Chapter 5

Sebastian always misunderstood me. If this had been thirteen years ago, I would've fought back with tears in my eyes, trying to defend myself.

But now, with our goodbye so close, and knowing we would never cross paths again, whether he misunderstood me or not no longer mattered.

Just then, Sebastian spoke up. "I promised to watch the meteor shower with you, but I didn't keep my word. I remember you once said you wanted to go to Morvia. In a few days, I'll take you there. We can travel together."

I was caught off guard by the fact that he even remembered that. For a moment, I was stunned, but then I quickly shook my head.

"There's no need."

For once, Sebastian didn't mock me or act sarcastic. Instead, he pulled out his phone and immediately booked plane tickets for five days later.

"I get it, you're mad at me. But I've already booked the tickets. Once you're feeling better, we'll go on our honeymoon," he said.

"There's no need, Sebastian," I said again.

He looked at me, confused, and I said softly, "You don't need to force yourself, and you don't have to feel guilty about anything. This was my debt to you."

The words were meant for Sebastian, but also me.

Sebastian frowned, clearly unhappy. "What are you even talking about?" he snapped.

I didn't answer. The room fell into silence.

Sebastian turned away and went to pour me a cup of hot water.

I noticed his hand trembling slightly, probably because of the rainy weather. His old injury was acting up again.

A flood of memories and heartache rushed over me. Quietly, I asked, "Do you regret it? Saving me and ending up like this?"

Sebastian set the cup down in front of me, his head bowed low, his hair falling over his eyes.

"No. Even if it had been someone else, I would've still done it," he said.

"And during the earthquake?" I pressed.

I saw his fingers stiffen for a brief second before he answered, "Yes. No matter who it was, I would have saved them."

Of course. That was just the kind of person he was, soft-hearted and kind to the very core.

I smiled, but tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Thank you, Sebastian. You are a good person. I was the one who repaid kindness with stubbornness, clinging to you and refusing to let go. It must've been exhausting for you."

He had been so kind, yet I had been his burden for ten whole years, and in the end, he had even died saving me. I was his curse.

When Sebastian saw my tears, a rare trace of panic flashed in his eyes. "What are you talking about? I…"

At that moment, his secretary came rushing out of the emergency room.

"Mr. Pena, Ms. Brown is awake!"

Sebastian's face lit up immediately. "I'll go check on her," he said quickly, turning to leave. But I softly called out his name.

He turned back, and I gave him a bright, radiant smile. "I'm sorry, Sebastian. I hope you live a long, happy life, and that all your wishes come true."

He immediately sensed something was wrong.

"What do you mean? I'm just going to check on Gillian. I have something to tell you. Wait for me, okay?"

Without waiting for my reply, he hurried away.

There was less than half an hour left before I would return to the past life.

I pulled the IV needle from my hand and got up, walking slowly toward the hospital exit.

Meanwhile, after visiting Gillian, Sebastian came back carrying several containers of tonic broth.

But when he stepped into my hospital room, it was empty. Frowning, he called my name a few times, but there was no response.

An uneasy feeling crept into his chest. He instinctively pulled out his phone to call me.

At that moment, his secretary came running in, panting and out of breath.

"Mr. Pena, something terrible has happened!" he shouted between gasps.

"Ten minutes ago, Ms. Rowse was in a car accident. She suffered massive blood loss. And because the hospital's blood supply was critically low… Ms. Rowse was pronounced dead after failed resuscitation."