Chapter 6

Roxanne ignored Sebastian, who was convulsing in pain behind her. After all, she had only spoken the truth. She wasn't a doctor. She couldn't feel his pain for him. Staying here wouldn't change anything. Roxanne had no intention of getting tangled up with Sebastian again. She left without hesitation. Sebastian must have lost his mind to come looking for her. With his pride, there was no way he'd ever come back after what she did today. She couldn't deny she was surprised to see him. But more than that, she considered herself unlucky. She lost the mood to stay in Cloudia City any longer. She got in a car and headed straight for Floral City, continuing her travels. Roxanne wasn't going to let Sebastian ruin her mood. … Sebastian got an IV at the hospital, and his face regained some color. Jamie brought him a bowl of soup. "Mr. Hayes, the doctor said you should have something warm for your stomach." Reclining on the hospital bed, Sebastian looked as cold and untouchable as ever. His chiseled features were flawless, his expression indifferent. He slowly opened his eyes. "Give it to me." Jamie handed him the container. He opened it. It was just a plain bowl of chicken soup. It had no aroma and didn't even look appetizing. Sebastian rubbed his temples, exhausted. Back then, whenever he was hospitalized for stomach pain, Roxanne was the one who took care of him. The soup she made always smelled and looked good. He closed his eyes. All he could see was Roxanne walking away without hesitation. Her back was cold and distant. There was no lingering affection. His temple throbbed. He had only ever seen the side of Roxanne that loved him passionately. He had never seen this side of her before. Sebastian took a sip of the soup. It didn't taste like the one he remembered. As he ate, he asked, "Where is Roxanne now?" "Floral City," Jamie replied. Sebastian's long fingers paused for a second before letting out a soft chuckle. "She ran pretty fast." Jamie hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Hayes, it's obvious Ms. Sawyer is playing hard to get. If you keep spoiling her…" Sebastian lifted his gaze. His deep eyes flashed with an icy glint. "Ms. Jones, do you think it's your place to comment on my affairs?" Jamie's breath hitched. She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Hayes. I overstepped." Sebastian said coldly, "Get out!" Jamie's face turned pale as she backed out of the room. She looked livid, her heart burning with resentment. What made Roxanne think she deserved Sebastian? How could she even play hard to get? The worst part was that Sebastian was actually playing along. Did Roxanne really think she held a place in his heart? Jamie clenched her phone and made a call. The line connected quickly. "Ms. Halesworth…" … Sebastian finished his soup and closed his eyes to rest. Just then, his phone rang. It was a call from Liana. He answered the call, and a soft, delicate voice came through the line, "Sebastian, where are you? My chest hurts so much." Liana's voice was sweet and weak, the kind that made people want to protect her. "I'm in Cloudia City. If it hurts, have Tay check on you. Take care of yourself." "Can you come see me tomorrow? I need you." Sebastian was silent for a moment. "I don't think so." The other end of the line went quiet because of his refusal. "Sebastian, what are you doing in Cloudia City?" He didn't lie. "Roxanne is here." Liana's voice held a hint of guilt. "Is it because I called you on the day of your engagement? Did that upset Roxanne? This is all my fault. I'll explain it to her." Sebastian frowned. "This has nothing to do with you. It was my decision. She's upset with me, not you. You don't need to apologize. Just focus on taking care of yourself." Suddenly, soft sobs came from the other end of the call. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have called you that day. I forgot it was your engagement party…" Sebastian felt a headache coming on. But he was patient when it came to Liana. "Don't think too much. It's not your fault…" The next second, Taylor Hathaway's panicked voice came through, "Liana! Liana, what's wrong?" Sebastian's chest tightened. The next second, Taylor picked up the phone. "Sebastian, Liana was overwhelmed with guilt. She got too emotional and passed out." Sebastian's brows furrowed. "She's always been weak. Take good care of her." "Sebastian, you know she needs you right now…" Sebastian thought back to Roxanne's cold, detached silhouette as she left. He knew he couldn't just let things be. "I can't leave right now." Taylor grew more agitated. "This is all because of Roxanne, isn't it? Sebastian, you're being ridiculous! Roxanne is just throwing a tantrum. She'll come back on her own. But Liana needs you now. You should be prioritizing her." Sebastian felt exhausted. Everyone thought Roxanne was just acting out. Nathaniel, Jamie, Liana, and even Taylor had thought so. So, in their eyes, was Roxanne nothing more than a spoiled, unreasonable woman? But she wasn't. To him, she had always been obedient, sensible, and gentle. Over the years, he hadn't put much thought into her. Yet, she had never been difficult. She wasn't an unreasonable woman. "Taylor," Sebastian said coldly. "I can't put Liana first forever. One day, I'll have a wife and children. They will be my priority. As her doctor, you are more useful to Liana than I am." With that, he hung up. In the ward, Liana heard every word. Her already pale face lost all color. Taylor was stunned by Sebastian's words. He quickly tried to comfort Liana, saying, "Liana, don't take it to heart. You're the most important person to him. Roxanne is just making a big fuss. Sebastian is just giving in to her." Liana clenched her hands beneath the blanket. A fleeting, malicious glint flashed in her eyes. She thought viciously, "Roxanne, stay away if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, what happened at the engagement party will be just the beginning." She forced a weak, understanding smile at Taylor. "I understand. After all, Roxanne will be his wife. I'm just his sister…" Taylor's heart ached at how considerate she was. But when it came to Roxanne, his eyes filled with contempt. "Roxanne isn't worthy to be Sebastian's wife at all."