Page 51 of Sebastian.

The conversation shifts again, and my mother's voice draws me back. “Well, that settlement sounds wonderful, Eveline.” Her words break through my thoughts. “When do you think we should approach Sebastian about it? I wasn’t sure if there was maybe a reason you might want us to hold off.”

Eveline responds, “Given the news that hit this morning about his employee, I guess we can schedule something for next week? Maybe next Tuesday?”

“Sounds perfect,” Mom replies, her confidence clean cut and clear.

Eveline's gaze shifts to me, and she speaks with a tone of clarity. “Julia, just to make it clear, this settlement can be either for divorce or for a legal separation. It's important that you understand where both of you stand when it comes to the custody of your children and division of the property. Divorces like this can get very ugly, and I just don’t want you to feel blindsided.”

“I understand. Thank you for everything, Eveline.” Once everything is said and done, we all stand and I straighten my dress, giving her a nod. “We’ll talk to you next week.”

Exiting the building, the weight of the impending conversation with Sebastian hangs heavy. A small café offers a brief respite, and I let my mother lead me over to one of the outdoor tables beneath a large blue umbrella. It’s quiet, and I manage to find a moment of peace, but it doesn’t last. The surroundings are cozy, but my mind is anything but at ease.

In just a matter of days, we'll be approaching Sebastian about the divorce agreement. The gravity of that decision is inescapable. The television mounted on the café wall, which I can see through the store front window, broadcasts the news of the day—Karl's arrest. Oh how I hate the way that Karl’s presence looms over my life. All of our lives, really, from the very day I learned of his true parentage.

Well, I guess my mother knew first, didn’t she? I look at her out of the corner of my eye, perusing the menu, and wonder how many years she knew about Karl before telling me.

Mom notices me soon enough. “You’re staring at me like you might burn a hole through me, dear. What is it?”

“It's just…it’s so weird to be talking to a divorce attorney. I never thought this would happen to me.” A server wanders over, and I let Mother order for us both. I’m beyond caring at this point. “I know you’ve always felt negatively about Sebastian, but we were a perfect match, Mom. We were so in love. This isn’t supposed to happen to people like us.”

My mother's response is matter-of-fact, a touch of wisdom in her words. “Ah, well, one must always be ready for the worst. Sometimes you can’t even trust your heart, but luckily, you’re a smart girl. We’ll get through.”

As I sip my vanilla, almond milk cappuccino, I mull over her words. I followed my heart into Sebastian’s arms all those years ago, and until recently, I considered it one of the smartest things I’ve ever done in my entire life. How did the wheels fall off so quickly?

I sit my ceramic cup down when I feel my phone vibrating on the table beside me. I quickly answer the call, a smile forming as Andries's name illuminates the screen. “Hey honeymooner,” I greet, my voice infused with warmth and affection.

My son wastes no time in greetings though. “Gosh, why didn't you tell me Karl was finally arrested?” Andries's excitement resonates through the phone.

I let out a soft chuckle, leaning back against the cafe chair. “Oh, darling, I didn't want to bother you. Aren't you in Sardinia right now?”

Andries’s enthusiasm remains unabated. “Yeah, but still. That's the best wedding present I could have ever hoped for. It was you who gave Gabi the okay, wasn't it?”

I nibble at my thumb nail, considering how much to share with Andries. I might as well give him the truth, though. “Well, actually it was your dad. Elise convinced him to do it, apparently.”

There’s a short silence while my son processes what I’ve said. When he finally speaks, there’s a note of awe in his voice. “Wow,” he utters, his surprise echoing down the line. “Is this for real? Have you spoken to him recently?”

My fingers toy with a loose strand of my hair as I consider my response. “No, I haven't. Have you?”

There's another moment of hesitation on his end. “Not really. Hannah texted me and said Dad wanted to take her out to her favorite restaurant or something, but she refused. I bet that really pissed him off,” Andries discloses with a quick chuckle. “I think he's trying to regain everyone's trust.”

I nod, my thoughts swirling as I process his words. “Mm, well, be that as it may, he knows I'm talking to a divorce attorney. So I assume he's trying to be nicer to everyone because of the possible custody battle that we might have to go through.”

“Oh shit. I thought he was doing it because he genuinely cared.” I can almost picture Andries's expression, his brow furrowing as he speaks.

“Well, maybe he does. Now that he's about to lose everyone.” As much as Sebastian has frustrated and betrayed me, I still have no desire to talk negatively about him to our children. Especially Andries, with whom Seb’s relationship is so fragile.

Andries sighs, and I can hear seagulls in the background. “Yeah, well, it shouldn't get to this point for him to care, though. We’ve been basically begging him to come around, so it’s frustrating that he waited until he’s about to lose everything to do the right thing.”

As I fidget with a leaf that has fallen on the table, I try to make sure that my next words offer solace. “I know, darling. Your dad took us for granted for far too long. But no matter what, we will all always have each other.”

“That’s true.” There’s a small pause before he proceeds, “I love you, Mom. Whatever your choice, you've got my support––and Roxanne’s, too.”

His unwavering loyalty is a source of comfort as I lean into the cushioned seat. “Thank you, dear. Well, enjoy Sardinia, and we'll speak later.”

After I end the call, I feel a range of emotions. The flaws in our family are reflected in Andries's perspective like a mirror, but his unfailing support instills a comforting warmth. The road I'm starting is complicated, but the bond I have with my kids gives me the fortitude I need to do it––no matter how this whole thing ends up.

16

Sebastian

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