Chapter 16

Elaria didn't want to deal with him, so she made up an excuse to use the restroom. She leaned against the wall, zoning out, silently hoping Sebastian would take the hint and leave. About ten minutes passed. The bathroom door creaked open, letting a sliver of white light spill in. Then Sebastian slowly stepped inside. The space was dim, with just the two of them inside. Elaria didn't look at him, refusing to say a word. Sebastian walked over, his tall figure casting a shadow over her. He reached out, gently brushing her cheek, voice hoarse but soft: "Still hurting?" Elaria turned her face away sharply. Her disgust at his touch couldn't be more obvious. But Sebastian wasn't the kind who backed off easily. He blocked her path, lifting her chin with one hand, lightly caressing her cheek. His eyes were full of care, but to her, it looked like a cruel joke. She tried to swat his hand away, but he caught her wrist. He held her slender wrist firmly, eyes locked on her, intense and unreadable.