The Cursed Proposal

Chapter 9: Shattered Reflections

Sebastian's mind was racing against time when Kaya suddenly went limp in his arms, her eyes fluttering shut and her head resting heavily against his shoulder. He called her name a couple of times, but there was no response. All he could see was Kaya's body turning pale. The reporters, oblivious to her condition, continued to flash their cameras and ask questions as if her well-being didn't matter as long as they got their scoop.

"Today will be your last day on this job if you don't move," Sebastian said in a very cold, harsh tone. He picked Kaya up in a bridal carry and placed her in the passenger seat of her car. Then he went around to the driver's seat, turned on the ignition, and honked a couple of times—a sharp warning to the reporters blocking his path. If they didn't move, they would face the consequences of staying in his way.

He called his driver to pick up his car from the supermarket, then called Liam to come to his house as soon as possible and made the last call to his butler to prepare for his and Liam's arrival. Every now and then, Sebastian checked Kaya's breathing. He debated whether to take her to the hospital or not, worrying about her condition getting worse, but decided to against it since it would create more buzz later.

"I hope you are alright, Sunshine," Sebastian murmured, praying for Kaya.

Upon arriving, he instructed Arthur, his butler to help him with Kaya's belongings and asked if Liam had arrived. Sebastian rushed to his bedroom and put Kaya on the bed. The maid took over after being instructed by Arthur while Sebastian waited for his friend to arrive.

Liam arrived soon after, looking like he had come straight from the hospital in his scrubs. He took out his stethoscope and other equipment, asking Sebastian detailed questions about the incident. Sebastian provided a thorough account, knowing Liam preferred the detailed version over a summary.

"She is alright for now. There is no sign of danger or critical condition. I think she just fainted from stress and fatigue. It seems she lost consciousness because she felt safe with you," Liam said while checking his watch. Sebastian's face turned pale, realizing it was his fault. He pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking he should stay away from people to avoid causing them harm. It was the best option he had to not hurt her any longer.

Liam smacked the back of Sebastian's head to snap him out of his thoughts. "She feels safe around you, dumbass," he said, knowing how easily his friend fell into self-doubt. "Stop beating yourself up. You're a businessman, right? Aren't you supposed to be a cocky asshole with some self-loathing confidence?" Liam added a clear jab at someone he particularly despised. Sebastian's face looked more alive although he still felt like all of this was his fault, but he could breathe a bit easier.

"What are you doing?" Sebastian replied concerned as Liam cleaned his equipment and took out a bag of fluids.

"IV for your girlfriend. She may have lost consciousness because she felt safe with you, but she needs her electrolytes and nutrition to stabilize her blood pressure and stay hydrated since she can't drink water now. Mr. Penn, could you find me a pole to hang the IV?" Liam instructed Arthur to find one quickly.

Sebastian waited on his backyard terrace after Liam had finished checking Kaya's condition. He called Oliver Flinch to investigate all the sources of the scandal articles and the publishing companies behind them. Liam emerged from the guest room, freshly showered with Sebastian's T-shirt and pajama pants. He was too tired to drive back to his workspace or even drive at all.

"Are you okay, mate? You look more on edge and crankier than usual. I'm the one involved in the scandal, and yet you're sighing more than me," Sebastian asked, seeing that the world seemed unfair to both him and his friend. Liam sighed deeply after sitting next to Sebastian.