Chapter 95

Stephanie couldn't read Sebastian's eyes, and she dared not guess. Her breathing quickened, her heart pounding. She nodded awkwardly. "Y-yeah, it's really…aggravated?" Her face burned uncontrollably.

Sebastian's husky voice murmured near her ear. "Did you put any medicine on?"

"No," Stephanie admitted. Her lips weren't cut, just swollen. Even if she went to a pharmacy, she wouldn't know how to explain their condition or what medicine to buy.

"Hey, can I sit in my own seat?" she mumbled hesitantly. If Sebastian truly saw her only as a sister, he should set boundaries. Otherwise, his future wife might feel uncomfortable.

The thought of Sebastian marrying someone else caused a dull ache in her heart.

Sebastian hummed. "Huh?" He pretended not to understand, a playful glint in his eyes as he watched her struggle.

Stephanie hesitated. "Well…if the person you like knew we were this close, it wouldn't be good."

"Why?" Sebastian asked.

Stephanie froze, unsure if his cluelessness was genuine or feigned. "We're adults. We should keep some distance," she added.

Sebastian tilted his head. "Why?"

Stephanie stared, speechless. He always missed the point. "Men and women, once grown, should keep a respectful distance unless they're partners. You taught me that," she reminded him.

Sebastian had instilled these values in her, meticulously raising her. Even with their mother's help, he'd never fully trusted anyone else with her care, personally teaching her important lessons, repeating them as needed.

His smile deepened. "Stefi, do you always listen to me?"

"I do. I always do," Stephanie nodded repeatedly.

Sebastian affectionately ruffled her bun. "Someone from the Hart family contacted Macro's assistant. They want him to treat Olivia. What do you think?"

"Turn them down," Stephanie said instantly.

She hadn't expected them to bypass her and go straight to Macro. If he agreed, they might accuse her of unkindness, obstructing a doctor's duty. No matter her approach, the outcome wouldn't be favorable.

There were plenty of doctors and specialists, especially in cardiology and obstetrics.

After stating her position, Stephanie looked at Sebastian again. "Do you think I'm being cruel?"

"I never asked you to be a saint," he replied.

Stephanie blinked. Sebastian and Sofia had taught her much, but not self-sacrifice or gentleness, especially not after her kidnapping at thirteen. Their primary lesson: if your life is threatened, eliminate the threat without hesitation.

"Then I won't be charitable," Stephanie muttered.

Sebastian's eyes softened with amusement at her petulant expression. She remained on his lap for the entire ride back to Whispering Bay. Upon arrival, he insisted on carrying her out of the car, just as he had when she was a child.

Stephanie huffed. "Hey, I can walk by myself." She wriggled in his arms, trying to get down.

Her body felt soft and weightless. Sebastian lightly pinched her arm. "Stop moving. Behave."