Chapter 4

Sebastian ordered, "Roll down the stairs! I'll let it slide afterward!" Felicia clutched the railing with all her strength. "Sebastian, she's not Fiona! Have you lost all sense?" Sebastian shot her a cold look. "Well, she resembles Fiona, and that's enough! Since you refuse to roll down yourself, let them help you!" "Push her down!" he ordered the bodyguards. The bodyguards shoved her hard. Felicia tumbled down the stairs. Her body crashed against each step. Glass shards pierced her skin, and blood flowed down the steps like dark rivers. She struggled to push herself up as darkness clouded her vision. Before she could even steady herself, the bodyguards dragged her up again and sent her tumbling down once more. Down she went a second time. Then a third. Finally, she couldn't lift herself anymore. A spray of blood painted her hospital gown red. When she came to again, she heard nurses whispering in the hallway. "Ms. Little's injury healed ages ago, but Mr. Fuller still won't let her out of his sight. He's treating her like precious glass." "By contrast, the patient in Room 302 is all alone. She's covered in wounds, and no one even checks on her or brings her food…" "I heard that woman is actually Mr. Fuller's wife! Is that true?" "Shush! Let's not talk about it anymore…" Felicia closed her eyes, tears rolling silently down her cheeks. She stayed in the hospital for several more days. Her body grew frailer by the hour, and painkillers no longer dulled the relentless pain in her stomach. She knew staying there was useless, so she checked herself out early. When Felicia arrived home, Sebastian was sitting in the living room. Seeing her enter, he was about to ignore her and retreat to the study. Leaning weakly against the wall, Felicia managed to call out to him. "Sebastian, the day after tomorrow is my birthday." "So?" He turned to look at her. "I want to spend my last birthday with you," she said. "Last birthday? Already in a rush to kick the bucket?" he sneered. Felicia smiled. "Yes. I'm hurrying… So will you celebrate it with me?" Thinking she was merely venting, Sebastian scoffed. "Sure. I'll prepare a truly unique surprise for you." He deliberately emphasized his words, his eyes glinting with malice. On her birthday, Felicia followed the address he sent her and arrived at a hotel. The moment she pushed the door open, she froze. The banquet hall had been transformed into a funeral parlor. A coffin rested in the center, surrounded by thick wreaths. Felicia's portrait hung on the walls, and the guests were dressed in black. Silence fell the instant she entered, and every gaze was locked on her, anticipating the spectacle. "Like what you see?" Sebastian stepped forward, his smirk sharp. "A funeral, just for you." Felicia stared at her portrait and let a faint smile curve her lips. "I do." He paused, clearly taken aback. Then, his voice turned icy. "Since you like it, stand there." With that, Sebastian raised a hand, and a few of his friends stepped forward to light some candles, mimicking a funeral service. "Don't mess up your next life, Felicia." "If you do come back, don't cause Seb trouble anymore." "Rest easy." Felicia acknowledged them with a faint, pale smile, taking in each remark without a word. Once the mock ceremony ended, she turned to leave, but Sebastian grabbed her arm. "What's the matter with you?" he questioned. "What do you mean?" Sebastian glared at her. "Why aren't you pissed? You hate this kind of humiliation!" Felicia met his gaze calmly. "That's because this isn't humiliation. It's a gift, and I like it." After all, she didn't have much time left.