“Mel? Oh my God, what’s wrong?” I immediately asked Amelie without beating around the bush. “Why do you look so disheveled? It’s almost dinner time! Mom’s going to be looking for you! What happened?”

Still, Amelie didn’t respond. Instead, she suddenly threw herself into my arms and began to cry.

“Amelie? Come on Mel ... hey, what’s going on?” My curiosity turned quickly into worry. She just kept clinging to me without saying a single word. Only the sound of her muffled sobs filled the air.

“Mel? Please... if you don’t say anything, I won’t be able to understand what’s going on or how I can help you.” I gently stroked her back, feeling it tremble in my embrace.

Finally, she lifted her head and looked at me with a face that only deepened my concern.

“I got completely rejected by David,” she said hoarsely, her voice trembling.

“Rejected? What do you mean rejected? Didn’t you two just have lunch together earlier today?”

Amelie nodded. “Yeah, we did have lunch together. But apparently... there was a reason behind it.” She pouted.

“What reason?”

“David ... He turn me down, El. What else?” she grumbled, visibly annoyed.

“Wait, how do you know that? What did you say to him? Tell me everything.”

Amelie turned around and walked into her room. I followed her in without hesitation.

“It wasn’t even anything important, El. Seriously, I don’t get it.”

“Exactly! If it wasn’t anything serious, why are you calling it a rejection?”

“Because during the whole conversation, he didn’t even pretend to be interested in anything I said!” Amelie let out a deep sigh and clenched her fists. She was clearly frustrated.

“Don’t jump to conclusions so fast, Mel. But hey, maybe this is a good thing, you know? At least now you’ve got a clear sign that he’s not the one for you.”
Deep down, I honestly felt relieved. A part of me had always been unsure about David. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise.

“I just hate the way he rejected me!” Amelie gritted her teeth. “Did he really have to call another girl right in front of me?”

“Maybe it was just a friend, Mel. Did you ask him?”

“Why should I? Who does he think he is?” Amelie’s anger was growing. “If he wasn’t interested, he could’ve just said it in a nicer way. No need for unnecessary drama!”

“Okay, but if that’s how you feel, then why are you crying?”

“I’m not crying over him, El! It’s the humiliation, the embarrassment! He could’ve handled it better, without making it so hurtful.” Her voice cracked again, her frustration bubbling over.

Eventually, after letting out some of her pain and disappointment, Amelie agreed to take a shower. I sat and waited while she freshened up, determined to bring her down for dinner once she was ready.

“Okay, El, I’m good now. My head’s much clearer,” she said as she stepped out, drying her hair with a towel. “What was I even crying about earlier? That was so dumb.” She shook her head, baffled at herself.

“Ugh, Mel! Why are you only realizing that now?” I chuckled, watching her grumble in annoyance.

\*\*

“Mom, how have you been feeling lately? You’re still taking your meds regularly, right?” Sebastian asked during dinner.

Mom, who had just taken a spoonful of soup, quickly swallowed it before responding—thankfully without choking.

“Hmm, yeah, I still have about a week’s worth left. And you can see for yourself, right? I’m looking better now, aren’t I?” She smiled warmly at Sebastian.

“You do look healthier, Mom. But that’s just on the outside. We have no idea what’s going on inside. Please, once we find the right hospital, you have to agree to the surgery,” Amelie chimed in.

“Oh, you two are always ganging up on me!” Mom rolled her eyes playfully. “Alright, alright. I promise. You don’t have to worry anymore. If the doctor says surgery is necessary, I’ll do it.” She glanced at Amelie, mock-annoyed, making Mel grin sheepishly.

“Finally! You should’ve listened to the doctor ages ago!” Amelie added, only for Sebastian to elbow her discreetly to shut her up. She pouted at him in protest.

I couldn’t help but smile watching the two of them bicker. Honestly, their banter was oddly comforting.

Mom’s resistance to the surgery wasn’t without reason. I once overheard from Sebastian that deep down, she had lost the will to fight for her life. She refused the procedure not because of fear, but because she was tired—tired of everything. She had endured so much pain caused by Sebastian and Amelie’s father, and it left her feeling powerless and defeated. That was also the reason why both of her children harbored such deep resentment toward their father.

Then one day, perhaps out of sheer frustration, or maybe as a random excuse, Mom said she’d only agree to surgery if Sebastian got married. At first, it sounded like just another throwaway line—because she knew there was no way Sebastian would ever take that step seriously.

But over time, she started to mean it. She became convinced that she would only recover if she saw her son settle down first.

At first, Sebastian laughed it off. But after the doctor explained just how serious Mom’s condition had become, he started to reconsider. Even Amelie began backing Mom’s condition—that if Sebastian really cared, he needed to find a wife.

And somehow, all of that... led to me.

It felt like fate. No matter how hard I tried to avoid it, it seemed like this path had already been written for me.
Now I see it. It wasn’t just a coincidence. This was something that had been set in motion all along.
No matter how far I ran... I was always meant to end up as Sebastian’s wife.

After dinner, the atmosphere in the dining room grew quieter. Amelie had gone to fetch some tea, leaving only Sebastian, his mother, and me sitting at the table.

Sebastian looked at his mother, his expression softer now.

"Mom," he began, his voice calm but firm. "Can we talk for a second? Just you and me?"

His mother glanced at him and gave a small nod. "Of course, darling. What's on your mind?"

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I know you're scared. I get it. Surgery isn't a small thing. But this... this isn't just about you anymore."

She sighed, her eyes lowering to the table. "I’m not scared of the surgery, Sebastian. I’m scared of everything after."

Sebastian’s brow furrowed. "After? What do you mean?"

"I’ve lived a life where my happiness always came last. I thought maybe if I just let go slowly... I wouldn’t feel so much pain anymore."

Sebastian gently reached out, covering her hand with his. "Don’t say that, Mom. You’re not alone. You’ve got me. You’ve got Amelie. And now you've got Raveline. We’re not ready to lose you. Not like this."

His mother blinked rapidly, clearly trying to hold back tears. "But... you’re always so distant. I thought you stopped caring."

"I never stopped caring, Mom. I just didn’t know how to show it anymore." His voice cracked slightly. "But if having me settle down, if seeing me happy would give you a reason to fight—then I’ll do it as you wish. I've got marry with El. I’ll build a life. As I promise."

She looked up at him now, stunned. That's right ... You did that as my wish."

He gave a small smile. "For you? Yes. But I need you to fight, too. Please, agree to the surgery. Let me have more time with you."

His mother squeezed his hand back, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Okay, Sebastian. I’ll do it. I’ll go through with the surgery."

Sebastian let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Mom. You’re stronger than you think."

---