Chapter 53: Is She Still Foolish? Finished

David, Selena, and Alexander sat in the car with Isabella, watching Rosalie stand near the entrance of the residential building, seemingly waiting. Disappointment was etched on David and Selena's faces. She had come to see Dominic again.

Alexander murmured, "Perhaps she's here to confront him or seek closure." Rosalie's expression was no longer one of longing, but icy aloofness.

Nearby, a group of elderly residents gossiped loudly, their chatter overheard by Isabella. The atmosphere in the car shifted when their conversation turned to Rosalie. Rosalie, sensing their attention, glanced toward them.

The gossips' words were sharp:

"Did Dominic's mother really say that?" "Yes! She said their marriage was uncertain, and she didn't care about them living together. Kendra even said it's normal for her son to have a girlfriend before marriage." "She's got nerve! Any girl with her son is in for trouble." "Any girl who cohabitates casually deserves it. She has no self-respect." "What era are we in?"

The Quirk family's expressions darkened. They knew rumors were inevitable, but hearing them was painful. Isabella noticed Rosalie's demeanor must have changed since speaking with her family.

"But Kendra seemed close to that girl last time," someone commented. "She treated her like a daughter."

"She was pretending! The girl barely left before Kendra started bragging to us," another chimed in, mocking Kendra's tone. "She's a rich girl, smitten with Dominic, and insisted on living with him." Laughter followed, unclear whether directed at the girl or Kendra.

"Kendra bragged they'd marry soon. The girl was afraid of losing Dominic, so she moved in."

"Her son's a parasite! Good-looking, but idle. Who'd be interested?"

"I know! Kendra boasted they wouldn't pay a bride price—the girl insisted on marrying him."

"Oh, I heard Madeline say the girl's family will pay for Madeline's education, a car, a house, and even find Dominic a job!"

"They're dreaming! Do they think everyone's a fool?"

"It's complicated. They're living together, devaluing the girl. If word gets out, she'll be seen as a 'once-married' woman. An unexpected pregnancy would force her family's hand."

Within three weeks of living together, numerous rumors, spread by Kendra and Madeline, had begun to circulate, designed to damage Rosalie's reputation. An elopement would only worsen her situation.

Selena wept, blaming herself and David for not being stricter or more protective of Rosalie. Alexander countered, "This isn't your fault. People learn through experience." The Quirks' privileged upbringing made them vulnerable to exploitation.

Isabella commented, "Rosalie seems to have come to her senses." She suspected Rosalie's realization stemmed from the refusal to cook at the Quirk manor, or the discovery of a secret behind that meal. The Quirks looked at Isabella with softer expressions.

Alexander then announced, "Rosie is leaving." Rosalie, having answered a phone call, rushed out. The family returned to the university.

The Campos family—Dominic's family—were at the university helping Madeline with exchange student procedures, needing upfront payment they couldn't afford unless they sold their house. The Quirks vowed to intervene if Rosalie continued her foolish behavior.

Rosalie burst into the office, finding three Campos family members. She'd entertained Kendra and Brian before. Kendra greeted her, but Rosalie felt sick, sidestepping her hand and approaching Madeline.

Madeline, acting as if nothing had happened, pleaded for financial help with Rosalie's exchange student fees. The staff exchanged knowing glances. Rosalie had given up her spot for Dominic's sister, now even paying her fees.

For the first time, Rosalie saw the contempt and ridicule in their eyes. She felt suffocated.

"Where's Dominic?" Rosalie asked.

Madeline, noting Rosalie didn't use Dominic's nickname, replied that he'd gone home to cook for her. She warned Rosalie not to expect him to cook for her entire family. Rosalie's fierce glare made Madeline recoil.

The Quirk family spotted a man carrying something—Dominic. Isabella expressed surprise. The chapter ends with this revelation.

Chapter 54: Finally Seen the Light

(This section remains largely unchanged as it is a separate chapter introduction.)