Revenge Heiress: Bow To My Reborn

"Suzy!"

Sebastian and I shouted in sync and rushed over to the spot where we stood earlier. He only released her hand for a moment to save me and she suddenly disappeared.

Feeling guilty was an unavoidable thing for me, if I hadn't been so insensitive we wouldn't be in this heck of a situation!

"Suzy!" I pushed through the crowd that was gathering to see the lanterns and I thought my heart would explode from worry but I turned my neck slightly and saw her crouching over at a broken lantern.

I didn't even have the strength to say her name, I just walked over with unimaginable relief written all over my face. Sebastian who wasn't far off noticed and came in my direction.

"Do you wanna light one of these?" I spoke softly like I was afraid she would disappear if my voice hit a pitch but someone else didn't have such reservations!

"How could you run off like that?! Do you know how worried I was? Don't ever do that again!" Sebastian's stern voice scared the shit out of her and she hid behind me but frankly speaking, I was just as terrified of this man!

I didn't want to interfere seeing as he was scolding her as her guardian but she was clutching onto my skirt like her life depended on it, how could I turn a blind eye?

"You're scaring her, Mr. Sebastian… she got carried away for a while, she's just a child, it's only normal -"

"Would you have taken responsibility if something bad happened?" He cut me off nice and sharp, his words hinting at my unimportance in her life.

Right, I had no right to interfere in the first place. My head lowered from this realization but this man wasn't going to let me off!

"I asked you a question. Would you take responsibility for something bad happening to Suzy in this normalcy you speak of which is actually a foolish act of carelessness?!"

His voice climbed volumes and I subconsciously shrunk into my skin, a habitual trait from Regulus constant shouting.

"S.L: Uncle, please stop yelling at aunty. It's not her fault, it's my fault. I just wanted to light the lanterns. I won't do it again"

I watched Suzy's tiny hands sign with so much agility that it wet my eyes to interpret it to Sebastian.

The man in question ruffled his hair in frustration. I somehow understood him and at the same time, I didn't. I've never been scared to lose someone dear to me, especially blood related.

The sad truth was that I never knew my mother was terminally ill. She hid it well enough so I never felt the pain of worrying about something bad happening just like Sebastian was fussing about.

"Fine, let's go see the lanterns," He said in finality and I followed suit. This was supposed to be part of my plan but it's all ruined now. Still, we each got a lantern and while Sebastian was helping Suzy I wrote a wish on a note.

Since I attended this festival in this life, I might as well leave a wish. I wrote.

(I want to live)

My wish was simple yet to me it was the hardest thing to have.

"Let's release it in, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"

We released the lanterns and they floated harmoniously into the sky that was calm and filled with lost more similar shining lights. So peaceful to gaze upon yet it's so blazing hot on the inside from ignited fire.

"You should've won the competition" Sebastian suddenly said out of nowhere, catching me completely off guard as I voiced "What?"

"I didn't see others dance but yours deserved the award" He added like his words were the most natural thing in the world and without waiting for my response he walked away.

Maybe tonight wasn't a bummer after all! I received a compliment from Sebastian! This means I'm making great progress already.

These were the thoughts that graced my mind while I lay in bed and adjusted my list. Attend a festival with Sebastian was stroked off and while I cuddled my pillow I remembered his words to me.

I thought he didn't care about my dance but I was wrong! Maybe I'm making progress after all.

[What are you going to do about the card? Become Princess Isla's babysitter or go to court?]

My ears twitched violently. The fact that those were my only options was beyond crazy!

Tomorrow I'll have to make a choice. Whatever my decision is I doubt it'd be the right one. You see, I have a knack for making wrong choices!

The next day came calmly with cold lights seeping through the clearing fog. Lately, the house has been quiet, I'm guessing it's because Regulus is still out on his trip but even more so Carla has been suspiciously calm.

Why do I get this feeling that this is the calm before the storm?!

I did my usual run in the morning to the cafe and headed to Jade Pavilion but I was shocked the minute I entered. A maid suddenly ran up to me and announced.

"Mr Sebastian asked of you. He's in the study, please follow me"

The tension and tone set me on edge. Could there be an issue? We spent the entire evening together, was it possible for a problem to arise overnight?

Technically, yes but I wanted to be optimistic as hell!

"He's inside"

I was left alone with the door and I took a deep breath before walking into a meticulously arranged space filled with bookshelves and classical antiques. His study was a full blown library!

"You sent for me" I softly spoke and he finally raised his head to spare me a glance.

"I'll go straight to the point. Explain these pictures"

He threw a couple of photos on the desk and my heart nearly leaped from my chest.

[How bad can the situation be? There would probably be a logical explanation for those pictures, just take a look]

I braced myself and inched closer, my fingers stretched out, and picked one of the photos but soon I found myself picking the next one and another one.

Horror was visibly written over my face and I couldn't stop my hands from trembling in fear. In the midst of my mental breakdown, Sebastian's voice rang out in a low growl.

"Explain yourself"

[We're screwed, aren't we?]

I think f*cked would be a better choice!