3: Ross

Fiona’s POV

Sebastian’s parents died in a car accident. His grandmother, Corine, was his only family, the one who had raised him since he was a child, which explained the immense attachment he had to that sweet elderly woman.

But not just with him—she always treated me with such warmth, welcoming me as part of her family from day one and always saying her dear grandson was in good hands with me.

So, even though Sebastian and I were going through a divorce, I didn’t hesitate once when it came to visiting Grandma.

When we arrived, the kind lady greeted us with a lovely lunch and a delicious apple pie for dessert. She always made that apple pie when we came to see her, which filled my heart with peace and comfort.

“Fiona, when are you two going to have a baby?” she said gently, holding my hand.

She was a very kind woman, but her health wasn’t good. She feared that after her passing, Sebastian would be left alone in the world, so she hoped he’d have a child as soon as possible.

I looked at Sebastian, quietly We wouldn’t have children, and we were about to divorce. At this point, I genuinely thought he had told his grandma we were getting divorced…

Sebastian cleared his throat, saving me from that question. “Grandma, I’ve been really busy with work lately. We don’t have time for a baby,” he said, taking off his coat, placing it on the chair, and smoothly changing the subject. “Where’s Coco? I want to take him for a walk on the lawn.”

Coco was the house dog, loved by everyone. The pet ran into the room at that moment, bursting with joy at seeing Sebastian and me.

“Hey, buddy. Did you miss me?” Sebastian was playing with him, scratching his fur, and then looked at me. “Fiona, want to walk the dog with me?”

I understood he wanted to talk to me privately. So, I agreed. “Sure. If Corine doesn’t mind, of course.”

“Oh, you kids can go play in the yard, yes. If my hips could handle it, I’d go with you,” she said, patting my hand. “Go have fun with your husband, sweetie. Just don’t let Coco steal him from you, okay?” And we ended up laughing at that.

So I went with Sebastian. Together, we picked out some toys Coco liked and headed outside. The mansion Grandma Corine lived in was huge, with that Victorian-era charm, and it had a large, well-kept garden in the back. It was a lovely, peaceful place, perfect for a weekend away from the city noise.

Sebastian and I walked side by side with Coco trailing us. Everything would’ve been serene if not for the tension between us. “I spoke with grandma’s private doctor,” he started. “She had heart bypass surgery not long ago. She can’t handle much stress.”

We sat on the lawn, Coco circling around us. I threw one of his favorite tennis balls for him to play with. It was hard to hear how sick Grandma was.

“We can’t tell her about the divorce right now,” Sebastian concluded.

So that’s why he hadn’t told her about our divorce. I got a bit thoughtful. He was asking me to pretend to be his wife to protect Grandma’s health.

What did this mean? Would I still be his wife? A pretend wife? I swallowed hard. That definitely wasn’t what I wanted, but I understood. I didn’t want Corine to be hurt by this mess in any way.

I looked at him. “I understand,” I mumbled. I was willing to do this for Grandma’s health. She had always been so good to me and treated me like her own granddaughter.

“Thank you, Fiona,” Sebastian said with a smile.

For a moment, I wanted to ask, what about you and Ross? Doesn’t she mind your relationship with her being kept in the shadows? I mean, his beloved would have to settle for me still being in her life; I was sure she wasn’t happy about that.

But I swallowed the words. It wasn’t something I should ask; after all, it simply wasn’t my business.

Sebastian surprised me when he smiled at me.

“Thanks, Fi. I knew I could count on you.” I had to look away and run my hand over my face because I was sure my cheeks turned red. That man had a charm that disarmed me so easily; I couldn’t pretend it didn’t.

“It’s no big deal,” I replied. “Besides, I’m doing this for Grandma.”

He nodded. “Of course, it’s Grandma who matters.” Then he stood up. “Coco, let’s play by the lake!” Sebastian ran off with the dog.

I didn’t follow because there was no “us” anymore.

I wasn’t part of his life.

I sat on the lawn under the sun, dealing with the emptiness in my heart alone.

Ring, ring, ring.

Sebastian’s phone was lying on the grass with Coco’s toys. He probably forgot to take it.

When it rang the first and second times, I didn’t touch it.

It wasn’t appropriate.

But it rang again, and I hesitated—what if it was urgent?

The phone stopped, but soon rang again for the fourth time.

I grabbed it quickly and answered. “Hello, Sebastian isn’t available to answer right now.”

“Who are you?” I heard a female voice on the other end.

I swallowed hard, clearly suspecting it was Ross. “I’m his… assistant.”

“I’m Ross. Tell Sebastian I need him and to call me back as soon as he can.”

My throat tightened. It was really her, Sebastian’s first love.

“Hello?” she pressed, her voice already sounding irritated.

“Yes, I’ll tell him,” I replied after clearing my throat.

The call ended without goodbyes, but I was stunned for a long time, unable to react.

She must be a very beautiful and charming woman. Would she and Sebastian get married soon? My mind wouldn’t stop; my jealousy was hard to avoid…

My heart ached, and a sour, bitter feeling welled up in my chest. The way that woman spoke on the phone with an authoritative tone, as if my husband was already hers,

‘Fiona, stop being so foolish as to feel miserable for him.’

I repeated that to myself over and over, trying to suppress the heartbreaking feelings. He wasn’t mine anymore, never really was, not when the ghost of his past loomed over us.

Until Sebastian came back.

“Someone called you,” I told him, pretending I didn’t care.

“Really? Who was it?” he asked.

I looked away. “You know who it was…” I couldn’t hide my bitterness.

Sebastian sighed and returned the call.

His relaxed expression shifted, his brows furrowed as he spoke on the phone. “I’m coming now.”

As soon as he hung up, his eyes locked on me. I saw the anger about to burst in his gaze.

What was wrong?

“What the hell did you say to Ross? She tried to kill herself!”