Chapter 2

2.

I handed a bag to Sophie, Sebastian's younger sister. She was one of the few people who had treated me well over the years.

"Once I'm gone, please burn this dress for me," I said.

"I don't have the right to wear it anymore."

Sophie gripped the bag, her face flushed with anger.

"My brother is being a complete jerk. I'm going to find him right now and make him pay you a massive settlement before you go..."

She turned to leave, but I caught her arm.

"Don't bother," I said quietly.

She had seen how I treated her and Sebastian over the years. I was the one who had patched up their broken relationship.

Just then, Sebastian appeared, clutching his bandaged arm. His voice was icy.

"Where do you think you're going?"

I looked up at him. Having not seen him for only half a day, he already felt like a stranger.

I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him.

The bar was dimly lit. He was leaning against the counter, drinking alone.

He wore a rugged outdoor jacket, his posture tall and imposing.

His eyes were dark, his lips curled in a slight smirk that screamed he wanted nothing to do with anyone.

But with just one look, I was hooked. I couldn't tear my eyes away.

I had seen many looks in his eyes over the years, but I had never seen the tenderness he showed Celine.

Snapping back to reality, I spoke.

"You misheard me."

"I was just asking Sophie to help me get rid of some junk."

As I spoke, my gaze became distant, as if I were trying to convince myself.

That was right.

I came here with nothing, and I would leave with nothing.

Sebastian stared at me for a long time. When he couldn't find a hole in my story, he finally gave in and left.

Good. That was the Sebastian I knew.

He was always a man of few words with me. He only became talkative when the subject was Celine.

He didn't truly care where I was going.

But soon, the front door swung open.

I watched as Celine walked right past me, rushing upstairs to find Sebastian.

She acted like this was her house, completely ignoring my existence.

I followed her up. As soon as she knocked, a voice from inside barked, "Get lost!"

Celine became even more anxious.

"Sebastian, it's me..."

Click.

The door opened instantly.

I realized then that the "Get lost" had been meant for me. He had assumed I was the one at the door.

Sebastian's eyes were filled with a desperate longing. "Why are you here?"

"Aren't you afraid he'll find out you're visiting me?"

Celine's eyes immediately filled with tears. Her voice trembled.

"We aren't officially together yet. He can't control me."

"You got hurt because of me. How could I rest without seeing you?"

I froze in the hallway.

It felt like someone had punched me in the chest. A dull, heavy ache spread through me.

She was talking as if I didn't even exist.

I had tried for five years to break the bond between them, but in their eyes, I was still just a disposable side character.

Celine's tears began to fall.

"Do you really not want to see me?"

Sebastian couldn't hold back anymore. Right in front of me, he pulled Celine into a crushing hug.

"I need you. I've always needed you."

His eyes were bloodshot, and he held her like a priceless treasure he had finally recovered.

Those words pierced my heart like a dagger.

What about me?

Had I been nothing but a joke this whole time?

After they finished hugging, Celine started checking Sebastian's wound, her fingers tracing the bandages as she sobbed.

"Does it hurt?"

Sebastian looked at her with pure devotion. He took her hands in his.

His gaze was tender and soft.

"Don't be scared, Celine. It doesn't hurt anymore."

"See? The doctor did a great job. As long as I change the dressings, I'll be fine."

"...You should go home now."

In five years, I had never heard him use such a gentle tone.

Of course. Only the female lead deserved that.