Sebastian Knight

27. Liliana

The following afternoon, we arrived in New York. Sebastian deemed it necessary for us to return for a few days, although I found it difficult to comprehend. The fact that THE SEBASTIAN KNIGHT had proposed to me was truly unbelievable. Toying with the ring on my finger, Sebastian delicately placed his hand over mine, playing with the ring himself.

 "How does it feel to be engaged to me?" he inquired with an air of smugness.

 "It feels remarkable. I do wish we were still residing with your father," I replied. For the first time, I experienced genuine affection from a parent, something I never thought possible.

 "I understand, Lily. However, I have matters to attend to here as well," responded Sebastian as he leaned closer to me. "Besides, I anticipate witnessing the reaction on Savannah's face when we disclose the news to your family."

 Biting my lip, I directed my gaze down at my lap, which caused him to frown.

 "Lily," he called out.

 Shaking my head, a tear slipped from my eye, which I hastily wiped away. I did not wish for my family to strip away yet another part of my life.

 With his hand against my cheek, Sebastian assured me, "Everything will be alright. Should anyone take advantage of me, I will not hesitate to confront them."

 "Alright," I whispered.

 Sebastian leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek, wiping away the tear that had fallen. "I love you, Lily, more than anything in the world."

 "I love you too, Sebastian, more than words can express." I harboured a fear that he might be taken away from me.

 Savannah possesses a peculiar ability to manipulate boys at her whim, and unfortunately, my parents are wont to indulge her, as they have done with everything else in my life. I yearn to revel in the satisfaction of boasting about my impending marriage and starting a family before her. I am well aware that Savannah would abhor the idea of children ruining her figure.

****

We were situated in Sebastian's living space, in the presence of my parents and Savannah, who had just arrived. I pondered on the whereabouts of my other siblings, presuming they were occupied with school or other engagements. My parents proceeded to inquire Sebastian on numerous aspects pertaining to our relationship.

"So, you are currently engaged to him?" inquired my father, while casting a wide-eyed gaze in my direction.

 "Yes, indeed," I responded.

 "Was the proposal a premeditated decision, or did you somehow coerce him?" asked my mother, coupled with a slightly judgmental chuckle.

 Suppressing my inner emotions, a wave of anger surged within me. In response, Sebastian tenderly placed his hand over mine, soothingly rubbing his thumb against my inner thumb.

 "Yes, it was a deliberately planned proposal, Mrs Torres. She has not entrapped me," Sebastian asserted, proceeding to plant a gentle kiss on my cheek. This action prompted Savannah to fake a gag before averting her gaze.

 Savannah scarcely uttered a word, comfortably seated on the sofa with her legs crossed, her fingernails rhythmically tapping against the upholstery.

 "How is the bar progressing, Mr. Torres?" Sebastian inquired.

 Coughing slightly, my father adjusted his shirt and sat up straight. It was a sight I had not witnessed before, causing a slight smirk to grace my countenance.