Inside the cafeteria Sebastian sat by the window, fingers curled loosely around his coffee cup, watching the city move outside. He wasn't nervous. He was angry though you wouldn't know it from the calm in his face.
When Sarah walked in, the years folded back like thin paper.
The same confident sway. The same perfect smile
Her eyes lit up when she saw him.
"Sebastian," she breathed, touching her chest. You called. I can't believe it's really you.
He didn't stand. Sit down, Sarah.
That tone low and unreadable threw her off balance for a heartbeat. Still, she sat, smiling like a woman who thought she'd been given a second chance.
You look… good, she said softly, brushing her hair behind one ear. I've thought about this moment so many times.
Sebastian's eyes didn't soften. I'm not here for memories.
Her smile faltered. Then what?
He slid his phone across the table. On the screen was a single word from a public record search: Gracee.
Who is she? he asked, voice steady.
For a second, Sarah froze. Her hand twitched. Where did you...how did you..?
Don't waste time asking questions,he interrupted quietly. Just tell me the truth, for once.
Her eyes shimmered instantly with tears perfectly timed. I was going to tell you, Sebastian. I swear. But things got complicated. Evan he didn't want me to reach out. I didn't know how you'd react, I didn't want to ruin your life
Stop. He shouted
The single word silenced her.
Sebastian leaned forward, his voice still calm, but the temperature around them seemed to drop. Don't play that game with me. I'm not the man you left behind, Sarah. I'm asking because I need facts, not your performance.
She blinked rapidly, as if hurt. You think this is an act? I'm trying to tell you that I
You what? he asked coldly. That you suddenly remembered me after seven years? That you realized you might have leverage now that you know I'm no longer the mechanic you walked away from?
Her face hardened for a second then softened again. Gracee is your daughter, Sebastian. I found out two months after I left. I didn't even know how to reach you then, and by the time I did, Evan… he wanted to raise her as his own. He loves her.
You mean he loves what you give him, Sebastian said quietly.
She looked away, her voice trembling on cue. You don't understand. I had no choice. I wanted her to have a stable home. You were struggling, and I didn't want her to live like that. I thought I was protecting her… and you.
He studied her, expression unreadable. "You could've told me."
Sarah sniffled. And what would you have done, Sebastian? You couldn't even afford rent back then.
Her words hung in the air too sharp, too careless.
Sebastian's eyes went cold. Thank you for reminding me who you are.
She reached across the table, her eyes glassy again, desperate. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I just... I thought maybe this was your way of… us starting over.
He stood, pushing his chair back slowly. No, Sarah. This is me making sure I'm not the fool you thought I was.
He dropped a few bills on the table and grabbed his coat.
As he walked out, Sarah sat frozen, her jaw tightening before a small, bitter smile curved her lips. The tears dried fast.
So you know, Sebastian, she whispered to herself, eyes glinting. But you're not done with me yet. You never are.
Sabastain sat in his car,, He didn't know what he would say to Emilia yet.
He just knew that hiding was no longer an option.