Chapter 34: Chapter 34

"That's my business with Sebastian, you don't need to get involved to that extent," Clara warned with a slightly raised voice, causing Fathia to swallow nervously.

"Just anticipation, Aunt. Letting you know what things will be like in front of you if I'm not by Sebastian's side. Because what he's pursuing is—"

"I know. It's... just get to the point. You'll leave Sebastian's life. Start a new life wherever, I don't care. Besides, no one will realize that you're a Claire now."

Fathia felt a gust of cold wind hit her. Slowly but surely, it tore at her heart, which had already been wounded by sadness. The words reverberated perfectly, erasing the tiny smile Fathia had on her face.

When she looked at her own face for the first time, tears flowed uncontrollably. Her fingers traced the long-lost scars gently. Not to mention, she truly didn't recognize the person she was staring at. She had struggled to regain her self-confidence, trying to accept it because it was indeed very difficult. She wasn't the Fathia she should be. Even the face she had once been proud of, with its intense gaze that clashed with hers, reminded her of Felice's figure, had vanished.

And now? Clara stated it without hesitation.

"Aunt's right," she said, holding back her tears. "No one knows that this is me, Fathia. Thank you for turning me into someone else."

Clara sighed. "Gratitude is what's appropriate, Fathia."

"That's why I want to talk." Fathia got up from her bed, walking slowly towards the hospital window where she often sat lost in thought. "I won't show up in front of you guys anymore. Aunt is right, Sebastian will keep facing danger if he's close to me. After all... Fathia has already been buried, right?"

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know?"

"Claire isn't just anyone, Aunt. Even international TV channels broadcasted that news. Even though I may seem like a spoiled child who can't do anything, Azure Group belongs to me."

Clara blinked. Clara indeed knew who this girl under Sebastian's protection was.

"But I really don't want to hold on to Azure Group. I want to live peacefully."

Fathia could hear an annoyed sigh from Clara. Impatiently, Clara's steps moved towards her. "Can you stop beating around the bush?"

"If I've been buried, the leadership of Azure Group will automatically be questioned. Because, within two years, it should have been under my control, Aunt. That puts Sebastian in a vulnerable position. It could even be that they're currently having a big meeting to replace Sebastian."

Clara fell silent.

"I'm certain that with Sebastian's abilities, Azure Group will lose, but... I'm willing to bet that Sebastian won't want to continue with Azure Group."

The woman nicknamed the nine-tailed fox by Fathia swallowed nervously. Everything Fathia was saying was true.

"I won't have any more contact with you guys. Nor with Azure Group. For me, it's all in the past."

"That's good then."

Fathia turned slowly. She smiled a bit, adjusting her shoulder-length hair. "Can I ask for one favor?"

The question visibly furrowed Clara's brows. "What?" she asked, without realizing.

"I want a new identity. Can you arrange that?"

Clara's reverie was interrupted as the elevator door opened. A small table and chairs welcomed them. A faint and soothing aroma of lavender wafted, momentarily relaxing Clara. The earlier conversation had occupied her thoughts until now. She just wanted Fathia to stay away from them. To let go of Sebastian without neglecting Azure Group. But... the breaking news had left her confused as well.

The news about the sole heir of Azure Group leaving had dominated most of the news, both in print and online. Even after the news had been pulled down, there were still whispers and rumors related to Fathia Bernessa Claire's death.

Clara pushed open the smoothly polished wooden door to her right. She was certain Fathia wouldn't lock it.

Jess, who was following Clara, was both suspicious and curious. This was no ordinary apartment. The opulence and the tight security were enough to raise questions. Was it true that Fathia... yes, Fathia whom they had seen buried right before their eyes, was alive? Was it true?

"Fathia," she called out rather loudly.

"Yes..., I'm here."

That voice... made Jess's heart race uncontrollably, like it was slipping on the marble floor beneath her feet. Fathia's voice.

"Fathia!"

***

Almost every night since Fathia was buried, he had turned this into a personal routine. Sebastian stood in front of the softly pink-toned room. The perpetually fresh scent of citrus filled the air perfectly. The clothes hanging in the corner of the room were still just as he remembered them. He could even faintly catch the scent of her perfume, even though it was subtle. Her books, an indication that the room's owner was someone who enjoyed solitude, were still scattered around.

However, the room remained tidy. Sebastian had requested that nothing be moved inside. Just clean away the dust and dirt. Even the bedspread that he recalled having shared with the girl was still perfectly in place.

Slowly, he entered the room. His mind was filled with memories of the beautiful long-haired girl. Her smile. The way she laughed. Not to mention her playful behavior that instantly filled Sebastian with a deeply painful longing. He sat down on the edge of the bed, picking up a photograph of the girl smiling widely, looking at the camera.

Two weeks after Sebastian managed to track down Fathia's location at the hospital, in critical condition, with the doctors being rather tight-lipped about her progress, she passed away. Quietly and peacefully, joining her parents and beloved older sibling in heaven. He never thought he'd have to lose Fathia so soon.

Yet... he could have protected her.

Blaming himself had become a common practice throughout the passing days of Fathia's funeral. Many sweet memories now seemed to race through his mind, making it all the more painful.

"I'm sorry, Fathia." Sebastian bowed his head, realizing that even a blink would bring tears to his eyes again. "I'm sorry," he said in a hushed tone. Allowing the photograph to become damp from his tears.

"Where are you going, Sebastian?"

Sebastian, who was in the midst of tying his tie, stopped. His eyes found Fathia standing not far from him. Her doll-like eyes blinked slowly. A sweet smile bloomed on her face.

"Work. What else?" Sebastian chuckled as Fathia remained in front of him.

"Did you forget what day it is today?"

Sebastian's brow furrowed suddenly. "What day is it?"

The lips that had been so sweetly smiling moments ago turned into a pout. Her eyes lazily fixed on Sebastian, who was now giving her his full attention. "What's up, Fathia?"

"Today is the day we collect our school assessments. Who else should I ask for help if not you?"

The man closed his eyes briefly, digging up the memory of the day when he had promised to go to her school to collect her report card. "I'm sorry. I forgot."

"It's okay, you clearly don't care about me anymore." She turned around quickly, but before she could move away, Fathia let out a loud scream, which eventually turned into laughter as Sebastian relentlessly tickled her.

"Of course I care, love. I care a lot," Sebastian whispered softly. His words made Fathia fall silent.

"Really?" she asked, just to make sure her ears weren't mistaken. This time, the man who Fathia knew rarely spoke in front of others but was willing to entertain her endless chatter nodded firmly. Making her heart slowly bubble with happiness.

"I love you too, Sebastian." However, her words hadn't fully taken flight when she caught another remark from Sebastian.

"Especially as you become more like your sister, Felice each day. Smart, beautiful, obedient, no trouble at all. I'm growing fonder of you."

Sebastian regretted saying that. He should have... been honest with his feelings, even though it was difficult.