I hadn’t even finished typing a reply to Sarah when another message popped up. I sighed, already feeling annoyed as I checked who it was from.

“What does he want now?” I whispered, careful not to wake Sebastian. I stared at my screen, irritated to see David’s name again.

Should I open it or not?

My thumb hovered over the message, but I held back. Ugh, probably nothing important anyway. I tried to convince myself not to fall into the same trap—again. There’s no point getting involved with David anymore. We’re done with the whole “find Sylvia” thing, and besides, Amelie has finally started moving on from that player. Seriously, no more drama with him. I’ve got more important things to focus on—like wrapping up the Sylvia case and dealing with the Big Boss.

Just as I was about to close my eyes, my phone lit up again.

Ugh! Don’t tell me it’s David again. I quickly grabbed it off the nightstand.

What the heck does he want now? Oh no… Could he be trying to cash in that one favor I owe him? Like hanging out all day or something? That’d be a nightmare.

With a deep breath, I gave in and opened the message.

**“El, there’s something really important I need to ask you in person. Can we meet at campus tomorrow?”**
That was David’s first message. Then came another—this time, a photo.

I downloaded the image, and the second I saw it, my whole body went cold.

In the photo were Sylvia, a few coworkers from Wonderland… and me. Me, wearing the black mask I always used back when I worked there.

Below the photo, David wrote:
**“The one in the mask… is that you, El?”**

My fingers, suddenly ice cold, started typing a shaky response.
**“When? Where do you want to meet?”**
But I didn’t send it right away. I just stared at the screen for a few seconds, second-guessing myself. Eventually, I hit send—reluctantly.

Should I just shut off my phone? This is only gonna mess with my head more.
Yeah, better off. I pressed the power button. Off it goes.

---

Ever since I got married and moved into Sebastian’s family home, I’ve gotten used to having breakfast together. Morning meals are kind of a big deal here—a non-negotiable rule from his mom. At first, it was a shock. I mean, who eats a full lunch-style spread at 7 AM? Back home, I barely even had breakfast—if I had it at all. Took me a few days to adjust.

“What time did you get home last night?”
Sebastian’s mom asked as she set a plate of sliced fruit on the table. Sebastian had just sat down beside me.

“No idea, Mom. I was so tired, I didn’t check the time.”

“Well, don’t come home that late again. You’re not single anymore—you’ve got a wife waiting for you.”

“But I did let El know I’d be late,” Sebastian said, trying to defend himself.

“Hmm, look at you, El. Always defending him. Oh my gosh, Sebastian—you’re so lucky to have such a pretty and understanding wife.”
Amelie jumped in, teasing as usual. Sebastian chuckled.

“Why are you two making a fuss? El didn’t even complain about it. I just got caught up in work and lost track of time, that’s all.”

“Excuses!” Amelie pouted, loading her plate with potatoes and veggies. “Next time, El should demand compensation if you’re late again.”

“It’s not just about being late,” their mom said. “I feel bad for El. She waited up for you and almost fell asleep hungry. If I hadn’t made her eat something, she could’ve fainted—just because she wanted to wait and eat with you.”

“That one’s on me, Mom,” Sebastian admitted. “I didn’t think I’d be that late. That’s why I asked El to wait.”

“See? This is why no one should make others wait when they’re hungry—it’s torture!” Amelie chimed in again, clearly enjoying roasting her brother.

“El isn’t like you, who turns into a little monster when hungry,” Sebastian shot back, smirking.

I nudged his arm gently—my subtle cue to stop teasing his sister. I didn’t want to be late to meet Sarah.

Got the message, Sebastian quickly changed the subject.
“Mom, today’s your appointment with the new doctor, right?”

“Yes, at 8:30. Amelie’s coming with me. You’re off from classes today, right, Mel?”

Amelie nodded with a mouthful of carrots. “Mhm, no classes today.”

“Amelie, are you okay going with Mom on your own?” I asked, feeling a bit guilty. “I’m really sorry I can’t join you. Something urgent came up that I can’t put off.”

“It’s fine, El. I usually go alone anyway. This time, I just asked Amelie to come along since it’s the first visit to a new doctor.”

“Yeah, don’t feel bad, El. Just send good vibes and hope Mom gets scheduled for surgery soon.”

Their words instantly made me feel better. Sebastian glanced at me and smiled.
“See? Don’t stress over it. Just focus on what you’ve got going on today. And don’t forget to text me if anything happens, okay?”

I nodded and went back to my breakfast. I really hoped everything would go smoothly today—for Mom’s appointment, Sebastian’s work, and all the stuff going on with Wonderland and Sarah. Please, let today be a good day.

“And you,” she turned to Sebastian with a more serious tone. “Take care of El, okay? I know you’re busy with work, but that’s no excuse. She’s your responsibility now. Make sure she’s safe, and don’t make her feel like she’s facing everything alone.”

“I know, Mom,” Sebastian replied, his voice softer. He turned to me with a more serious expression, then reached under the table and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

“I’ll take care of her. I promise.”

“El, don’t come home alone, alright?”
Sebastian’s mom said, glancing back and forth between the two of us. “Especially if it’s late. Let your husband pick you up. No more online taxis, okay?”

“Got it, Mom,” I replied with a smile, shooting a quick glance at Sebastian.

Mom smiled, satisfied, before continuing her breakfast.

***