I smiled bitterly, and the last trace of hesitation in my heart vanished completely. So this was what he meant by, ‘I’ll treat you well from now on.’

The driver took me to the hospital. After a thorough examination, I learned it was fortunately just external injuries and minor internal displacement. I lay in the hospital bed, aching all over, yet my heart felt strangely calm.

Late into the night, Sebastian walked in with a weary face. Seeing that I was awake, panic flashed across his features.

“Rachel, how are you feeling? Any better?”

I looked at him coldly without speaking. He rubbed his hands together, explaining uneasily, “Viv was a bit traumatized by the shock. I’ve been staying with her, so…”

He awkwardly fell silent under my stare.

“Rachel, listen to me. The situation was so urgent, and Viv was closer to me. I instinctively… I didn’t know you would get hit.”

He paused, seemingly searching for the right words.

I interrupted him, “When are you leaving for the capital?”

He answered cautiously, “Tomorrow.”

“I see. I want to rest now. Please leave.”

I closed my eyes, dismissing him. Sebastian wanted to say more, but he ultimately had the sense to leave.

Our mom, Penelope, came to visit the next day. She carried a thermos with her, her face beaming with a smile. “Rachel, dear, Sebastian asked me to take care of you. Are you feeling better?”

“Much better. Thank you, Mom.”

While ladling soup for me, she chattered on, “Sebastian is so clumsy. I don’t know if he can take proper care of Viv…”

Halfway through, she seemed to suddenly realize something and awkwardly closed her mouth.

“Mom, Vivian’s name is on the marriage license to Sebastian.”