Beyond

Chapter 30

Jesse

I peeked at the garden from the windows after Pierre checked up on me, eyeing him and Payne sitting on one of the benches in the garden, talking about something. It was definitely important, judging by the serious look on their faces.

What they're talking about definitely has something to do with Payne's illness, knowing that Pierre is a healer. Should I bring this up with Payne, or should I wait for him to talk to me about it?

I sighed, looking at my reflection in the window. It was a good thing that I told him not to come to my room, or he would see me in such a mess. I had to wash my face with healing water to lessen the puffiness in my eyes as I cried all night, thinking about Payne leaving me behind.

When I thought about it again, I was on the verge of crying.

"Jesse? Are you all right?"

I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. "Seb! Yes, I think I irritated my eyes," I said.

"Really? Do you want me to make some ice for you or something?" Seb asked. I shook my head and insisted that I was fine. "How are you doing? Do you feel better now?"

"Yes. I'll be able to help around the house soon since Payne won't let me right now."

Seb let out a chuckle. "Well, you just recovered after all. I'm sure he's worried about you."

"I know..."

"If something's wrong, you should tell Master about it, or you could rely on me!" Seb said, giving me a smile.

I raised a brow. "I'm not telling you my problem. The last time I told you something, you told Payne about it."

"That's because you look like you desperately wanted to go to the library. I just helped you out!"

I sighed. "...What will you do if your lover is keeping their illness a secret?"

"Lover?" Seb's eyes widened. "Don't tell me you have one right now?!"

"No! I'm talking about... a friend of mine. I just—I mean, she doesn't know what to do." If I used a female in my story, he wouldn't be suspicious. "Should I—I mean, should she confront them about it, or should she wait for her lover to tell it?"

"How can she be so sure that her lover has an illness? How did she find out?" Seb asked curiously.

"She had this gut feeling. Since they know each other well, she noticed that he's holding back from telling the truth and keeps on apologizing about something."

Seb let out a sigh. "If I'm dying, then it'll be hard for me to tell about it, especially to the one I really care about.

"I'm sure the girl of my dreams would be devastated if she knew... then it'll hurt me too, seeing her heart break into pieces," Seb said. He got emotional, to the point that he started sobbing. I cleared my throat and ran my hand to his back to comfort him. Seb sobbed even harder and pulled me into a hug. "Tell her to treasure their last moments together! Every moment. Every!" Seb said.

"Stop crying. I'll tell her about it!" I said, trying to break free from the hug.

Seb sniffed. "I hope things will end well for the both of them."

I nodded my head, forcing a smile. "Don't worry."

Looks like I'll have to wait for Payne to tell me. It must be hard to bring it up...

The moment I entered his study, our mouths connected and met each other hungrily. Payne broke the kiss and smiled warmly at me, and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. His mood seemed to have lightened up.