Chapter 91: Chapter 91

Two weeks had passed since the tragedy at the big Group Azure meeting. Fathia greeted the sun with a lot of gratitude when she woke up in the morning. Her burdens had lightened; her smile had brightened with each passing day. Even though she spent most of her time at home, she chose to return there because her sense of security had been restored.

Kenzo agreed wholeheartedly, and he was the one who helped Fathia break free from Sebastian without much resistance or coercion. But still, Sebastian was Sebastian. Almost every night, Fathia received his individual visits. She could never turn him away because honestly, her heart longed for his messages even just for a day.

Also, regarding Aunt Laras' condition, she was now in the process of recovery. Fathia wanted Laras to be in her home with Kenzo and to welcome visits from Iklima and Akmal, the youngest siblings of her father. The visions and hopes she sent to God every time she closed her eyes, anticipating sweet dreams at night, were about her family reuniting. Even without Dad, Mommy, and Felice, she still had Laras and Iklima.

Luckily, that hope was starting to materialize from all of them. According to Fathia, nothing was more joyful than this. It made her smile brighter day by day. Although, inevitably, that radiant smile was accompanied by a lot of annoyance and frustration due to Jess and Kenzo's constant bickering, much like a cat and dog. There was never any agreement between them; instead, Fathia's curses and swears echoed. "I'm praying that you two get married this year! Right here! I'll throw a grand party, and I'll plaster your names all over social media in New York City! Let it go viral!"

Instead of backing down, they exchanged glances, shrieking and shouting in disbelief, yet in unison saying, "Eww!!! No way!!!"

At home, even with that situation, Fathia still enjoyed, even cherished, the now bustling atmosphere. She spent a lot of time in the garden, piecing together the parts of her life that had gone missing. She also began thinking about Group Azure, which she would officially take charge of soon. Let's not forget the fact that she also had to witness the upcoming lengthy trial.

Vino had sorted out everything related to the fake death documents, especially with the university, so that Fathia could return to her studies. He also attended to the victims, many of whom were Fathia's friends from the university. He provided assistance, especially to those who suffered severe injuries and their own trauma. He also handled the victims whose names were used by Clara to cover up Fathia.

Speaking of Clara, Fathia had never met her except for the time at the hospital. Just before she truly returned to Aunt Laras' hospital room, they had a brief conversation. Short. But it left Fathia wondering, even though she hesitated to voice her concerns.

"I just wanted to let you know, Fathia." Clara glanced unwillingly at the girl sitting beside her. The beautiful woman was clearly bothered by the calm demeanor of the girl who was now lost in her gaze. There was a small smile on her face that Clara couldn't help but continue to despise.

"Let me know what, Clara?" Fathia asked calmly. Her heart was a bit anxious, though, because she had seen how they interacted just a while ago. Quite familiar. Even Sebastian didn't show his usual angry or stiff expression. Had Sebastian forgiven Clara's treatment of Fathia so easily? Whenever Fathia asked Clara about their relationship, Sebastian always cut her off perfectly, enveloping it in sweet kisses that made Fathia forget that it was the most important thing to question and needed an answer.

"We're still getting married." Clara eagerly awaited Fathia's expression. A triumphant grin clearly formed on her face. Although she didn't know what she would face in the trial, she had a strong reason for doing it.

She wanted to testify, reveal, and provide a lot of information during the trial as long as she was assured. Clara wasn't ignorant about this. She was making use of the situation, even though she herself was under a lot of pressure from everything Laras had done to her. Indeed, everything revolved around the girl sitting calmly beside her. If it weren't for her, Clara would surely have been freed from all the things tied to Laras. She closed her eyes for a moment, needing to relax. After all, with all the legal protections she had for the trial, she was once again trying her luck regarding her relationship with Sebastian.

Since their conversation at the cafe with Sebastian, Clara was convinced that what she had said had influenced him enough. Because after those words were uttered, which Clara still remembered very clearly.

"You were supposed to protect her, right? You failed, Sebastian. Failed."

Nevertheless, Clara did have to be on guard with this girl. How could Fathia know about the background she had long abandoned? Just hearing the girl clearly mention her full name sent shivers down her spine. But she wasn't going to just give Sebastian up so easily.

There were only two or three steps left until they could be together. It didn't matter what Laras said about her obsession with Sebastian, which could slowly kill her. Ignoring the fact that recently Sebastian had been extremely cold towards her, except for just now. Just moments ago, Sebastian seemed to have given her the green light to improve their relationship.

True. She only wanted Sebastian.

No matter what happened on that day, when Clara's words had stuck with her, words that couldn't easily be erased from her memory. She didn't respond at all until the Fox woman left. She left behind a sentence that truly made Fathia wonder what her attitude would be in the future.

"You have to come on our happy day. Don't hinder Sebastian from reaching his happiness."

Fathia's hand clenched tightly at that moment. Was this truly what Sebastian wanted? After so many things had elevated her feelings towards an emotion she thought Sebastian felt the same way about.

Love.

"Fathia?"

That voice suddenly caused Fathia to slip while using scissors to trim the withered parts of her flowers. She made a cut that made her scream because suddenly she realized that not only was blood pouring from her fingers, but there was also a significant stinging sensation.

"Oh my God, Fathia! Be careful!"

In order to satisfy her curiosity because she had truly missed that voice, she turned around. She saw Sebastian looking at her sternly. The scissors that were in Fathia's hand met a dismal fate. They were thrown away with a single shout that was terrifying for anyone who heard it.

"Mr. Dennis!"

Hurriedly, the middle-aged man who had been working on another part of the garden ran over. His face was panicked because Sebastian's voice had left him confused and afraid. "Yes, sir?"

