Chapter 29

Melissa.

Sebastian squeezed my hand tightly as we made our way down the hospital corridor, the atmosphere heavy with tension. We approached Chuck, whose usual stoic expression was replaced by one of pain and anguish. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before, and it unsettled me.

"How is he? Is he going to make it?" Sebastian's voice was filled with concern.

"Thankfully, he's still alive," Chuck replied with a heavy sigh.

"What happened?" Sebastian's tone was urgent, his grip on my hand tightening.

"It's my fault," Chuck admitted, his gaze falling to the ground.

"How could it be your fault?" Sebastian's frustration was palpable, his muscles tense as he spoke. I could feel the tension in his hand, mirrored by the throbbing pulse in his neck. "Anderson is a grown man. He should be accountable for his own actions. Besides, this whole car accident seems suspicious to me. I wouldn't be surprised if it's just another one of his schemes."

Chuck's eyes met mine, and I sensed the awkwardness between us. The air felt thick with unspoken tension, and I shifted uncomfortably.

"Sebastian," Chuck addressed his son again, "please, don't say anything to Anderson that might unsettle him further. I'm genuinely concerned about his mental state."

Sebastian seemed to struggle with his anger, clearing his throat before responding, "Can't you see he's been manipulating everyone from the start? This is just another one of his games."

"I understand what he did was unforgivable, and I blame myself for the rift between my sons," Chuck admitted with a sigh, a rare display of vulnerability. "Sebastian, I don't expect you to forgive him. I just want this feud between you two to end."

Sebastian took a deep breath, rubbing his temples before meeting his father's gaze. "I've reconciled with Melissa," he announced in a low voice.

Chuck nodded, his eyes shifting between me and Sebastian. "I can see that."

"Maybe it's best if I take Melissa and Angel away for a while. Keep them out of Anderson's sight. I don't want him anywhere near my family," Sebastian suggested.

“That might be a good idea,” Chuck agreed.

Sebastian nodded. His body was tense, and despite the anger, maybe even hatred radiating from him, I found pain in his cold gaze. I saw the inner fight he was battling with himself reflecting in his eyes. He turned to walk away, leading me after him, my hand still in his. With a short exhale, he turned back to face Chuck. “Keep me updated on Anderson’ state.” His voice was low. “He’s my brother, after all. Even if I hate it at the moment.”

“I will.” A trace of a smile raised at the corners of Chuck’s lips. His attention shifted to me. “I wish for the best for both of you.”

My lips pressed in a forced smile. I found it hard to believe. I nodded softly and followed Sebastian out.

Sebastian canceled all his meetings, securing a few days off from work, and the very next day, we were on his private plane on a flight to Miami. All three of us. Our first time as a family.

We have chosen a hotel by the ocean, with the soothing melody of crashing waves serenading the air. Our suite offered a captivating view of the ocean. It all felt so serene.

Every day in this paradise felt like a chapter from a fairy tale. Magical. We would spend our mornings exploring the city. In the afternoons, we would relax on the deck of Sebastian’s private yacht, relishing the sun.

Every moment of watching Sebastian embrace his role as a father made me smile. He was a natural. His interactions with Angel revealed a different side of him. A side I thought a dangerous man like him didn’t have. He had. A tender, loving, and caring side that melted my heart. The beach became our playground, filled with laughter and the building of sandcastles. I had never before seen Sebastian’s eyes sparkle with such a rare light and genuine happiness than when he spent time with his daughter. I tried to capture these moments in photographs and videos as if to freeze time.

With each passing day, it seemed like our bond grew stronger and our love deeper until it felt like nothing could ever tear us apart. This place would forever hold a special place in our hearts. We were creating memories as a family. Far, far away from all the secrets, lies, and intrigues we left behind. And it felt so refreshing. The only thing that reminded me of reality was a bodyguard who followed us everywhere like a ghost the entire time.

We settled into our chairs in a restaurant, our skin sun-kissed, hair tousled and gritty with sand after a day spent at the beach.

“I had a lot of fun tomorrow!” Angel exclaimed.

“You should’ve said you had a lot of fun today, sweetheart.” Sebastian chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Tomorrow is the day that comes after today.”

Angel giggled mischievously. “I know, Daddy. I was just teasing you guys.”

Sebastian and I exchanged amused glances, our brows raising before bursting into laughter.

“A smartie, just like your mommy,” Sebastian teased with a playful glimmer in his eyes.

“She may be a smartie like her mommy, but she is undeniably such a daddy’s girl.” She was, and I loved it.

“Will Daddy live with us from now on?” Angel surprised us with the sudden question.

Sebastian and I exchanged a fleeting glance before he turned to her. “Would you like that, princess?”

Angel’s eyes sparkled with excitement I’d never seen before. “Yes!”

Sebastian planted a tender kiss on her forehead, his hand caressing her cheek. “We’ll see what we can do about it.” Angel beamed.

“What do you want to eat, Angel?” I asked, shifting the conversation.

Although things between Sebastian and me had improved, and we were back together, we hadn’t talked about the future yet, and I didn’t want him to make any decisions only because of Angel.

“I want a cupcake!” Angel clapped her hands.

I giggled, knowing it was my turn to take the role of a responsible parent. “A cupcake is a dessert, love. You can have it after you eat something nutritious first.”

A waiter came by, and his voice reached me from behind, “Are you ready to order?” My heart skipped a beat. The voice was so familiar. Too familiar.

No, it couldn’t be.

My mind raced as the familiar voice triggered a cascade of memories. With my heart pumping in my chest, I slowly turned to face him, and my eyes met the person I least expected to see in Miami. Alex. My fleeting fling from my days back in Malta. In an instant, my cheeks flushed red. I was well aware that Sebastian wasn’t a saint during our time apart, and Alex meant nothing to me. He was just a fleeting, inconsequential fling. It was just sex. No strings attached. No emotional connection. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel so damn awkward.

“Are you okay, Melissa?” Sebastian followed my gaze and looked at Alex with a kind of suspicion in his eyes.

“Melissa? Is it you?” Alex beamed as his eyes met mine.

I managed a forced smile. “Alex, hey.”