Chapter 214
Lisbeth poked Sebastian's forehead. "Look at you, why so nervous? I just hope we can receive our elders' blessings. Your family still doesn't approve of us being together. I think... even if we went public, we wouldn't receive their blessings, so..."
She took the initiative to nestle in Sebastian's embrace, listening to his heartbeat, feeling her own heart grow calm as well.
"You understand me, right?" She asked with some hope. Sebastian always seemed to understand her, never truly forcing her to do anything. He always grasped her heart.
This time, she hoped he'd understand, too.
Sebastian held her tight, pulled the covers over her, and kissed her forehead. "Of course I know. I understand your thoughts. I just... just feel this is unfair to you. I'm afraid you'll feel wronged."
"I don't feel wronged." Lisbeth shook her head, a brilliant smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. "I think this is good. We're both still young. We have enough time to take it slow. And..."
She paused, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I also hope our marriage begins with everyone's blessings, not with gossip and doubts."
Her last marriage had started that way, and the ending hadn't been good. Sometimes she wondered if it was because she hadn't received the elders' blessings.
But regardless, this time she hoped to receive them.
It had to last forever.
Speaking so softly and gently, how could Sebastian refuse? He couldn't help but sigh, placing her on the bed and lowering his head to kiss the tip of her nose, saying in a muffled voice, "You've got me all figured out—that I won't refuse you. Isn't it just whatever you say, I do?"
Lisbeth's heart felt wrapped in something soft, her smile reaching her eyes. "Can't help it. Who told Mr. York to be henpecked?"
Sebastian hummed in acknowledgment, savoring the title. "I declare I'm wearing this label for life."
Lisbeth was amused. Looking at his deep eyes, an indescribable flutter rose from deep within her heart.
She took the initiative to lean in, lightly pressing a kiss on his lips. "Alright then. It's settled. No taking it back."
Sebastian was momentarily stunned, then kissed her back more deeply.
Only when Lisbeth was kissed breathless did Sebastian release her, pressing his forehead to hers, his breathing slightly rushed. "As long as you're willing to try, I'll agree to anything."
Lisbeth wrapped her arms around his neck, her smile radiant. "I won't make you wait a lifetime. We'd both be old by then."
"Even when you're old, you'll be the most beautiful old lady."
Lisbeth laughed, pulling the covers over her head. "Sleep."
But beneath the covers, her face wore a smile. Sebastian embraced her from behind, burying his face in the back of her neck. "Good night."
After a long while, Lisbeth said softly, "Good night."
Over the next few days, life was so peaceful that it left Lisbeth somewhat dazed.
Sebastian kept his promise, no longer acting impulsively, focusing on company business every day and coming home for dinner on time. He took over all the children's school drop-offs and pickups, calling it "fulfilling his responsibilities as a father".
Watching Sebastian in the kitchen wearing an apron, clumsily learning to make her breakfast, Lisbeth felt that soft place in her heart gradually completely occupied by him.
She even began to get used to waking up every morning with his scent beside her.
At noon this day, Lisbeth had just left the office when she received a call from Owen—the captain of the bodyguard team Sebastian had arranged to protect her.
"Ms. Whitaker, someone is waiting for you downstairs at the company." Owen's voice was steady but carried some gravity. "It's Leopold."
Lisbeth's steps paused.
Hearing that name again, she actually felt as if a lifetime had passed. "Is he alone?"
"Yes."
Lisbeth checked the time. There were still two hours until her client meeting—enough time. "I understand. I'll come down now."
Hanging up, she took the elevator down. In the lobby, Leopold indeed stood there. He wore a dark gray suit, his hair meticulously combed, but his complexion was even more haggard than a few days ago.
Seeing Lisbeth, his eyes clearly brightened, and then he quickly walked forward. "Lisbeth."
Lisbeth stopped before him, her expression calm. "What is it?"
Looking at her indifferent expression, Leopold's heart felt like it was being stabbed with needles. He took a deep breath to suppress the discomfort, trying to appear calm. "Can we... find somewhere to talk?"
"Whatever it is, just say it here. I have an appointment soon."
Leopold looked at the company employees occasionally passing by, ultimately compromising. "Then I'll make it brief. About Sebastian—I know what happened."
Lisbeth asked back, "So?"
"He hit Beau. That's a fact." Leopold's gaze fixed tightly on her, still lowering his voice with some caution. "I can sue him for assault and ruin his reputation."
He tried to see a trace of panic or nervousness on her face.
But there was none.
She seemed completely unafraid that he would really do such a thing.
Lisbeth only looked at him coolly, asking with a slight smile, "Are you trying to threaten me?"
"I'm not threatening." Leopold immediately explained, not wanting her to misunderstand again. "Lisbeth, I just want you to see clearly that Sebastian isn't as good as you imagine. If he can do such violent things, it proves he's barbaric in his bones. Someone like that isn't worthy of you."
After listening, Lisbeth suddenly laughed lightly.
The laugh was soft, yet it made Leopold's heart contract sharply.
"Leopold, do you know what I hate most?" Lisbeth said word by word. "I hate most when people twist the truth in front of me."
Leopold froze. "What do you mean?"
"What right do you have to call Sebastian violent?" Lisbeth took a step forward, her voice not loud but every word clear, sharp as a blade. "Do you remember? Three years ago, to force me to sign divorce papers, what did you do?"
Leopold's face instantly went deathly pale.
Those memories flooded his mind like a tide. He hated his clear memory because he hadn't forgotten a single detail.
He'd taken photos of Lisbeth being humiliated and used them to force her, shame her, making her agree to divorce—threatening that if she didn't, she'd be ruined. Then he'd finally gained his freedom, that damned freedom!
His breathing grew rapid, and the words he spoke feeling weak even to himself. "I... I had lost my memory then... I thought..."
"Does losing your memory mean it wasn't you? What you did won't be erased just because you don't remember it!" Lisbeth cut off his words, her gaze so sharp that Leopold didn't dare meet it.
Leopold awkwardly looked away, shame and regret surging up. "I'm sorry..."
After thinking it over, he could only say this one apologetic phrase, but by now, even this apology seemed powerless.