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Sebastian's smirk grew wider. "The one and only. And I think it's time I get my reward for the information I provided."  

Lilian's eyes drifted away for a moment before she forced a gentle smile and looked up at Sebastian.

"I appreciate your help, Sebastian," she said softly.

"I am grateful you showed me the truth. You made me see and realize the things I didn't care to see before. You revealed my husband's true nature to me and that of the backstabber who I called my best friend," She said in a soft whisper, staring up at Sebastian with her bright brown eyes. 

The hurt and pain she felt within her was reflected in her eyes even after she tried to cover it up with a fake smile and Sebastian's heart ached while staring down at her, a silent gulp rolling down the back of his throat as his fist unconsciously balled at his side and clenching his jaw.

'That bastard doesn't deserve her. I've always known this right from the start, but now, his wife is mine to claim and I will treat her better than he could ever because she deserves someone much better than that worthless dick face who calls himself her husband.' Sebastian gritted his teeth, something daring flashing before his eyes with determination.

Lilian let out a small sadistic laugh, "And now they took away everything that my dad left behind for me. Now I am left to roam on the streets till I get a grip on my life. He took away everything that I worked hard for and strived to keep alive. He ruined my life, Sebastian! Your friend ruined my life and that of my bab—" Lilian choked on her words, stopping herself from revealing the existence of her unborn child to someone whom she knows was close to Wilson as tears rolled down her cheeks.

'He is Wilson's friend. What if he goes behind my back and informs Wilson about my baby? No, no I can't take such a risk. I can't say anything about it or else my child—my child would be taken away from me,' Lilian shivered with that single thought, her heart and mind racing with the fear of her being deprived of the rights over her child now that Wilson had more than enough money and power to that with ease.

The elevator dinged, signaling its arrival at the floor number Sebastian had inputted earlier, and Lilian was surprised to find themselves at the rooftop of the Beverly Hills Hotel, the whole city of LA before her view. 

It was a very beautiful sight to look at but she was way too distracted by her emotions to even spare the city a second glance.

Sebastian chuckled, tucking his hands into his pockets. "I understand you. Sadly, I can relate to how you feel. To work day and night just to keep the late Mr Arthur Wests Enterprise alive, a global empire which I know must've been hard to push to great lengths but you proved everyone wrong when they doubted your capabilities, Lilian." Sebastian smiled, a proud one.

"You inherited it, revitalized it, and secured its success. It's not an easy feat but you did achieve them at a young age. Unfortunately, once again, all efforts have been put to waste because of that dick face and his scheming mistress." Sebastian snorted at his last words, disgust etched on his handsome features.

Sebastian's expression calmed later on, and he asked gently, "So, what's your next move, little miss? You're not going to let yourself become homeless and roam on the streets of LA, are you? You're the daughter of a business mogul, and you have more than that in you." His words sparked a glimmer of determination in Lilian's heart as it warmed her soul greatly but her smile slowly faded once a thought crept into her mind, making her uneasy.

"Sebastian—" She began then paused for a second as she contemplated and tried to form the right words she had in mind.

"Why are you helping me?" she asked softly. "You're friends with Wilson and as anyone would expect, you're meant to be on his side and not mine, especially now that he's gained control of my father's wealth and I am left with nothing."

Lilian's curiosity got the better of her. "Why did you save me from their trap to frame me? Why are you doing all this, Sebastian?"

Sebastian's gaze locked onto Lilian's, his eyes calculative. Lilian struggled to read his expression, a mix of emotions that left her wondering what ran through his mind. But there was something in his eyes as he stared at her, a look that felt so damned familiar.

"Why does the look in his eyes seem so familiar? Like I've seen it somewhere. But from who? Do I know Sebastian from somewhere before my wedding?" Lilian pondered.

Sebastian's amber eyes held Lilian captive as she tried to recall where she'd seen that familiar look. Suddenly, his throaty chuckle broke the spell, and Lilian's eyes snapped back into focus. "What's funny?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.

Sebastian's grin was smug. "You look adorable, little miss. Those rosy cheeks from crying over someone who doesn't deserve it." He teased, his voice low and smooth. As he gazed at her, his expression softened, and he muttered under his breath, "Adorable just like the first time I saw you..."

