Chapter 92: Chapter 92

"Getting married?" Sebastian asks, staring at Fathia without blinking at all.

"Yeah," Fathia replies, slurping up the last of the strawberry juice in front of her. They're enjoying dinner under the starry night sky, with a beautiful shining moon up there. The breeze tonight isn't too strong, creating a pleasant chill they both feel. This dinner was intentionally prepared by Fathia for Sebastian because tonight, he insisted on not going home due to something he wanted to discuss.

As Fathia waits, what Sebastian wants to say remains unspoken. It's as if Sebastian is dragging out the time, even though he doesn't have much to do – it's just that... oh my God! Truly, thinking about Rubah's words is making her feel more choked up.

"Who's thinking about getting married?"

If only shaking the head of the guy who's now staring and giving her a mischievous grin were acceptable, Fathia would surely do it. Just so Sebastian wouldn't keep avoiding what she's asking.

"Sebastian, I'm seriously asking," Fathia wipes the corner of her lips with some leftover juice. She puts the used tissue down a bit roughly, although it doesn't make a sound. It's still pretty obvious that Fathia is irritated. "Just answer, are you actually going to marry that Clara the Fox?"

That grin on Sebastian's face only seems to decorate his lips even more. "What do you think?"

Enough already. Talking to Sebastian in this mode is just like diving into frustration. And it only ends up strengthening the irritation in her heart. It's better for Fathia to go back to her room. Sleep. Get ready, as tomorrow she's decided to head to Beverly Hills.

With Jess and Dennis and Naomi. The two of them are forbidden to be far from Fathia no matter what happens. Fathia also doesn't want to refuse that order. She feels that having the two of them along will be more fun than being followed around by Sebastian's stiff associates. Although... well, Fathia can't argue about this matter anymore. Sebastian's words about Fathia needing protection still have to be in place, agreed upon without any disagreement from Laras.

Whatever, as long as there's only Dennis, Naomi, and Jess in the car she'll be riding. That's it.

Fathia still hasn't told Melly the truth. She's only informed her that she'll be coming back tomorrow. Taking care of her flower shop again, which according to Melly's report, is in stable condition. Not too quiet, not too busy. Maybe because the demand for flower balloons has significantly decreased without Fathia being there.

"No worries, Aunt Melly. We'll do a big promotion later," Fathia says, calming Melly down a bit. Melly has been talking non-stop since she called her this morning. Melly's thrown so many stories at her. "I'm coming back tomorrow. Just get ready, okay?"

"Ready? Ready for what, Anne? Oh... I know!" On the other end, Melly half-shouts. "We're going to do that big promotion, right?"

Fathia shook her head slowly. "Yeah, Melly. Just get ready, okay," Fathia says before finally ending her phone call this time. She intends to bring Melly and Ica to her house now. Providing a special place for them because Fathia won't forget how Melly's gaze wasn't just pity and concern for her back then. But a genuine desire to help.

Thinking about that conversation makes Fathia break into a small smile. Imagining how Melly's face will surely be surprised by everything Fathia's going to say. Not to mention that little girl, whom she'll gift with a lot of toys in the left wing of her house. Fathia plans to create a playground there specifically for Ica. For a moment, she forgets that she's still at the dining table with Sebastian, who's now looking at her puzzled.

"Fathia?"

The joy in Fathia's mind dissipates and is immediately replaced by Sebastian's furrowed brow.

"What are you thinking, huh?"

Fathia blinks excitedly, flustered. But when her mind recalls the topic of her conversation with Sebastian tonight, she clears her throat briefly. "What did you want to talk about earlier?"

Suddenly, this makes Sebastian burst into laughter. "Talk? Weren't we talking about marriage?"

Fathia sighs in annoyance. Her hands fold across her chest and her eyes gaze sharply at Sebastian now. "If you're going to keep talking nonsense, I'd rather just go to my room." Feeling no response, Fathia grumbles discontentedly. She decides to go back to her room right away.

"When did I talk nonsense, Fathia?"

"Sebastian!" Fathia exclaims. She didn't expect the firm grip Sebastian placed on her arm, causing her steps to falter. Then somehow, Sebastian maneuvers in a way that has Fathia sitting on his lap now. Wide-eyed in disbelief at what's happening, once again Fathia grumbles. "You're unbelievable!" She rebels. Not caring if Sebastian will feel pain from her punch right on his chest. "I'm tired. I want to sleep. Leaving early tomorrow!"

"Wait, Fathia. Just wait." Sebastian, without many words, immediately envelops the girl's body in his embrace. Ignoring the pain caused by the punch he endured, as he can still feel it. "Instead of using your hand to hit me, it's better used for massaging my head. More useful, Fathia."

Fathia chooses to stay silent. She stops hitting Sebastian's chest. It's pointless anyway because Sebastian won't let her go that easily.

"I'm going to miss you when you're in Beverly Hills."

