes, we’ll see each other at the show.”

Stefan’s light brown eyes were full of hope, making Theo even more irritated.

“We’ll be going now. It’s our honeymoon’s first day.”

Theo didn’t even look at Stefan as he wrapped his arm around Rosie’s waist and pulled her close.

He wanted to get her away from that man as soon as possible.

“See you tomorrow, Stefan!”

Rosie waved over her shoulder.

“Theo, slow down.”

Theo didn’t slow his pace, even knowing Rosie would struggle to keep up. Rosie hurried to match him, watching him carefully.

“Are you angry?”

Theo didn’t even glance at her. His clenched jaw and sharp eyes made it clear.

At some point, Theo let go of Rosie’s waist and roughly opened the cabin door.

“If you tell me why you’re angry…”

“I’m not angry. Let’s just go in.”

Theo cut her off and pointed inside.

Rosie, discouraged, walked slowly into the room.

“If it’s because of Stefan, I just…”

As the door closed, Theo rushed to kiss her. It was the most urgent kiss ever.