Omnia Vincit Amor | Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 24: A Series of Disappointing Events

A/N: Perhaps, there is a chapter better to read than this one. Look away. JK. But yeah, from the chapter title, you can tell which book series my writing style is inspired by ✨

Chapter 24: A Series of Disappointing Events

For someone who had experienced opening a cookie tin, expecting—well, cookies, only to find sewing supplies,

Or someone who had browsed a shoe store, looking for a shoe suited for their attire, only to learn their size was not in stock,

They very well knew what disappointment felt like.

For Lucy Blythe, those were unquestionably regretful. But when she saw a bouquet of red roses thrusted inside an ajar door, expecting Sebastian Sallow — only to see Andrew Larson — no amount of treats nor mountain of shoes could compensate for the disappointment she felt.

"How are you?" Andrew asked with a charming smile as he invited himself inside, keeping his eyes glued on hers while gently closing the door behind him.

She wished she could give a positive response, but as though the disappointment she felt from waking up to the most wonderful dream was not enough — she was struck with another one.

So instead of lying, she forced a smile.

"I hope you like these." Andrew motioned to the flowers in his hands and made his way towards her bedside table.

"Thank you," Lucy hoarsely replied, clearing her throat after. "But you didn't have to."

"It's the least I can do. Besides, I regret not visiting sooner," Andrew justified as he replaced the flowers on the vase.

She hummed, shaking her head and mirroring his infectious smile.

Albeit dismayed, she deemed Andrew Larson as the best company to have at present. His never-faltering smile was the ray of sunshine her room lacked, and his gentleness was the comfort she needed as she lay in her uncomfortable cot.

But her impression was short-lived as his smile was wiped off after he finished arranging the flowers. The sigh he released as he sat on a stool garnered a frown from Lucy.

Silence overtook the air for a minute or two, with Lucy perusing the moment to study the wizard before her, confused by this version of him. He was usually only poised or fidgety, but never irritated—almost angry. But then again, the duration of their friendship—or acquaintanceship—was short to know each other well, so she shrugged her bafflement off.

Another sigh from Andrew broke the quiescence, followed by his statement, "He's not good for you, you know?"

"Who?" She questioned by reflex.

Andrew turned away from her, facing the door; and hunched over, interlocking his fingers between his widespread legs.

"Sallow," he mumbled with a quick side-glance.

She bit her lower lip. Of course, he knew. Why he still pursued her was the question.

"He doesn't deserve you," he added.

Although appreciative of his concern, a twinge of annoyance slithered within her over his meddling. "Sorry, Andrew, I think that's for me to decide—"