Chapter 5

Perhaps sensing the change in Clara's attitude toward him, Sebastian stayed with her like a shadow for the next few days. To make up for his guilt after what he'd done the other night, he even reserved a candlelit dinner on a cruise ship for her. The cruise ship's restaurant was decorated in a traditional style, with the endless ocean stretching out beyond the windows. As the server approached them with flowers and wine, Erica appeared out of nowhere. Looking pleasantly surprised, she held Sebastian's arm and asked, "Fancy running into you here, Sebastian. Are you here for dinner too?" Clara's expression froze. There weren't that many coincidences in the world—only calculated plans disguised as chance. No wonder Sebastian had suddenly invited her to dinner at such a place. It turned out he wanted her to meet Erica "by coincidence". "Ms. Zimmerman, do you mind if I join you for dinner?" Erica asked sweetly. Clara didn't have a chance to refuse, as Sebastian had already pulled out a chair for Erica eagerly. When it was time to order, Erica deliberately smiled and teased, "You ordered all my favorite dishes. Why don't you ask what Ms. Zimmerman likes?" Sebastian pushed the menu to Clara and asked gently, "What would you like to order?" She merely shook her head. "You decide." Dinner was tasteless for Clara. Erica and Sebastian chatted endlessly, while she felt like an outsider. She got up and went outside for some air but soon ended up in another area entirely. As she walked past a private room, someone pulled her in by force. "I knew you looked familiar. Ms. Zimmerman, since you're here, why don't you drink with us?" "You used to be so above it all, ignoring our invitations to drink together. Now that you've fallen on hard times, you have to sit and drink with us, don't you?" Clara furrowed her brows. These men had pursued her for a long time, only to turn bitter after she humiliated them. "Sorry, but I'm allergic to alcohol. I can't drink with you guys." After saying that, she tried to leave, but they immediately blocked her way. Fear rose in her heart as a chill crept down her back. "Clara, you'd better not pass up the easy option and take it the hard way. No one can protect you now. Don't tell me you're counting on that pretty boy of yours to save you." "Yeah! Behave and you'll suffer less. Otherwise, don't blame us for being rough." When one of the men lunged at her, Clara's breath hitched in her throat. She quickly kicked him between the legs and grabbed an ashtray to defend herself. "I'm warning you—don't mess with me, or else…" "Or else what? You asked for this." The man slapped Clara across the face, leaving her dizzy and staggering. She could barely stay on her feet. Then someone pushed her, slamming her to the ground. Her forehead hit the corner of the table, and blood gushed out from her wound immediately. Seeing the blood only made the men more excited. Whistling, they forcefully poured alcohol into her mouth. "It's my turn to fuck you. You're nothing but a slut, so stop pretending to be innocent." Right as the man said that, the door to the private room was kicked open. Seeing the scene, Sebastian stormed over and punched the man's face without hesitation. His eyes blazed with fury. "How dare you lay a hand on my woman? You've clearly got a death wish!" Like a madman, Sebastian beat the man up until the latter was covered in blood. In the end, he pressed a foot against the man's face, forcing him to apologize to Clara. Seeing this, the rest of the men stepped forward to intervene before Sebastian finally relented. He scooped Clara up in his arms, the blood still gushing from the wound on her forehead, and swiftly strode away. On the way to the hospital, he carefully wiped the blood from her forehead, his trembling hands betraying his concern. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken you there for dinner. This is all my fault." Clara could no longer distinguish sincerity from deception in his words. All she knew was that this was definitely not a coincidence. Earlier, someone in the crowd had recognized him. That was why they hadn't dared to retaliate. With reddened eyes, she asked, "You went against them for me. Aren't you afraid they'll cause trouble for you?" Sebastian pressed his forehead against hers, his chest tight with an emotion he couldn't name. "No, I'm not scared. Nothing is more important than you." If Clara hadn't known that he was a liar, his words might've moved her to tears. Yet, none of it was real. She refused to believe anything he said anymore. The car was unusually quiet. Suddenly, Sebastian's phone rang, breaking the stillness. The next second, his body stiffened, and his face turned dark. "Clara, can you go to the hospital alone?" Clara paused, a bitter smile slowly forming on her lips. The car stopped by the roadside, and Sebastian hurriedly got out. As his figure gradually disappeared in the rearview mirror, Clara started laughing out loud. She kept laughing until tears slid down her cheeks uncontrollably. She remembered the voice she'd just heard on the phone. "Sebastian, something happened to Erica. Come back now!"