Chapter 171: My Family

SEBASTIAN

I watched as each family paid their condolences to Lady Flores before leaving. No matter how tough she acted, I could tell how hurt she was. No matter how a child behaves, when they're gone, it's only natural for a mother to feel the pain.

“Sir, your sister has locked herself in her room. She hasn't eaten anything since morning,” Anna said, cutting through my thoughts.

My chest tightened as I clenched my fists.

“And my mother?" I asked. She had mentioned she was on her way two hours ago before I woke up. There was a high possibility she should have arrived before I did.

“I haven't seen your mother, sir,” Anna replied.

I waved her in dismissal, and she gave a slight bow before turning to leave.

“Wait,” I called.

She stopped and turned back.

Alma had insisted we would be late if we had breakfast, so she had only eaten the snacks I brought along on our way here.

“Prepare something nice for Alma,” I instructed.

She nodded quickly and left.

I shut my eyes briefly before heading upstairs to the room Bianca was staying in.

I knocked gently.

“B, dear,” I called softly.

That was the nickname I had given her, and she had been so happy when I first called her that.

“If you stay hungry, you're only punishing the innocent child,” I said, trying my best to suppress my anger because she was really getting on my nerves.

A moment later, the door clicked open.

She stepped out.

Her appearance caught me completely off guard.

Instead of the tear-stained face and messy hair I had expected, she looked beautiful. Her hair was neatly tied into a ponytail, and her light makeup made her look elegant.

“Wow... look at my precious little sister,” I exclaimed.

She blinked, trying her best not to let my compliment affect her.

“You should have told me so I could change into something more charming. Then I'd be worthy of calling you my sister,” I added.

I watched as she shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear while trying to hide the smug smile spreading across her face.

She cleared her throat.

“You don't need to dress well to be my brother. I'm not like you, who's ashamed that I'm your sister,” she said, her voice trembling as she looked everywhere but at me.

I swallowed hard, trying not to laugh.

“Sis, if Alma had acted the way you did, I would've yelled at her too. You shouldn't settle for a man who doesn't know your worth. You're only twenty-three. You're beautiful, you're young, and you have your whole life ahead of you. There are better men out there who will value you, okay? And if they don't, move on quickly.”

She instantly shifted her gaze to me in disbelief.

“But before any of that, you have to be determined. After raising your child, continue your education. Even if you choose to remain a single mother, do it with your head held high... a wealthy single mother,” I said dramatically.

A small, satisfied laugh escaped her before she stepped forward and hugged me.

I tightened my arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

“I'm happy the universe gave me a younger sister... and an amazing one at that. You made a mistake once, but that doesn't mean I'm ashamed of you. Never say that again. You're special. Remember that.”

She nodded quickly.

“What's going on here?” a familiar voice interrupted.

Bianca gasped and immediately stepped away before turning around.

“Mother,” she cried dramatically before rushing into her embrace.

I chuckled as I walked closer.

“I know you must've made her cry,” my mother said, pretending to be angry at me.

That only made me laugh harder.

“Yes, Mother. He made me cry,” Bianca sobbed dramatically.

Mother immediately smacked her lightly on the back.

Bianca pulled away in shock and stared at both of us.

Even my brows lifted in surprise.

“You think I didn't hear what you did? You refused to eat because of Luis after everything he put you through. Be grateful Sebastian got to you before I did. Otherwise, I would've beaten you,” Mother scolded.

Bianca immediately ran behind me.

“Save me, Brother. She wants to hurt me,” she whined playfully.

“Sebastian,” Alma's voice called immediately.

The three of us turned toward her.

She looked awkwardly between my mother and Bianca while absentmindedly playing with her fingers.

Anyone who didn't know her would think she was timid, but she wasn't.

She simply knew exactly how to look adorable at the most impossible moments.

A smile spread across my face.

I walked over and pulled her into a brief hug before pulling out.

“You're already missing me... or...” I leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Do you think I'm cheating?"

She immediately pushed me away.

I chuckled as I watched her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“Alma,” Mother called gently.

She walked toward my mother.

Without hesitation, my mother pulled her into a hug.

When they separated, Bianca stepped forward and hugged Alma too.

I leaned against the wall, quietly watching the scene unfold.

“I know we've all shared unpleasant memories,” Bianca said sincerely, “but we're family now. Let's leave the past behind.”

Alma nodded immediately.

“I'm sorry for asking you to abort my own grandchild. I must've been a terrible grandmother... and a terrible mother-in-law. Please forgive me, and don't let my grandchild ever find out about it,” my mother said softly, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“It's alright, Mrs. Mendoza. I've truly forgiven you. And I hope you'll forgive the way I spoke to you too,” Alma replied.

My mother nodded immediately.

The three of them embraced once again.

I watched them with a wide smile.

At last...

I had no more battles left to fight.

Except one.

Victoria.

I didn't want to make a scene based solely on Zane's words, but that didn't mean I would sit back and wait for trouble to find me. Before the wedding I'll have to deal with Victoria... in my own way... before she does something reckless.