Chapter 265 Won't You Ask How I Got Hurt
Jarod bluntly replied, "You could say I have a soft spot for my sister. After all, Sebastian‘s just taking advantage of Amber's goodwill."
Peter’s chest tightened as Amber’s graceful and noble image came to mind. He quickly cast the thought aside and dismissively said, "Her poor husband-to-be will have his hands full with you and Sebastian’s antics."
Jarod didn’t respond, visibly annoyed by this arranged marriage.
Sebastian took a turn in his path, no longer feigning indifference as his eyebrows furrowed. At the room door, he was about to push it open, when his phone vibrated. It was a call from Lynda. His frown deepened, confusion passing over his face. He completely forgot about her.
He couldn't lie to himself; during his whole way here, his heart and mind were preoccupied with Isabella alone. Both women currently needed him, but he was showing a clear preference now.
His heartbeat was steady yet fast, as if a tiny hammer was repeatedly striking it. He had truly fallen for Isabella.
The phone kept ringing, numbing his palm. However, he remained motionless until the caller hung up. He was still lost in thought.
Isabella had just put on the comfortable pajamas Amber gave when she opened the door, colliding straight into Sebastian's chest.
She instantly recognized his scent. Why was he here?
Snapping back to reality from the impact, Sebastian deeply gazed at the center of her hair. Spark flew in his eyes as he couldn’t look away. This was the woman who controlled his emotions– the woman he loved.
All he wanted was to possess her forever, almost wishing he could grind her into his very bones and blood.
Isabella felt Sebastian's intense gaze, unable to adjust as she hurriedly pulled away from his embrace.
She retreated with her left foot, trying to bring the other one around. However, before it even touched the ground...
Her arm was yanked and she grunted. Her body lunged forward, once again landing in Sebastian's arms.
He rested his chin on her shoulder, his strong arms tightly around her as her arms hung loosely at her waist. he held them close along with the rest of her.
Isabella was immobilized, unable to move.
Even moving her head required effort.
His chest was broad while his arms were long, which meant Isabella was held snugly in his embrace.
Thump, thump, thump— his heart’s low and strong beating threw her mind into disarray.
Summer clothing was exceptionally thin, letting her feel the burning warmth radiating from Sebastian's body.
His heat, his breath, scorched her somehow.
Moreover, she was acutely aware of the rise and fall of his chest.
It was almost as if their skins were touching.
Isabella was somewhat dazed as she asked, "What's wrong with you?"
"Shh… Just let me hold you," Sebastian's voice was hoarse, as if he was never this vulnerable before.
Indeed, the Sebastian holding her now was one she had never seen before.
Isabella frowned, at a loss for words. What happened to this man? What could’ve affected his emotions so deeply?
She didn't know, but she did know her heart ached for him.
At this moment, to push him away and create a distance between them?
Isabella's eyelashes fluttered slightly; she couldn't do it.
Sometimes people were just foolish.
Moreover, it was just a hug; it’s not like she’d lose anything from it. She considered it as… Repayment for his care yesterday.
However, she faintly felt that he was now experiencing a typical 'male reaction.'
She hadn't done anything!
Her face changed drastically, biting her lower lip as she seriously said, "Sebastian, let me go."
She couldn't immediately withdraw all the love she felt; that was human nature, and it was something she could forgive herself for.
But the way he acted now… She couldn’t convince herself any further. It just wasn't right for him to hold her like this...
Isabella's face burned with embarrassment.
Sebastian’s eyes had been closed, savoring the feeling of his heart filling up again. However, her cold words snapped him back to reality, causing a pang of pain in his heart.
"Never going to happen," he declared in a firm and authoritative stance, accustomed to getting whatever he wanted. Once he understood his feelings clearly, any prior agreements were dismissible.
Isabella froze in confusion. "What are you talking about? What's never going to happen? You're not making any sense."
Before he could reply, she bent her knees in an attempt to knock her leg against his. "Even though this is the Lawrence family's residence, it's inappropriate for us to be so intimate. We had an agreement, so you should release me now."
Sebastian's words were deliberate and slow, right by Isabella's ear, "And I'm saying that I won't let go."
"Sebastian, have you mistaken me for someone else because you're drunk?" she couldn’t think of any other reason. "I’m Isabella, for heaven's sake; please take a good look."
"I'm not drunk," he assured, releasing his grip to hold her chin with an intense gaze. "Isabella, our deal is over. From now on, you will stay by my side."
His eyes were exceptionally dark, easy to get lost and drown in.
So much that Isabella almost overlooked the wound on his forehead.
She wasn't swayed by his charm, immediately retreating as she replied, "Sebastian, we agreed to live out the rest of our time peacefully. You can't break that promise."
She clenched her teeth as she looked down at her shoe tips, "Anyway, I need to go rehearse with Amber."
"Also, about that cut on your forehead," she added, looking up at Sebastian's injury, "You're bleeding; you should get the family doctor."
After that, she turned to leave.
"Aren't you going to ask how I got hurt?" Sebastian frowned, discomfort surging within him.
Isabella briefly paused before responding, "Mr. Lawrence, I’ll go call the family doctor for you."
Her words were clear – she was just an assistant, not in a position to delve too much into her superior's business.
Sebastian finally understood why he couldn't stand seeing her so formally polite all the time. It was because he had fallen in love with her.
It wasn't hazy flirtation; it was heartfelt love.
He loved her, so he couldn't accept her coldness.
He could use ignorance as an excuse before this, but not anymore. Now that he knew, no agreements or conditions mattered; he wasn’t the type to sulk in silence.
It dawned on him now; she had to return and stay by his side.
He never let himself fall into a disadvantage. His heart was stolen, so he needed something of equal value in exchange. He wanted her heart; for her to reciprocate his feelings.
Isabella had barely taken a few steps out when Sebastian pulled her back.
No matter how slender she was, she was pregnant, which surprised her even more when he effortlessly scooped her up.
His dress shoes caught the edge of the door. With a solid thud, he closed it behind them.
Following that, he freed one hand and locked the door from the inside.
Isabella clutched his collar, her eyes wide with anger like a petulant little creature. "Sebastian, what on earth are you planning to do?"
Sebastian lifted her onto the table. Just like that, their eyes were at the same level.
She couldn't withstand the beast-like intensity in his gaze.