Page 5 of Sebastian.

We can’t seem to let one another finish a thought, the time we’ve spent apart leaving us with so much unsaid.

“Against my own will? For what? The fucking picture? So that you can pat yourself on the back while looking at it and living in some fantasyland where we are one big happy fucking family? My downtrodden artist son and his whore wife?”

The hurt in his words cuts deep, but I can't back down. “No, Seb. I want you to be present because I hope one day you can look past the hate you have for that woman and see how happy your son is. When that day comes, you’ll be glad you’re in those pictures. You’ll be glad that you were there for your son.”

Sebastian's eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability before the wall of anger returns. It pains me to see him this way, to witness the bitterness that has consumed him for so long.

“I won't pretend that I didn’t have my own strong reservations about Roxanne.” My voice’s softer now, trying to reach out to him. “But for our son, I’ve set them aside. Can't you find it in your heart to do the same? To be there for him on this special day?”

He looks away, his jaw clenched. “It's not that simple, and you know it.”

With tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, I have to cross my arms and look away from my husband. Yes, I know it all too well. Our family's complicated history intertwines with resentments and misunderstandings that have been passed down through generations. The weight of tradition and pride pulls us in opposite directions, like it has many times before. Just never so intensely.

“I'm not asking you to forget the past. But we can't let it define our future. Andries deserves better than that. All of our kids do.”

Sebastian’s expression softens slightly, but the battle within him remains evident. I can only hope that my words will someday penetrate the armor he has built around his heart. But I doubt it….

I hear him cursing quietly, and then he says, “Come here, woman.”

Swallowing hard, I approach him, feeling the lack of my husband’s warmth in every step I take towards him. This is no moment of reconciliation, I realize. He doesn’t want me close to hold me, or start to mend things. Yet, I still go, until I’m close enough to feel his breath on my face when he looks down at me.

We’re mere inches apart, the weight of unspoken emotions floating around us like smoke. There’s still a part of me that hopes he’ll reach out and take me in his arms, but those desires are dashed when Sebastian’s words cut through the air like a sharp blade, leaving my heart aching. “Just to make it very clear, dear wife.” His voice is acerbic; his eyes lock on mine, but there’s no fondness in it. “The only reason why I’m here is because you forced my hand. That’s it.”

I try to keep my expression blank, not wanting him to know that he’s crushed me entirely. “Okay. Fine.”

Seb purses his lips, clearly expecting more of an argument from me. I won’t give him the satisfaction. “When is the ceremony starting?”

“In about ninety minutes,” I tell him, trying to maintain a sense of composure, though my voice quivers slightly.

“Great, I will see you around, then.” With those words, my husband turns on his heel and walks away, leaving me standing there, feeling utterly lost. That’s it? That’s all he has for me…more hatred and disdain?

I’ve been hoping, desperately, that his presence here might signal a chance for us to mend our fractured relationship, to bridge the chasm that has grown between us over the past weeks. But instead, he makes it clear that he's only here because I threatened his precious legacy, not out of any desire to reconcile or rebuild our marriage.

A cold weight settles in my stomach as I consider that maybe, just maybe, threatening to reveal Karl’s parentage just to force Sebastian to come here might have been the wrong move. Not to mention having my mom be the one to deliver the threat…no. No. He left me no choice. I did what I had to do.

The room suddenly feels suffocating, filled with the tension of unspoken words and unresolved conflicts. I thought the strength of our love for each other would keep Seb and I safe from such struggles. But it seems that even our commitment to one another can’t shield us from the complexities of our children’s choices and the ache of a broken marriage.

As I watch him walk away, a mix of rage and sorrow swirls inside me. Rage at his stubbornness, at his refusal to see beyond his own pain and bitterness. Sorrow for the love I know we both still have for each other, now buried beneath layers of hurt and regret.

Taking a deep breath, I try to compose myself before rejoining the preparations for the wedding. I can't let my personal turmoil overshadow this joyous occasion for Andries and Roxanne. They deserve a celebration filled with love and happiness, free from the dark shadow that Sebastian seems so determined to cast. I may have my own complaints at Roxanne Feng, but she’s marrying my son, and that means I’ll do my best to shield them both.

Deep down, I know that ignoring my own emotions won't make them disappear. The wounds between Sebastian and me run deep, and I fear that unless we find a way to address them, they will continue to tear us apart, not just as a couple but as a family.

It’s just a little over an hour until the ceremony, and my mind is filled with questions and doubts. Can our family heal from the scars of the past? Is there still a chance for Sebastian and I to find our way back to each other? I know the road ahead won't be easy, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save our family and rekindle the love that once bound us together, as long as he feels the same.

If Sebastian doesn’t…or if he still refuses to attend…well…I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it. Right now, though, I need to get ready. My baby is getting ready to walk down the aisle.

2

Sebastian

Leaving the petit salon behind,I seek solace in the familiar surroundings of the billiard room. Tension has my spine stiff, and I feel like Julia’s gaze is burning a hole through me as I walk away. Confronting her was harder than anticipated, with moments that tempted me to succumb to the parts of me yearning for reconciliation. But I managed to remain strong and resolute in my decision. The fact that Andries and his whore of a bride are under the same roof as I am right now, even if I can’t see them, is enough of a reminder that I’ve got to stand my ground. Just knowing that the wedding is so close has me on edge.

I make it to the billiards room without Julia following me and blow out a breath of relief. The scent of polished wood and the soft glow of the crystal chandelier create an atmosphere of refinement and elegance in stark contrast to the sordid union that is about to happen. The weight of unresolved emotions still lingers, and I need a moment to collect my thoughts.

Reaching for my phone, I decide to text Alex, the only confidant I have in the delicate matter involving Karl. My fingers swiftly type out a message, and I take a seat in one of the red leather armchairs, waiting for my brother-in-law’s arrival. It will be nice to at least talk to someone who understands the Karl situation, even if I know deep down that he’s going to take Julia’s side in this whole wedding matter.

I can’t believe that my own wife is doing this to me. I’ve never felt betrayal like this in my entire life, and I certainly never thought I could be this angry with her.

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