"Oh my God," Fathia groans in disbelief at what just came out of the lips of the guy who's still hugging her tightly. "I'm only there for three days."

"I'll still miss you."

Fathia sighs. "Whatever. Besides, you're going to leave Fathia behind too. Your wedding is in two weeks, right? Fine. Why are you hugging Fathia again now? Trying to make me not forget about you? You've succeeded way too much, just so you know!"

"You... don't like me getting married?"

"Whatever! I hate you!" With one shove, the embrace unraveled. Fathia's eyes were already heated. Meaning, what she feared over the past two weeks is happening. Sebastian is really going through with his wedding to Clara.

Yet... oh God! Fathia suddenly remembers the nights she spent with Sebastian. And then... Argh!!! Fathia feels so foolish for falling for Sebastian Sachdev's sweet talk. Her heart feels so tight now. More than just heartbreak, which won't easily fade away.

What's worse, the guy seems so nonchalant, responding as if what Fathia just threw as a protest is normal. Slightly stomping, she chooses to leave Sebastian. She doesn't care if her tears start moistening her footsteps.

Meanwhile, the guy? He's actually smiling smugly. "If I weren't strictly forbidden right now, I would've already taken you to my room, Fathia." He grabs a glass of water from the table, moistens his slightly dry throat, then drinks slowly. "Prepare your heart, Princess."

***

"How's it going, Sebastian?"

The man who just finished reviewing the documents Ronald brought smiles brightly. He's really pleased with the results. "I agree, Uncle."

Ronald nods. "Lucky for us, Alef didn't put up much resistance. Made things easier for the investigation. Just like Fathia requested, that she wouldn't let Alef breathe freely, that wouldn't have happened. Alef deeply regrets his actions. That's evident in the statements that have now come to light."

"True, Uncle. I didn't anticipate this happening. I also didn't expect Sailendra to help bring down the Azure Group."

Ronald shakes his head slightly. "Of course, Sebastian. The Azure Group is big. It has many competitors. Every possible means will be used to bring it down. Exploiting Alan, who turned out to be cunning, and Max, who was the main executor."

"But so far, the progress with Max's arrest is successful, right, Uncle?"

The middle-aged man chuckles. "That's why listen to my words carefully. Don't just focus on meetings and Fathia. My goodness, you really, you know? There's no longer an appropriate thing for me to say to prevent this."

A small chuckle from Sebastian accompanies the sound in Sebastian's office. "I really do love Fathia, Uncle. And I mean it sincerely."

Ronald just waves in disbelief. "Fine. You're practically Alvin's future brother-in-law. His first daughter isn’t available... his second daughter."

This time, Sebastian laughs at Ronald's humorous tone. "You're something else, Uncle."

"Back to your question about Max."

Right. Ronald's right about the conversation about Max. "Yeah, Uncle. How's he doing?"

"He's in prison and will serve a sentence not much shorter than Alef's."

Ah... Sebastian is genuinely happy and relieved to hear that. His smile is visibly bright on his lips.

"All the assets Alef had due to this money laundering scheme have been seized. We'll fight to have them auctioned off soon, and the money can be returned to the Azure Group."

"I don't know if this profoundly sincere thank you is enough to repay all that uncle has done for Fathia's family. But truly, from the deepest part of my heart, I'm very grateful."

A firm pat land on his shoulder, making Sebastian wince in surprise at Ronald's action.

"Going overboard there," Ronald chuckles. "The Azure Group was built by my friend, Sebastian. How could I turn a blind eye, especially with Fathia here? I consider Fathia my child. You know that for sure."

Sebastian nods in understanding.

"My request," Ronald leans in a bit. He uses his index finger to give a clear warning in front of Sebastian's face. "If you really love Fathia with all your heart, make her happy. Don't make her sad."

"Understood, Uncle." Sebastian's response is so quick and without any doubt.

"Just once, Sebastian," Ronald doesn't lower his finger. "If you make Fathia cry even once, you won't have my blessing." This time, Ronald's gaze is deadly serious. He looks into the eyes of the man younger than him.

"I don't know what kind of tears Uncle is referring to, but... if Fathia cries out of happiness, I'm working really hard for that to happen. She's felt enough sadness, Uncle. All this time, I've always and maybe even because of that, fallen in love. When many women might drown in their own sorrows, Fathia chose to stand by my side. She tried hard to accept what was destined for her."

"Tsk!" Ronald clicks his tongue. "Why do men sound so melancholic when they fall in love?"

Sebastian's laughter echoes right then. "I'm sure, Uncle, you've experienced this too."

"Ah... I forgot something. Your marriage with Clara? There's no news saying you've canceled it, right? You're not playing around?!"

Sebastian chooses to subdue the laughter that escaped his lips earlier. "No. Why should I play around? I've made it clear to Clara. If she doesn't want to cancel, that's her business. What's certain is that I'm not the groom."

"I hope there won't be any further drama."