POV AUTHOR

“El, what’s wrong? I’ve been talking but you’re so quiet,” Amelie’s voice abruptly pulled El out of her daydream.

“Ah, sorry…” El quickly turned to look at Amelie. They were chatting in the front room of Sebastian’s house.

An hour ago, El had arrived there. After Sarah confirmed that El had agreed to come back in three days to accompany her to meet the big boss—even though, deep down, El was scared and wanted to say no. Unfortunately, her heart and her mouth didn’t seem to work together. Her heart wanted to refuse, but her lips had already agreed to come along with Sarah in three days.

El exhaled sharply, making Amelie frown at her.
“El? What’s really on your mind? Just be honest. You look like you're carrying the weight of the world…” Amelie tried again to get El to open up. But El insisted she wasn’t thinking about anything.

Of course, it was impossible for El to tell Amelie that a few hours ago, she had met her father. Well, not exactly met face to face, but still—there was no way she could say that she'd just been to Wonderland for work-related matters.

“Actually… I’m just thinking, and worrying, about whether I can truly be part of your family… considering this marriage only happened to fulfill Sebastian’s wishes.”

“Oh, come on, El… why are you still thinking like that? I already told you—Sebastian definitely likes and loves you. Just be patient, okay? Wait until he can really prove to you that his feelings are genuine.” Amelie put down the jar of potato chips she’d been munching on, now half-empty. “As for being accepted by my family—it doesn’t matter if you marry my brother or not. You’ll still be a part of our family, El. Mom already loves you since the first time I told her about your kindness.”

El’s cheeks suddenly turned red from embarrassment after being praised so suddenly.

“You really know how to make people blush, Mel,” El said, playfully patting Amelie’s chubby cheeks. Amelie just laughed in response.
“Why be shy? I’m only speaking the truth.”

“Oh right, about your mom’s surgery plan—have you found out anything, Mel?”

“About the surgery, I haven’t had time to look into it yet, El… that’s why I asked you to come over. So I’d feel motivated again to do some research and gather new info.” Amelie picked the jar back up and continued snacking.

El tried to stay focused, though her mind kept drifting to what might happen in Wonderland in three days’ time.

Their conversation ended when Amelie’s mom called her for help.

“El… just wait here, okay? Mom’s calling me. Once I’m done, we’ll continue discussing Mom’s surgery. You should go up to the room instead of sitting here alone. Sebastian’s room is at the far end—the one with the rose poster on the door,” Amelie explained.

El listened, a bit confused—why would there be a rose poster on Sebastian’s door? Her brow furrowed slightly in curiosity.

“Roses are his favorite flower…” Amelie added with a chuckle, as if she already knew what El was wondering.

“His favorite flower?”

Amelie nodded, “Yeah, why? It’s a bit unique, I know. He’s just a unique guy in every way. You don’t know yet… but he’s also super loyal.” She rolled her eyes. “Imagine this—he’s a brand loyalist too! Don’t be surprised when you see his closet. Everything’s nearly the same color and brand. He only wears that one brand.” Amelie went on explaining.

El looked intrigued as she listened to stories about Sebastian.

**

El stood for a moment in front of the door decorated with rose posters—beautifully arranged. Then her hand reached for the handle and opened it. Amelie was right—Sebastian intentionally left it unlocked so Raveline could come in easily. Sebastian himself was currently taking care of the marriage registration and handling some business matters, according to Amelie.

El stepped into Sebastian’s room feeling a little awkward. She hesitated, still unsure, because entering someone else’s room—especially one that still felt unfamiliar—was a bit uncomfortable. Even though she and Sebastian were officially married now, it still felt odd to walk into his private space.

Sebastian’s room turned out to be very neat and clean. El hadn’t expected that the handsome man, now her husband, would be so tidy and seemingly fond of cleanliness. Nothing looked messy or out of place in the room.

El placed her small bag and medium-sized suitcase—packed with essentials for her stay—beside a small cupboard near the sofa in the middle of the room.

Then she walked out again, returning to the space where she and Amelie had been discussing the surgery earlier.

When El sat down, the room was empty—Amelie still hadn’t come back. Whatever help she’d been asked for, El assumed they were probably in the kitchen since it was nearly evening and time to prepare dinner.

“Sorry… did I keep you waiting?” Amelie’s voice came from behind as El sat waiting.

“It’s fine, Mel. No rush,” El replied with a smile.

“Here, drink this, El. Mom made it especially for you,” Amelie set down two cups with steam still rising from them.

“What is it, Mel?” El peeked inside. “Chocolate?”

Amelie nodded, “Special chocolate, Mom’s own recipe. Try it…” she said, pushing the cup toward El.

El obediently reached out, took a sip—and her eyes lit up instantly. Amelie was right—her mom’s homemade hot chocolate was delicious. The texture and taste were just right. Not too sweet, a hint of bitterness, thick but not overwhelming.

“Well? What do you think of Mom’s hot chocolate?” Amelie asked.

“It’s so good, Mel! Not sickeningly sweet or heavy at all,” El replied honestly.

Amelie giggled. “Told ya! Mom’s chocolate never fails.” She cheerfully emptied her own cup.
“Want more, El? I’m gonna ask Mom for a refill.”

El smiled widely as she handed over her now-empty cup. This was the first time she couldn’t wait to ask for a refill, even though she usually didn’t like drinking hot chocolate.

***