When the final list came out, I was shocked to see my name on it.That day, I met Sebastian at a café and asked him directly, "Did you help me with this? What did it cost you?"He said, "I gave up a small portion of my shares. It's no big deal. You're worth it."I almost laughed in disbelief. No big deal? There was no way he had done that with the shareholders' approval.Sebastian added, "None of that matters, as long as you're happy. You're the most important person to me."The most important person, huh?I kept staring at him, and he seemed to get flushed. His ears turned red as he cleared his throat awkwardly."I saw you liked that picture of the flower field the other day… I planned a surprise for you tonight. I was hoping you'd—""Sebastian," I cut him off softly.Noticing the shift in my expression, he quickly tried to explain himself. "You don't like flower fields? I'm sorry, I'll change the plan. What would you prefer? Fireworks? A fountain show?"He looked genuinel
The time machine exploded into a blinding light. I squeezed my eyes shut, but suddenly, I heard Sebastian Pena's mocking voice close to my ear."My parents are practically threatening to kill themselves if I don't marry you, Sienna Rowse. You must be proud of yourself. "But even if we go through with this wedding, what do you think you'll actually get out of it? Do you think we're going to be happy?"My eyes snapped open, and there he was—Sebastian, standing right in front of me.His hands were tucked casually into the pockets of his dress pants. Despite his lazy posture, the mockery flashing in his eyes was impossible to miss.The Sebastian I knew in the future was poised and dignified, but the boy in front of me still carried the careless, untamed energy of youth, a look I hadn't seen in what felt like forever.My nose stung with emotion.The time machine had worked. I was back in the past. But something had gone wrong—it hadn't taken me to the moment we first met. Instea
I gave Sebastian a gentle smile."Sebastian, check it tomorrow. There'll be a surprise," I said softly.His eyes landed on me, his brows knitting together. "You're acting weird today. Are you so happy to marry me that you've gone crazy?"Honestly, it was something to be happy about.Because I finally got to see you alive again.I smiled and said, "I think you're the best person in the world. Anyone who marries you will be very lucky."He let out a cold laugh and turned away. If I hadn't known he didn't love me, I might have thought he was just shy.Just then, I heard a young couple nearby chatting excitedly."There's gonna be a once-in-a-century meteor shower tonight! Legend has it that couples who watch it together will stay in love forever. Let's go see it, babe!"My steps slowed.I remembered that on this same day in my previous life, I had clung to a small, selfish hope that maybe Sebastian could fall in love with me if we watched the meteor shower together.But all I go
I let out a sigh, went to the school to secure my recommendation for direct admission, then headed home.Sebastian's parents had already prepared a table full of food. When June Tucker, Sebastian's mother, saw me walk in, she happily grabbed my hands. "Sia, you're back already? Got your marriage certificate that fast? Where's Sebastian? Why didn't he come home with you?""He had some work come up at the office, Mrs. Pena. He had to go take care of it," I answered.She frowned, clearly displeased. "That boy, today's such an important day, and he still can't put work aside."Sebastian's father, Callum Pena, just laughed. "Being career-focused isn't a bad thing. They're married now anyway. A family dinner can happen any time."June muttered under her breath, obviously unhappy.Watching this warm, familiar scene unfold in front of me, my eyes stung with emotion."Mr. and Mrs. Pena, Sebastian and I didn't get the certificate. I've completed my paperwork for studying abroad. I'm pla
I didn't know how long I had been waiting when the door behind me suddenly opened. I turned around, eyes lighting up with hope."Sebastian, you came."But his expression was dark, stormy. He crossed the room in just a few quick steps, his eyes burning with anger."Sienna, just because I didn't take you home and went to see Gillian instead, you ran off to complain to my parents? Do you even realize what you've done? "They called her and tore into her over the phone. She got distracted, and while crossing the street, she was hit by a car. She's bleeding out now, and she might die. Are you happy now?"…I froze where I stood.In my past life, Gillian had also died from massive blood loss after a car accident, because the blood bank didn't have enough supply in time.If, before this, Sebastian's cruelty had been limited to cold words and cutting remarks, after that day, it turned into real, burning hatred.But that hadn't happened until a month after we got married. Why had it ha
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
