Chapter 5
I interrupted him:
“It doesn’t matter anymore, Sebastian Clem.”
“It’s all in the past, let’s not bring it up again.”
“It was my misunderstanding, I misjudged you and her”
He seemed to want to speak but, seeing my dismissive and irritated demeanor, his words were caught in his throat.
Sebastian Clem stood there, tense, just quietly watching me.
In the past, I would have initiated, asking him if something was wrong, if he had something on his mind.
1/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
Most of the time, Sebastian Clem would say no, or that I was overthinking.
But this time, I could sense it – he had something important to say to me.
Something very, very important.
If only I would ask, if only I would show some
care.
He wouldn’t pretend to be aloof; he would open up completely to me.
Under his expectant gaze, I finally spoke:
“Sebastian Clem.”
“Good night.”
I saw the shock and disbelief in his
2/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
expression, the disappointment in his eyes almost palpable, his smile fixed in place, looking forlorn and pitiful.
But I didn’t continue, I turned my back to him and went to sleep.
That night, Sebastian Clem didn’t say another word.
The night was long.
But, for once, I finally got a good night’s sleep.
Without having to think about his affairs.
Sebastian Clem had changed so drastically.
To the point where it frightened me.
He started coming home right after work,
3/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
bringing roses and cake to cheer me up.
The fantasy I once longed for had finally come true, yet I couldn’t muster any
excitement; instead, I felt dissatisfaction and
resentment.
pursed my lips and finally gathered the courage to speak:
“These roses will wither in a few days, and too much cake will raise my blood sugar.”
“And besides, we’ve been married for so many years. With no parents around here, you don’t need to put on an act.”
“There’s so much to deal with at the company; you don’t have to worry about things at home. Work late if you need to, go to dinners if you have to, I won’t overthink it.”
4/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
Sebastian Clem got home earlier and earlier, which indirectly meant I hadn’t seen my young beau for two or three days.
Perhaps it was my tone, filled with grievance and lacking the joy Sebastian Clem hoped for, that made his smile fade.
Especially when he finally noticed.
Fresh white jasmine in the living room vase.
The air thick with the sweet scent of strawberry cream.
Sebastian Clem snapped back and, right before I could speak, suddenly raised his voice and asked:
“I’m making dinner, what would you like to eat?”
5/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points.
“Chinese? Or French?”
Sebastian Clem uncharacteristically stood his ground, waiting for my answer.
I looked at him in confusion, but when I looked up, I met his reddened eyes.
His tone was calm, but his voice was gentler than ever:
“Whatever you want, I’ll make it for you.”
“It won’t take long, I won’t keep you waiting.”
I couldn’t ignore the plea in his eyes.
Sebastian Clem was pleading with me.
It was shocking.
But why?
6/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
I pursed my lips, under his eager gaze, and eventually gave in:
“I want spaghetti.”
As soon as I spoke, Sebastian Clem’s tension eased, his smile became more natural, and he replied, “Okay.”
But, unfortunately, before he finished cooking.
The phone rang in the living room.
And this time, the one who left was me.
I shared most of Sebastian Clem’s odd
behavior with Lars Clarke.
I was puzzled:
7/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
“So, why is he doing this?”
“It’s just not like him.”
Lars Clarke chuckled softly, his eyes gentle but sharp, and simply said, “He’s being pathetic.”
Before I could process what he said, Lars Clarke immediately changed his expression, looking bashful:
“Valentine’s Day is coming up in a few days, and you promised you’ll spend it with me.”
“It’s my first time going on a date with a girl, could we… finish what we didn’t last time?”
8/8
