Rosita smiled gently. "That''s why, while I still have the strength to act, I want to


    leave more of my story on the screen. If one day, I really have to go, at least Irwin will be able to see his mother''s face in those films."


    There was a sincerity in her words, and the brave smile she forced only made it more heartbreaking.


    Stewart was silent for a moment before he spoke. "If that''s what you''ve decided, I''ll respect it. And if Saul from the Lockwood family keeps bothering you, just let me know."


    "Thank you, Stewart." Rosita sniffled, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she smiled. "I might be heading back to set the day after tomorrow. I''ll be leaving Irwin in your hands from now on."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of him."


    "I''ve always trusted you with Irwin."


    Rosita lowered her head and spoke quietly. "You and Briony have done a wonderful job raising him these past five years. Maybe I never should''vee back at all. I feel so guilty-seeing how frightened Irwin was when I had my episode made me realize I''ve never really been a good mother..."


    Stewart frowned slightly. "It''s not your fault. You didn''t choose this."


    Rosita looked up, her eyes rimmed red and shimmering with tears. "Stewart, if Ms. Kensington ever decides toe back, you must cherish her. She really is a wonderful person. I owe her an apology."


    Stewart said nothing.


    He simply looked at her, dark eyes unreadable, lost in thought.


    Rosita drew a deep breath and continued, "There''s onest thing I''d like to ask, if you''ll agree."


    "Go ahead."


    "The rumors about our engagement caused quite a stir. Now that I''m making my return, I know the tabloids wille after me from all angles. I realize this puts you in a tough spot, but I have to ask: when I''m back at work, no matter what the press says, please don''t respond."


    Stewart''s brow furrowed; her request clearly troubled him.


    Rosita rushed to exin. "When I announced my retirement, I lost a lot of fans. Now that I''ming back, I need some buzz to keep things afloat. The shoot willst around three months-if I can''t keep the attention going, it''ll hurt the show when it finally airs."


    "You have my word. Once the series is released, I''ll work with PR to announce that we ended things amicably a while ago. Does that work for you?"


    Stewart''s frown deepened, and after a moment he replied in a cold voice, "This is thest time I help you with publicity."


    Rosita''s tense expression finally eased. She nodded, managing a grateful smile. "Thank you, Stewart. I promise, I won''t trouble you again."


    Stewart didn''t reply. He turned and walked straight downstairs.


    Rosita watched his cold, retreating figure, the corners of her lips curling ever so slightly.


    ...


    Briony was now twenty-three weeks pregnant and had an important prenatal scan scheduled.


    Because of the earlier exposure to heavy radiation, everyone remained anxious about the baby''s development.


    That made this uing scan absolutely crucial.