The thermos crashed to the ground with a loud bang, spilling tonic broth everywhere.Sebastian's furious, disbelieving roar echoed through the hallway. "What did you just say?"It felt like a sledgehammer had slammed into his chest. A sharp, searing pain radiated through his heart.Sebastian forced himself to stay calm. He took two hurried steps toward the door, but suddenly, his knees buckled, and he stumbled. His secretary caught him just in time."Where is she now? Take me to her right now!" Sebastian demanded.The secretary hurriedly led Sebastian down the hall. When they reached the room, Sebastian shoved the door open with a heavy hand."Wait, Mr. Pena, you can't go in yet!" a nurse called out, rushing to stop him, but Sebastian pushed past them, storming inside.He staggered to the hospital bed and, with trembling hands, lifted the white sheet covering the face beneath it.He froze. "This… isn't Sienna," he said in shock.One of the nurses who had run in behind him bl
From the phone recording, Gillian's voice came through, full of calculation and malice. "Mrs. Pena, did you think forcing Sebastian to marry Sienna would make him fall for her? All I have to do is crook my finger and tell a few little lies, and he comes running straight to me. "He believes every word I say, like I'm the only one in his heart. Even if I string him along for a lifetime, he'll take it gladly. "But honestly, he's just a mere option for me, a backup, if you will. Why settle for pining over one man when I can have fun with all kinds of men?"On the recording, June's furious voice erupted. "You shameless thing! Aren't you afraid of getting karma?"Gillian let out a mocking laugh, and then the recording cut off.Sebastian stood there in stunned silence. This was nothing like the image he had constructed in his mind.June patted him heavily on the shoulder and said earnestly, "I don't know what kind of spell she cast on you, but Gillian's not the sweet girl you though
When the final list came out, I was shocked to see my name on it.That day, I met Sebastian at a café and asked him directly, "Did you help me with this? What did it cost you?"He said, "I gave up a small portion of my shares. It's no big deal. You're worth it."I almost laughed in disbelief. No big deal? There was no way he had done that with the shareholders' approval.Sebastian added, "None of that matters, as long as you're happy. You're the most important person to me."The most important person, huh?I kept staring at him, and he seemed to get flushed. His ears turned red as he cleared his throat awkwardly."I saw you liked that picture of the flower field the other day… I planned a surprise for you tonight. I was hoping you'd—""Sebastian," I cut him off softly.Noticing the shift in my expression, he quickly tried to explain himself. "You don't like flower fields? I'm sorry, I'll change the plan. What would you prefer? Fireworks? A fountain show?"He looked genuinel
But at that time, even after loving Sebastian for so many years, my heart didn't stir in the slightest. I firmly rejected his confession and left for my studies abroad alone.Over the next thirteen years, I threw myself fully into my academics and career, and everything in my life went smoothly.After returning from studying overseas, I became a professor at a well-regarded university back home.As for Sebastian, the very next day after realizing the mistake on the marriage certificate, he went straight to file for divorce.That honestly surprised me, but I was relieved to see that his actions hadn't disrupted my future. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief.In these thirteen years, Sebastian hadn't fought with me like he used to. The stomach issues he once developed from anger and stress were avoided this time, too.Now, compared to the past, he had shed his reckless, careless ways and grown into a much steadier, big-brother-like figure. He stayed by my side, quietly and consistent
From the phone recording, Gillian's voice came through, full of calculation and malice. "Mrs. Pena, did you think forcing Sebastian to marry Sienna would make him fall for her? All I have to do is crook my finger and tell a few little lies, and he comes running straight to me. "He believes every word I say, like I'm the only one in his heart. Even if I string him along for a lifetime, he'll take it gladly. "But honestly, he's just a mere option for me, a backup, if you will. Why settle for pining over one man when I can have fun with all kinds of men?"On the recording, June's furious voice erupted. "You shameless thing! Aren't you afraid of getting karma?"Gillian let out a mocking laugh, and then the recording cut off.Sebastian stood there in stunned silence. This was nothing like the image he had constructed in his mind.June patted him heavily on the shoulder and said earnestly, "I don't know what kind of spell she cast on you, but Gillian's not the sweet girl you though