Lilian's eyebrow arched. "Did you say something?"

Sebastian's voice took on a serious tone as he changed the last words he had muttered."I said Wilson doesn't deserve you. You're too kind and genuine for someone like him. He's selfish and manipulative, always getting what he wants, no matter who he hurts."

Sebastian's eyes locked onto Lilian's, his gaze intense. "You're the opposite of him, Lilian. You're sweet, nice, and... captivating. The kind of girl I've always dreamed of and wanted to call 'MINE'." The words slipped out before he could stop them, leaving Lilian's heart racing.

Lilian froze at Sebastian's words, or rather—confession, her eyes wide open as she tried to understand what he meant. 

Was he talking about the girl he dreamed of having or was he referring to her? That she was the one he had always—wanted?  Perhaps, she hadn't heard him correctly and misinterpreted things, right? 

Sebastian rubbed the space between his eyebrows, regretting his confession. He felt like he had made a mistake, revealing his feelings at the wrong time. But since he'd already spoken, he knew he had to clarify things for Lilian.

Lilian's face was a picture of shock, her eyes fixed on Sebastian as she waited for an explanation. 

Sebastian took a long deep breath and let it out slowly. "As you had asked before, the reason why I'm helping you, Lilian, is because... I've had feelings for you for a long time," he admitted, his voice low and sincere.

Lilian's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she whispered, "You did?" Her eyes were filled with confusion and surprise as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, Little Miss, and I still do. Remember the car accident that happened sixteen years ago?" Sebastian asked, deep down hoping that she would remember but when Lilian struggled to go down the memory lane as she formed expressions on her face that showed how hard it was for her to recall, he laughed it off.

"What am I thinking? You definitely wouldn't remember. You were just nine at that time," he chuckled shaking his head.

"But I wouldn't deny the fact that your age had nothing to do with how much your small act of kindness and sympathy has left a great impact on my life and I will explain more to you in detail later on but first, I suggest you get a divorce as soon as possible," Sebastian's face turned deeply serious now. "And... get married to me," he proposed, leaving Lilian stunned.

"If you do, then I promise to help you get back everything they took from you," He continued, striding up and closer to Lilian who still struggled to find her voice after his sudden proposal.

"I will make sure they pay for hurting you the way they did. He doesn't deserve you better than I do, Lilian. You should be with me, not him." Sebastian finally whispered those words into the shell of her ear while brushing away a stray hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

His touch made her fold and almost succumb to his arms, but Lilian was quick to push him off at arm's length before she could melt into him.

"I-I am sorry, but I can't get married to you." Lilian's voice trembled as she spoke. "You're Wilson's friend. W-what if this is all a trap? What if you're just like him? I'd be a fool to fall for it again."

'The hurt in her eyes. So many 'What if'. It's hard for her to trust anyone anymore, not to talk of me who is currently a stranger to her now. She doesn't recall a thing about the incident that happened sixteen years ago.' Sebastian thought, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"How sure am I that you would fulfill those promises? What if you go back on your words and end up doing worse—" He pressed his hand against Lilian's lips as his amber eyes bore tenderly into her and he spoke softly.

"Shh, Lilian," He whispered. "Wilson hurt you, but I am nothing like him. Just give me a chance to prove it to you. I've always wanted to confess my feelings for you for so long, but I couldn't because I thought you had found your true love, but I was wrong." He said, regret laced in his tone.

"I was wrong to have thought you had found a better man than me. Wilson never deserved you, and I hope you would give me this chance that I am asking to prove to you that I am a better man meant for you. I love you, Lilian, and I'll do anything to make you believe me."

Sebastian's words were laced with sincerity, and his eyes pleaded with Lilian to give him a chance. He held his breath, hoping she'd see the truth in his words.

"I will only accept your proposal if you're willing to also accept my unborn baby, Sebastian," Lilian uttered and Sebastian's eyes grew wide in astonishment, too speechless to even speak.

"Y-you're pregnant?" He asked and Lilian bobbed her head slowly in response, biting nervously on her lips.