Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Jess blinked in confusion. "Don't tell me you're going to discuss with that Bookworm?"

Fathia gave a small smile. "No, he's busy. I'm just returning his book, that's all."

Before Fathia could take a few steps away, Jess stopped her again. "Are you dating Jimmy?"

"Where did you get that nonsense?" Fathia waved her hand dismissively and continued with her intention. She was telling the truth, though. She just used the excuse to return the book now. Fathia was prolonging her time. That way, when she returned, she could sit in the back area.

She didn't want to stare at Sebastian for too long in front of the guests. Most likely, he wouldn't be far from the main podium. Jesslyn, on the other hand, would definitely choose a seat in the front. Not because she wanted to hear Sebastian's speech and advice. No, Fathia was certain of that. Jess was only doing it so that the two of them could sit and admire how cool Sebastian was, especially Fathia.

Observing Sebastian from a distance because when he was with Clara, Fathia's mood felt even gloomier.

"What's wrong with me?" Fathia complained softly as she continued walking, strolling down the corridor toward the back cafeteria where the young man had informed her of his current location.

"What do you mean?"

Fortunately, Fathia stopped just in time. Otherwise, she would have bumped into the young man she intended to meet. "You startled me," she said as she swiftly turned her backpack and pulled out a book she had intentionally borrowed. "Thanks, it was really useful."

Jimmy laughed. "You're welcome. Glad I could help you, Fathia."

Before the pretty girl could turn around, Jimmy stopped her. "Aren't you attending the seminar?"

Fathia responded with a small smile, then continued on her way, although she slowed her pace. She headed back to where she had parted with Jess earlier. Yet, Clara's presence made her steps painfully slow. Ah, should Fathia stop by the cafeteria first? Maybe buy some candy? Just to buy some time?

A good idea.

She quickly acted on it to clear her thoughts and ensure she could sit in the back. Her intention to watch Sebastian from the front had vanished due to Clara. A bag of sweets was now tucked inside her backpack, along with a bottle of water as a filler.

Her phone's ring interrupted Fathia's leisurely pace, even though the event was about to start.

"Fathia, where are you?"

"Just a moment."

"Don't take too long, the event is about to—"

Fathia decided to end the call. She was sure that Jess had already taken a seat in the front or somewhere closer to the center. And there would probably be one reserved for her as well. But as for Clara, Fathia didn't want that. She wanted things to be clear now. To sit in the back. Not too visible to Sebastian.

Or even better, she didn't need to be within Sebastian's reach at all. That would be best. Although the fleeting thought of escaping the seminar seemed enjoyable, she didn't want to take that risk. She needed to be seen, even if it was just a glance from Sebastian.

And indeed, when Fathia arrived in the seminar room, many other students had already crowded in. It was as if there was a magnet attracting them to gather like this. Was it because Sebastian had replaced the original speaker, or simply because Sebastian had arrived and become a sudden star?

The scene where two beautiful couples descended from their luxury cars, warmly welcomed by the event organizers, played vividly in Fathia's mind. They walked gracefully and elegantly without lowering their sharp gazes. They seemed indifferent to their surroundings and immediately headed to their designated places in the room.

Everything was perfectly portrayed in Fathia's mind.

She didn't want to dwell on it, but the image kept bothering her. She entered the room and, as she wished, took a seat in the back. She couldn't hear what the speakers were saying at all. Fathia's gaze was fixed on one point: Sebastian Sachdev. Right behind him was Clara, accompanying him.

Fathia admitted how truly captivating her former potential sister-in-law was. The combination of handsomeness and a well-fitted suit, along with her face that was pleasant to look at, was a true blessing for Sebastian. Fathia had even openly praised Sebastian's good looks in front of her sister. Felice had responded with a playful laugh back then.

Moreover, it was true that whatever Sebastian said in public made many people, especially groups of female students, nearly hysterical. His words left an impression that he mastered what he was saying. Clear and on point, especially the key points that were the reason he was chosen as the speaker for the afternoon.

"Why does it feel so suffocating? Sebastian is so annoying. He claimed to love Felice so much. Where is it now? Such a liar!" Fathia muttered unconsciously. If only Clara hadn't been there this morning, maybe Clara would be applauding Fathia the loudest for Sebastian. Ah, she should curse her own lips that had given away information about his activities today.

She should have been able to gaze at Sebastian so contently in the front row. Not like now, avoiding him even though they were so close—well, not anymore. Fathia didn't even recognize the Sebastian in front of her now. Cold, rigid, full of rules, bossy, and often scolding her. However... no matter what, Fathia owed him. Sebastian had kindly taken care of her so well up until now.

Unfortunately... everything had become chaotic because of the fox with nine tails that clung to Sebastian without any shame or sense of decency. As the event was nearing its end, Fathia couldn't help but mutter insults about Sebastian. When the event finally concluded, Fathia prepared to leave the room. The snacks she had bought were all devoured as she muttered in annoyance.

Truly, the sight in front of her made Fathia nauseous many times over. Clara's spoiled demeanor made it seem as if she was the luckiest woman to be by Sebastian's side. Argh! Everything was getting on Fathia's nerves.

True, the room was closed, and at times during discussions and Q&A sessions where Sebastian was a speaker, Fathia and Clara exchanged glances. Sebastian's gaze was filled with questioning, caught by Fathia sitting in the back. Fathia wanted to ignore it, but she couldn't help it; she was too captivated by the intense look of Sebastian Sachdev.

Once the event ended, Fathia chose to leave from the back. She decided to meet Jess in the cafeteria, but the last thing Fathia remembered was Sebastian's loud voice calling her name. When she turned around, Fathia felt like she had been slow to realize something was happening. There was only one thing she truly felt. Fathia's body felt like it was burning and stinging all over.