Chapter 12
Chapter 42
+15 BONUS
Selena watched me holding Jessica tightly in my arms, her steps slow and deliberate as she approached.
“Sebastian, what’s the meaning of this?” she asked, her voice trembling with pain.
Each word cut into me like a blade.
“So, this is why you secretly signed me up to study abroad? Selena said, tears streaming down her face.
I forced myself to swallow the ache in my chest, masking it with impatience.
“Some things don’t need to be spelled out. Saying it outright won’t do anyone any good “I met her gaze coldly.” What you see is what it is.”
Without another glance, I scooped Jessica into my arms and started walking away.
“Sebastian! I don’t believe you!” Selena called out from behind me, her voice cracking. “If you can’t let go of Jessica, then what were we? What was all that? Was it a lie? Tell me it wasn’t a lie!”
Her sobs tore through me, threatening to unravel everything. My heart twisted, as if it might collapse under the weight of the truth and shatter into pieces. I stopped in my tracks, forcing myself to turn back and look at her.
“Yes,” I said, my voice sharp, cutting. “I lied to you. You need to wake up, Selena. Don’t waste your time on someone like me.”
Selena doubled over, clutching her chest as if my words had physically struck her. She couldn’t even speak through her gasps.
Samuel shot me a disapproving look, his brow furrowed. He didn’t know what I was thinking, but it was clear he didn’t agree with it. Still, he went over and helped Selena up.
Seeing her in so much pain, I nearly lost all resolve and ran to her. But then I remembered James‘ words, Christopher’s hopes, and the seven years of effort Selena had poured into this.
I clenched my jaw and turned away without hesitation, tightening my grip on Jessica as I carried her forward. Every step felt like a battle. Just to keep from crying out, I had to bite down so hard that the ache reached my bones.
Jessica looked up at me from my arms, her eyes searching. Seb, you…”
I kept my gaze forward and said quietly, “I’m sorry for dragging you into this. Thank you for helping me put on this act.”
Her expression dimmed, her voice barely a whisper, asking “Was it just an act?”
I didn’t answer.
After I dropped Jessica off at the hospital and handed her over to her family, I went back to my car and called Samuel to check on Selena.
Hearing she had made it home safely was the only thing that eased the weight pressing on my chest. After I hung up, I slumped against the steering wheel, my eyes burning with unshed tears.
“Lena, I hope you keep thriving and growing stronger. I’m not worth it.”
