Sebastian drove Rosalie to Rebecca's house, but on the way, Sydney suddenly changed the destination. They headed to a restaurant instead.
Sydney and Rebecca were already waiting in a private room.
When Rosalie arrived, her pregnancy evident, she rushed in. "Grandma!"
Rebecca looked around, puzzled. "What did you just call me?"
In the phone call, Sydney had mentioned that Rebecca was suffering from dementia, and Rosalie had felt as if she were dreaming. Seeing Rebecca now made everything painfully real.
Sydney immediately stood up. "Please, sit."
Her gaze fell on Sebastian, filled with mixed emotions—no disdain, but perhaps a hint of happiness.
Sebastian found her suddenly warm attitude strange and unsettling. He had no idea what led to this change.
He sensed it was connected to his father, though he didn't believe Sydney was being threatened. After all, she was a strong woman, not easily intimidated.
Sebastian helped Rosalie into a chair. "Grandma, it's me, Rose. Don't you recognize me?"
"Rose?" Rebecca chuckled. "What are you talking about? My Rose is still in middle school! Look at you; you're pregnant! How could you be my Rose?"
Rosalie remembered Sydney's warning not to upset Rebecca. She said that if Rebecca had forgotten certain details, she should just go along with it and not trigger her memories. Otherwise, she might experience headaches.
So, it was of utmost importance that Rosalie did not let her realize she had dementia.
Rosalie fought back tears, forcing a smile. "You caught me! I just feel you're so familiar, so I couldn't help but call you Grandma. Please don't be upset."
"I'm not upset," Rebecca said. "You do look familiar. How far along are you?"
"Five months."
"Your belly looks about right," Sydney commented, glancing at Sebastian. "Is this your husband? He seems so caring."
Rebecca looked at Sydney and then back at Sebastian, a hint of confusion crossing her face. "Sydney, I can't shake the feeling that this boy looks a bit like you. The eyebrows, the eyes—they seem exactly like yours."
Sydney felt a jolt of anxiety at Rebecca's words. "Mom, you must be mistaken. How could that be?"
"Really?" Rebecca turned her curious gaze to Sebastian. "What's your name?"
"I'm Sebastian," he replied.
"Sebastian," Rebecca repeated, nodding. "That's a lovely name, and you're quite handsome. Your parents must be good-looking, too."
Sebastian smiled politely. "In my eyes, Rose is the most beautiful person."
His gaze was fixed on Rosalie, the woman he was crazy about, but he caught the worried look in Sydney's eyes.
Why was she so flustered when Rebecca mentioned they looked alike?
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