The thermos crashed to the ground with a loud bang, spilling tonic broth everywhere.Sebastian's furious, disbelieving roar echoed through the hallway. "What did you just say?"It felt like a sledgehammer had slammed into his chest. A sharp, searing pain radiated through his heart.Sebastian forced himself to stay calm. He took two hurried steps toward the door, but suddenly, his knees buckled, and he stumbled. His secretary caught him just in time."Where is she now? Take me to her right now!" Sebastian demanded.The secretary hurriedly led Sebastian down the hall. When they reached the room, Sebastian shoved the door open with a heavy hand."Wait, Mr. Pena, you can't go in yet!" a nurse called out, rushing to stop him, but Sebastian pushed past them, storming inside.He staggered to the hospital bed and, with trembling hands, lifted the white sheet covering the face beneath it.He froze. "This… isn't Sienna," he said in shock.One of the nurses who had run in behind him bl
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
I didn't know how long I had been waiting when the door behind me suddenly opened. I turned around, eyes lighting up with hope."Sebastian, you came."But his expression was dark, stormy. He crossed the room in just a few quick steps, his eyes burning with anger."Sienna, just because I didn't take you home and went to see Gillian instead, you ran off to complain to my parents? Do you even realize what you've done? "They called her and tore into her over the phone. She got distracted, and while crossing the street, she was hit by a car. She's bleeding out now, and she might die. Are you happy now?"…I froze where I stood.In my past life, Gillian had also died from massive blood loss after a car accident, because the blood bank didn't have enough supply in time.If, before this, Sebastian's cruelty had been limited to cold words and cutting remarks, after that day, it turned into real, burning hatred.But that hadn't happened until a month after we got married. Why had it ha
I let out a sigh, went to the school to secure my recommendation for direct admission, then headed home.Sebastian's parents had already prepared a table full of food. When June Tucker, Sebastian's mother, saw me walk in, she happily grabbed my hands. "Sia, you're back already? Got your marriage certificate that fast? Where's Sebastian? Why didn't he come home with you?""He had some work come up at the office, Mrs. Pena. He had to go take care of it," I answered.She frowned, clearly displeased. "That boy, today's such an important day, and he still can't put work aside."Sebastian's father, Callum Pena, just laughed. "Being career-focused isn't a bad thing. They're married now anyway. A family dinner can happen any time."June muttered under her breath, obviously unhappy.Watching this warm, familiar scene unfold in front of me, my eyes stung with emotion."Mr. and Mrs. Pena, Sebastian and I didn't get the certificate. I've completed my paperwork for studying abroad. I'm pla
I gave Sebastian a gentle smile."Sebastian, check it tomorrow. There'll be a surprise," I said softly.His eyes landed on me, his brows knitting together. "You're acting weird today. Are you so happy to marry me that you've gone crazy?"Honestly, it was something to be happy about.Because I finally got to see you alive again.I smiled and said, "I think you're the best person in the world. Anyone who marries you will be very lucky."He let out a cold laugh and turned away. If I hadn't known he didn't love me, I might have thought he was just shy.Just then, I heard a young couple nearby chatting excitedly."There's gonna be a once-in-a-century meteor shower tonight! Legend has it that couples who watch it together will stay in love forever. Let's go see it, babe!"My steps slowed.I remembered that on this same day in my previous life, I had clung to a small, selfish hope that maybe Sebastian could fall in love with me if we watched the meteor shower together.But all I go
The time machine exploded into a blinding light. I squeezed my eyes shut, but suddenly, I heard Sebastian Pena's mocking voice close to my ear."My parents are practically threatening to kill themselves if I don't marry you, Sienna Rowse. You must be proud of yourself. "But even if we go through with this wedding, what do you think you'll actually get out of it? Do you think we're going to be happy?"My eyes snapped open, and there he was—Sebastian, standing right in front of me.His hands were tucked casually into the pockets of his dress pants. Despite his lazy posture, the mockery flashing in his eyes was impossible to miss.The Sebastian I knew in the future was poised and dignified, but the boy in front of me still carried the careless, untamed energy of youth, a look I hadn't seen in what felt like forever.My nose stung with emotion.The time machine had worked. I was back in the past. But something had gone wrong—it hadn't taken me to the moment we first met. Instea