Chapter 25
Melissa.
I closed my eyes as regret washed over me. Sebastian was right. He had every reason to feel hurt and betrayed. Getting involved with his brother was a mistake, and deep down, I knew it would inflict the most pain on Sebastian. Before I learned the truth, that was my aim. To hurt him in the worst way possible.
“Do you remember that night three years ago?” My voice cracked.
Sebastian’s gaze intensified, nodding slowly. “The night everything changed.”
I cast my mind back, immersing myself in the vivid recollection. “After I left your apartment, I was lost and scared. I didn’t know who I could trust anymore. I thought I could trust Colin, considering he was your friend and…”
Sebastian’s features tightened.
“I reached out to him. He assured me of his loyalty to you. He claimed to care for both of us equally, treating you like a brother,” I explained, fighting through the regret that clung to every sentence. “I confessed to him that I was pregnant. He was taken aback but he offered his congratulations. He insisted that you would be the happiest man alive, that your love for me ran deep.”
Sebastian’s eyes bored into mine. “But?”
I exhaled heavily. “I couldn’t shake off the doubts, the fear. I told Colin what happened, about your hidden motives, your mother’s overdose, and your desire for revenge against my family,” I confessed. “Colin still claimed you loved me, Sebastian. It made me even more convinced he was on your side, loyal to you. I suspected it was just a façade. And so… I asked Colin to meet you and tell you about the pregnancy, see your reaction.”
“What?” Sebastian’s fists clenched. “He never… that fucking son of a bitch. He planned everything. He came to me and told me you overdosed on sleeping pills.”
My eyes shut, and a single tear dripped down my cheek. “And he came to me, claiming you laughed in his face saying that you’ve never been more satisfied, that you called your father to tell him you’ve accomplished your task and that I’m in danger because it was just a matter of time until you’d find out the truth that he lied to you so I had to run away as soon as possible.”
“Fuck!” Sebastian’s fist collided with the wall. “Why did you believe him, Melissa?”
“Sebastian…” I whispered. “Put yourself in my position. Imagine what I went through. I waited for Colin to return, and every passing minute felt like an eternity. I questioned every touch, every glance, every kiss, every word you ever said to me. I clung to the Angel that Colin would bring back news that you had abandoned thoughts of revenge, that you were over the moon about our baby. But when Colin came back… telling me all this… I was terrified, Sebastian. I knew you were capable of anything. It felt like my world shattered, and my heart fractured into a million pieces.”
Sebastian closed the distance between us, his hands tenderly cupping my tear-stained cheeks. “It’s okay. I understand.”
My voice trembled as I said, “I’m so sorry, Sebastian. I let him deceive me.”
Reality hit with the force of a wrecking ball. Once again, I had placed my trust in the wrong person. Once again, I had let myself be manipulated. I had always believed in Colin’s sincerity, never suspecting him of such heartlessness and twisted motives. He had been Sebastian’s most trusted man, a seemingly devoted friend, even a brother.
How many times do people think they know someone and believe they can trust that particular person? While in fact, that person hides their true self behind a mask. A mask they wear every day, pretending to be someone they’re not.
Regrettably, such realizations often come to light in moments like these. Sometimes, they emerge in the most extreme circumstances.
This world can be unkind. Genuine care is hard to come by. Most people are primarily concerned with themselves. I've had the misfortune of encountering all the wrong individuals—those motivated by self-interest and driven by ego, seeking to gain from me. I've allowed myself to be used far too many times, placing trust in those who didn't deserve it. Yet, I don't see it as a personal failure but rather as a harsh lesson learned. I've come to understand the importance of following my heart and trusting my instincts over the words of others. Unfortunately, many people are adept at weaving sweet lies to deceive and earn trust. As tough as it may sound, I've realized that true reliance and belief can only be placed in oneself; that's how one becomes truly resilient.
I'm not suggesting that genuine friendship, love, or care are non-existent. They do exist, but they're rare, especially in the world we inhabit. So, if one is fortunate enough to encounter such rare treasures, they should fight to keep them.
Now, my heart tells me that Sebastian is someone worth fighting for.