Chapter 49: You Are Dumb

Christopher was the first to speak. "Damn it! I knew that guy was trouble! And you moved in with him? What were you thinking?" His fury was evident as he berated Rosalie, who had gone pale with fear. He showed no sign of relenting.

"Tell me the truth," Christopher demanded. "When you were living together, did he sleep with you?"

An awkward silence fell over the room. Even Selena and Evian, who had previously learned about Rosalie and Dominic cohabitating, hadn't pressed for details. Christopher, though aware he shouldn't interfere in his sister's private life, was nauseated at the thought of that "worthless guy" touching her.

Rosalie, mortified, could barely lift her head, but insisted, "Even though we lived together, we had separate rooms. He truly loves me and promised not to cross any boundaries before marriage. He just wants to spend more time with me. He really is a wonderful person!"

As an adult, she reasoned, her relationship was her own business. Many of her classmates weren't virgins; compared to them, Dominic's respect felt precious.

Her response left everyone dumbfounded. While seemingly positive, everyone knew what a man typically expected from a woman he asked to move in with him. Christopher, therefore, assumed Rosalie was lying.

Then, they heard Isabella's inner thoughts. It turns out to be true! How strange.

A wave of disbelief washed over everyone. Really? That's unbelievable! Would that guy really act so innocently after asking a girl to move in with him? After all, he even dared to touch a girl’s thigh in broad daylight! The unspoken question hung in the air: Does he have erectile dysfunction or something? Isabella, consumed by curiosity, immediately started gossiping to find out.

The atmosphere shifted. Rosalie's cheeks flushed crimson. In fact, there had been a moment when Dominic held her, and she felt something. But they were interrupted by Madeline; otherwise, something might have happened.

Isabella, while unable to confirm Dominic's physical capabilities, uncovered something else. "Oh, gosh!" she exclaimed, startling everyone.

Even Rosalie, unfamiliar with Isabella's situation, felt flustered. Recalling Isabella's past behavior, Rosalie had always harbored doubts. Hella truly knew everything, how could she dislike such a wonderful person like Dominic?

Then, Isabella's incredulous thoughts echoed: No way! Has Rosalie gone blind, or is she just plain stupid?

Rosalie was stunned by the harsh judgment. Isabella's internal monologue continued: Dominic told Rosalie he'd been good to her. He said, "Look at other people’s girlfriends. Once they move in together, the girlfriends will do the laundry, cook, take care of their boyfriends, and even hand over all their money to them. That’s what a good woman does. But you’re my baby, and I don’t mind if you never grow up or stay naive." Just like that, Rosalie felt inadequate and ended up living with him! He also said, "You managed to ruin my jersey even though I only asked you to hand wash it. What girl doesn’t know how to do laundry? Yet, I’m not angry with you, nor have I judged you for it. From now on, I wash the jerseys. Where else could you find a boyfriend who spoils you like I do?" After that, Rosalie apologized, finding the experience rather sweet. She actually felt cherished by her boyfriend. How disgusting! I can’t bear to learn more. My principles have been tainted. My intelligence has been dragged through the dirt.

Everyone's expressions changed dramatically, their gazes fixed on Rosalie with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. The familial affection had been replaced by a detached observation of a strange creature.

Rosalie, initially charmed by the sweet exchanges, was now overwhelmed by embarrassment at Isabella's sarcastic mimicry. More than the deception, she felt humiliated for Dominic.

"He is actually" Rosalie began, her voice trembling.

Christopher interrupted, pointing at her nose, "You're such a hopeless romantic!"

"I'm not!" Rosalie exclaimed desperately.

"Oh, right! That term is reserved for someone who is loved in return. Since that’s not the case for you, you’re just dumb!" Christopher declared bluntly. "Mom had to go through obstructed labor to give birth to you. Did she accidentally leave your brain behind in her belly?"

Rosalie, overwhelmed, faltered. Tears welled in her eyes as she protested, "No! He loves me. What about you all? Do you have any successful love stories to share? You have no right to lecture me on this matter."

She challenged her siblings. But then they heard Isabella's thoughts: She’s right. They don’t have the right.

The family was shocked. Whose side are you on, anyway?

Rosalie, emboldened, felt a surge of confidence. Isabella's inner thoughts continued: Well, it seems like the entire family is inherently naive and innocent. Evian, Alexander, and Christopher have already been deceived. Now, Rosalie is in the process of getting tricked. I wonder if it’s genetic. I wonder what their parents were like when they were young…

David and Selena shuddered. They knew the conversation had gone too far.

Selena coughed. "Rosie, since we can't seem to convince you, you should stay at home for a while."

Rosalie was furious. "Are you confining me? I'm an adult! You can't just—"

"Are we supposed to just stand by and watch as you cohabitate with that terrible man? Well, unless you don't want to acknowledge me as your mother anymore," Selena countered.

Despite her rebellious streak, Rosalie's tears betrayed her disappointment.

David said sternly, "All right, let's not discuss anything else for now. Once the application form is filled out, it should be delivered tonight."

"I don't want to," Rosalie blurted out.

"Could you repeat that?" David's voice was colder.

"I don't want to go elsewhere," Rosalie insisted. "I've already thrown away the application form."

David gasped. "Y-you…"

Christopher couldn't resist another jab. "Did that hooligan perform an eye removal surgery on you or a brain polishing procedure?"

Rosalie remained stubbornly silent.

Alexander's unexpected statement, "All right," silenced everyone.

Rosalie, surprised, asked, "Alex, are you really willing to stand by me?"

"No, I’m merely respecting your decisions about your own future," Alexander said solemnly. "Whether you choose to cherish or squander it, as long as you’ve thought it through, it’s your choice. Don’t blame your family for not advising you later on."

Rosalie felt a pang of loss. The Quirk family, except for Rosalie, seemed to understand Alexander's message. Everyone pays a price for youthful folly. For the Quirks, the price wouldn't be devastating, but a lesson Rosalie would never forget.

Three days later, someone came looking for Rosalie.