The Curiosities Concerning Fate

∷ Chapter 31 ∷

ADINE WAS STARTLED awake at the feel of her phone buzzing incessantly in her hand. She blinked, taking a moment to orient herself in the sudden darkness that surrounded her. She must've mentally exhausted herself with the dreaded news of her condition and somehow ended up falling asleep. As if that wasn't bad enough, she even had to dream about that traumatising day all those years ago.

She shuddered at the drop in temperature, struggling to stand as she used the lighthouse wall for support. She shouldn't be here alone after nightfall. It was dangerous.

She started making her way back to the hotel with hurried steps, glancing at her phone to see several missed calls and messages; all of which were from Sebastian.

Was he bombarding her number because he was worried? The sentiment came as a surprise to her. She didn't peg him for one who'd worry in general, and especially not over her of all people. But even she had to admit her sudden disappearance was worrying.

She was about to call him when the screen lit up again.

Incoming Call: Mr Surgeon

It had hardly been a minute and he was already calling. This time, she unlocked the device and pressed it against her ear without hesitation.

"Hello—"

"Where the hell are you?" Sebastian shouted though she thought she heard what sounded like an exhalation of relief.

"You couldn't have said hello first?"

"Where are you?" he repeated, ignoring her tease. He was not playing games with her. "Do you know what time it is? It's fine if you need to be somewhere but at least answer the phone or reply to my messages."

Rather unexpectedly, Sebastian's nagging brought a smile to her face. So he was worried.

"I had to clear my head for a bit so I went for a walk earlier. I'm on my way back now," she explained.

It shouldn't take her long. The lighthouse wasn't far from the hotel and she could already see the main building. She'd be back soon.

"Does it have something to do with the way you were acting in the car yesterday?"

His question caught her off guard, her grip on the phone tightening as she faltered.

Though she had been hesitant, hiding behind their false marriage and using it as an excuse, she would be lying if she didn't think Sebastian cared even a little. He was never open with his emotions, but perhaps if she trusted him, he would learn to open up to her too. After all, trust, much like everything else, worked both ways.

"Listen," she said, the vulnerability in her voice almost painful to hear. "I have something I need to tell you. I think you have the right to know, so—"

"Tell me in person," Sebastian said.

"Just listen to what I have to say, okay?" she huffed, mildly aggravated.

"I'll listen as soon as you get back," he said. "It's late, Adine. And the nights are cold here. Did you even bring a jacket with you? You know how shitty you get when it's cold. You need to hurry back."

It was quiet for a while before he added, "It sounds important . . . Whatever it is that you wanted to say. And important conversations should be done in person. So . . . Get back here quickly and we'll talk."

"Okay," she mumbled. "I'll see you soon then."

Sebastian remained silent on the other end of the line. The oddity of which caused Adine to pull the phone away from her ear to check if the call was still ongoing.