PoV Raveline

The wall clock showed nine in the morning, yet Sebastian was still nowhere to be seen. To be honest, I’d never felt this anxious and worried before. So this is what it feels like—to worry about someone you love.

In the past, I barely felt emotions like anxiety or fear. Maybe I used to live too freely, never really pausing to consider what I truly felt. I’ve changed so much since then. It’s been a while since I last hung out vaping just to fill the emptiness.

Now, my life is full of plans, dreams, and a future I’m building with someone I truly care about.

“El… you haven’t had breakfast yet. Don’t make yourself sick.”

Mom’s voice behind me snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Eh? I’m fine, Mom. I’m just waiting for Sebastian. I’m not that hungry anyway,” I said, making an excuse. “Have you eaten yet? Oh right, tomorrow’s your appointment with the new doctor!”

I quickly changed the subject, suddenly remembering that we had found a new hospital for her upcoming surgery—thanks to Sebastian.

“I’ve already eaten,” Mom smiled and sat down on the long sofa.

“Oh please, just admit it—you’re not hungry because you’re worried Sebastian’s not back yet, right?”

Amelie’s teasing voice chimed in as she joined us in the living room.

Mom and I looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“Okay, fine. You caught me. I *am* worried because he’s not home yet.” I looked at Mom, who smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Come on, Sebastian’s a grown man. He’s probably just caught up with work. Don’t forget, he’s even stayed at the office overnight when things get hectic,” Amelie said, trying to reassure us.

“True, true…” Mom sighed. “Amelie’s right. He must be swamped with work again and lost track of time. Now go eat, El.”

“Geez, El, you haven’t eaten yet? It’s almost ten!” Amelie offered, “Come on, I’ll eat with you.”

“El, please eat something. I’ll get even more worried if you get sick,” Mom added, her face filled with concern.

Seeing her like that made me feel guilty. Here I was, making the people I love worry about me just because I skipped breakfast.

It was kind of funny, in a warm way. I wasn’t used to being worried about—or worrying for—someone. This was all so new to me.

Marrying Sebastian had opened a whole new chapter in my life.

So, I agreed to have breakfast, with Amelie keeping me company. I didn’t want to burden Mom with double the worry—Sebastian not coming home and me not eating.

\*\*

Turns out Amelie didn’t just sit with me—she joined in for a second breakfast.

“I’m starting to think you had an ulterior motive for offering to eat with me,” I laughed, watching her carry a steaming bowl of soup.

She grinned sheepishly. “Hehe, how did you know? My sister-in-law is too smart!” she giggled, giving my cheek a quick pinch before stirring the noodles in her bowl. “It’s cold out—you gotta eat something hot and spicy, El.”

“Cold? Wait, is it raining outside?” I looked around for a window, trying to get a glimpse outside. Unfortunately, all the windows were a bit too far to see clearly.

“Yeah, it’s been pouring for like half an hour.” Amelie said between bites.

Huh? Half an hour?

Was the house really *that* big? I didn’t even hear the rain from inside.

“I had no idea it was raining…” I sighed.

“See? You’re too deep in thought. Maybe Sebastian got stuck in traffic because of the rain.”

She slurped some soup and added, “Honestly, I get it. You’re not used to this kind of worry. You’ve lived alone for too long—emotions like this weren’t part of your daily life. Back then, you probably felt like an empty shell.”

She paused, setting down her spoon and looking at me with sympathy. “I’m sorry… I didn’t realize you went through all that.”

I quickly laughed to shake off the mood. “That was in the past, Mel. Now, I don’t feel like that anymore. I have all of you—Mom, you, Sebastian. You three fill my life with color.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. You’re gonna make me cry!” Amelie rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Better eat that soup fast before Mom shows up and catches you with that spicy food!” I warned her.

“Oh please, I already planned my alibi. If she shows up, I’ll just say *you* were craving spicy soup and I made it for you. Technically, this bowl belongs to *you*.” She laughed again.

Time passed. Lunch came and went, and still, there was no sign of Sebastian.

\*\*

“El… El, wake up. Let’s get you to your bed, okay?”

A soft voice stirred me awake. What time was it? I must’ve dozed off.

After chatting with Amelie for a while, I had gone back to waiting in the living room—and apparently, I fell asleep.

I rubbed my eyes and looked around. The living room was empty. Mom and Amelie had plans to go out. I was the only one who stayed behind.

Was I dreaming? That voice just now felt so real…

Suddenly, from behind me, someone wrapped their arms around my waist. I nearly screamed.

“Hey, it’s me, El. Sorry—did I scare you?” Sebastian pulled back, laughing mischievously.

“You’re so annoying. First you’re late, and now you’re messing around?” I pretended to pout.

“Aww, is my pretty wife mad at me?” he grinned, stepping closer to hug me again. “I’m sorry. Between the heavy rain and a few urgent things at work, I lost track of time.”

I patted his back gently. “I’m not mad. I was just… worried. I thought something bad happened.”

“I still feel guilty that you ended up falling asleep here,” Sebastian said as he gently brushed my hair.

“What matters is that you’re home now.” I took his hand and gave it a light kiss. “Ew, you’re all sweaty! Go shower before bed. Have you had dinner yet?”

“Hmm… how about you join me in the shower, then we’ll talk dinner?” he smirked and gave me a playful wink.

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