CHAPTER 181: CHAPTER 181: NOT WANTING TO BE A BURDEN

She didn’t want to be a burden.

So far, Seraphina Sinclair still didn’t understand Desmond Fairchild’s intentions, stubbornly believing that not announcing their marriage was for the best of both. No matter how Desmond explained or comforted her, she still stubbornly refused to make it public.

Desmond never expected things to escalate to this point. He understood Seraphina’s feelings, but that didn’t mean he agreed with her viewpoint.

So, as they talked, the conversation fell apart.

"Since we can’t reach an agreement on this, we’ll have to indefinitely postpone it," Desmond adjusted his mood, saying this to Seraphina.

Seraphina pursed her red lips, responding only after a long pause, "Okay, since you don’t want to, let’s not talk about it for now."

Desmond immediately wanted to explain that it wasn’t that he didn’t want to get married, but he didn’t want her to marry him with reservations. However, he’d already said enough, and on this matter, Seraphina had started to get stubborn, even ten oxen couldn’t drag her back.

There was no need to explain further; this was something Seraphina needed to figure out on her own.

Clearly, they had intended to cherish the moment together, but it ended on a sour note.

In the following days, though they lived under the same roof, they avoided each other like strangers despite always bumping into each other.

Whenever they met, they greeted each other formally, yet their interactions were even more distant than those between strangers.

This naturally caught the attention of Jude Sinclair and Rosalie Quinn.

Another morning came, both Desmond and Seraphina were in the habit of getting up early for work. Because Rosalie was around, they didn’t have to be responsible for sending Jude to school temporarily.

They hadn’t been staying together for the past few days and ran into each other in the living room while getting ready to leave. With a simple nod and a brief hello, they went on their separate ways.

Standing on the second floor, Rosalie watched their interaction and felt a headache coming on.

Jude, standing beside her, was also puzzled, "Godmother, did Dad and Mom have a fight?"

"I didn’t hear them fighting. Besides, with your mom’s personality, if they really fought, she would directly ignore your dad. But what’s going on with them now?" Rosalie had never seen anything like this.

As she pondered, her eyes suddenly widened in fear, "Could it be that your parents officially broke up?"

"Why do you say that?" Jude asked, confused.

"Usually, when a couple fights due to relationship problems, they ignore each other. These two still speak but in a more formal manner, which doesn’t feel like a couple’s spat at all," Rosalie analyzed, stroking her chin little by little.

"Don’t they resemble those couples in soap operas a bit—who have to marry for family reasons? Even if they don’t like each other, they still carry on with respect because they’re married."

Rosalie narrated vividly, "They seem exactly like that, that formal vibe is spot on. Otherwise, they’re like those who’ve divorced but are living together for the child’s sake, playing the roles of mom and dad."

Jude resisted the urge to roll his eyes, saying with disdain, "Godmother, maybe you should watch fewer idol dramas."

"Am I wrong? Doesn’t your parents’ current state seem strange to you?" Rosalie felt her analysis was very reasonable.

"It is weird, but Dad and Mom definitely haven’t broken up," Jude said firmly.

Rosalie looked him up and down, whispering, "Might I ask, Jude Sinclair, how did you reach this conclusion?"

"You can’t hide the look in your eyes when you like someone. Even though things have been weird lately, they still secretly look at each other, so they’re definitely not broken up," Jude mimicked Rosalie, stroking his chin while talking and nodding, becoming more convinced he was right.

Rosalie didn’t realize Jude knew so much and couldn’t help but give him a thumbs up, "Good boy, you know a lot for your age. Tell godmother, what else have you noticed?"

The two of them discussed for two whole hours and concluded that directly asking the individuals involved might be better than guessing and speculation.

Therefore.

Jude texted Desmond Fairchild directly to inquire about what was going on between the two.

Although Desmond had some disagreements with Seraphina, he wasn’t cold to Jude. Upon receiving Jude’s message, he succinctly explained the issue that he and Seraphina were currently facing.

After getting the answer, Rosalie could only roll her eyes speechlessly.

"I thought it was something major. If it’s this kind of thing, you and I can’t help; it’s something your dad and mom need to work out themselves."

Jude agreed, "Yeah."

Unraveling Seraphina’s knot wasn’t something that could be done easily; for her to face herself would probably take a long journey.

It seemed that Desmond had a long and difficult road ahead to truly bring Seraphina home.

While pondering the challenging future of Seraphina and Desmond, the familiar ringtone suddenly started playing.

This ringtone was set for special attention and was different from everyone else’s. So even if she didn’t answer, Rosalie knew who was calling.

She cleared her throat, adjusted her mood, and then hit the answer button, "Hello, the number you dialed is busy, please call again later..."

"Rosalie, do you have time this afternoon?" Simon Finch’s gentle voice came through the phone.

"What’s up?" Rosalie was interrupted before she could finish and felt a bit annoyed.

"I miss you," Simon said honestly.

Rosalie’s face turned red, but couldn’t help her lips curling up, "Just because you miss me, I have to meet you? No way, I’m busy."

Simon sighed in disappointment, "I originally bought your favorite bag, but since you don’t want to see me, I’ll have to return it."

"Wait! I didn’t, didn’t say I had no time at all. Since you’re inviting me so sincerely, I’ll squeeze out a little time for you," Rosalie reluctantly agreed with a haughty hum.

Jude, watching from the side, was full of disdain but was used to his godmother’s antics; she had always been like this over the years.

"I’ll wait at our usual spot," Simon wasn’t surprised by her reply. After being together for so long, how could he not know her?

Rosalie replied, "I’ll take Jude to school first. I haven’t had lunch yet, reserve a seat somewhere."

"Okay."

"You know which restaurant I prefer, right?"

"Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied."

After finishing the call, Jude had already changed his clothes and was ready with his backpack at the door, waving to Rosalie, "Godmother, if we don’t hurry, I’ll be late."

"I know, I know, why the rush?" Rosalie responded while dashing back into the room to change into a lovely wool coat, tidying up a bit before finally taking Jude out the door.