"Secure those scissors from Fathia. Starting today, there will be no activities for Fathia in the garden!"

Blinking, Dennis quickly nodded. He took the scissors that the young miss had been using since earlier. "Understood, sir."

"Ugh, seriously, what's wrong with you? This is your fault, Sebastian. You came out of nowhere and startled Fathia. Now my hand is like this," Fathia complained with a groan. She was reminded of the pain from the scratch earlier, which immediately earned her a sharp look from Sebastian.

Without delay or any hint of disgust, Sebastian quickly took the injured finger and brought it close to his lips. He sucked on it gently, leaving Fathia bewildered. A few times, Fathia felt a soft suction, and a few times Sebastian pulled away. It was quite gross to Fathia. The furrow on her forehead didn't lessen at all due to Sebastian's actions.

"Aren't you working?"

Before Fathia could get an answer, her body was already lifted up. "Sebastian!!!" she exclaimed in disbelief. She felt so light in Sebastian's arms. His gaze didn't waver in intensity. His jaw clenched without control. Fathia could sense a very palpable frustration in him.

Other than staying quiet, there was nothing Fathia could do right now. She held onto her throbbing finger. She really wanted to protest Sebastian's annoying behavior this time.

"No more tending to other plants," Sebastian warned without wanting any argument. As he slowly and very carefully lowered Fathia onto the kitchen sink. "Here, wash your hands first." He lowered his voice as much as he could, even though his frustration was still evident. It was incredible that Fathia was so distracted that she held onto a sharp object. As a result, she got cut.

"But I love flowers," Fathia chose to hide her hands. Initially, Fathia had been directing her gaze at Sebastian, especially when she was in his arms, but now she shifted her attention. "You can't stop me from doing this."

Sebastian knew for sure what Fathia's preferences were, especially when it came to flowers and her gardening activities. The girl spent most of her days in the garden, and most of her indoor activities involved arranging the rooms in this luxurious house. Slowly, Fathia made some changes according to her taste. Sebastian wouldn't stop her, after all, this was also her parents' legacy.

What Sebastian wanted was for Fathia not to get tired or hurt, like now. He didn't want that. He didn't want that to happen to Fathia.

"Alright." In the end, Sebastian gave in. Just seeing Fathia refusing to look at him already pained his heart. Let alone being ignored because of his prohibition. Sebastian couldn't bear the consequences. "You can be in the garden again, but please," Sebastian closed his eyes briefly. He took a deep breath to try to control his emotions. "Please be more careful. Don't get hurt, Fathia."

This time, Sebastian gently lifted Fathia's chin, making their eyes meet. Those bright brown eyes sunk Sebastian without mercy. They held a lot of depth and tenderness. For the past few days, there seemed to be something different about Fathia's attitude towards him. But what was it?

His matters at the office were truly consuming. Often Sebastian's main tasks were postponed because he had to provide a lot of additional information about what happened in the meeting room. No, Sebastian didn't mind that at all; it's just that his time was getting thinner to spend nights with engaging conversations with Fathia.

Soon, he'd redeem that time if all his matters were settled. Where the court verdict about the sentence or the conviction for Alef Walker would be announced. Sebastian hoped that nothing would be hindered during the legal process. Somehow, he felt Alef no longer had the desire to fight.

He revealed everything, including the crimes and motives to the investigators. He wanted just one thing; the mastermind behind the idea where Alan aimed the gun at him. Just that. Because to him, what Alan did have hurt him deeply. He also regretted all his past actions.

"I miss you." Softly, Sebastian lifted Fathia's chin to keep looking at her. He had to lower himself to match the height of the girl who had taken so much from him, especially the sweet taste on Fathia's lips that drove him a bit crazy, holding back the longing he felt.

Meanwhile, Fathia couldn't help but stay put as she locked eyes with those pitch-black ones. All the turmoil she had tried to express vanished each time. It's as if Sebastian was designed to erase the bad things from her mind. Calming the storm raging in her heart.

Like now. Even though Fathia really wanted to ask about Sebastian's and Clara's story. Something she had to be prepared for. Clara had indeed fulfilled her promise. That was the main reason she didn't want to share an apartment with Sebastian again because her heart suddenly felt chaotic. Even though she had promised to face things together. Ah... they had faced problems together, right? Despite the uncontrollable events, everything could still be handled well.

It wasn't about their relationship that also had to be confronted. Why was Fathia so stupid not to realize that? And... Sebastian proposing to her? Was that a joke? Oh God! Seriously... that kind of thing made Fathia extremely flustered. It slowly shattered her resolve. Everything involving Sebastian and Clara had robbed Fathia of her sanity.

And when Sebastian's lips danced so gently on hers, everything was forgotten. There was nothing Fathia could remember except how to respond to every touch Sebastian bestowed upon her. Especially when her choice fell on closing her eyes. Absorbing that touch completely.

Not to mention, her hands searched for the grip that Sebastian offered. Because when those large palms reached her waist and pulled her closer, Fathia couldn't stand upright anymore. Wrapping her arms around his neck was an immediate reaction. Occasionally, she ran her fingers through Sebastian's thick hair. Pulling it gently when she felt his suction getting a bit stronger.

And then Jess came, interrupting them. "Can't you guys, like, not kiss in the kitchen? There are plenty of rooms. You can pick one where you're free to use it." Jess interrupted, making their activity come to a halt. Which made Fathia feel utterly embarrassed. She quickly hid herself in Sebastian's chest.

"Don't be shy like that, Fathia. It's not proper."

"Jess, you're so annoying!"

Sebastian? He just shook his head slightly, letting Fathia release her hold. He chased after his laughing friend.