Chapter 30: Never Let You Go

In reality, how could Sebastian, a perfectly normal man, not have any reactions? However, setting aside Madelyn’s willingness, seeing her covered in injuries, Sebastian couldn’t bear to cause her any more harm. Left with no choice but to endure in silence, he forced himself to help Madelyn apply the medicine. Only after he was done did Sebastian breathe a sigh of relief.

“Does it still hurt?” Sebastian asked indifferently.

Madelyn cautiously stretched out her leg. It didn’t seem to hurt as much anymore. She shook her head. “Much better now.”

Sebastian gave a slight nod, then picked up the ice pack he had previously set aside. “Here’s an ice pack. Use it to cool down your face.”

Madelyn took the ice pack and placed it on her face. Seemingly relieved, Sebastian picked up the first-aid kit and left. He didn’t return for a long time.

Upon noticing his absence, Madelyn suddenly felt downhearted. She wondered if she had somehow scared Sebastian away. This won’t do. I’m planning to sleep with him tonight.

At that moment, Sebastian was in the guest room’s bathroom, having just finished taking a bath. Wrapped in a bath towel around his waist, Sebastian stepped out in his slippers, one hand casually drying his hair with a towel as he ambled along. Droplets of water lingered around his navel, clinging to the soft, faintly dark fuzz. At that instant, he exuded an undeniable sensuality. Then, Sebastian settled himself onto the couch and let out a contented sigh.

The reason he went there was because he no longer wanted to share a room with Madelyn. Sebastian was well aware that his self-control in that regard was something he was proud of. No matter how enchanting a woman was in his presence, he could remain completely unmoved. However, just a while ago, when he saw Madelyn naked in front of him in the bathroom and in the room, he found himself somewhat losing control. However, considering that Madelyn had just been frightened and was covered in wounds, Sebastian managed to hold himself back.

At that moment, Sebastian stood up, his gaze casually sweeping over the guest room. He remembered leaving half a bottle of red wine there before, but now, as he looked around, he couldn’t find it anywhere. He figured the housekeeper must have put it away.

Just when he was about to give up, Sebastian’s gaze inadvertently fell on the corner of the room, where he discovered some suitcases. Why are these suitcases left here with no one to clear them? However, Sebastian didn’t pay much attention to it. He decided he would have the housekeeper clean it up the next day.

Sebastian stepped over the luggage, ready to search the storage room for some red wine. However, his attention was inadvertently drawn to the desk beside him. A black notebook was placed on the desk. Judging from its appearance, the notebook seemed quite new, likely purchased less than a month ago. The number of times it was opened appeared to be quite few as well.

Sebastian slightly furrowed his brows, taking the notebook into his hands. Subconsciously, he casually flipped through it. Initially, Sebastian was just curious, merely flipping through it without much thought. However, his complexion inexplicably darkened bit by bit. The movement of his fingers, flipping through the notebook, also slowed down in tandem.

Upon opening the notebook, the first page revealed an intricately styled signature. It took some effort to decipher, but it was clear that it belonged to Madelyn. Upon turning to the first page, Sebastian discovered that the dates coincided perfectly with the days following their engagement. Upon flipping further into the book, one could see several love poems by Emily Dickinson written inside.

The first entry was written on the day following the engagement: Farewell, my love, until we meet again. This parting leaves an ache that words cannot explain. After Sebastian read that, his expression turned grave, and coldness crept into his heart. Who is the person referred to in the poem? Who is she bidding farewell to?

Upon turning the page, the second part came into view, seemingly a continuation of the previous one: Your presence, like a melody, lingers in my mind. As I yearn for the moment our souls will again entwine. Sebastian’s expression grew even more somber. His brows had unknowingly furrowed tightly together.

Flipping further, he saw the third part. The third part wasn’t a love poem but merely a simple sentence: In this lifetime, I’ll never let you go. After Sebastian saw that, his expression suddenly turned extremely unpleasant. With a sharp snap, he forcefully closed the notebook and tossed it back onto the desk. Sebastian’s face was full of icy disdain and mockery.

Sebastian thought to himself with a hint of self-mockery: I’ve indeed been too naive. I thought Madelyn had changed, considering how much she has done for me recently, I thought she could accept me now and accept the role of my wife. Yet, the love poems in this diary had ruthlessly proved him wrong, mercilessly shattering all his self-perceptions. In this world, who else aside from Christopher could keep Madelyn’s heart fluttering with affection and motivate her to declare that she wouldn’t let him go even after her engagement?

At that moment, Sebastian felt his heart sink. He suddenly chuckled to himself, thinking: Why even bother? Why did she have to play her part so convincingly? And why did I lose myself in the act so completely?

Just then, there was a slight stir at the guest room door. Startled, Sebastian instinctively moved away from the desk. At that moment, Madelyn pushed the door open, only to find Sebastian there. She was taken aback and couldn’t help but ask, “Sebastian, what brings you here? I couldn’t find you.”

When Sebastian saw her, his expression turned frosty. “Why are you here?”

Upon hearing his tone, Madelyn was genuinely startled. Only then did she realize that Sebastian’s expression was incredibly off. She couldn’t help but wonder: What’s wrong with him? Wasn’t he just fine a moment ago? Why is he suddenly so upset now? Did something provoke him?

At that thought, Madelyn became a little scared. She mustered up the courage to speak. “Sebastian, I–I want to sleep with you tonight. Could you please come back to the room and accompany me?”

However, a cold smirk formed on Sebastian’s lips after he heard her. “Madelyn, you really don’t have to trouble yourself.”

Madelyn was a bit taken aback, wondering what was going on with Sebastian. Why would he suddenly say something like this? Bewildered, she asked, “Sebastian, I don’t feel troubled. Why would you say that?”

Upon hearing those words, Sebastian turned around. Taking in her determined demeanor, he couldn’t help but feel his anger surge. I don’t hold a place in her heart, so why is she still putting on this innocent front? Why the pretense? Why allow me to fall for the deception time and again willingly?

Suddenly, with a stern expression, Sebastian strode toward her.