Chapter 175

As evening fell, Abigail’s phone rang. Seeing that it was her grandpa calling, she picked up and spoke softly, “Grandpa, what’s wrong?”

“It’s getting late. Are you still staying at Sebastian’s place today?” Wyatt asked.

Abigail checked the time and realized it was already nearly 8:30. “Oh no, I lost track of time. I’ll head back right away,” she said, sitting up and hastily gathering her things.

The kittens stretched along with her movements, then came up to her again, asking for pets. Abigail really couldn’t bear to part with them.

Though she had only been with them for a day and a night, the environment here was so relaxing, and the cats were so adorable–she truly didn’t want to leave.

She sent a message to Sebastian, letting him know she was going home.

After putting her tablet and phone into her bag, she changed shoes by the villa’s entrance. Just as she turned around, she saw all the cats inside the villa staring at her.

Abigail realized just how reluctant she was to leave them. Sebastian was always busy and rarely came to stay here. The people he hired to take care of the cats didn’t often bond with them either.

She crouched down, stroking each of their heads one by one. “Are you all very lonely here?”

The kittens didn’t understand what she was saying–they just kept meowing. They could tell Abigail was about to leave, just like they knew every time Sebastian left.

After petting them, Abigail walked to the villa’s gate. Their innocent eyes made her heart ache. She didn’t understand how Sebastian could bear to leave so many cats alone all the time.

Because most of them were once strays, they were even more affectionate and dependent on people.

Standing at the gate, Abigail hesitated. Many of the cats were rubbing against her feet as if begging her not to go.

Just as she was feeling torn, Sebastian’s call came in. Abigail answered while squatting down to pet a kitten that had rubbed against her hand.

“I’m abroad right now, and I might be gone for at least a month. Why don’t you stay and look after my cats? I’ll pay you when I get back,” Sebastian said.

Which meant, if she stayed, Sebastian would even give her money.

She felt like he was tricking her again.

“You don’t have time for them, so you want me to do it for you? But you’re their owner,” Abigail muttered.

She really wanted to stay, but felt a bit awkward about it. After all, she and Sebastian weren’t a couple–it didn’t feel proper to be staying here every day.

“Then I’ll give you feeding privileges. If you feed them for a few days, they’ll think you’re their mom,” Sebastian said with a teasing tone.

“I’m their mom, and you’re their dad?” Abigail asked, immediately realizing how strange that sounded.

Sebastian chuckled. “I’ve always been their dad. Now I’m just finding them a mom who truly loves them. Are you satisfied with them?”

“What if they’re not satisfied with me?” Abigail shot back with a hint of sarcasm.

“They’re obviously satisfied with you. If they didn’t like you, then don’t bother giving them a complete home,” Sebastian joked.

“But my grandpa wants me to go back,” Abigail tried to dodge the topic. It made her heart beat uncontrollably fast.

“Just tell your grandpa I’m not at the villa and that you’re safe here,” Sebastian said.

Abigail didn’t respond.

“If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. Everything I said earlier was just a joke. Your feelings matter most,” he said.

Sebastian’s tone grew serious. “I’m not trying to make you stay with the cats against your will.”

“I know,” Abigail said quietly. “Do you think I’m leading you on?”

“Don’t think too much. Observing someone before dating is perfectly normal. Dating takes up both people’s time. And marriage, even more so–it’s a lifelong decision. It’s only right to be cautious,” Sebastian replied, his tone returning to its usual laid–back style.

After a pause, Abigail said, “I’ll tell my grandpa I’m staying. I can’t bear to leave them.”

A smile returned to Sebastian’s voice. “Alright. Whether you stay or go, I’ll respect your decision.”

After hanging up, Abigail called Wyatt. When he answered, she said, “Grandpa, Sebastian’s away on a business trip. I’m staying here to take care of his cats.”

“His cats still need someone to take care of them?” Wyatt asked doubtfully.

Abigail cleared her throat lightly and said, “He’s very possessive about his cats. The vet, nutritionist, and cleaners he hired are all part–time staff.