Revenge Heiress: Bow To My Reborn

I find tonight's timing to be entirely ridiculous because my phone chimed a message that read.

(Miss Lyla. Your results are out. Stop by the Hospital tonight, if possible)

My pulse zinged and my face paled. Earlier I ran a series of tests, an act I've been avoiding all my life but I didn't want to cower away anymore, at least now I'm sure I'd live for another three months.

It's no news I'm malnourished and the different toxins I've digested are a more serious problem, coupled with the fact that my eating habit is running downhill, I definitely have to be worried!

So forgive me if the briefcase filled with shinning notes aren't the least of my concerns.

"Take it and leave"

Anthony's voice calmly permeated the air and the dining looked no better than a graveyard. Everyone was awaiting my reaction and so was I!

Should I just take the money and leave? I mean, wouldn't it be enough to disappear from all my worries? Except, Regulus would haunt me down and keep me where he could watch me.

His excuse is not having a time bomb that can ruin his life roaming around. That's also why I wasn't allowed to study abroad. Now that the wedding with Mr. Mallow has been finalized he'd really haunt me down to the ends of the earth and make me suffer!

Maybe if I was reborn a year earlier, running away with this ton of money would've been an option but that wasn't the case now!

I passed a look to everyone seated including Sebastian who eagerly wanted to see what choice I'd make and I smiled. A full smile that showed unbelievable joy.

"Bring it over" I motioned the butler or assistant, I don't care!

He carried it over and a smirk graced Sir, Anthony's lips. I didn't bother to notice the other's reaction but when I looked up I caught a glimpse of Camilla's expression.

Her face was distorted by disgust but I didn't give a hoot!

I placed the box in front of me and felt the notes under my palm and my smile broadened before focusing my gaze on Anthony.

"Is this all?"

My question stiffened his face but it only lasted for a split second and it was replaced with a more prominent smugness.

"Name your price" He stated with all authority and my expression shifted from a smile to a scowl. I looked genuinely disappointed and in the blink of an eye, my hands moved and closed the briefcase shut!

"I esteem you extremely smart, Mr. Anthony. I'm sorry to say your actions disappoint me, but then, who am I that my opinion matters, isn't that right?"

The hall remained quiet and Anthony had on his unreadable expression but I could guess he was simmering in anger.

"Think about it. If you say giving me money would make me leave that proves that I'm only with Sebastian because of money and if you believe this, why would you think I would accept a briefcase full of money when I can someday be the woman of this empire?"

"You!-" He bellowed

"Ah, I shouldn't have said that, looks like I just exposed my plans" I cut him off with an indifferent tone and he did not take my words lightly. He suddenly stomped the table, almost knocking off some dishes but I didn't flinch, I didn't even blink.

This was a usual occurrence for Regulus so I wasn't fazed, I only cared for Suzy who seemed shaken up by the loud noise.

"You've heard her, Father. She's not here for your money, she's with me for mine and I have no problem giving it to her. All of it if I have to!"

I was blown away by his words, there's no way he meant that. 'We're acting right now!' I reminded myself.

"I won't let that happen. The alliance has been finalized! You have no say whatsoever! Just do as you're told, be obedient like you always have"

Do my ears deceive me? Why did his last words sound like a threat? I wasn't wrong because I noticed the temperature around Sebastian drop. I took a closer look and saw his jaw muscles flex.

What the hell is going on between Father and son?!

"Your mother here has prepared everything so all you have to do is make yourself present -"

"My Mother is dead!" Sebastian forced out through clenched teeth and my eyes widened from understanding.

So Helen isn't his real Mother… but there's no record of a second wife. Everyone thinks she's his mother. What the hell is going on?!

"Call her my mother again, and I'll make sure you no longer have a son"

The air practically froze, Sebastian is the only male child and eligible heir of The Cornelius Family so his threat right now holds a lot of water.

"My mind hasn't changed" Sir, Anthony finally spoke and by this time Sebastian was already on his feet. His gaze was bloodshot when he turned to me.

"Bring Suzy, we're leaving"

I didn't hesitate and bundled her in my arms as we exited the awkward room. I really thought I would die from lack of oxygen. Their stares were enough to take my breath away, not in a good way!

The ride back started quiet and Suzy fell asleep in my arms. Her presence was soothing but too bad it wouldn't last.

"Please drop me off at that Hospital" I motioned to the driver who in turn cast a glance at Sebastian through the rear.

It was only when Sebastian nodded that the chauffeur parked and I gently placed Suzy down before leaving.

It was all an act, I know this but I can't shake off the image of Sebastian's face when his Father released that threat, why did it seem similar to mine?

No, it can't be…

"Miss, right this way"

I followed the nurse and headed for the doctor's office.

"Take a seat, Miss Lyla, and here's your result from the full body examination. We will do our best to provide you with any help we can"

My trembling hands picked up the envelope and unwrapped it. I was too scared to look, what if I find out I have a terminal disease? My luck was always the worst so it was possible to expect the worst outcome.

[Just take a look!]

Eventually, I looked and my gaze frosted in place. I couldn't stop a tear from falling on my cheek.

[Do you deserve this?]